The Kiama Bends, 1915, from the Hindmarsh collection

The launch of the end product of Gerringong and District Historical Society’s Then and Now project, brought together old and new Gerringong residents who are passionate about preserving a window into our past.

The DVD has taken several years of meticulous research, and the cooperation of Gerringong’s pioneering families, to put together.

Colin Sharpe and Ken Miller, cousins in their 90^th year who have lived in Gerringong all their lives, launched the DVD.

They gave an entertaining glimpse of life in Gerringong in their childhood, when you could hear the ring of the blacksmith’s hammer in Fern Street, and pass by the wheelwright’s shop.

The Then and Now project was instigated by Kevin Jewell, who developed the idea of a walk through time, collected all the Then photos, took most of the Now photos and conducted extensive research into the history of Gerringong.

The DVD consists of over 700 photographs organised into five chapters, with a historical commentary by Tony Sewell.

Colin Sharpe, Helen McDermott and Ken Miller at the launch

Although Kevin Jewell is no longer living in Gerringong, and was unable to be present at the launch, President Helen McDermott read a letter from him in which he said, “The final product now belongs to all of Gerringong to cherish and enjoy, for without the wonderful generosity of spirit displayed by the entire Gerringong Community, this project would not have been possible.”

Details: Copies are available to purchase for $20 at Gerringong Newsagency, Kiama and Gerringong Libraries, and the Gerringong
Museum (off Blackwood St), on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 pm.