Book Launch - Wonthaggi

Up From The Underworld: Coalminers and Community in Wonthaggi 1909-1968

by Andrew Reeves

At different stages of its history the State Coal Mine and its highly unionised workforce represented a national benchmark for the introduction of new mining technologies, for the operation of successful state enterprises and ultimately the exercise of political influence within the coal industry. While Wonthaggi's mineworkers represented only a small fraction of the Miner's Federation's national membership, their role in the union's recovery following the depression of the 1930s proved highly influential. In particular, it was the success of the 1934 Wonthaggi strike that provided the Federation with the blueprint for community mobilisation that was to be used successfully for the following decade.

Professor Stuart Macintyre, University of Melbourne says this about the book:

"Through their union the people of Wonthaggi built up their clubs and societies, their co-operative store, women's auxillary, hospital, theatre, hall and brass band. They fought for better conditions, endured mass unemployment and led the labour movement out of the humiliations of the Depression. Andrew Reeves tells the story of this close-knit occupational community with an intimate knowledge of its rich history."

This interesting and very historic book will be launched by Senator The Honourable Kim Carr on Friday, June 3rd at the State Coal Mine, Wonthaggi, Visitor Centre, Garden Street, at 3pm.

Teddy Bear Competition - May/June 2011

Last year we held the Wild Tea Cosy competition to raise funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, this year we thought the Teddy Bear would be a wonderful replacement. Look here for the details. The Teddy Bear has a long and interesting history.

The name Teddy Bear came from former USA President Theodore Roosevelt whose nickname was 'Teddy'. During an incident on a bear hunting trip in late 1902 Roosevelt was asked to shoot a bear that had been tied to a tree, he refused and demanded the bear be dispatched immeditately to put it out of its misery. A cartoon subsequently appeared in the media with Roosevelt and the bear and this inspired Morris Michtom to create a new toy which he called 'Teddy's bear'. President Roosevelt received a copy of the little bear and gave permission for his name to be used.

At the same time in Germany the Steiff firm, unaware of Michtom's bear, produced a stuffed bear from their own design, they exhibited the toy at the Leipzig Toy Fair in March 1903 and exported 3,000 to the USA.

Seymour Eaton wrote 'The Roosevelt Bears' as a children's education book, composer John Bratton wrote 'The Teddy Bear Two Step' which became 'The Teddy Bear's Picnic'. Some popular mass market bears are Rupert, Sooty, Paddington and of course Winnie-the-Pooh. In the USA and Australia the teddy bear is now used by police, fire and emergency workers for children in emergency situations.

So, the humble teddy bear isn't so humble after all. We think this toy is a good choice for our fund raising competition. We hope you agree.

Book Signing - Ruth Carson

Ruth Carson is a local author who is launching her first book this month and we're very pleased to have her sign copies of that book at the bookshop on Saturday 14th May. There is a flyer attached if you'd like to pass it on to anyone you think might be interested.