As we await to hear whether the country will be allowed more freedom under Lockdown Level Two (possibly next week), its timely to review what impact 'Level Three' has had on the town of Thames.
Shops such as Read Bros, Mitre 10, Noel Leeming, The Warehouse, Needles N Pins and Carsons Bookshop have opened for contactless shopping. Ring, text, email or use online shopping. Various cafes and takeaways are open using contactless protocols. Yes, and can you believe it that on the first day McDonalds was open, people waited on average one and half hours!
The walking and biking continues, while drives to the beach are a norm for many. On a recent visit to the reserve at the end of Burke Street, the beach and walkway was lined with people fishing from shore - while kayakers fished a short distance offshore.
Going Walkabouts at The Thames
Thamesites are discovering what the town has to offer on their journeys around the town. Maybe it one for the many walkways,steps, reserves that are explored - perhaps for the first time, or for the first time in many years.
1. Walking by the Shortland Wharf, on the verge near Queen Street, is a much worn plaque that remembers the first Methodist Service at Shortland Town 20 October 1867.
"Tucked away by a tree at the Shortland Wharf is a plaque that commemorates the first Methodist Church service. It reads: “Near this site the Rev George S Harper led his first Methodist service of worship in Thames on the 20th October 1867. Text: 1 John 1:7” (photo below)
The goldfield had been open just two months, when Rev Harper stood on a barrel outside Sheehan’s Duke of Edinburgh Hotel adjacent to the Shortland landing. A large group gathered to hear the sermon, which Harper repeated twice that first day. Churches of all denominations were quickly established on the Thames Goldfield." Page 1, Thames Memorials & Plaques (2016)
ABOVE: Commemorative plaque at Shortland Wharf.
2. Walking at the Burke Street Reserve, located by the sea on the south side of the street a few landmarks and memorial plaques can be seen. We featured the new bench seat on the reserve in May last year, now we have another seat further south on the path that leads to the Beach Road entrance.
The seat shown blow is probably made by the Thames Men Shed, and has a plaque on the back that features a dog and the name "Pirate". Was this someone's dog, or meant to commemorate something more general? If you know, could you let me know.
The view looking back to central Thames from the Burke Street Reserve is special. From this reclaimed land, it is easy to imagine yourself sailing along and arriving at the Thames around the time of the goldrush.
ABOVE: “Colour Harmonics” sculpture by Michael Smither,
which is
sited on the reserve to the south of Burke Street.
3. Walking childhood footpaths. My challenge today was to trek up to my childhood home and walk the footpaths that I played on over 60 years ago. Well I made it to The Terrace, and wandered in my memory past the Franklyn Street Store (on the corner of The Terrace and Franklyn Street). Down the steps and then along the path that was so perfect for learning to ride a bike and roller-skate all day long! Amazing that it seemed so narrow, as a child it was a wide highway!!
Far left: The corner of Terrace & Fanklyn Street. Middle: The steps that led down to the Franklyn Street Store. Right, The western footpath between Sealey and Franklyn Street.
Below: Then & Now views of the Franklyn Street Store.
Above Left: Corner of Sealey Street & Augustus Street North, looking west to Firth of Thames.
Above Right: Franklyn Street.
Below: Sandes Street from the Franklyn Street intersect.
CHALLENGE: Have you taken the opportunity to walk somewhere new, or step back in time and walk a childhood path? At Thames or in another town?
During Lockdown 'take another look' at YOUR town, and ponder the history that surrounds you,
ABOVE: A 'colourised' view from the Una / Karaka Hill over one hundred years ago.
