Braidwood's Heritage celebrations this year will have a special visitor in the form a past pupil of Braidwood's St Bedes Primary School, the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC, CVO. The Governor will be accompanied by her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC,OBE, a former Lord Mayor of Sydney and Australian Wallabies Captain.
A relative of the well-known Wehby family in Braidwood, the Governor says that she has fond memories of Braidwood and her time at school here.
The town will celebrate with a series of heritage events that will take place between 2nd-17th March, co-ordinated by the Braidwood Heritage Festival Committee. The celebrations form part of the National Trust Heritage Festival for 2007 with the theme of 'Places in Context - Natural & Cultural Landscapes'
To start the celebrations, and with the opportunity to enjoy living history, the Braidwood Heritage Ball will be held on Friday evening, 2nd March in the National Theatre in the main street of town. The dress is black tie or heritage costume. Why not hire a horse drawn cab or vintage car and arrive in true heritage style? Bookings and tickets, ($50:00pp) will be handled by Tracey and Ann at "The Birdhouse" in Duncan St Braidwood. Be sure to book early as numbers are limited and there will be no ticket sales on the night. The very popular band, Annie and the Armadillos, will be performing on the night and a supper will be provided. The Ball is BYO but local wines by the bottle will be on sale.
The Governor will be attending Braidwood's Heritage Day in the town on Saturday 10th March, commencing with the Heritage Markets in Ryrie Park as well as a horse drawn carriage display, blacksmithing, pottery, cottage industries and lots more.
At 11.30am, there will be a tour of the Braidwood Historic Cemetery, and at 1.00pm the traditional Heritage Procession/Parade will travel up Wallace St to Ryrie Park. At 2:30pm, Palerang Council's Mayor, Jim Maclachlan will welcome the Governor in Ryrie Park. From 3.00pm, there will be Bushranger stories, followed by a performance of the play, "Royal Commission into Crime" at 3:30pm.
Come and join in the celebrations for what promises to be a great day out.