Sweet Treat for Christmas

Yummy Christmas offerings from the Gumnut Patisserie, our favourite sweet place to visit here in the Southern Highlands!

Day out in Berrima

Before the start of Quilting in the Highlands, on the Friday we took our teachers out for a day in Berrima. This was a great way for the them to see the town and to relax before the start of the retreat. Our first stop for the day was Berrima Courthouse. 

 

Despite having a business in Berrima for nearly the past 5 years I have to admit that I have never been through the courthouse. It is a grand old building, which in 1835 a foundation stone was laid by Governor Bourke. The sandstone of the building was quarried at Church Hill (behind Holy Trinity Church of England today). It took 3 years to build. The courthouse does have an interesting history with many hangings taking place here. 

 The tour of the courthouse starts with a video presentation about the history of Berrima and the Courthouse. Then you go through the various rooms, one of which has on display the Berrima Quilt. You view the cells and then go into the main courtroom where they have a light and sound display with a trial all set up. At first it was like being a school kid again on a school excursion but I really enjoyed it. It was a great opportunity to give the teachers an insight into the village history. If you are in Berrima definitely go and check it out.

They do have a website http://www.berrimacourthouse.org.au/index.htm so please check it out. The Berrima Court House is owned by the NSW State Government and is managed by a Trust comprised of local residents. The museum employs a manager/curator and is staffed by volunteers. The only revenue they receive is via visitors to the Court House and retail sales from the gift shop and of course fund raising events held by Friends of the Berrima Court House. They are not funded by local, state or federal governments. It is important that we support them as without our help this part of Berrima's history would be lost.

After the Courthouse tour it was time for lunch. The Courtyard Cafe was our choice. They also have great service and food and they definitely did not disappoint. 2 hours later...... it was time to explore the shops of the village and a few happy snaps. I did hear that some of them also sneaked over to the Gumnut Pâtissière for afternoon tea! It was a long day but enjoyed by all.

Photo of our Quilting in the Highlands teachers outside the Lolly Swagman L-R Sue Dennis, Carol Doak and Melinda Bula

Upcoming Australia Day in Berrima

Each year on the 26th January the town of Berrima holds a big Australia Day celebration. It is a fantastic day in town, great for the family. There are events throughout the day including a market in the park, official ceremony, parade through town, music in the park and a jumping castle and farmyard nursery to keep the kids happy. While in town why not also check out the Berrima District Museum, the Courthouse Museum or Harpers Mansion - these museums and historic house give you a taste of the history of Berrima and are very enjoyable to visit, Harpers mansion even has a small maze (great for the kids). All the shops are open throughout the town - a great opportunity to check out the new Berrima Cottage Nursery. and I know that the Gumnut Patisserie has a special creation (3 of them and they are YUMMY) for Australia Day! Berrima Patchwork will be open from 10am till 4pm so make sure you come by.

Below is a program of events for the day and the times.

9am

More than 50 stalls open for business on the Market Place lawn.
9.30am-11am
Official ceremony at the Berrima Historic Court House directed by master of ceremonies Wingecarribee Councillor Graham McLaughlin.
9.30am
Kids Corner entertainment with the farmyard nursery and jumping castle open throughout the day.
10am-1pm
Harlequin Bush Band takes to the stage until 1pm.
11am
Morning tea is available on the lawn at Berrima Historic Court House.

12 noon
The Grand Parade starts from Berrima Public School, winding down the Old Hume Highway to finish in Jellore Street.
1pm
Corrective Services Band takes to the stage until closing time.
All Day
Carriage rides, face painting, vintage cars, police displays, steam engine displays and stagecoach rides.
Berrima District Museum: 10am-4pm.
Berrima District Museum opens from 10am exhibiting a range of displays including ‘Early Industries’ and an exhibit of toys pre1960 titled ‘Childhood Treasures’. Entry is $5 for adults and children are free.

There is a road closure of the Old Hume Highway through the town of Berrima (between Oxley St and Oldbury Rd) prior to the Parade from 11:45am and then it re-opens just after the Parade has been through, so if you plan on coming by car make sure you are there no latter than 11:30! If you are coming by public transport there are free bus in the morning leaving from Mittagong Station at 8.30am, Bowral Station at 8.45am and Moss Vale Station at 9.00am and then there is a return bus at 3:00pm from Berrima.