The Heart of Maitland - Article Example

Round and about Morpeth Name Course Instructor Date Round and about Morpeth Location In the heart of Maitland is a historical village called Morpeth. It was established in the early 1820s along Hunters River. The population is slightly above 1000 people of boundless charm and an unforgettable hospitality (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2007). Morpeth has unique art and distinctive crafts all in a settlement that is steeped in a deep history of the colonial era. This town hosts numerous cafes restaurants curio shops which are very popular with visitors to the area. The town has a post office, pharmacy and news agency. A local museum, the Morpeth courthouse, offers a perspective of the historical heritage of the town. Morpeth is now an exceptional area of natural beauty which promises a great experience to everyone as it has activities for all irrespective of age. For those who enjoy the pleasure of a walk in the country scenario, Morpeth is the place to be as the landscape is attractive with well shaded paths and high levels of security and the opportunity of unique dining and shopping. A walking in Morpeth will tingle your senses as they get stimulated by the bouquet of coffee and the posy of fresh genteel breeze. With cafes and teashops located in the gardens, Morpeth reaches to your senses in more ways than one. There are eateries with menus that feature local dishes fresh from gardens or paddocks. The dishes are homemade and served in a distinctive style in an ambience of warmth and friendliness. History The river port town of Morpeth is known historically as an area of European settlement for as early as 1800. It was originally known by its native aboriginal name Illalung and formed part of the land that was granted to Lieutenant Edward Charles by the Brisbane governor in 1821 (Arthur & Fox-Davies 1915). The public wharf for Morpeth was developed under the instructions of the colonial secretary in the 1833 and was named Queens Wharf, it was to be a place of high popularity. This was attributed to its high appeal caused by the desirability of the location on Hunters River and the immense potential that the area has for tourism. With investment in this respect Morpeth was quickly transformed from a bushy area to a high class frontier town. Morpeth instigated the underpinning resource for the development of the Hunter Valley region in terms of industrial development. Morpeth is no longer known as an industrial hub and is now tourist attraction that thrives with visitors who come to explore the township. One of the landmarks is the clock tower that dates back to the 17th century, a grand town hall, and the Georgian home of Lord Collingwood (Arthur & Fox-Davies 1915). The clock tower was constructed using medieval stones which give it a more ancient look even without considering the passage of time. The chanty is now used as a tourist information center and also houses the bagpipe museum. This rich cultural heritage is celebrated annually in the Northumbrian gathering. The layout of the city is still as it was back in the beginning, the Bridge Street and New Gate Street with Burgage plots deviating from them at near equal intervals. The town is situated directly on what was previously the Great North Road which was a route for coaches plying London to Edinburgh. Several inns are still operational along the route such as the Waterford lodge. The Mafeking Park at the junction of Station Bank and Great North Road is the smallest park in Britain. Historically it was an area of intersection of three roads which are now improved and have upgraded its status to a roundabout (Land and Property Management Authority 2009). Morpeth has survived floods, the worst of which was experienced in 1963 when the rain water breached the flood barriers. This affected over 1000 homes and was a major black day for this prestigious town (Costello 2008, p. 20). Through courage and love of the community, the town survived and is now a major attraction to tourist and the birth place of some of the biggest companies in Australia. Australian companies and house hold names such as brambles, Caleb soul trace their humble beginning to Morpeth. A walk through the village or a guided tour will help to identify the points of significance of the town to these major businesses. Events in 2012 Morpeth has hosted the following events this year which add to the glamorous lifestyle that is experience by visitors to this lovely town. The tea kettle exhibition in which thousands of entries from all over the world show cased unique designs of tea kettles. The event is held annually and is a graphic gala of amazingly creative tea pots makers. The event hosts a staggering 4000 tea pots being show cased. This year’s exhibition will have the queen’s jubilee which is a celebration of England’s leaders in ceramics offering their masterpieces for sale (The peerage 2012). The tea cosy exhibition will feature 400 tea cosies all up for the grand prize. There will also be tasting of organic tea flavors sweetened with honey and served with gingerbread or chocolate desert pudding. To accommodate all, the function will have enhance wheel chair access and toilets for the disabled. Morpeth will also have an art exhibition showcasing grand art works or Paul Garling who specializes in seascapes. Paul will actually be demonstrating how he achieves the outstanding pieces of art by paintbrush. Paul has recently been featured in Australian art magazine The Pallete and has experienced a remarkable surge in demand for his art work. The event will be held at the Morpeth gallery, unfortunately without access for wheelchairs. On second September, Morpeth will hold the historic Morpeth cruise event in commemoration of the cultural heritage of this river bank town. The event will focus on the situation of Morpeth along the banks of Hunter River, a fact which earned it the name “gateway to Australia”. Visitors to the event will relive the historic voyage that trade ships used to make from Newcastle to Morpeth (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, 1981, p 221). This trip will be made in modern cruise ships which are more comfortable and safe. The cruise ship will pass by the banks near cobbled streets for visitors to enjoy the scenario of the sandstone buildings occupied with pubs, galleries, museums and antique shops. The vessel will be self-contained with tea being served in the morning and wine accompanying lunch or dinner. The menu on board will be a sample of the local produce with no imports. The event will also include a guided trip along the streets of Morpeth for visitors to discover the ever fascinating histories behind the numerous building in this thriving river port. Music lovers will enjoy a happy evening with an Australian choir performing some of the most popular Australian all time tunes. The songs will vary from welsh songs, hymns to sacred music even including opera and stage musicals. The event will be held at St. James Anglican church (Parish of Morpeth 2004, p 9). All those who want to enjoy this refreshment for the soul can purchase the tickets online or at the door. Community and life style The main interests of the governing authorities at Morpeth are to deliver a mix of recreational services aimed at satisfying the ever diverse and changing expectations of visitors and residents. They aim also at ensuring the development of a sense of identity for all irrespective of the background; the society has to feel valued and possess a greater sense of interconnection. It also aims at broadening the appreciation of the fundamental role of culture in order to achieve healthy and sustainable communities and lifestyle. Morpeth offers a lifestyle of opportunities for the youngest to the oldest in the community. The life style at Morpeth is rich aboriginal and grand history with vibrant villages that overall make the city unique. With the hunters’ river meandering through the city, it has contributed significantly to the development of what is now the modern city of Morpeth, and has resulted in the characterization of the landscape and the people. Morpeth is special because of the tapestry and weaving established in the region, this blend of old and new has an appealing attribute to the residents. Entertaining amenities such as sports grounds and recreation areas reverberate with laughter with various holiday activities. The high profile mainland park has been attracting visitors since 1850 and still contains facilities to accommodate activities such as playgrounds, skate parks tennis courts and public swimming pools. Morpeth offers shopping precincts with unmatched diversity, which creates ample opportunity for residents to enjoy their shopping. Visitors travel to Morpeth to explore the heritage, festivals, shopping and accommodation. The visitor’s center is always open for visitors to get information about the region and this is offered with great and friendly service. The community boasts of sufficiency of services from facilities ranging from educational, social and recreational as well as childcare and senior residents activities. Historical and cultural opportunities are offered by the Morpeth School of arts which also gaps the quest for historical remembrance of the origin of the city. The art gallery is a must visits for all visitors as it is the cultural hub for fostering local talent and also gives the chance to visits the national touring exhibition. It is adorned with art groups which flourish in their dances and theatrical performances, enabling the community to connect information about culture with leisure resources. Accommodation and services To enjoy your stay, Morpeth is strategically placed so you in easily access of attraction all over Northumberland. From the famous roman wall, the moorlands in England and to the most spectacular coastline, are guaranteed. Visitors staying in Morpeth can plan visits to other areas and come back to the tranquility of Morpeth for the days’ rest. Morpeth offers a unique range of accommodation choices the will leave you desiring an extended stay. The gorgeous hotels meet guests’ expectation in comfort and reliability in provision of luxury. The accommodation ranges from bed and breakfast to motel accommodation all with a personalized touch of service. Morpeth has several four star hotels that will guarantee the home away from home feel for guests. Be it a romantic getaway or a retreat or a family break, Morpeth is the perfect place for you. The hotels at Morpeth are ideal for the corporate traveler on business in new castle or Sydney as they are easily accessible. The rates of accommodation are competitive but friendlily priced. The bakers’ chest offers bed and breakfast in a hamlet of Hartburn. The hotel is set on the farmland in view of golden beaches to the east and west. It is a spacious family home furnished with antiques. It recently won awards as one of the favorite bed and breakfasts in UK. From the house one can enjoy tranquility as you walk through the fields and woodlands in the company of the wildlife. You may even go fishing or catch a glimpse of a red squirrel or an otter. Car hire services are also available with various companies offering competitive rates for varying cars. International companies such as Europcar, budget and Herts are all available at a Morpeth. Planning to hire a car can be done online through the company’s website. Maitland Gaol Museum, One of the major attractions of the mainland is the mainland gaol which has a history of more than 150 years for hosting some of the most notorious criminals Australia has ever seen. The gaol ceased to be a correctional facility 1998 and officially opened its doors as a tourist attraction and now host visitors instead of prisoners. The tourists are taken through the prison experience inclusive of which are the most daring escape attempts. The gaol offers visitors self-guided tour or a themed tour with only the brave being able to endure a sleep over. The main attractions at Maitland gaol are the hangings of that were executed for rape or for murder. Only one hanging was opened to the public to view with the rest being conducted at the back of the gaol. Other attractions are the attempted escapes, most of which were not successful and all who got beyond the gaol boundary were rearrested within days of escape. Visitors also get to see the massive attempted escape tunnel that was discovered hidden with a sheet of plastic camouflaged with the floor. Morpeth Museum, Founded in 1987, Morpeth bagpipe museum is one place known for its collection of historic bagpipes exclusive to Northumbrian small pipes and border pipes. The collection had before been hosted in the black gate which is the home of the society of antiquaries. The exhibit bagpipes are both real and manuscript or photographs of bagpipes that were lost with time all referencing the history of the Northumbrian pipers’ society. The museum also acts as a venue for meetings of the society. It risked losing the entire collection in a flood but evacuation was promptly done and after extensive repairs and refurbishment the museum was reopened with a visit by the princess royal. Morpeth whisper, The Morpeth whisper is a journal that give details of occurrences in Morpeth with unique style. The whisper is published by the Morpeth gallery to highlight some of its newest art works. The journal is available online for visitors to plan to pay a visit to the main gallery while touring Morpeth. Morpeth gallery is specialized in selling Australia’s traditional art by renowned Australian artists. To be invited to show case art work in the gallery an artist must be professional and dedicated to art, they must have published art work or possess the potential to be published. Visitors are awestruck by the by the art on sale as the work of art are a true explanation of the status “a published artist”. Journey through history with Juliet’s horse carriage Morpeth the main attraction is Juliet, a mare who pulls her carriage through the streets. Her owner welcomes visitors with an Australian accent to hop on for the ride. He declares openly his pride in contributing to attraction in Morpeth. The loyal horse pulls majestically at the authentic carriage with guests singing along to the clip clopping of her hooves. It brings a reflection to the historical reliance of horses as a transport mode as one is passes the buildings which are more than a century old. For many, Morpeth is the town where Juliet lives, that’s how big an attraction she is. The original Juliet has long past on but the history is still strong with a different mare taking her part. Reference list Arhtur C. & Fox-Davies, 1915, The Book of Public Arms, 2nd edition, T.C. & E.C. Jack London; Edinburgh:, Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007, "Morpeth (State Suburb)". 2006 Census Quick Stats. Australian Bureau of Statistics Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, 1981, The Heritage of Australia, Macmillan Company, Australia, p.2/202 Land and Property Management Authority, 2009, "Morpeth". Land and Property Management Authority - Spatial Information exchange. New South Wales Land and Property Information. Parish of morpeth 2004 “The Church of St.James the Great in the Parish of Morpeth". Morpeth Parochial Church Council. Pg 9. Costello P 2008, “Morpeth fights back after floods.” BBC News, September 09. Pg. 20 The peerage, 2012, ‘a genealogical survey of the peerage of Britain as well as the royal families of Europe’, The Peerage, http://thepeerage.com/p1618.htm#i16176. Viewed: August 23, 2012. Read More