October 2009

CO.AS.IT. ITALIAN FAMILY HISTORY GROUP

28 OCTOBER 2009

Forty members were in attendance for the October meeting, with six apologies received. One apology was from Colin & Sue Lopes who are currently travelling in United Kingdom. They are sending back daily reports of their activities via the internet.

It was with regret the Chairman reported of the passing of one of our original committee members, Paul Sidoti, he succumbed to his ordeal with cancer. Prior to his passing he donated to our Research officer, a copy of his work of his family tree. This has now been added to the general list held in the Co.As.It library.

The chairman reported that a number of committee members had expressed the thought to investigate the possibility of our monthly meetings being held in the Leichhardt Italian Forum next year. A preliminary inspection of the premises has been made and a official communication by Co.As.It has been forwarded seeking conditions applicable, including the costs involved.

The Chairman continued by stressing the importance of ensuring that door donations be maintained so as to build up our funding situation to be in a position to make the possible change plus the need to acquire additional research material as it comes available. Copies of the flyer could be forwarded to many Sydney metropolitan libraries.

Out Italian Family History Group now have a documentary on the internet "You Tube" We were fortunate as it was prepared at no cost to us by Web Video Productions. One of our members arranged this for us. The members were asked to assist our member in promoting his new line of business.

The Chairman reported that last week he travelled to Hepburn Springs in Victoria to attend the final day of the "Swiss/Italian Festival". Many Italians from the north of Italy had settled in the Ballarat district following the Gold rush period of the 1850's. This annual festival promoted by those descendants is conducted over a period of 14 days. It is remarkable to see the names of various places in Northern Italy to be seen on many of the various establishments such as accommodation, business houses, and as the name on homes.

Our guest speaker Annie Shillington spoke as a very down to earth person. She related her interest at an early age in writing family stories. Although not recognised as an icon in the writing field, she is only too willing to offer her services to assist people to write their own family stories. She demonstrated this by exhibiting pictures, which in effect gave insight in to events of ones past, and is a good starting point.

Whilst Annie has written a number of books, she was able to relate other material that was available to assist and guide others to write their stories. The audience was responsive to Annie's encouraging talk.

The meeting concluded with the Chairman announcing that we will have the pleasure of having Tony Pantano the entertainer, as our guest speaker at our final meeting for 2009.

Members were asked to bring along a plate of Italian favourites to celebrate the last meeting for 2009, and an early start to the festive season.

Dominic Arrivolo