This weekend is a special weekend for Fort Scratchley. It is not celebrating one anniversary, but several anniversaries over the long weekend.
Fort Scatchley is located at the mouth of the Hunter River in Newcastle, Australi. It commands a panoramic view over the beaches, river, and city of Newcastle.
Commemorations on the weekend will include:
- the 130th anniversary of the construction of Fort Scratchley,
- the 70th anniversary of the submarine attack on the city,
- the 30th anniversary of the formation of Fort Scratchley Historical Society
- the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Accession to the Throne.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Fort will come alive from 10am to 4pm with free exhibitions organised by the Historical Society. Also on Sunday, HMAS Newcastle will be open to the public while berthed at Throsby Basin Wharf, Honeysuckle Drive.
On Monday at the fort, there will be a flag raising ceremony and 21-gun salute to celebrate the Queen’s 60-year reign. Visitors will also be able to enjoy discounted tunnel tours.
Programme of Events
Friday 8 June
9.00am Fort opens
10.00am (approx.) HMAS Newcastle enters port to a four round salute and response
5.00pm Arrival of guests
5.30pm Premier of NSW, Barry O’Farrell MP, arrives to open special commemorative exhibition and weekend celebrations
6.20pm Premier fires 80lb gun to commence celebrations
6.30pm Re-enactment begins of defence of Newcastle against Japanese attack
6.50pm Re-enactment complete
7.00pm Fort closes
Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 June
10.00am Fort opens Ex military vehicles on display and tunnel tours. Museum exhibition of:
- 130th anniversary of the construction of Fort Scratchley
- 70th anniversary of the Japanese submarine attack on Newcastle
- 30th anniversary of formation of the Fort Scratchley Historical Society Inc
- Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
HMAS Newcastle is berthed at No 1 Throsby Basin Wharf and open for inspection on Sunday from 10am to 3pm.
4.00pm Fort closes
Monday 11 June
9.00am Fort opens
10.00am Ceremonial flag raising
Museum exhibition continues
10.30am A 21 gun salute to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth accession to the throne as HMAS Newcastle exits the port. Guest of Honour: British Deputy Consul General for NSW Mr Scott Strain
11.30am (approx.) Discounted tunnel tours commence - $5.00 per person. Children under 16 years are free.
3.00pm Flag lowering ceremony
4.00pm Fort closes
Location
Fort Scratchley sits at the tip of Newcastle East adjacent to the iconic Nobbys headland. By road Fort Scratchley is easily accessed with free parking outside the main gate of the Fort within the bitumen carparks or for large events / functions, adjacent on the grassed area. If you arrive by train, the Fort is only a short walk (approx. 1.125 klms) eastward from Newcastle Station.
No comments:
Post a Comment