HELP ME SAVE THE OLD WINGHAM STABLES AND SHED!
This is a picture of the old pub as it was in the 1950s in Wingham on the mid north coast of NSW. Next to it, on the left, was a big shed and the old stables which sheltered horses and buggies in the early days. To one side of the shed were the sample rooms where travelling salesmen who brought their wares to town and displayed them. The shed stands at the entrance to Wingham and represents Wingham's cedar cutting heritage. Indeed in the town a lot of heritage buildings still stand which is why the Greater Taree Council branded and market Wingham as "The Heritage Town" of the Manning Valley.
Sadly earlier this year the old pub burnt down. The back of the shed at the stables was burned. But, as it's done for decades and decades the old shed still stands. Rotary and local town businesses paid to have some work done to the supporting posts about 14 years ago. And yes it needs a new roof. Now the owners of the site want it demolished! Council has swiftly ordered a demolition order before most of us in the town knew it was under the threat of death. There is a groundswell of protest from the community who want to see the building saved. Apparently the owners have put the land on the market and it’s under contract. We have no idea who is buying it, but we are concerned that it could be a developer wanting to put a commercial business on this valuable site at the entrance to the town. Naturally this would be a nightmare in a town which the Greater Taree Council has branded as "The Heritage Town" of the Manning Valley.
Already Wingham has lost so much of its history as old buildings have been destroyed. Disgracefully, a lovely Victorian double storied building with graceful iron verandahs and internal cedar work that stood opposite the old pub, was pulled down by a local businessman who replaced it with a bitumen carpark, which is an eyesore. The wonderful huge wooden goods shed at the railway station was moved many years ago and the lot where is stood is still empty. And the romantic and beautiful Wingham Railway station with its old fashioned waiting room, stationmasters' office, hanging fern baskets and flowers along the platform, fretwork and lovely old seats and control room with brass and red handles to change over the tracks has also been torn down and an ugly brick box put in its place and once that was done the station was closed down and automated. So unnecessary, sure volunteers could have been found to maintain this attractive place.
Before any more of Wingham's heritage is destroyed, can you help us save this great old shed? Yes, it needs some work, but with some imagination it could be incorporated into some sort of attractive business.
I believe with strong leadership, Wingham could set an example of how a heritage town can be properly maintained and be the jewel of the Manning Valley.
Previous councils have made some inappropriate decisions. This council should be aware of their duty to the town now and for future generations. That they are responsible for decisions that affect the entire town, and not just individual companies and businesses that pocket the profits and put little back into the town. If Wingham is to be maintained as a heritage town, then it is the duty of the Council to protect that heritage.
I'm asking you, if you agree with me, to send an email of support to the Mayor of Wingham, Councillor Paul Hogan and The General Manager, Gerard Jose at:
Or if you live in NSW, write to your state member.
Further information: