Plans are well underway for the Dungog Railway Centenary on the weekend of August 13 and 14.
Organised by just two dedicated members of Dungog Historical Society, a full weekend of entertainment has been planned.
Deirdre Briscombe and Rex Kingston have been the driving force behind the centenary event which includes a re-enactment of the train’s arrival at Dungog station.
“Plans to build the North Coast railway began in 1882 and tenders were called for the section from West Maitland, through Paterson to Dungog, on April 6, 1908,” Mrs Briscombe said.
“On August 14, 1911, the official train arrived at the station at 10.50am and the platform was crowded with hundreds of people.
“Across the rails at the southern end of the platform stretched the ribbon which was cut by Mayoress Mrs Charles Stanser Bowker.
“She used a silver pair of scissors which were engraved with her name and it would be wonderful if we could find them and use again for the re-enactment.
“We know that her husband, Charles Stanser Bowker, who was also the town’s medical practitioner, died in February 1929.
“We would love anyone to come forward if they know any Bowker family descendants who may know the whereabouts of the scissors.”
Dungog Historical Society has a photo of Dr Bowker but none of his wife.
The late Dr Bowker practised at Dungog for 17 years and subsequently at Murrumburrah and Tumut.
Before his death he practised at Waverly for eight years, and then retired and lived at Randwick.
Dr Bowker was Mayor of Dungog for three years.
He was the second son of the late Honorable Richard Ryther Steer-Bowker, MD, London.
Born at Newcastle in 1864, he was educated in Sydney and afterwards secured his medical degrees in London, where he was looked upon as a brilliant student.
Charles’ mother was Lydia Phillips, daughter of James Phillips of “Bueno Vista” Estate, Paterson.
There were five other brothers in the Bowker family including Dr Steer Bowker (surgeon), Dr Richard (physician), Dr Harold (vet surgeon), Dr Edward (dental surgeon), Dr Cedric (women’s specialist), and three sisters, Mrs T Rich (Justice), Mrs Tom Rolins (Judge) and Mrs Ranclaud (Newcastle).
It was after he settled in Dungog that Dr Bowker married Alice “Junee” Trader, eldest daughter of the TJM Trader, late of Bourke and West Maitland, and great granddaughter of Captain Thomas Trader, shipowner and master mariner of Plymouth, England.
DR and Mrs Bowker had a son and daughter - Phyllis and Richard Marlow Stanser.
He sold his practice at Dungog in 1916 to Dr Gilchrist.
If anyone can help with information about the scissors or family descendants or have a photo of Mrs Alice Bowker please contact Deirdre Briscombe on 4992 3268 or Rex Kingston on 4992 2094.
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