Our Book, 2015, and the Camp Chronicle, 1915

Since publishing Blackboy Hill is Calling just over a month ago, we have received a delightful wave of compliments and positive feedback, both in person and via email.

Almost one hundred years ago, the Blackboy Hill camp's distinguished newspaper editor Herbert Lambert found himself in the same position after publishing the first issue of the Camp Chronicle.

And so I find myself wanting to share this feedback with others, just as he did. Though once were letters, are now emails, and what was once 'Dear Sir', is now 'Hi', the lovely Aussie spirit of contacting others to give a genuine compliment is still very much alive.


In the third issue of the Chronicle, 23 December 1915, Lambert published a long column entitled

Some Unsolicited Commendations

______________________________

A hearty reception according "The Camp Chronicle" has proved very satisfying. Verbal congratulations on the new venture have been received from all sorts and conditions of men, and I print below a few of the letters which we particularly appreciate: 

I am advised by His Excellency the Governor to express His Excellency’s grateful thanks for the interesting and beautiful copy of the Camp Chronicle which you so kindly forwarded. Yours faithfully, H.A Wilkinson, Private Secretary.

_________________________________

(not the entire column)

A century later, I would like to echo the sentiments of Herbert Lambert - the feedback we have received for this book has been highly satisfying and made all our hard work worthwhile. This was a non-profit project, a labour of love from a predominantly voluntary group of writers and researchers, and so to receive such 'hearty reception' is particularly heart-warming.

Printed below are a few emails which we also appreciate:

Blackboy Hill is Calling

Some Unsolicited Commendations

1 May 2015: Dear Shannon and Valerie, My son and daughter attended your book launch and bought a couple of books. They said it was wonderful listening to the stories and loved meeting people there. Unfortunately I was in Bali at the time but watched the Dawn Service (WA was represented) and the Gallipoli Service as well.  I am looking forward to reading your book. Congratulations on a job well done. Yours, Joan Sadleir

7 May 2015: Hi, I came to the launch on Sunday and got my books, they are amazing, congratulations on putting together such a professional book. I am looking forward to reading more of it, the 1st few pages have really impressed. Regards, Judi Blood

13 May 2015: Hi Shannon, I pre-paid for two copies of the book and received one today which looks fabulous. Thanks, Russell Bishop

18 May 2015: Good afternoon, I attended the book launch at Greenmount for Blackboy Hill is Calling where I collected my ordered books. We had a lovely afternoon and thoroughly enjoy the book. Kind regards, Stacey Baker

18 May 2015: I have attached a completed order form in .pdf format. Thanking you for your grand effort in producing this book. I enthusiastically look forward to receiving it. John Strauss

19 May 2015: Hi, I have just received my order of copies of the book today and felt compelled to immediately send a note of thanks and congratulations on the production of this volume. So far I have only been able to have a quick look, but enough to see that it is full of history of this place and those who passed through it, during momentous times. All who have been involved in this project should be congratulated. Kind regards, Les Emery

19 May 2015: Many thanks for this book. It is very impressive! Congratulations. Susan Hall, Historian/Local Studies Librarian, City of Armadale