Mortimer’s Lodge

15/05/2026

First public sale of this book in paperback today. From the actual chemist shop where David James McEwen was the chemist from 1891 to 1907.

Owned by the National Trust and operated by volunteers, Dow’s Pharmacy allows visitors a unique opportunity to see what it was like in this period apothecary and pharmacy.

The Chiltern Chemist tells the tragic story of McEwen, his migration from Northern Ireland to Australia; the loss of two wives; the despair of his five children; his own untimely death aged 44; and how his son John would become a political statesman and former Prime Minister of Australia at a most unusual period in the country’s history.

The cottage that is Mortimer’s Lodge today was built here in 1895 by David James McEwen where it was his home until late 1898.

01/05/2026

Chiltern is blessed to have these two charming, and very different, National Trust properties on its doorstep. Within walking distance of Mortimer’s Lodge, they are a ‘must see’ for guests.

05/04/2026

Announcing my first novel, based on a true story, about one man’s epic journey from Northern Ireland to Australia in the late 19th century and how he shaped his son’s career as a politician, statesman and Australian Prime Minister.

The book is currently available as an eBook (Kindle), but may be published as a hard copy in the future.

In the late nineteenth century, a young Ulster Scot from Northern Ireland—raised in a Presbyterian manse and trained in chemistry at Trinity College Dublin—set his sights on a country half a world away. David James McEwen did not emigrate in search of fame or fortune. He came to be useful. What....

15/02/2026

**UPDATE**
After costs we were able to donate $1450 to Chiltern Athenaeum. Thanks everyone, for your generosity !

Well, we had a very successful afternoon of community fun and friendship; wine; cheese; nibbles; crisps & dips. Then there was the raffle and wine bingo (Vingo) and of course, humorous entertainment. Together we have exceeded all expectations in our fund-raising and exceeded the target we aimed for Chiltern Athenaeum Museum for the Snake in the Jar restoration. What a beautiful community to be part of ! Thanks to :
Chiltern Girl Guides (for table ware)
Chiltern Senior Citizens (for tables and chairs)
Pfeiffer Wines for the wine, wine labels, bingo cards and the amazing Kylie Barton !
Andrea from Lulu and Didge for her professional hospitality and sheer hard work
Emma Williams and Matt Williams for a lot of behind the scenes support and ticket sales.

There may not be any ‘whiskey in the jar’, but at least the ‘snake in the jar’ will be safe for another century plus.

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas, everyone !

22/12/2025

It's getting a lot like Christmas !

06/09/2025

In a few weeks time, Chiltern Soldiers’ Memorial Hall will be 75 years old (at least, in Chiltern). It began life as the Red Cross Recreational Hall at Bonegilla Army Camp. The people of Chiltern raised the necessary funds to have it dismantled, transported and rebuilt where it stands today. A fitting memorial to the men and women who gave their service, and for some, their lives, in the Second World War. It officially opened in 20th October, 1950.

So it was appropriate and fitting that the sacrifice made by so many in the 1939-45 conflict, for our freedom and way of life, was honoured last night as the hall filled with laughter, music and dancing in our 1950’s nostalgia weekend, and the Under the Lake Dance. It’s how they would want to be remembered.

Thanks to our local band, Fifties Fools, Johnny's Rockers, Chiltern Lions, Chiltern Girl Guides and Andrea from Lulu and Didge for organising and participating this fantastic evening.

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06/09/2025

Johnny's Rockers : thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing Chiltern an energetic pulse and rhythm today and tonight. We are privileged to have you close to us. Your troupe of dancers dance with a smile, that’s all that matters. We enjoyed your energy and enthusiasm ! Don’t be a stranger to Chiltern. We welcome you again and again. Let’s make 1950’s nostalgia in Chiltern an annual event !

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06/09/2025

The Under the Lake 1950’s dance this evening in the Chiltern Memorial Hall. What a turnout ! What music ! What dancing !!!

Some cool cats and classy dames ripped the dance floor with their best jitterbug, the smoothest swing, and maybe even a little stroll.

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06/09/2025

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