Unveiling the untold stories of Timmering

Heritage group member Joan Jenkins said the book had been on the cards since the release of their last book in 2015.

“In 2015 the Nanneella Timmering Heritage Group released a book called Channels of Hope and it was on Nanneella and surrounding areas,” she said.

“We had a gentleman in our group that came from Timmering, and we had so much information come in, we couldn’t fit it all into the first book, so we always said we’d do a book on Timmering and surrounding areas.

“That’s how it started, and it’s been ... eight years of gathering information.”

The book will primarily focus on Timmering, Timmering East and Parkes Plains, while also featuring nearby areas such as Bonn, Carag Carag, Corop, Kyabram West, Mount Scobie and Nanneella.

Tracing the region’s journey from its pioneering days, the book details key moments in Timmering’s history and its growth.

Past and present residents have also shared stories of their families, offering readers a personal insight into community life throughout the years.

Through their research, the heritage group has even managed to connect with the great-grandchild of one of Timmering’s earliest pioneers.

With the help of Elizabeth Williams, the book is currently in the editing process, with 180 pages finalised so far.

Ms Jenkins said the heritage group was happy to see the book finally come together.

“(We’re) feeling relieved that it’s coming towards the end because we’ve all aged so much since then,” she said.

“Now half the book is formatted and edited, we’re feeling that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Although editing has begun, past and present community members can submit their family stories until Friday, October 31.

The completed book is expected to be released early next year.

Meanwhile, copies of Channels of Hope are still available for purchase from the Nanneella store or the Rochester Historical Society for $40.

Alternatively, interested buyers can contact Joan Jenkins on 0458 953 933 for a copy.