I am aware that many of our ancestors originally arrived and chased the lure of gold in "them there hills". They stayed a short time in the goldfields and then moved on to settle in other parts of the state, hence my cross posting to a number of mailing lists. For those who receive this message more than once I apologize in advance but hope you will bear with me in the interests of promoting entries for a new pioneer register. (List owners please be gentle!).... This email is to advise all out there that a long awaited Hill End and Tambaroora District Pioneer Register (listing settlers and families in the district up to 1920) is in the process of being compiled. For many years the descendants of the early families have met in the Botanical Gardens in Sydney for an annual reunion. At the 2003 Gathering it was suggested that we should try and record for posterity, the family details of the early settlers and gold mining families who once lived in the Hill End and Tambaroora District. They were special people who managed to live and work under terrible conditions at times, far from large towns, shops or any medical help in those early days. Later, as the goldrush expanded, more people arrived, businessmen soon opened up shops and hotels and the village grew into the town we see in the old Holtermann photographs. Please contact me for a copy of the registration form which I will return to you as a Word attachment. You may then fill it out and return it electronically to either of the addresses on the form or you may wish to print it out and return it via snail mail to the addresses which are also on the form. Closing date is 30th November 2003. Even if you have very little information about your ancestors, at least they will be recorded and their details made available for those that come after you. If you have more than two ancestors to record (and many of the families intermarried) please fill out a separate form for each family. Feel free to spread the word about the Register and pass on our contact details to other descendants. There is no charge to register your ancestors in this publication. We will, however,let you know when the book has been published as you or your family may wish to buy a copy. Don't forget to include your contact details. Lorraine Purcell, on behalf of the Hill End & Tambaroora Gathering.