Re message from Chris Ralph; >My 3rd great grandfather James HICKS was transported to NSW in 1830. >Briefly, his story is as follows: ............... >2. There are a couple of references from James Hicks' ticket of leave, and >I wonder where I should go to follow up these references, which are 50/3078 >and 51/1815. State Records NSW has numerous on-line records, including a link to Tickets of Leave http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/archives/the_state_archives_945.asp >3. Does anyone have any ideas just where I might locate the old Sparke >estate at Woodberry and Woodlands in the Lower Hunter Valley? http://www.jenwilletts.com/1837%20Settlers.htm has both a map & info concerning Sparke senior & Junior. "Mines, Wines & People" by W S Parkes et al refers to both having the first name of John, so don't overlook a 'wrong' first name. >4. Apart from Dungog and Maitland and the Sparke estate, is there anywhere >else you would recommend I try to see during my visit? Or is there anything >else I might realistically do to prepare for my visit during the next two >weeks? You've clearly done lots of research, but perhaps have overlooked a considerable amount of on-line info available here in Oz. Try Google but see if you can restrict the search to Oz sites. Try general searches first, like "Hunter Valley History". State Records in particular will point you to repositories you might need to visit for in depth info - you'll need to prepare. It might be worthwhile contacting Cessnock Library & Uni of Newcastle library to see what they have & possibly pre arrange a visit. Above all soak up the atmosphere & beauty of the Lower Hunter - it really is a very pleasant place to stay. Enjoy! Glenn Collyer (Sunny Sydney!)