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Each July, we take a hiatus from winter, flying to the East Coast of the U.S. to the historic coastal island near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina of Wright Brothers fame. Here we grew up, a 9th generation child in an island family, barefoot and idyllic in summer heat. So, when summer in the U.S. rolls around, the lure of a calm Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches and warm humid nights overwhelms and send us googling for a cheap flight!

Windsor in its historical place of NSW is in many  ways much like the island — Roanoke Island, North Carolina – where my family settled in the early 1700s. So, over the next few weeks, we will write about those comparisons and how historic Windsor must be preserved.  We hope you will read our posts and comment.

8July 2010 post: The Pioneer Village in Wilberforce is now in the hands of its “Friends” and they are having several volunteer workdays this month. Last count, more than 50 good friends are showing up for a Saturday or Sunday workday to help get the village up and running in 2011. If you could lend a hand, email Janice@hstours.com.au   It will be an exciting new (old) attraction for the Hawkesbury. These folks have worked very very hard to preserve Australian history and save some wonderful artefacts.

As the longest day of the year is quickly approaching, we often get a royal case of the winter blues. But, today we found a shop, new to Windsor that lifted our spirits with beautiful items crafted by Peruvian artists. At Nine50, a petite shop on George Street (near WestPac Bank), we found gorgeous items. Jewellery of 95% silver (hence the name of the shop) which  has a brighter silver luster and a range of colourful alpaca accessories for winter —  all imported from Peru.

Owner, Lee-Ann Kelly has an eye for skin-tone and chose a piece that brought out the best in us when our summer tan has long ago faded!  Suddenly winter didn’t seem quite so dull!

Stop by when you have time for a chat with Lee-Ann as her story (and travels to Peru) is fascinating. How she found her artists and discovered her business is amazing. She continues to ethically export products made by Peruvian artists who on  micro loans get their businesses on the road to success.

    The Macquarie Towns Orchestra Concert is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the joys of musical instruments.  The instrumentalists of the group are of all ages, from teen-agers to grandmums and grandpas and play they do! Sunday 20June is the day at the St Mathews Anglican Church. The admission fee for children is only $6.  One note: be prepared that the pews are not for the “weak of back”. Our ancestors of 1800 intended for church goers to stay awake. Call 0407 711 016 for details.

     Earlier this month, we met up again with artisan, Alicia Goldstien at her Sassafras Creek exhibition in Kurrajong Village. Her recycled “jewellery by a farmer’s daughter” is a delight. Colourful vintage materials are the tools of Alicia and she produces charming wearable art. We indulged and purchased a delicate piece made from an antique hand fan, a button and an smokey coloured chain.  Perfect for a summer dress and sandals. Alicia, herself, is a charmer — a great laugh and sense of humour and a love for old wares. You can reach her at agafarmersdaughter02@gmail.com

The weather has been perfect for several days — quite chilly at night, but great for walking or just enjoying tea & scones at any one of the cafes where outdoor seating prevails on The Mall.  Even jumpers were shed as the June sunshine encouraged visitors out-of-doors – many taking in the Regional Historical Museum. (12June)

We stopped in at the Hawkesbury Wedding Centre on George Street and not surprisingly, a beautiful bride-to-be was being fitted in a most lovely gown. It’s amazing how a bridal setting evokes such emotional feelings in most of us — very special moments and we always wish the best for the couple. 

Though parking is at a premium on the Sunday Mall Markets, always look down to Terrace Street next to Howe Park for (unlimited hours) parking. You’ll also find an easy walk along the Hawkesbury beginning at Howe Park — great for kids.

If you have found an interesting activity (that we have missed) in Windsor, leave us a comment and your details. We’ll get in touch and we’ll be back next week.

Welcome to Windsor 2010 — the 200th celebration of  the naming of this historic village! This is the initial entry of the Windsor Blog. We’ll post once a week some new tidbit that will help you find your way to Windsor. The print Guide: Historic Windsor Guide is distributed throughout Sydney and while in Windsor, you can also find copies.

MAY 2010: The weather has cooled down (quite chilly some nights) and Windsor Mall was beautiful last week after a hard rain. Autumn leaves covered the Mall in layers and on a windless day, pre-school kids ran through the leaves squealing and laughing as kids world-wide have done for decades. 

Three new shops opened on George Street in May — it’s exciting to see new faces and interesting quality items. The Sunday Mall Crafts Markets were abuzz today (30/5) as the weather was dry and warm and shoppers paraded back and forth between stalls. Autumn veggies were plentiful and, a new crop of oranges and mandarins have arrived from Castlereagh. 

See you in Windsor soon? Leave us a comment or question if there is some fact (or fiction) on your mind.  Cheers.