Long-time historian and Mackay Historical Society Member Dr Lyall Ford is launching his new book next Friday as part of the Society’s fifty-year celebrations.
‘Against the Odds, The Life and Times of Frederick Stanley Williams Senior’ will be officially launched at the Jubilee Community Centre at Jubilee Park on Friday June 3 from 11am.
Dr Ford says he’s long had an interest in history which he has turned into a wide portfolio of publications about his family, main roads, health and photography.
“It was when my dad died that I got interested in researching family history and in those days, there was no internet,” he said.
“My mother collected a lot of photographs and stories and newspaper cuttings and all sorts of things in her lifetime, as did her sister, so I had a good foundation of a source of information from them.”
The story of ‘Against the Odds’ begins in the 1870s when Lyall’s mother’s grandfather first came to Mackay and worked as a wharfinger.
His son, who was Lyall’s grandfather, became an accountant before Lyall’s mother became the first female accountant in Mackay.
Dr Ford says his grandfather and other family members were involved in many local organisations and he delves into each of them in the book.
“It’s a family history, and there’s a heap of personal family stuff in there, but I did a history of every organisation that he was involved in,” he said.
These organisations include 4MK, Mackay Golf Club, Mackay Ratepayers Association, Mackay School of Arts, Mackay State School’s Committee, New Settlers League, Rotary Club of Mackay and the Temple Masonic Lodge.
Other well-known locals including Professor Clive Moore and the late Rod Manning, former editor and Walkley Award-winning journalist of the Daily Mercury, have also contributed to the writing of the book.
“Anyone interested in the history of Mackay will find heaps to read in there,” said Dr Ford.
Dr Ford says he’s relieved that this book is finally being launched.
“Especially one like this that took 10 years,” he said.
“I typed every word myself and did all the research myself.”
Those wishing to attend the launch are asked to RSVP to the Mackay Historical Society at mackaymuseum@gmail.com or 07 4953 0002 by Thursday June 2.
The book will be available for purchase at the book launch, through the historical society and through Lyall directly at lyall@taipanpress.com or 0400 772 278.
Dr Lyall Ford has a PhD in History and is launching his newest book next Friday
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