Latest news with #WesleyanChurch
ABC News
08-07-2025
- General
- ABC News
Brick portico a relic of 'prestigious' Horton College in northern midlands
All that remains of Horton College is the brick portico, an arch to nowhere that is a Midland Highway landmark. But there once stood a prestigious 19th-century boys school that boasted of producing many of Tasmania's most successful barristers, doctors and well-known religious leaders. It was built near Ross in 1852, after Captain Samuel Horton offered the Wesleyan Church 20 acres and £1,350 to establish a boys' school. The Tasmanian Wool Centre in Ross holds some of Captain Horton's history. "Captain Horton is a really important figure in the history of Ross," centre manager Jess Newton told ABC Radio Hobart. Ms Newton said he was given a big parcel of land, known as Somercotes, when he arrived in 1823 from the merchant navy. The farm is still in family hands, making it one of the few Australian properties to remain in continual family ownership. Captian Horton was reportedly persuaded to come to Van Diemen's Land by his cousin, who was the first Wesleyan minister in Hobart Town. "He was a staunch Wesleyan, he really wanted to bring a strong Methodist teaching to the Midlands," Ms Newton said. She said the college was "very prestigious". "People would send their boys over from the mainland," she said. The foundation stone for Horton College was laid in 1852. From 1855 until its closure in 1894, 770 boys attended the school. Enrolments fluctuated over the years, from 15 to 86 boys. When the longstanding headmaster William Fox resigned due to ill health, the college passed through several hands of management during difficult economic times. The college was also competing with schools in Launceston and Hobart that were considered more convenient. It was decided to "hold a sale of materials in and about the property to liquidate the debt which had fallen upon it," The Mercury reported. "It vanished as a school amid the regrets of all but not before it had performed splendid services in the cause of education," the report said. The Wool Centre holds the school's honour board, a seachest belonging to Captain Horton, and a portrait of him and his wife. The school's bell went to the Hutchins School in Hobart, and some bricks went to Scotch Oakburn College in Launceston. Horton College inspired the establishment of Methodist Ladies' College, which later became Scotch Oakburn College. A 1920 report in The Mercury recounted the college's history to mark its demolition. Life at Horton College was described as "free and pleasant", with Sunday enjoyed especially because the boys didn't have to get out of bed until 7am instead of 6:30am. It was described as being founded along the lines of a traditional old English boarding school, with the "freer and more independent atmosphere of Australia". An hour after breakfast on Sundays, the boys would walk "four abreast into Ross" for church, which was about 4 kilometres one way. The report said a popular way of spending afternoons was for small parties of the boys to visit huts and enjoy an "alfresco meal of chipped potatoes, a rabbit boiled in a billy can and damper made on stones". Despite the boys' pedigree, it was reported some were still caught smoking. "Boys of today will be glad to learn that boys of that generation were no better, and probably no worse, than they are now, and some of the Horton College boys used to indulge, as boys always do, in surreptitious smokes," the report said. "One old boy, at present in Hobart, tells a story of a schoolmate who produced a couple of clay pipes and some fig tobacco, and persuaded him to master the gentle art of smoking behind a wood fence." Tasmanian landscape photographer Luke Tscharke brought Horton College back into the limelight by capturing the portico with a bright aurora australis behind it in 2018. "I'd seen it from the roadside, like how most Tasmanians have seen it in their lifetime," Mr Tscharke said. "As a photographer, I'm always looking for interesting subjects and features to include in the photographs I take." He said he stored it away in the "location library" in his mind. A few weeks after returning from photographing the northern lights in Norway, Tasmania experienced a significant aurora and Mr Tscharke was keen to continue his work. Hobart had cloud, so he decided to head north to the Midlands with a friend. Mr Tscharke thought of the portico, and got permission to go onto the Somercotes property. "The aurora kicked off and I put a light inside the portico to create a little bit of warmth to it," Mr Tscharke said. "It was very fortunate how the aurora worked with the scene. The shot is one of his most popular aurora photos, and will be exhibited during the Beaker Street Festival in August.
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Tonga's Government Mum On Health Cyber Breach
, RNZ Pacific Senior Journalist The Tongan government has yet to reveal more details about a cyber breach of its health records that occured 10 days ago. The breach by hackers and their subsequent demand for payment were revealed in parliament four days after the event. A cyber expert from Australia has been in the country for nearly a week, and local media report that more personnel are being brought in. Meanwhile, concern about illegal access to health records is mounting, amid a requirement that patients bring any medical records they have into the country's hospitals as staff are now relying on manual data. Former Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni wants a full explanation from the government, but most of the country's leaders are in Ha'apai this week for the annual conference of the Wesleyan Church. Police have said that the hackers have demanded a payment in "the millions". A media conference scheduled for later on Thursday is expected to shed more light on the issue.
RNZ News
25-06-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Tonga's government mum on health cyber breach
A cyber expert from Australia has been in the country for nearly a week and local media report more personnel are being brought in. Photo: 123RF The Tongan government has yet to reveal more details about a cyber breach of its health records that occured 10 days ago. The breach by hackers and their subsequent demand for payment were revealed in parliament four days after the event. A cyber expert from Australia has been in the country for nearly a week, and local media report that more personnel are being brought in. Meanwhile, concern about illegal access to health records is mounting, amid a requirement that patients bring any medical records they have into the country's hospitals as staff are now relying on manual data. Former Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni wants a full explanation from the government, but most of the country's leaders are in Ha'apai this week for the annual conference of the Wesleyan Church. Police have said that the hackers have demanded a payment in "the millions". A media conference scheduled for later on Thursday is expected to shed more light on the issue.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community Calendar: Easter celebrations, park cleanups and UWS fundraiser
Apr. 18—Superior: Residents of Superior can dispose of select items for free from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the landfill on Moccasin Mike Road. The fee is waived for trash, up to four tires, and brush. As always, electronics and yard waste also accepted for free. Town of Superior: Darrow Road Wesleyan Church, 4020 S. Darrow Road, hosts a free breakfast starting at 9 a.m. and indoor Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. (arrive by 9:45). Minong: A pancake breakfast is 9-11 a.m. and an egg hunt at 10 a.m. at Jack Link's Aquatic and Activity Center. Donations accepted to the Northwood freshman class. Superior: Faith United Methodist Church, 1531 Hughitt Ave., hosts a community Easter event from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet the Easter Bunny and Andy the Armadillo, play games and have food. Superior: North Bay Community Church, 1316 E. Fifth St., hosts a free community Easter event from 1-3 p.m. geared toward children age 2 through fifth grade. Activities include an egg hunt, crafts, snacks and cake walk. Superior: An opera and bingo fundraiser for the Old Brule Heritage Society is 7-8:30 p.m. in the old post office, 1401 Tower Ave. Steve Solkela performs an opera recital and one game of bingo will be played between arias. Tickets are $20 in advance at or $25 at the door. Superior: Free Easter breakfast is served from 8-9:15 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church, 5821 John Ave. Superior: A children's vaccination clinic is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Superior Community Health Center. No registration required. Bring insurance information. Free for uninsured children. Lake Nebagamon: Get help using your phone, tablet or laptop from 10-11 a.m. at the Imogene McGrath Memorial Library. Solon Springs: Get help using your phone, tablet or laptop from 1-2 p.m. at the Joan Salmen Memorial Library. Superior: Health Care Clinic's annual board of directors meeting is at 6 p.m. at Thirsty Pagan Brewing. Superior: See a free screening of "A Complete Unknown" at 6 p.m. at Superior Public Library. Superior: Story time is 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Superior Public Library. Superior: Get help using your phone, tablet or laptop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Superior Public Library. Superior: Sterling Silver Studio hosts an Earth Day cleanup at Festival Park on Barker's Island from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Volunteers receive a hot dog meal. Superior: Senior Connections hosts a Kentucky-Derby-themed free event for ages 60 and up from 1-3 p.m. at 1805 N. 16th St. The event includes lunch, DJ and dancing, raffle and hat and attire contests. RSVP required to 715-394-3611. Superior: St. Louis River Alliance invites volunteers to help clean up the Woodstock Bay public landing, 15 White Birch Trail, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wear boots and gloves and bring water. Superior: CASDA is holding a pre-Denim Day event from 5-7 p.m. at VIP Pizza, 1201 Tower Ave. Bring jeans to decorate to wear on April 30, learn about the day dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and supporting survivors, and hear from a survivor. Pizza, salad and lemonade provided. Superior: Cooper Elementary PTA hosts a Science Night from 5:30-7 p.m. Activities include slime making, live animals, a mobile planetarium, free hog dog dinner and giveaways. Superior: Nancy Langston, a professor of environmental history at Michigan Technological University, will give a presentation on "Sustaining Lake Superior" at 11 a.m. in the University of Wisconsin-Superior Jim Dan Hill Library, 907 N. 19th St. The free community event will also be streamed on YouTube. Superior: The University of Wisconsin-Superior Alumni and Friends Association holds an event from 5-7 p.m. in the Yellowjacket Union. Sample a variety of food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, hear music from Similar Dogs and enter raffles. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at // . A limited number will be sold at the door. Proceeds support scholarships and programming for UWS students and alumni. Superior: National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation holds an event at 5:30 p.m. at Earth Rider Brewery. Hear from foundation director Tom Irvine and photojournalist David Guttenfelder, followed by music from Robinhood Was Right. Register at . Superior: Page Turners Book Club meets at 6 p.m. at Superior Public Library to discuss "April is This Time Tomorrow" by Emma Straub. Superior: A special pajama story time is at 6 p.m. at Superior Public Library. Come in your pajamas for stories and a craft. Superior: A camping cooking class is 6-8 p.m. in the Pilgrim Lutheran Church kitchen, 820 Belknap St. Eric Goerdt from Northern Waters Snokehaus will teach simple meals for camping or on-the-go. Free. Sponsored by LiveWell. Superior: Bring unneeded medications to the Superior Public Library between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for safe disposal by the Douglas County Drug Prevention Coalition and the Superior Police Department. Superior: Residents of Superior can dispose of select items for free from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the landfill on Moccasin Mike Road. The fee is waived for trash, up to four tires, and brush. As always, electronics and yard waste also accepted for free. Superior: University of Wisconsin-Superior basketball players host a family fun day from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Dr. Lydia C. Thering Fieldhouse. Free games and crafts and giveaways. No RSVP required. Superior: Superior Douglas County Family YMCA is open to all families from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the annual Healthy Kids Day. Swimming, fitness classes, crafts and a bounce house are among the free activities. Superior: A free storytelling workshop is 12-4 p.m. at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. The Heartbeat Center for Writing, Literacy and the Arts presents the five main elements of storytelling, and participants can share a story. Register at . Superior: Author Denis James holds a book release event from 1-3 p.m. at Foxes and Fireflies Booksellers, 1323 Tower Ave. James, who writes under the pen name DJ, is releasing "Hunter," the sequel to his 2024 debut, "Tobias." Superior: A presentation about the dangerous products found in Victorian and Edwardian-era homes is 2-3:30 p.m. at Fairlawn Mansion. Tickets are $10 at Superior: Area churches sponsor a free community meal from 5:30-8 p.m. every Sunday at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 820 Belknap St. Lake Nebagamon: Get help using your phone, tablet or laptop from 10-11 a.m. at the Imogene McGrath Memorial Library. Solon Springs: Get help using your phone, tablet or laptop from 1-2 p.m. at the Joan Salmen Memorial Library. Superior: Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly networking event from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at 205 Belknap St. Featured presentation is from the Cenovus Energy Superior Refinery. No RSVP required. Superior: Story time is 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Superior Public Library. Superior: Get help using your phone, tablet or laptop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Superior Public Library. Superior: KindredHeart at 820 Tower Ave. holds a Take Back the Night event from 4-8:30 p.m. The global movement raises awareness of all forms of sexual violence, brings advocates together and supports survivors. Sign-making is from 4-6 p.m., followed by a march from 6-7 p.m., and a speech and open mic from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Copies of "A Women's Story," a book with 47 stories from survivors, is available for $25; half the proceeds go to the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse. Virtual: "Northern Wisconsin Virtual Trivia, Library Edition" is at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Test your knowledge of Northern Wisconsin's communities, attractions and libraries. Go to Superior: Read to a Reptile beginning at 6 p.m. at Superior Public Library. Email wiisanenk@ to sign up. Superior: Memory Cafe, for area seniors, is 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Superior Public Library. Make spring decor signs. Supplies provided and no RSVP needed. Superior: The University of Wisconsin-Superior hosts an "Urban Spaces and Third Places" presentation at 3:30 p.m. in the Jim Dan Hill Library and streamed live on YouTube. University of Minnesota Duluth associate professor Jennifer Webb will discuss what is a "third place," placemaking that contributes to urban spaces, and the history of area neighborhoods. Free and open to the public. Superior: Car seat checks by trained technicians are available 4-6 p.m. at the fire station at 3326 Tower Ave. Follow the orange cones at the back of the station. Superior: The University of Wisconsin-Superior Symphonic Band performs its final concert of the school year at 7:30 p.m. in Thorpe Langley Auditorium in Old Main, 1710 Weeks Ave. The program will include "Grass Dance" by retiring UWS professor Greg Kehl Moore. Admission is $5. Superior: Douglas County Historical Society holds a "Sounds of Superior: History Harvest" event from 4-6 p.m. at 1101 John Ave. Bring music-related historical items to donate to the museum or to be photographed, and record an oral history of a local music memory. Contributions may be used in a future exhibit. Superior: Opening reception for ceramics artist Evaline Britton's exhibit is 5-7 p.m. in the University of Wisconsin-Superior Holden Fine Arts Center Experimental Gallery. Park in Lot 7. Superior: The Thaddeus Kosciuszko Fraternal Aid Society (Polish Club) meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1710 N. 12th St. Superior: The Homegrown Music Festival is in Superior starting with a mayor's reception at 5:45 p.m. at Superior Tavern, followed by music from Junkyard Mule at 6, Seymour Glass at 7 and Skarlett Woods at 8. Other bands and locations: Sonofmel at 6:30, Ian Alexy at 7:30 and Yoshi B2B Finder at 8:30 at Earth Rider Brewery Cedar Lounge; Alex Heil at 7, Blu Volta at 8 and Black River Revue at 9 at Average Joe's Pub; Lovehouse at 7:30, Beauty Mountain Rd at 8:30 and Woodblind at 9:30 at Havana's; Shadows of Me at 8:15, DJ Delgado and Sophie Hiroko at 10:15 at Tower Avenue Tavern; Kaylee Matuszak at 8:45, Alonzo at 9:45 and Cars & Trucks at 10:45 at The Main Club. $15 admission for the night or $40 for the full festival, which runs April 27 through May 4. Full schedule at
