Our speaker on Tuesday, 28 November is Marion Sargent. Her presentation will cover the history of the Cataract Gorge since 1804. Writers have waxed lyrical about its beauty, but access was limited until the paths and bridges gradually opened the area for all to see. A Victorian pleasure garden emerged from the swampy area of the First Basin.

Marion is passionate about history and loves researching. After working as a librarian with the State Library of Tasmania for 26 years, she retired in December 2014. She has been president of the Launceston Historical Society since 2012, edits the Newsletter, maintains the Facebook and website pages, and co-ordinates and writes for the ‘Our History’ articles in The Sunday Examiner. In addition, Marion has contributed historical articles and essays for publication in books and journals on a variety of topics. She is also involved with other volunteer organisations relating to history, libraries, books, and cycling.