Coachmen of the Nowra District is the second of a trilogy of books on local, skilled craftsmen researched and written by Mr Clark.

A large percentage of the book deals with the life of Barney McTernan and includes stories of Brummy Richards, Robert Thorburn, along with the Thomson and Weigand families.

His first book explored blacksmiths while his third will uncover the history of saddlers, including the local tanners of the region.

Sydney Royal’s ringmaster John Bennett, OAM, launched the second of Mr Clark’s novels to a group of 30 historical society members from various members of the Shoalhaven public.

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Mr Bennett had the crowd under his spell with brief descriptions of key figures in the book and the contrast between long-distance travel, then and now.

During his speech, Mr Clark praised Mr Bennett for performing the launch and the “team effort” from contributors including cover designer Neville Haines and the staff at Nowra Library for their helpful and courteous actions.

 “Kindred societies at Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Berrima and Huskisson have willingly shared information and images and for this we are grateful,” he said.

“The research team at Shoalhaven Family History Society also generously assists with my genealogical queries when I struggle to understand the people I profile.

“The book may not have been published, but for the funding received from the Royal Australian Historical Society which administers Arts NSW’s cultural grants program. Thanks to the Shoalhaven Historical Society committee for its confidence in the project.”

Visit the Nowra museum or email Museum@ShoalhavenHistory.org.au to purchase a copy.