Homework 19/7/2021 ALBANY TOWN
Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2021 11:30 pm
ALBANY (Al-BAN-EE) TOWN
As we approach the calmer, sheltered, pristine waters of the sound,
we see the first faint shadow of the distant land where we are bound.
Two islands peep above the waves; we’re nearing hoped for land at last,
while billowing white sails, reach out like Ghostly Gods before the mast.
The chill of wind is in our face laced with the salty tang of sea,
and after all the perils faced, we’re nearing where we long to be.
We pass on through the narrow entrance of the safest harbour known,
protected from the wildest ocean where those gale force winds had blown.
Then church bells peal a joyous welcome as we tie up to the Hulk.
Where lumpers load and unload ships of any goods that come in bulk.
Then smaller craft transfer the goods and waiting passengers to shore,
and all now feel relief again to stand on solid earth once more.
There’s horse drawn transport near the sandstone steps that lead up into town,
that’s nestled in between two mountains dressed in shades of green and brown.
Enhanced there by the harbour that displays a picture perfect view,
so loved by all of those who live here for its milder climate too.
It’s reminiscent of old Mother England, so the locals say,
but on a sadder note, it was from here the ANZACS sailed away.
©T.E. Piggott
My family have a long history in Albany.
For those who don’t know, Albany was the first settlement in W.A., some years before Perth was settled.
As for my forebears -
On my mothers side the first one we know of was the Hulk Masters daughter who became my great, great, (not sure how many greats) grandmother.
On my fathers side the first Piggott was Town Constable in charge of convicts and was later given a Goverment land grant on the upper hay river a few miles out of Albany – the family fortune was long gone by the time I put in an appearance .
He originally came from Port Arthur where he was a sergeant in the British Army (apparently)
I wont bore you with the rest of their endeavours.
‘Hulks’ – in the early days of settlement there were no jetties etc. so they would anchor an old large ship to act as a sort of landing platform. Then ferry the goods etc to shore with smaller vessels.
As we approach the calmer, sheltered, pristine waters of the sound,
we see the first faint shadow of the distant land where we are bound.
Two islands peep above the waves; we’re nearing hoped for land at last,
while billowing white sails, reach out like Ghostly Gods before the mast.
The chill of wind is in our face laced with the salty tang of sea,
and after all the perils faced, we’re nearing where we long to be.
We pass on through the narrow entrance of the safest harbour known,
protected from the wildest ocean where those gale force winds had blown.
Then church bells peal a joyous welcome as we tie up to the Hulk.
Where lumpers load and unload ships of any goods that come in bulk.
Then smaller craft transfer the goods and waiting passengers to shore,
and all now feel relief again to stand on solid earth once more.
There’s horse drawn transport near the sandstone steps that lead up into town,
that’s nestled in between two mountains dressed in shades of green and brown.
Enhanced there by the harbour that displays a picture perfect view,
so loved by all of those who live here for its milder climate too.
It’s reminiscent of old Mother England, so the locals say,
but on a sadder note, it was from here the ANZACS sailed away.
©T.E. Piggott
My family have a long history in Albany.
For those who don’t know, Albany was the first settlement in W.A., some years before Perth was settled.
As for my forebears -
On my mothers side the first one we know of was the Hulk Masters daughter who became my great, great, (not sure how many greats) grandmother.
On my fathers side the first Piggott was Town Constable in charge of convicts and was later given a Goverment land grant on the upper hay river a few miles out of Albany – the family fortune was long gone by the time I put in an appearance .
He originally came from Port Arthur where he was a sergeant in the British Army (apparently)
I wont bore you with the rest of their endeavours.
‘Hulks’ – in the early days of settlement there were no jetties etc. so they would anchor an old large ship to act as a sort of landing platform. Then ferry the goods etc to shore with smaller vessels.
but never again 