Historical information

'Bendigo Advertiser, Monday 18th May 1863, p2: ' On the occasion of the first anniversary of Court Sherwood of the Ancient Order of Foresters, a ball was given by the members at the Sir Henry Barkly Hotel, Huntly on Thursday night last. There must have been at least 70 or 80 persons present, many of them from Sandhurst, White Hills, Eaglehawk and etc. Dancing commenced at nine o'clock and was vigorously kept up till the early dawn of another day came to light. Supper was served in the Court Room and the excellent repast provided by the host was duly appreciated .... from casual observation appearances would indicate that on a future day the Foresters would create a Court into which the ladies would be permitted to join in the bonds of fellowship.'

Bendigo Advertiser, Thursday 2nd November 1865, p 2: 'The fourth anniversary of the establishment of Court Bendigo of the above order was celebrated on Tuesday evening at the Bendigo Hotel by a supper. There were between forty and fifty members present. The Secretary, in the course of his remarks, referred to the progress which the court had made since its establishment in October 1861. He stated that the court opened with 35 members and now numbered about 200. He congratulated the Court on having more members than any other court of the order in the district. Since it was established there had only occurred one death and at present there was only one sick member declared as receiving aid from the funds.
District Secretary Holl, in responding to the toast of prosperity at the Bendigo United District of the Ancient Order of Foresters, stated that the district was first formed in 1862. At the end of the first quarter of 1862, there were eight Courts numbering 479 members. At the end of the last quarter there were twelve Courts, numbering 1278 financial members. The funds of the district in July 1862 amounted to £22/2/2d and in October 1865, the amount had increased to £570/2/8d while the Court funds amounted to £3,330/18/9d. During the last twelve months £893/8/10d had been paid for the benefit of the sick, thus showing the great benefits which were derived by becoming members of the order.

Physical description

Note dated 7 Oct. 1863, Court King of the Forest for P. C. R. Silk Sash £1/1/-. Signed by Jas. Thos. Holl.