Christmas in Newbridge is special, marked by the return of many former residents who come back to visit family over the holidays. It’s a great time to catch up: usually in The Gladstone Hotel and this year also at the old Newbridge school over the railway bridge.
In 2010 the village lost one of its most significant community assets. The primary school, which had educated village children since 1878, was closed by the NSW Department of Education and the property sold in 2011. This is a common story in regional areas, but what is rarely noted is the loss to the community beyond the infrastructure itself.
Newbridge Public School had been at the heart of village life. Pupils, parents and teachers lived in the village and its surrounds. Through working bees and fundraising initiatives, successive generations maintained, improved and contributed to the smooth running of the school for over a century.
An event in 2003, held to commemorate the school’s 125th anniversary, attracted 500 people. Although there were only 26 students at the time, more than forty volunteers were involved in the planning and delivery of the event, and former students travelled from as far as Newcastle. Principal Gary Fisher noted in his presentation the importance of community spirit and the power of small communities to deliver outstanding achievements.
In Newbridge this is evident in the delivery of annual events such as the Winter Solstice Festival, Spring into Art at Newbridge and – coming up on February 8 – the Newbridge Swap Meet. The spirit powers the co-operative Stringybark Craft and Collectables and Olde Bridge Gallery. It can be felt in the strength of connection between current residents, and their ongoing connections with those who have chosen – or been sadly obliged – to move away. The legacy of former generations of community-spirited residents runs as a seam of gold through the village.
While the most recent open day of the Newbridge Schoolhouse, held on December 28, was on a much more modest scale, the same community spirit was evident. Neighbours brought scones and other morning tea delicacies. Former students came along – some having travelled hundreds of kilometres – to catch a glimpse of the school they left many years ago. For a few, it was the first time they had been back in seven decades. Many others were among the teachers, performers and volunteers featured in the 125th anniversary celebrations. For all, the memories were strong and overwhelmingly positive, especially of the impact of some teachers: their empathy, and their ability to inspire a love of learning and a desire to succeed.
As classmates reconnected, the stories flowed. Was there still an ink-drawn map on the floorboards in front of the heater? (Apparently not.) is this my old bag hook? (Yes it is. Although both front and back porches had to be rebuilt, the bag hooks and their backing timbers were removed, restored and reinstated.) Are we allowed to use this door? (Yes, although it seems this was firmly out of bounds in its past life.) Where did all the memorabilia go? (Check out the stage at the back of the craft shop, which was formerly the village hall.)
The old school bell had been in protective custody since a spate of thefts fifteen years ago. Erected for the school centenary celebrations in February 1978 and newly restored to its stout redbox timber post, the ceremonial ringing of the bell was the main event of the open day. Around forty people gathered as Mr Fisher, who had secretly slipped on his Newbridge Public School uniform sweatshirt, joined Mrs Fisher on the shale bell platform to send a resounding peal from the schoolyard once again. It was a special moment to conclude a special day.
Bringing a beloved icon back to contemporary use is not a task for the faint-hearted. Construction costs have increased these last five years by a staggering 31%. Compliance in the current era differs markedly from that of the nineteenth century, as do user expectations of accommodation and amenities. Materials, maintenance and insurance for an old timber building are significant ongoing costs.
The rewards, however, go beyond the practical. Finding capable builders and tradespeople who respect your vision is a gift. Helping the school building and grounds resume some form of public profile is exhilarating. The support and encouragement of the Newbridge community is beyond price.
Image: Visitors gather to mark the start of a new era for the Newbridge Schoolhouse © Emily Hunter
Date: 29/12/25
