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Books for sale
Captain Thunderbolt - horsebreaker to bushranger $19.95
This book on the infamous outlaw, Fred Ward, alias Captain Thunderbolt, offers a fresh view of a fascinating period of colonial NSW in the mid 1800s. Fred Ward worked on Tocal as a horsebreaker and went on to forge the legend of Thunderbolt the bushranger - a legend which continues to grow 130 years after his death. 112 pages and over 50 photographs and maps.
[order].
Conservation of Timber Buildings $15
This book shares the unique experience and knowledge gained through the conservation of timber buildings and fences at Tocal during the late 1980s and through the 1990s. This conservation has brought back to life one of the most amazing colonial farm sites in Australia. 48 pages plus extensive photographs. Covers conservation, safety, environment, materials, equipment and tools, techniques and case studies.
[order].
Tocal Visitor Centre - new use for an old shed $15
This book documents the amazing and skilled conversion of a 19th century hay shed into a visitor centre while preserving the look, feel and heritage of the original shed. An exemplary and inspiring case study in the adaptive re-use of a heritage building.
[order].
Guide to Tocal $9.90
48 pages in full colour, handsomely presented. A magnificent pictorial guide to the Tocal estate and the CB Alexander Agricultural College. An enduring keep-sake for those who have visited or a primer for those still to make the trip. Great value.
[order].
The Soils of Tocal
This book is available for sale through NSWDPI - Tocal [details].
Colonial Silo Mysteries $19.95
This books unravels the mysteries of underground silos at Tocal, Cockatoo Island, Stroud, Norfolk Island and Camden Park. It develops a picture of grain storage in Colonial NSW and explains the silos in this context. A facinating book, well researched and easy to read. Lots of photos, 68 pages.
[order].
The Climate of Tocal
This book is available for sale through NSWDPI - Tocal [details].
Aboriginal Land Use at Tocal - The Wonnarua Story
This book is available for sale through NSWDPI - Tocal [details].
Tocal Code of Land Use Practice
This book is available for sale through NSWDPI - Tocal [details].
At Home Amongst the Stock - The Kidds of Tocal $25.00
This 100 page book chronicles the lives of four generations of the Kidd family who lived and worked at Tocal. John Kidd arrived in NSW as a convict in 1829 and set about redeeming himself as a valued and skilled employee. The book documents the fortunes of the Kidd dynasty as they married and wove their children's lives into the Tocal story. They were truly "at home amongst the stock". Includes index and many photos.
[order].
Crimes of Passion on the Tocal Run $19.95
This 88 page book documents two gruesome killings on Tocal in the 1800s - one during a drunken fight between convicts in 1837 and the other that of a nameless, headless stockman in 1874. The book nicely captures the mood and recounts the intrigue of turbulent times at Tocal. A compelling history of the period.
[order].
An Eye for Excellence - The Reynolds of Tocal $28.00
'Tocal' and 'Reynolds' became household words in New South Wales wherever Hereford and Devon cattle or thoroughbred horses were discussed. This 120 page book traces the spirited and enterprising partnership of the pioneers Charles Reynolds and Francis Dun and their years at Tocal. It also records details of the descendants of this gifted and respected family.
[order].
The Vegetation of Tocal
This book is available for sale through NSWDPI - Tocal [details].
Three Days in May $10.00
This 48 page book records the twenty five year history of the Tocal Field Days, from its modest beginnings in 1984 to a premier agricultural event in the Hunter Valley that attracts crowds of around 30,000 people each year. Full colour and lots of great photos.
[order].
Who was CB Alexander? $10.00
This 84 page book brings to life the fascinating story of CB Alexander. It tells how his family migrated from the slums of Glasgow to the goldfields of Victoria and made their fortune in business before buying land and eventually moving to the Hunter Valley of NSW. When Charles died in 1947 his bequest led to the establishment of what is now the CB Alexander Campus of Tocal College. Full colour and lots of great photos.
[order].
An Introduction to Tocal Farms $10.00
When visitors come to Tocal, it is impossible to convey all the details of the many activities that occur daily on a working farm. This booklet fills the gaps and answers some of the common questions asked by first-time visitors. 40 pages, plenty of photos.
[order].
NBN Weather Book $23.95
Learn about the whys and wherefores of NBN's weather observations and forecasts. This 112 page full-colour book explains El Niño and world weather systems, global climate change, droughts, floods, how to use weather maps, keeping your own weather records and more.
[order].
Tocal Aboriginal Heritage - Video or DVD $22
This video shows how the Wonnarua people used the Tocal lands, their ancestral home. Their remarkable use and conservation of these environs is an important lesson to anyone concerned with landcare.
[order].
Tocal's First European Settler - James Phillips Webber $8
This book records the early European history of Tocal from its first settlement in 1822 until 1835. It includes details of early agriculture, convict issues and local history. 90 pages including colour plates of heritage items from the period, plus an extensive bibliography.
[order].
Tocal - The Changing Moods of a Rural Estate $30
This book records the history, beauty and character of Tocal Homestead, its outbuildings and surrounding estate. A unique and colourful look at one of Australia's most intact groups of colonial buildings.
[order].
Maitland on the Hunter $29.95
The only history of Maitland in print. 144 pages, with many photos, 2nd edition 2007. Learn why Maitland was for decades the largest town in NSW outside of Sydney. Covers Aboriginal and early European history, through to recent times. Includes flood data from 1820 to 2000 never before published. Comprehensive references and index. A 'good read' and a great gift for anyone interested in local or Australian history.
[order].
Marshall $4.95
A delightful children's book about Marshall, the Mareema dog who guards the sheep at Tocal. A touching story beautifully illustrated. A souvenir of Tocal or a special gift for a young person.
[order].
There is a full list of agricultural books and videos for sale on the Tocal College website
Prices include GST. Postage and handling (Australia) $6 for 1 - 2 items, $8 for 3 - 5 items, $10 for more than 5 items. Overseas postage charged at cost.
