These Hills, These Valleys is the history of Gloucester from its beginnings to its centenary year in 2003 written by Copeland’s Robin Budge and edited by the Gloucester Advocate’s former managing editor, Peter Hazell. The 100 page book was released as a gift insert in the newspaper so all residents would have access to a copy.

Do you still have your original tabloid sized copy? Do you know where it is?

The Historical Society was given the copyright by Robin and has had the original tabloid size reduced to A4 size and reprinted. It is an exact reproduction of the original and there are plans to produce another edition in the future with larger type and some editing of information. 

We would welcome input from anyone who wishes to clarify or correct any of the details; this is, after all ,a story of our town rather than a referenced history.

After many years of fundraising in Gloucester, the Historical Society has completed the new Archive Centre.

Volunteers are working hard to catalogue and file the vast amount of local information acquired over the years while always looking for more.

Family histories are of particular interest, we have many on file and assist in the research of further information with visitors from near and far.

We also have a large collection of old photos. Many on display in the museum and others stored in digital format to preserve the originals.

Members have the advantage of free entry to the museum and are able to do their own research with assistance or if not a member research can be requested for a fee.

School groups are regular visitors with the children fascinated by all the “old things” on display, each child is given the task of finding an item matching its modern picture…very hard for some!

These Hills, These Valleys and reprints of the book “100 Gloucester Shows” are available for purchase for $25 from the Gloucester District Historical Society’s Museum.

The museum is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30am to 1:30pm and Saturday from 10am until 2pm). Both publications will also be available from the Historical Society’s display at the Gloucester Show running Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17.