The Best Story

Yes, it is a good story about a family, the Best family, who have been a vital part of the history of our district for nearly 200 years. George Best arrived in Australia as a convict on the “William and Ann” in August, 1791. He had been a farmer in his former home in Sussex and was able to put his experience into practice when he was put to work at the Toongabbie Prison Farm. He must have pleased the authorities, as he was appointed Taskmaster and overseer and after seven years was given a free and absolute pardon.

In 1796 George married Martha Chamberlain, who was also a convict, having arrived on the “Indispensable ”earlier that year. They settled on 30 acres situated at Baulkham Hills, where their 9 children were born. George was one of the first to be given a grant of 60 acres at Dural, when the Crown land was opened up to settlers in September 1819. He shared this grant with his eldest son, Thomas, who developed it and purchased other grants. George, with another son, Robert, moved to the Murrumbidgee, where together they established “Wagga Wagga”. Thomas and his son Thomas Samuel acquired more land and became very successful farmers and orchardists

In 1825, the Great North Road was surveyed right through Best’s grant at Middle Dural. Thomas took advantage of this and built a “Half Way House” for the accommodation of travellers. It is described as “a very comfortable and convenient Inn between Parramatta and Wisemans Ferry”. Custom declined after 1835, but a shop and refreshment place called” Half Way House” was operating on that site in the 1950’s and 60’s. Some of our older residents would remember it

Probably the most important reason for remembering the Best family is the establishment of Middle-Dural school. By the 1880’s the population of the district had grown because of the increasing number of orchards, requiring a larger work force. Dural and Galston schools were about 3 miles away. Back then children had to walk to school, sometimes bare footed, and if the Colah Creek (now spanned by a bridge) was flooded the children could not get to Galston School. So the locals started agitating for their own school. The Department of Public Instruction considered they didn’t have enough students to warrant a school, until eventually the Best family gave the land, fenced it and built the first one room school. The Department only had to supply the teacher. This year the school is celebrating 125 years since opening

Many people in our community attended Middle Dural school. Shirley Clark (nee Best), who now resides in Rowland Village was one of them. She lived in Cranstons Rd, and attended the school. For High School she had to go to Parramatta. We are just so lucky to have a wide range of schools to choose from, and buses and cars for transport. It is rewarding to think back on the times and struggles of our pioneers.

History cottage, next to the Cenotaph in Galston Park is open again on Wednesdays from 1pm -4pm and on Sundays from 10am-4pm. You are welcome to call in and see a display of the history of our district

At the first meeting for this year of Dural Historical Society on Saturday, 13th February, at 2pm, Michael Bell will tell us about his recent excursion to Morocco. All welcome