Many assisted in the telling of this story and I acknowledge and thank them all.
Patricia has never visited Weabonga but she retains memories of our chats and my letters about the village and school from 1960 and 1961. Her reminders illuminated much of the writing.
Sean, my son, when he saw the growing manuscript, suggested it might make a fine subject for a television documentary or filmed recreation, so I pushed ahead. Sean also urged me to revisit Weabonga recently, accompanied me, and captured a wonderful set of photographs.
During that visit we were hosted in the old school, the Williamson property, and the Thomas property. That kindness and generosity were important to me and I am grateful for them.
At times I needed to check my memory of Tamworth and went immediately to its wonderful history City on the Peel: A History of Tamworth and District 1818–1976, written by my dear friend Roger Milliss.
Judy Nunn and Bruce Venables encouraged my writing and suggested ways of approaching topics and dialogue. Their support and wisdom had me joking about their having created ‘The Bays Literary Institute’.
But special acknowledgement and thanks must go to the wonderful team at Allen & Unwin. Jane Palfreyman immediately saw the possibilities in the first draft and shepherded the enterprise throughout. Kate Goldsworthy and Samantha Kent assisted so brilliantly through their careful editing and sensitive suggestions. Thank you also to cover designer Christa Moffitt and map-designer Mika Tabata.