Explore local history
Delve into the past thanks to the series of local histories published by Helensburgh and District Historical Society. Two new titles are The Decade After World War II, by society vice-president Dr Lorraine Jones and Timber Rolled Out and Money Rolled In: The Story of James Foster, by Pam Hesse and Janet Lee. Booklets $15 each (plus postage), shop at www.historichelensburgh.org.au or ring Jan on 0418 681 384.
Find gifts for everyone
Collins Booksellers Thirroul has a vast array of books, stationery, and gifts for all ages and price ranges. Just arrived is a selection of new and exciting games, as well as the latest releases in every genre. The staff always pay special attention to the Children’s Section – ask them for help to find exactly what you need.
Support the Writers Centre
The South Coast Writers Centre has a curated anthology of creative writing by local South Coast writers coming out soon, and they love the design so much they just had to put it everywhere! Buy Christmas presents for your writerly friends, or get yourself the perfect coffee mug with gorgeous art, then come to the anthology launch in January. Find out more from southcoastwriters.org
Discover the South Coaster set
During the depths of lockdown, the publishers at 2508 and the makers at Lulu Ceramics came up with a creative collaboration. So, just in time for summer, comes the South Coaster guidebook and cup set.
Lulu Ceramics is a small family business based in Helensburgh. The talented makers are Lucy Lee and Rod Armistead, a husband-and-wife team who use hand-building and wheel-thrown techniques to create sculptural forms and functional items (look out for their regular stall at Coledale Markets).
Inspired by the colour of ocean rockpools, Lucy and Rod delivered beautiful South Coaster cups to complement the insiders’ guide to our beautiful backyard.
Published by the 2508 team, and covering the region from the Royal National Park to Eden itself, the South Coaster is illustrated by fabulous photography, fine art and unique watercolour village maps. All the writers – 2508 readers will recognise many regulars – are experts in their field, generously sharing their local knowledge so you can explore all the best places to bush walk, trail run, swim, surf, snorkel, paddleboard, cycle, watch whales, pick fresh fruit and go hanggliding!
The South Coaster guidebook represents the ‘best of’ stories published over the past decade in 2508 District News and 2515 Coast News, and all proceeds will go back into producing independent local news. The set is $50, with free local delivery, go to www.southcoaster.com.au/shop