Blackbutt Cemetery, tiny but well-preserved, was in use from the mid 1800s until 1911 and holds many stories from the Valley’s history.

For the enthusiastic 83-year-old local historian, it is where he can touch those whose lives led to the Nambucca from England via Canada and hence his eventual birth in the area.

“My great grandfather was John Campbell Stuart - he arrived from Nova Scotia, became a shipbuilder in Newcastle and then moved north in search of the good timber needed to build boats,” Clyde said.

“He settled first at Stuarts Point, south of Macksville and later moved up here to Stuarts Island. Both these places bear his name.

“When he died his coffin was transported up river by steam boat and then carried up the hill for burial.”

Clyde also drew the Guardian’s attention to an old 1872 plan of the area, which shows that a village called ‘Wilson’ was planned for the western side of what is now Wilsons Rd.

“Back then all that land was reserved for maritime purposes,” he said.

* On Saturday the Mary Boulton Pioneer Cottage and Museum committee will conduct guided tours of both the Blackbutt and Macksville cemeteries.

Anyone interested can meet at the Pioneer Cottage, Gumma Rd, Macksville at 10am for the tour of the former (or at Spaldings Rd at 10.30am).

The tour of the Macksville Cemetery will start at 1.30pm.

Wear walking shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent. 

For more information phone Joy Lane 6564-2048 or Geoff Minett 6568-1265.