Our favourite parts of the day were:

• Learning how to wash – we learned that washing was hard in the 1860s. They had to collect the water, scrub with soap and then use a piece of equipment called a dolly to rinse the clothes we were washing. 
• Mr Harris, who lived in Newstead House in the 1860s, taught us about manners. We learned that if someone does something good, you lightly clap on your palm and say things like, “Jolly good,” and “Good show.”
• 1860’s games – Mr Harris also showed us some olden games. We played Skittles, Quoits, Croquet and Bilbo.  We enjoyed these games, but some we know by different names now.
• Jane, from Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre, showed us all the old artefacts that are in the rooms under Newstead House. The rooms are set up like it was in the 1860s. 
• At the end of the day we learned about different plants they grew and used in Newstead House gardens. We loved the smell of the lemon-myrtle.

We loved our excursion and have special thanks to the Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre for our day.  Also, to all the Mum and Dad helpers who came along, thank you.  

 Written by Theo and Ailish

(with help from Miss Grim)