Berrima | by the river

Off the Berrima markets this morning, then an interesting wander by the river before returning home.  Apparently, some enemy aliens (mainly officers from German merchant steamers caught in Australian ports at the outbreak of war) were interned in Berrima Goal during the first world war.  They were given the run of the town and created a pleasure garden and a flotilla of canoes on the Wingecarribee River.  Fame of their bridge, huts and gardens spread, and people came to sightsee, swim and picnic—and see the Germans! Blip is of site of Villa Marcella.  For the very sad tale of its love struck builder, see extra. (See http://www.migrationheritage.nsw.gov.au/exhibition/enemyathome/berrima-internmentcamp/index.html for more information.)