One of the region’s most beautiful locations will celebrate a major milestone this weekend… and everyone’s invited to the “party”.

Back to Broke, three days of entertainment and activities, is set to mark the picturesque village’s 200 years of settlement.

Founded by the Blaxland clan, and a part of the Great North Road, Broke was a 19th Century droving stopover and a 20th Century dairying community.

Now, it’s a recognised wine region with its own terroir and distinctive award-winning vineyards.

The village was given its name by Major Thomas Mitchell, the Surveyor General, who used the moniker of his English friend Sir Charles Broke-Vere.

John Blaxland built a mill at the nearby Fordwich by 1860.

Six years later, Broke boasted an Anglican church, a farm implements workshop and a school.

The Great North Road was completed and became the main stock route to Sydney and, since it passed through Broke, it contributed to further growth of the village, with something like a 1,000 head of cattle using the route each week.

This amount of activity meant that by the late 1800s the town had several hotels, a post office, a school, a mill, two churches, a hall, a brick kiln, a butchery, bakery and blacksmith.

However, it was not to last.

The railways eventually replaced the Great North Road as the main route between Sydney and the Hunter, which meant a drastic drop in traffic through Broke.

But, the locals are just as proud of their home now as they were back then.

And, they’ll kick off their celebrations – organised by the Broke Residents Community Association Bicentennial Committee – with a Spirit of the Vine dinner on Friday 11 October.

It will be followed up by the Back to Broke festivities, according to coordinator Dain Simpson, on Saturday 12 October at Broke Reserve.

“We’re re-enacting the 1874 cricket match between Broke and Bulga, with the setting and the dressing matching the date,” he said.

“We’ll have food, bicentennial souvenirs, music, children’s games, family marquees, a twilight balloon ascent, all part of a day for everyone connected to Broke.

“An evening event at Winmark Wines continues the fun.

“Broke’s heritage will also be on view with new signage at historic sites and buildings, a free stagecoach ride around the village and three exhibitions over two days. 

“A display of wedding dresses at the Roman Catholic Church and a Springtime Floral Display at the Anglican Church is scheduled, too.

“At Broke Hall, we’re hosting the Story of Broke, tales from the past, film and video from First Nations to the flood, an historic quilt, pictures from many years, exploring family history, sharing stories.

“Sunday 13 October features a community walk or fun run, The McNamara Mile, a sharing experience along Broke’s new pathway. 

“A memorial plaque will be unveiled by Singleton mayor Sue Moore while a 1988 time capsule is being updated with contemporary stories.

“So, anyone with past or present connections to Broke, or just likes a good story and a good day out, is invited to join in.”

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