History of Loch - The township of Loch in South Gippsland was established with the coming of the railway in the 1876. - Early in Loch's development, the townspeople recognised the need for a local and accessible school to provide the fluctuating numbers of children with an elementary and socialising education. Petitions were sent to the Victorian Department of Education for this purpose and by 1889 the school had been constructed and a Head Teacher, Francis William Clarke, appointed. He remained at Loch for the next 28 years and his time there provides the focus for a broad exploration into the establishment and growth of a small Victorian town. The school's fluctuating numbers reflect the transient nature of Loch's early population, while Clarke's experiences with the Victorian Department of Education demonstrate the difficulties of dealing with a remote and officious bureaucracy. In many ways the history of this school and its teacher provide valuable information about living in what was then an isolated town, and the efforts of its residents to establish a sense of place and community. Through school history, we gain insight into the values, aspirations and achievements of the town's people. *History information was gathered online from "The Township is a Rising One" - a book (abstract) by Lyn Payne. On the Public Record Office Victoria. The Town Today - Loch Village, is a thriving craft community with cosy cafes, charming curios, antique stores and galleries. - The township is set back from the highway amongst colourful cottage gardens that spill out cheekily onto the street. - The village is popular with patchwork enthusiasts with the annual Quilt Hanging drawing large crowds Town Facilities * Supermarket/General Store * Loch Newsagency and General Store - 32 Victoria Street Quick facts - 80 kilometres south-east of Melbourne Activities and attractions See "Things to see and do" section for further details - Loch suspension bridge - Quilters barn Major events - Quilt Hanging at Loch – February - Hymn Fest – Loch – October How to get there Loch is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne on the South Gippsland Highway. Vline bus services are available for travel. Loch Community Development Association Clarence Street, Loch, 3945. s.hickmott@metaltec.com.au For additional information regarding Loch Village visit: http://www.loch.org.au/online/