Stuart Lloyd

Author of The Lightning Ridge Book (1967), Stuart Lloyd was born in Coonamble on 5 July 1902, son of Charles Lloyd and Jane Lloyd (nee Ferguson), and was educated at Scots College, Sydney.

He was a jackaroo in Queensland for a time, later managing his father’s property near Narrabri after his father’s passing. He later became a member and representative of the Grazier’s Association of New South Wales.

Lloyd was a veteran of World War II, he served in the Army in the second Australian Imperial Force from 1939 to 1948.

Stuart Lloyd was married twice, first to Patricia Joseph Clancy and later to Joan Dowbiggin.

Lloyd lived and mined for opal in Lightning Ridge for a period, likely in the late 1950s to early 1960s, while he was working on The Lightning Ridge Book.

Lloyd’s book took ten years to write and research, and is a compilation of information gathered from local residents — especially old miners — who had stories to tell about the old days. Lloyd is quite clear in the introduction to his book that the information is presented as-is, ‘straight from the horse’s mouth’, with minimal editorialising. Lloyd lists a considerable number of sources through which he has fact-checked the information in his book, including the Public Library of New South Wales (the Mitchell Library retains an inscribed copy of The Lightning Ridge Book, gifted by Lloyd as a token of appreciation), the NSW Department of Mines, the Walgett Spectator, the NSW Police Department and many other official organisations and respected individuals.

The Lightning Ridge Book was published in 1967, with two further reprints. The first two print runs saw some 6,000 copies distributed. The final print run was in 1979. Many of the earlier prints can be distinguished by an unfortunate deterioration of the cover lamination, the later 1979 print has a matte printed cover that has proven more sturdy.

The Lightning Ridge Book covers and extensive range of Lighting Ridge-related subjects. The topics covered are listed here.

The Lightning Ridge Historical Society holds a small donated collection of items from Stuart Lloyd. The collection includes a letter from Lloyd himself acknowledging the success of his book and providing some commentary; original photographs used in the photographic plates; original correspondence with the family of Robert and Frances Moore; original interview notes with Fred Bodel; original letters received from broadcasters with regards to The Shadow of Lightning Ridge (silent film from 1920), and other items. As part of this collection, The Society also holds an original manuscript of The Lightning Ridge Book with author’s notes and corrections.

Stuart Lloyd passed away on 23 December 1967 at the age of 65 at Mumbil (near Dubbo), only four weeks after the initial print run of The Lightning Ridge Book. His widow, Joan, took care of the second and third reprints, ensuring Lloyd’s legacy would continue.

Joan remained in Lightning Ridge, later marrying Evan Fuller, another opal miner.

• Stuart Lloyd @ Find a Grave.

Article: Research by Leisa Carney, edited by Russell Gawthorpe. LRHS research compiled by Len Cram and Barbara Moritz. Sources: The Lightning Ridge Book, Stuart Lloyd, 1967 (including Preface by Max Walters, Terramungamine, Dubbo); ‘Briefly Reviewed - The Lightning Ridge Book’, Walkabout, vol. 35, no. 9, 1 September 1969, p. 48; Lightning Flash Newspaper, 14 December 1978, 12 April 1979, p. 48; State Library of New South Wales, item no. 74VvkRW228bM; LRHS collection items and oral history.