The early orchards to the east of Orange will be the focus of the next orchard evening organised by Orange and District Historical Society.Guest speakers at the meeting, to be held at Gladstone Hotel on Tuesday, November 25, will be Rob Williams and Sue Milne.
Sue is the daughter of John Milne, whose family, together with the related Spurway family, had orchards in the Glenroi and Bloomfield areas and east of Lone Pine Avenue.
Rob Williams' family had orchards along Steele's Lane, Malabar and Dairy Creek Road and still has one in the area. The speakers will mention these as well as orchards further east at Lucknow, Shadforth, Guyong and Byng.
Through these public meetings and other activities, the society aims to preserve the history of the fruit growing industry. The meetings have all been recorded and when time and manpower permits, they will be transcribed, edited and published. The society is now in a position to photograph or scan archives that people may have. It only requires copies and the originals will be returned to their owners.
Anyone is welcome to attend the meeting and there will be a chance to ask questions.Entry is free but a donation would be appreciated to help continue the society's valuable work in preserving the history of Orange and district.The Society's president, Phil Stevenson, says he hopes the meetings will trigger more research, collection of memoirs, photos and memorabilia.
The meeting will be held at 7 for 7.30pm in the Gladstone's function room. Light refreshments will be served.
If you have any inquiries or would like to attend the meeting, please RSVP to Phil Stevenson on 6362-3257, mobile 0402 412 188 or email ibiswines@bigpond.com