Talk on early orchards east of Orange

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, at 7pm for 7.30pm, will be Rob Williams and Sue Milne. Sue Milne 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 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. 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: [email protected]