In early October I’m returning to my rural roots, so to speak, and heading back to Erina on the NSW Central Coast hinterland, where I grew up on a small farm.
This is me aged 11 with my younger sisters one dewy morning in our orange orchard in 1959.
Erina is more a commuter suburb of Sydney these days, and the orchards have given way to lifestyle blocks and fancy houses. But it’s still recognisable, and the privet lining the roadsides still smells the same.
I’ll be talking about my book, Mountain Tails, at the Erina Library in the mighty Erina Fair Shopping Centre. In my day a super-modern drive-in (or so it was at the time) had made history, replacing the original orchard and chook farm with a popcorn-and-pluto-pup-scented occasion of sin.
The talk is at 3.30pm on Wednesday 7th October. They will be offering light refreshments as well as my scintillating speech and readings.
Bookings are required (02 4365 6725) — but the event is free.
Yes DWG, lots of memories there, and a very few rellies.
Sounds like a wonderful event!! Going home..making the home folks proud. And maybe some relatives still about? Do have a delightful time and I wish you safety and some special new memories!! DWG
(I am sure you will have some tales to share)