Mar2015_Launch of Samford Reminiscences Vol 6
The invitation read – Samford Museum’s President and members invite the wider Samford community to the launch of Samford Reminiscences Vol 6 on Saturday December 6 at 1.30pm for 2pm launch at the Museum, Station Street, Samford Village. The response was fabulous and also meant many old friends were reunited once again.
Volume 6 contains 65 reminiscences by those who have recorded their wider Samford districts’ families’ life experiences and memories from 1870s to 1990 approximately. This book is a welcome addition to previous Samford Reminiscences Vols 1 – 5.
The following extracts are from the book launch report written by Eileen. A lot of discussion, and team effort, made the afternoon the success it was. Positive compliments came from all directions. A modest estimate would be that attendance totalled 150. Numbers fluctuated with cancellations due to the heavy early morning rain and the threat of thunderstorms in the pm, some encountering the Samford Range Road closed by an unfortunate accident.
Story contributor’s families made special trips from as far away as Minden, Gympie and the Gold Coast. All the planning – from permission to use of J Scott Park for parking, special colour coding of invitations and name tags, preparation in setting up and organising of function area and grounds, marquee, hiring of chairs, table placements, filling of urns for afternoon tea while hoping for sunshine and not rain.
Invited speakers( Progress Assn President, MBRC Councillor, State member for Ferny Grove and Federal member for Dickson) accepted invitations to speak briefly at the launch. Museum president Geoff Harris was MC, he rang the bell then welcomed everyone and acknowledged the first inhabitants of the land where our event was being held. Museum member Jim Kelly played the National Anthem on his mouth organ, guests were invited to join in the singing which was led by members Sharon and Peter Shinkel.
Book co-ordinator. member Eileen Kemp, spoke last and was interrupted by a "swaggie. AKA Ray Lind. Some banter followed before he produced a Samford Reminiscences Vol 6 from his sugar bag plus a bottle of port and declared the book launched as he handed it to Eileen. The antics caused much laughter.
Eileen presented Louise Jones (volunteer editor) and Hannah Nicholas (volunteer typesetter) with a book each. Louise received a plant form Geoff and Hannah with a specially made tool box (made by member Irwin Draper and painted by Alan Morris) in appreciation of their good work. Eileen was presented with an orchid from Geoff.
A surprise, a large celebration cake was brought out and Eileen, Louise and Hannah proceeded to cut and hand out to the guests.
Afternoon tea was provided by members bringing a "plate" each. Thanks to Stan and several members for working behind the scenes during the event. Guests, visitors and members enjoyed a very well presented and delicious afternoon tea.
A very, very successful day.
Thank you must also go to the ladies at the Samford Post Office who extended an invitation to have all our volumes available there for sale. Also a few copies have been placed at Dassch Hair. Thank you.
