What a wonderful outing we had in June, even though it was a rainy and cold day. Firstly, we visited St. Matthew Anglican Church in Albury which was burnt down in November 1991 and has now been restored to its original beauty. Apart for some small changes such as using pane glass (for extra light and better connection with the garden outside) instead of stained-glass windows it was a really pleasant experience.
We then paid a visit to Adamshurst Mansion and Gardens in Albury. What a hidden gem. Not only the building and gardens, but also the owners of the property, St Matthew’s Father Peter and his mother Sandra MacLeod-Miller. Following a variety of activities in its life such as Albury High School Girls’ Hostel, a restaurant and function centre, in 1944 it was taken over by the Airforce, a Rehabilitation and Day Care Centre in 1978, the home is once again a residence and now also a concert venue. The restoration of the gardens has begun, with plantings of crepe myrtle (Indian Lilacs-sometimes called the Pride of India), pryus callryana, magnolias, Wollemia Pine, Bunya Bunya Pine, and other plantings referencing Indian and colonial influences.
Then we entered the house for morning tea and were treated to a ‘history’ lesson of the house by Father Peter and his mother. This dissertation was highlighted with humor and a light-hearted history lesson. Since taking possession of the property, Father Peter has had the house renovated back to its original Indian period and furnished with the same influences. The Ballroom contains a pipe organ from Yorkshire and has hosted some of Australia’s greatest musical talents, including Greta Bradman, Sally-Anne Russell, instrumental soloists and ensembles, organists and pianists.
The Library, which has marble flooring and Florentine Blue glass leadlight windows, has recently become home to two harpsicords. We were very lucky to be able to take time to look through the rooms in the house. There was so much to see, memorabilia of Albury’s musical and cultural past. Adamshurst as an artistic social and cultural hub has also held musical receptions for the now Governor General, his excellency General David Hurley and Mrs Hurley.
A new grand piano was installed for a recent concert by an up and coming young Australian pianist, and we were treated to a couple of tunes by Father Peter. We were also treated to some music by one of the visitors on the day, thank you, Judy.
Lunch was taken at Borella Café, followed by some therapy shopping at Peard’s Nursery.
Thank you so much, Gwen, for researching and organising this wonderful outing to Albury. It was greatly appreciated, as is the work you put into making all the outings for the Garden Appreciation Group so interesting and informative.
Heather Wallace
Coming up:
July 28th Floral Arrangement ‘From The Garden’ By Melissa Mounsey. If you have anything in the garden that Melissa could use, bring it along, it will be most welcome. We will meet in U3A Room at 9 .45am. Please bring a small plate of morning tea to share. Tea and Coffee available for you, lunch at Royal Hotel
As August will be Garden Appreciation’s winter break there will no activities during that month.
On September 22nd there will be a bus trip to ‘The Falls’ in Longwood East, a stunning garden blooming in between a lake and a Waterfall. If you find walking around difficult, there is a lovely spot to sit. Lunch, at own cost, will be at Seven Creeks Hotel Euroa after we have been to the falls. The cost for the Bus, Entry to The Falls garden and Morning tea is $37.00 per person. Bookings for Bus Trip - either phone or email me - 0438627010, email gwenturner243@gmail.com. Money to be in by the first week in September. I will be away from 30 July to 28th August, however, money can be left at the RedB4 Bookshop next to Hide’s Bakery in Bridge Street. Please put your name on the envelope.
Gwen Turner
We then paid a visit to Adamshurst Mansion and Gardens in Albury. What a hidden gem. Not only the building and gardens, but also the owners of the property, St Matthew’s Father Peter and his mother Sandra MacLeod-Miller. Following a variety of activities in its life such as Albury High School Girls’ Hostel, a restaurant and function centre, in 1944 it was taken over by the Airforce, a Rehabilitation and Day Care Centre in 1978, the home is once again a residence and now also a concert venue. The restoration of the gardens has begun, with plantings of crepe myrtle (Indian Lilacs-sometimes called the Pride of India), pryus callryana, magnolias, Wollemia Pine, Bunya Bunya Pine, and other plantings referencing Indian and colonial influences.
Then we entered the house for morning tea and were treated to a ‘history’ lesson of the house by Father Peter and his mother. This dissertation was highlighted with humor and a light-hearted history lesson. Since taking possession of the property, Father Peter has had the house renovated back to its original Indian period and furnished with the same influences. The Ballroom contains a pipe organ from Yorkshire and has hosted some of Australia’s greatest musical talents, including Greta Bradman, Sally-Anne Russell, instrumental soloists and ensembles, organists and pianists.
The Library, which has marble flooring and Florentine Blue glass leadlight windows, has recently become home to two harpsicords. We were very lucky to be able to take time to look through the rooms in the house. There was so much to see, memorabilia of Albury’s musical and cultural past. Adamshurst as an artistic social and cultural hub has also held musical receptions for the now Governor General, his excellency General David Hurley and Mrs Hurley.
A new grand piano was installed for a recent concert by an up and coming young Australian pianist, and we were treated to a couple of tunes by Father Peter. We were also treated to some music by one of the visitors on the day, thank you, Judy.
Lunch was taken at Borella Café, followed by some therapy shopping at Peard’s Nursery.
Thank you so much, Gwen, for researching and organising this wonderful outing to Albury. It was greatly appreciated, as is the work you put into making all the outings for the Garden Appreciation Group so interesting and informative.
Heather Wallace
Coming up:
July 28th Floral Arrangement ‘From The Garden’ By Melissa Mounsey. If you have anything in the garden that Melissa could use, bring it along, it will be most welcome. We will meet in U3A Room at 9 .45am. Please bring a small plate of morning tea to share. Tea and Coffee available for you, lunch at Royal Hotel
As August will be Garden Appreciation’s winter break there will no activities during that month.
On September 22nd there will be a bus trip to ‘The Falls’ in Longwood East, a stunning garden blooming in between a lake and a Waterfall. If you find walking around difficult, there is a lovely spot to sit. Lunch, at own cost, will be at Seven Creeks Hotel Euroa after we have been to the falls. The cost for the Bus, Entry to The Falls garden and Morning tea is $37.00 per person. Bookings for Bus Trip - either phone or email me - 0438627010, email gwenturner243@gmail.com. Money to be in by the first week in September. I will be away from 30 July to 28th August, however, money can be left at the RedB4 Bookshop next to Hide’s Bakery in Bridge Street. Please put your name on the envelope.
Gwen Turner
Photographs - Gwen Turner and David Palmer
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