Cynthia and Mena Freshwater – framed memorial photograph of Leah Liddiard.

This fundraising activity has again proved successful however a small number of calendars are still available. For your copy contact Thelma Mayze or the T.D.H.S. rooms; now only $5 each.

The National Trust Photographic Committee will be visiting our area over the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June. They are interested in photographing older and interesting buildings, houses and commercial structures to expand and update their photographic archive. The group will consist of several photographers and other interested persons and they would like to visit 5-6 homesteads for each of the three days that they are here. They seek our help in planning and arranging which properties to visit during their stay.

If you would like to be involved or for more information, please call Jim Hood on 5174 3797.

Planning is well underway for a Hill family gathering to be held at Toongabbie on Saturday, 8th April. This event will coincide with Thomas and Mary’s arrival in Toongabbie in 1869. They had four sons, James Russell, Peter Anderson, Thomas McKenzie and William Anderson. Their descendants, many of whom still live in the Traralgon area, now number over 200.

For further information or to register your interest in attending this event, please contact Thomas Hill on (03) 5981 8661 or by emailing tomjan@rabbit.com.au.

An invitation to walk through and inspect ‘Mayfield’, the property of Colin and Alison May, May’s Road, Tyers, has been extended to T.D.H.S. members. A definite date of either 26th March or 2nd April will be confirmed at the March meeting.

For more information please call Lois Couch on 5176 6356.

In 1856, the new Parliament officially opened as the seat of democracy in Victoria; in 2006, the Parliament of Victoria is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

It is proposed that the August T.D.H.S. meeting be held at Parliament House in Melbourne. The Honorable Mr Peter Hall M.L.C., Member for Gippsland Province, has offered to host a dinner for 26 T.D.H.S. members with guest speakers including Peter Ryan M.L.A., Leader of The Nationals and Member for Gippsland South. After dinner, Parliament will be sitting and members are invited to watch all the action. Dinner will cost $30 while transport costs and further details are yet to be determined. As numbers are limited, please register your interest with Lois Couch on 5176 6356.