We have a few events coming up in the next month!

To help prepare for them, we’re having two costume-making sessions in October – on Sunday 21st October, and Sunday 28th October, both from 1.30 to 4.30 pm, in the HIstorical Society’s rooms at 114 Faulkner Street Armidale (the old Dumaresq Chambers building on the corner with Cinders Lane). Come along and bring what you’re working on, or ideas for what you’d like to make!

Afternoon tea at Saumarez homestead

On Sunday, 4th November, we’ll have afternoon tea at the beautiful Saumarez Homestead, near Armidale Airport. Do dress up in historic costume if you have one, or a spring frock or dashing waistcoat. I suggest that we meet at the cafe there at about 1.00pm, which gives us time to have afternoon tea and a wander (and photographs) in the gorgeous gardens, before those that wish to can join the 3pm house tour. Please note that Saumarez has a limited menu, which does make afternoon tea inexpensive, but if you have dietary restrictions you may wish to bring some food for yourself. There is an additional charge for garden entry – $8, although we may be able to get a group price – and if you’d like to do the house tour the cost is $15 for both the house and the gardens (although again we may be able to get a group rate.) But it is a stunning late 19th century house, beautifully kept, and worth it!

Centenary of the WW1 Armistice

Sunday, 11th November marks the centenary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in the First World War, and there will be three events in Armidale on that day. The RSL is holding two services – a Church service at 7.30 at the Anglican Cathedral, and a Remembrance Day service at about 10.15 at the War Memorial Fountain in Central Park, finishing in time for the traditional minute’s silence at 11am, the time at which the Armistice was signed and Germany formally surrendered to the Allies. Several of us are planning to attend at least the service in the park, dressed in civilian 1918 costume, out of respect for those who endured the long years of the war, and those who fell.

The third event will be the opening of an exhibition at the Armidale Folk Museum, which will look back at the Armistice and WW1 and explore the themes of Sorrow, Celebration and Social Change that the war years brought to Armidale and district. The news of the signing of the Armistice reached Armidale at about 8pm on the 11th November 1918, and such was the relief that there was a huge and impromptu celebration in Beardy Street – people simply poured out on to the streets, with musical instruments, processions, flags. The celebrations went on until the small hours of the morning, and the following day was declared a public holiday. Some of us will also dress up/remain dressed-up in 1918 fashion for the exhibition opening, which may be around noon – time to be confirmed.

If you’d like to take part in 1918 fashion in the Centenary events, let me know, and I can provide some resources.