40 years of history

A CO-FOUNDER of the Cranbourne Shire Historical Society has praised the organisers of the society’s 40th birthday celebrations.
Kath Metherall, who now lives in Benalla, founded the society with Peggy Banks on 30 August 1968. The first meeting occurred at Mrs Metherall’s house at Tooradin.
“The 40th anniversary was wonderful and so rewarding to see so much interest in the society after 40 years,” Mrs Metherall said.
“I had a wonderful trip back to my old stomping ground.”
The four remaining original members are Mrs Metherall, Doug Smith of Cranbourne, Greg Dore of Benalla, and Derry Francis of Tooradin.
The founders discovered the Fisherman’s Cottage at Tooradin and worked to have it preserved. It is now the society’s headquarters.
Mr Dore chaired the first meeting and Mr Smith was appointed president.
When the old shire office at Cranbourne was saved from demolition, members of the society met there and have treasured the building ever since, holding their meetings in one of the rooms every fourth Thursday of the month.
Anyone with an interest in local history is welcome to join the society. The annual Christmas dinner will be held at Blue Hills in Cranbourne on 4 December. For more information call 5998 3643.