30th Anniversary Celebrations
The last meeting of Caloundra Family History saw the monthly formalities completed in record time so the 30th Birthday Celebrations could get underway. The group had a glorious sunny day for the event, held under marquees at their headquarters at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club. Current President, June Blackburn, welcomed our long-standing patrons, Mark and Judy McArdle, representatives from other local history societies, Committee Members, visitors from other genealogy groups and members past and present.
Approximately forty attended the celebrations and the group also launched their anniversary book detailing the group’s 30-year history. It was written by June, with research, editing and proofreading assistance from many on the committee. A special mention was made of the support from our current longest-serving member, Loris Gray.
June Blackburn and Loris Gray
Founding and early members share their memories
Founding members Jan Hunter (formerly Woods), Brenda Smith, Pat Norton, as well early members, Fran Lawrence and Therese Matthews shared the story of how CFHRI grew from friends researching at the local Caloundra library to the group it is today with 115 members. They shared the trials of researching in pre-internet days when all they had to rely on were print books, microfiche and birth-death-marriage certificates to shake out the skeletons and uncover the secrets. They find it encouraging that their own descendants embrace new computer-based research techniques and DNA. Cake cutting and afternoon tea concluded a successful afternoon.
Cutting the cake L to R: Mark McArdle (Patron), June Blackburn (Current President), Jan Hunter, Therese Matthews, Brenda Smith, Fran Lawrence, Pat Norton and Judy McArdle (Patron)
Interested in finding out about your family history?
With a number of special interest groups and a fully resourced library available to aid the need of those new to family history research, CFHRI welcomes new members as they continue to serve the Sunshine Coast community. Further information can be found on the Join Us webpage. As Mark McArdle reminded us, “If you don’t know your past, you won’t know your present and you won’t know your future.”
Valerie Thornton (R) presents June Blackburn flowers for the work she did on the Caloundra Family History Research Inc 30 Years of History Book.
Mark & Judy McArdle (Patrons) with June Blackburn (Current President)
CFHRI 30th Birthday Cake – May 1993 to 2023
Cutting the cake with founding and early members: L to R: June Blackburn (Current President), Jan Hunter, Therese Matthews, Brenda Smith, Fran Lawrence and Pat Norton.
Order your copy of CFHRI’s 30 Years of History
We are taking orders for copies of the book “30 Years of History”. If you would like your own copy head over to the shop to order by credit card or direct deposit or organise your order and payment at the rooms. The cost is $30.00 per book. Order soon to catch the next printing of the book.
The book is a comprehensive look at the group’s history with around 170 pages covering all the different aspects of Caloundra Family History Research Inc since it began.
Topics covered are extensive including venues, activities over the years, members and committees, The Clipper, Guest Speakers, Activities and Visits, Training, Conferences, Fundraising and Reminiscences, to name just some sections. An index at the back will help you locate activities and people mentioned.
Ordering instructions for a copy of the “30 Years of History” at our online store.