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Chapters of history at Far North libraries

History buffs are taking a step back in time at Far North libraries thanks to a successful series of talks on the district’s bygone days.

The history talks are held monthly at Procter Library in Kerikeri and every second month at Kawakawa Library. The library team has also started sessions at the Arvida Retirement Village in Kerikeri once a month.

Subjects and eras that are covered vary, with one of the most popular events at Procter Library last month when more than 40 people turned out to hear Joan Jurisch’s talk “Gumfields to Kwan Mandarins” about the life of Peter Jurisich. At Kawakawa Library, more than 30 people, mainly truckies, turned out recently to hear a talk on Northland truck drivers.

Other subjects have included the 1981 floods in Kerikeri, Kingston House and the Little Family, the Northland Wars (1845-1846), and touring around Kerikeri on a school bus in 1956.

With popularity growing, the library team is appealing for more speakers. In Kawakawa, anyone who knows about the Kawakawa Picture Theatre during the 1970s and 1980s, or has other Kawakawa-related stories, is encouraged to share their knowledge.

Speakers are also wanted to discuss life in Kerikeri and its surrounding areas during the 1970s and 1980s or any other subject related to the local community.

This week author Caroline Lawson talks about her book Memories of a Community Cop – Quin Turton on Thursday 20 June at Kawakawa Library from 10.30am. On Friday, staff from Waimate Mission House will share the story of George and Martha Clarke at Procter Library from 10.30am.

If anyone is interested in being a speaker, please contact our local history specialist at 09 407 9297 or email libraryarchives@fndc.govt.nz.

Follow Kawakawa Library and Procter Library on Facebook for more information about upcoming history talks.

Caption: The libraries' local history talks are growing in popularity.

History