Orchards, and memories of growing up in Uralla

In conversation

Eliza Kent
Peter Barkley

Recorded: 2012
Length: 38:02

“That was always a fun day when the Captain came out to dynamite the mine.”

About this conversation

Eliza Hunt remembers some of the more notable characters of her childhood with her partner, Peter Barkley.

Eliza shares with her partner, Peter, memories of growing up on a cherry orchard in Arding, just north of Uralla. Eliza lived on the orchard until age 13 when she and her family moved to Armidale. She recalls her first memories of the farm, visiting her neighbor and local community as kids, and Mr Tet Fong, the Chinese orchardist, who was also a neighbour. Eliza describes the labour-intensive work on the orchard for her father, his difficulty procuring labour, and the prevailing attitudes. She talks about the broader disregard for native trees and animals by the farmers and their use of chemicals. She also talks about her memory of Aboriginal people in the area and how this came more into focus during her high school years at Armidale High. Eliza refers to a number of the characters in town and the places they'd have family picnics in the surrounding district.

Transcript

Transcript coming soon.

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