Whenever I want to know about Garston’s history, I go straight to Peter Naylor and Noel McMillan.
These two farmers were born and bred in Garston and have lived here all their lives. And both men are passionate in their own ways about preserving our history.
Peter has albums filled with photos of farming life back in the day and a story to go with each one. He kindly let me use some of these photos in
Winter Feeding On The Farm and Making Hay While The Sun Shines
History on the Garston Green
One of Peter’s main passions is restoring old vehicles to their former glory. When Russell Glendinning found that two of his old railway jiggers had gone to rack and ruin he brought them to Garston, hoping that Peter would work some magic.
And Peter did. Now, Garston is lucky to have them on display as part of our railway heritage precinct on the Garston Green.
Noel, on the other hand, has dedicated much of his time to collecting and preserving documents from the past. He’s got files, folders and books galore of fascinating documents and photographs showing farming and community life as it used to be.
Now, Noel is collaborating with his granddaughter to bring us a new Facebook page. Amanda has been posting photos and articles from Noel’s vast collection and reminding us of a bygone era. If you’ve lived in Northern Southland, you might well recognise places, events and faces. You might even spot yourself at these special events.
You can check it out at Preserving History
Thanks to Noel, Peter and all the dedicated historians who collect, sift, store and retell the stories of their districts. Our lives are richer for your work.
