December 10 in Queensland is known as Separation Day, commemorating the day in 1859 when the then, Moreton Bay settlement separated from New South Wales, thus becoming a colony in its own right.
And so it was a few weeks ago that my brother and his partner suggested that we accompany them to a fundraiser and book launch organised by the Royal Historical Society of Queensland on Separation Day. The idea was that they would buy our tickets and we would buy their tickets and that would be our Christmas gifts to each other. Sounded good to us so the tickets were organised.
The function was held at the convict built Commissariat stores in William St.
The action was on the lower level...I took this photo as we were leaving so the large crowd had thinned out a bit...
When we arrived, we loaded up our plates at the buffet table, but Myra and I found it rather awkward balancing a glass of bubbly, a plate of food and our handbags so we looked for somewhere where we could put down at least one of the items. No chairs left...so we headed outside where it was much cooler...
The view of the river from the old Commissariat Store, is blocked somewhat by the freeway...
Outside, there was an old rock wall which we could use as a table...
The buffet table had lots of platters with grilled Mediterranean vegetables...I rather loaded up on the eggplant!! It was delicious.
After a short while, everyone was encouraged to come back inside and listen to the speeches, including one made by the Minister for the Arts in the state government where he paid tribute to the team of writers who worked on the book being launched, 'Lost Brisbane'. After what seemed like, 'hours of speeches', we were once again free to move around and graze at the buffet table!
The view of the river from the old Commissariat Store, is blocked somewhat by the freeway...
Outside, there was an old rock wall which we could use as a table...
The buffet table had lots of platters with grilled Mediterranean vegetables...I rather loaded up on the eggplant!! It was delicious.
After a short while, everyone was encouraged to come back inside and listen to the speeches, including one made by the Minister for the Arts in the state government where he paid tribute to the team of writers who worked on the book being launched, 'Lost Brisbane'. After what seemed like, 'hours of speeches', we were once again free to move around and graze at the buffet table!
DH and I had preordered the book and we lined up to collect it...
My brother was for many years in the bookshop business and he noted that the price of this book, $29.99 was an absolute bargain as it is a thick volume, filled with historic photos of our city. He opined that books in that league normally retail from $80-$120. I've enjoyed looking through the book in the days since...it's very easy to lose track of time once you start delving into the contents.
As we ended the evening over coffee at our place, we all commented that it had been a great Christmas present, albeit a little early. :-)
3 comments:
That is a great book Maria. I was looking at it in a shop the other day and am thinking of buying it.
Sounds like a good day out. I haven't been to the Commisseriat Store since I first came to Brisbane 30 years ago. Beautiful stone work.
The food looks yummy, and the book looks fascinating. I hope someday you will take us on a tour of the museum. Please?
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