What a delightful day some Astra residents spent at Parramatta Park, admiring the roses of Rumsey Gardens and touring Old Government House. The sun shone and the mood was relaxed and happy.

With the closure of the Rumsey specialist rose nursery at Dural in the late 1980s, two of each variety were gifted to Heritage Roses. The Rumsey Rose Garden, featuring some of the oldest roses in the colony, was opened in 1995. Although not all roses were in full bloom, we were amazed at the age and the international origins of this collection.

Some of us took the opportunity to visit Old Government House, built by convicts, and the country residence of the first ten governors of the colony. Restoration and refurbishment with antique furnishings briefly transported us to that colonial era. All the soft furnishings have been handmade and stitched by a group of volunteers, some of whom we met in their workroom.

While a few availed themselves of lunch at the nearby RSL Club, the remainder opted to dine at the restaurant attached to the Gatekeeper’s Cottage. And what a spread it was! Tables covered with snow white tablecloths were set up in an intimate little room. Tea cups and saucers were laid out for English (or Irish, in deference to the minority among us) tea. The service was impeccable, and the cost modest. Thank you, Ann, for booking our table.

We arrived home safe and sound, with numbers intact, a feat attributable to Kirsty’s organisation and aptitude with numbers.

Thank you to Aaron and Anna, for organising the bus, and to Sam for footing the bill for the transport.

Written by Cleo Lynch