The second edition of the CQU Foundation’s 'Down Memory Lane' was launched this week at a special morning tea with the book’s authors.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ron Davies commended the book and its authors during the official ceremony and The Morning Bulletin editor John Schalch officially launched the fast-selling book.

“It was inevitable that Down Memory Lane Book II be published,” said Glenys Kirkwood, CQU Foundation Program Co-ordinator and the book’s Editor. “The response to the original Down Memory Lane Book in 2002 was overwhelming. It prompted more stories to be told and memories of times, both good and bad to be recalled and recounted and subsequently gathered and put together to form Book II,” she said.

“They are unique stories of interesting times that moulded unique and interesting people.

“Some of the 26 authors have names that are locally well known with Charles Patterson, a local 4RO identity for many years, Emily Duthie the doyen of good taste and Dr Mervyn Gold the respected dermatologist among them. Others are not quite so widely known, but each and every story has its own charm and additional piece of information about the formation of the spirit of Central Queensland,” Mrs Kirkwood said.

An important difference with Book II is that its publication was fully funded from various local businesses and individuals within the community, allowing the total proceeds to go directly toward the restoration of Rockhampton Post Office in readiness for the Central Queensland Regional Health Partnership. Ergon Energy, Rockhampton City Council, Acton Land and Cattle Company, George Baxter Real Estate and Mercy Aged Care Services along with individual donors, saw the value of recording our history for those that follow.

This book will join its predecessor and become part of the Capricornia Historical Collection, housed at the Central Queensland University Library as well as being available in local Municipal Libraries.

A second print run now needed of Book I, means that around 800 copies have already been sold with demand still strong. It is anticipated that Book II will follow suit. The books are available from the CQU Foundation Offices in the Former Supreme Court for $10 each. There is also a photocopied version available at $5 per copy. They make excellent ‘postable’ Xmas gifts for ex-residents, for family members or overseas friends interested in the true spirit of Central Queensland.

Phone Reaghan Bickey on 4923 2509 or email r.bickey@cqu.edu.au to order your copy.

Photo above: Reaghan Bickey, Glenys Kirkwood, Edna Brown, Pat Maloney Snr and Anne Gribbin.

Photo left: John Schalch, Glenys Kirkwood, Emily Duthie, Les Duthie and Professor Ron Davies.