Lynne Hosking, President Armidale Branch
In March 2024, NPA Armidale and Tamworth Branches began celebrating their 50th Anniversary year with a convivial lunch in the historic Bendemeer Hotel. This venue offered the opportunity for old friends to catch up and to greet new members. Participants included 4 founding members and it was wonderful to hear stories from Ron Webster, Tamworth Branch, Peter Metcalfe the first President Armidale, Ian Johnstone who initiated an Armidale Branch, and Kate Boyd who joined with her parents. Slides and commentary by Kate and by Barbara Webster highlighted the joys and benefits gained growing up in NPA families, connecting with nature on walking and camping trips. Robin Gunning, Tamworth NPA President, thanked everyone for travelling to the event and Lynne Hosking, Armidale President, read a poem as expressed in these extracts from By the Care of our NPA Roots and Branches we Grow:
“Hip hip hooray, Tamworth led the way, starting an NPA Branch on 26 April, 1974;
followed by Walcha 26 June, then came Armidale 25 July – another historic day!
The result? A conservation presence in nothern NSW and gathering of members & friends here today.”
“ In 50 years we’ve seen new parks & reserves…Werrikembe, Apsley, Cathedral Rocks, Warrabah,
Oxley Wild Rivers, Ben Halls Gap, Washpool, Terania, Torrington, Pilliga, Cunnawarra; with
additions to New England and many more…”
“ With respect for First Nations Custodians of Country, we strive for our descendants, for a healthy
Planet – for our soils, catchments, rivers, forests, woodlands, grasslands and Travelling Stock Reserves.”
“Being a member of NPA is an honour to cherish with glee; it feels very special to celebrate our
Branches’ 50th Year Anniversary”
