For many of those who follow our posts these scenes will be very familiar. At this time of year right across Sunraysia, long days of hard work were put in by the families on the blocks, along with many others from town who came to lend a hand. Taken on two different properties, this news film from 1993 shows how the fruit was dipped, dried and then readied to be shipped off to the sheds. I wonder if we’ll find out exactly where these shots were taken ?
This is a winner Ian. No blockie would want to bring back the 'good old days' but it is good to remember by watching a film clip in comfort. It could be any block from about the late 60's. Dad retired and sold in 1979/80. His block is now fresh fruit I think, but was driedfruit from Chaffey days until then. I still miss the genuine sultanas and currants which you can't buy in the supermarket. They had the taste of grape. I also miss the smell of the district in picking. There was also a shared feeling of activity and community.
