WHITECLIFFS BOOK LAUNCH
A good gathering of manly local folk were present at Tarling Common, Whitecliffs on the 8 February to attend the launch of Richard and Bruce Maffey’s new book, “The Industries of the Malvern Hills”. The site of the restored Whitecliffs Station was most appropriate for the launch as the companion volume, “The White Cliffs Branch Railway” had been launched at the restored Homebush Station building in Darfield on Waitangi Day 2015. The event was made very special due to the presence of two direct descendants of James Ford, early settler of the South Malvern township and proprietor of the Ford & Ogdon Potteries there (1876). Malcolm and Jamie Ford were able to visit the site and original house, built by their great-grandfather and also the Glentunnel Museum, where a model of the potteries made by Malcolm Ford had been donated. This has become a real drawcard for the museum, helping to interpret the history of the potteries in the area. Travelling down for the occasion from Whangarei and Orewa respectively, they were absolutely delighted in a memorable day well spent in a beautiful part of the country. As Jamie commented, “We wouldn’t have missed it for the world!” The sincere hope of the authors, is that this completed work will highlight the wealth of history pertaining to the South Malvern area and its one-time importance to Canterbury - preserving it for future generations.
Jamie and Malcolm Ford at Tarling Common.