Liam McNally
Over the last half-century Bacchus Marsh fruit producer Glenda Jones has witnessed the growth of her town from a rural farming community to a bustling regional town, and will share her insight into the changing community at a BacchChat event on Saturday, May 6.
Ms Jones moved to Bacchus Marsh more than fifty years ago, and with her family business Jeff Jones Plants and Produce grew and sold apples, pears, vegetables and stone fruits along Bacchus Marsh’s iconic Avenue of Honour.
Ms Jones said she loved “the Marsh” from the moment she arrived, and over the years as she became more involved with the community she became more passionate until she truly felt like a “Marshian”.
“Even though its had such enormous growth, it has been able to maintain its status as a country town. When you come over that hill and down into the valley it is like leaving metropolitan Melbourne for the county, I still love what we’ve got,” she said.
The BacchChat talk will cover Ms Jones’ perspective on the history and culture of Bacchus Marsh from 1970’s until now, the small family farms lining The Avenue of Honour and the Avenue’s role as the gateway to the town and the foundation of its tourism platform, and farm gate sales from beginning to end.
She will also cover the Strawberries and Cherries Festival, which she began with Bacchus Marsh Tourism Association almost 20 years ago, the success of which Ms Jones said amazed her “more than anything else”.
Ms Jones said she’s enthusiastic about the chance to give her talk.
“The word says what I envisage it’s all about, so I’m looking forward to BacchChatting about Bacchus Marsh,” she said.
Details: www.moorabool.vic.gov.au/Events/BacchChat-with-Glenda-Jones
