Wednesday 19 November 2014
Michelle de Kretser, the acclaimed author of the multi-award-winning novel Questions of Travel was in conversation with Orange City Librarian Sean Brady.  Michelle spoke about the story behind her book – the characters and themes of travel, work, communication, love and loneliness.  Michelle also spoke about her new novella, a ghost story called Springtime.  Michelle surprised 3 lucky ladies when she gave out copies of her book.

Visitors to Orange City Library have been somewhat surprised to be greeted by a Dragon smiling over the desk. No they’re not seeing things! The Dragon masthead, on loan from the Colour City Dragons, is in residence in the lead up to the Taste Orange Slow Summer Dragon Boating Challenge to be held at Lake Canobolas on Sunday 27 January.

The Library  has entered a team in the Challenge. Appropriately we’re called Team READ. Several of our staff are keen dragon boaters so there’s a lot of practice happening and, in the absence of a boat and paddles, we’re making do with chairs and mailing tubes. Our best attribute is our team spirit and our ability to work together.  If you’re free on 27 January come out to the Lake and cheer us on, and in the interim if you’re in the Library say hi to Puff.

Today a whole of baking was going on to test Merle Parrish’s recipes from her book. Merle was a MasterChef favourite on the show last year and has now produced her cookbook that is selling like well… hotcakes. There are recipes for scones, puddings, cakes and of course the famous (and her favourite) Peach Blossom Cake.

We tried out the Chocolate Ripple Cake, Date Slice, Chocolate Cake, Passionfruit Slice and Peach Blossom all meeting Merle’s seal of approval at today’s book launch held at Orange City Library and supported by the Hardback Cafe.

Merle spoke about her MasterChef experience, her recipes and her now busy schedule which includes an interview on the Today Show, an appearance on The Circle and a guest appearance at our own F.O.O.D. Week event Books on the Menu on 18 April at 5.30pm. Merle said she had been baking since she was 7 years old and is celebrating her 80th year. Members of the audience also asked for some baking tips. She loves baking and says everyone has failures but keep trying and have fun.

She is thrilled with her book and being able to share recipes passed down to her from her grandmother and mother. Her next challenge will be preparing entries for the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Good luck Merle!