Jillian Jopp presented this talk at Central Stories in late January to a full house. If you missed it, here’s your chance to hear it at Cromwell Museum. Jillian talks about how merino farming developed in Central Otago, life on Moutere Station and what makes merino wool such a desirable fibre on the world stage. Cromwell Museum (limited to 30 places) Wednesday 26 April, 6:30pm This event is part of Central Otago Heritage Trust's 'Heritage Talks' programme. Entry by koha with proceeds going to Cromwell Museum

For the swarms of miners that came to the area in search of gold, there was very little wood to build with or keep warm. Coal became a pivotal resource for domestic use and eventually to power dredges operating along the Clutha River. Russell Garbutt sheds light on our little-known coal mining industry. Wednesday 3 May, 6:30pm Clyde Museum This event is part of Central Otago Heritage Trust's 'Heritage Talks' programme. Entry by koha with proceeds going to Clyde Museum. (Image:  Rise & Shine Dredge Coal Delivery. Courtesy of Cromwell Museum : Ron Murray collection)

On June 4th, 1943, the crash of the Cromwell to Dunedin express near Hyde ended lives, devastated families, and shook an entire country. It was the biggest catastrophe the peaceful Maniototo district had ever seen. Twenty-one of the 113 passengers on board were killed and 47 injured. Eighty years on, historian Jim Sullivan examines this fateful day and its consequences. Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery Wednesday 31 May, 6:30pm This event is part of Central Otago Heritage Trust's 'Heritage Talks' programme. Entry by koha with proceeds going to Central Stories.