Three Days in Daylesford
The town of Daylesford rests in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. It is a spa town roughly equidistant between Bendigo and Ballarat and like it’s more famous neighbours was the site of a goldmine. Founded in 1852 the town was originally called Wombat but was changed to Daylesford after the town in England.
The mineral springs in Daylesford and nearby Hepburn Springs come from the former volcanic activity in the area and, after the gold was mined, became a spa resort in the early 20th century.
However, more important things were afoot. The important reason for coming here was for the wedding of Howard and Katrina.
I’ve known Howard all my life. Our families have been friends for over five decades and this wedding also continued a previous connection as my brother was Howard’s Best Man after our father had been Howard’s father’s Best Man.
The three days in Daylesford were a mix of good Aussie weather. Spots of rain, sun and a thunder storm were all present. Howard had booked up some of the Daylesford Villas for those of us coming from England and after a damp squib of a Thursday night the rest of the time here was just beautiful.
Friday morning, the day of the wedding, was a cloudy overcast morning. The photographer arrived for those necessary photos of the Groom & Co getting dressed and other wedding decorations, with added uncertainty of which flowers were whose.
The wedding itself was timed to perfection – the sun came out at just the right time. Katrina looked amazingly beautiful and the ceremony was a splendid affair. The whole day was spent in the Convent Gallery in Daylesford, the ceremony itself was followed by the reception. All good food, good wine and speeches from Howard, a very proud Bride’s father, Will (my brother) and Will (Howard’s uncle, who read a speech on behalf of one of Howard’s best friends from Cornwall).
Post meal entertainment included the obligatory dancing, drinking, cake cutting and one spectacular thunder storm, with the Convent in the hills providing a great viewing spot.
A barbecue was the order of the day for Saturday. One of those great Aussie barbies with more meat than anyone can eat and enough beer and wine to keep everyone happy and after a look at the Daylesford Lake and a few more beers in the Daylesford Hotel in the evening.
It was one of the most enjoyable few days I’ve had in this country and now I had another week in Melbourne to come before heading west.
