Associate Professor Don Beer ‘The Great Fire of 1984, the Wettest Winter, Princess Di and Other Episodes: the ANBG under its First Director, 1979-89'.

Dr Robert Boden, the Gardens' first director, set out to bring harmony to its workforce, develop its educational and conservation roles, and build up its support among the public.  He promoted the Gardens as a major cultural institution.  This talk will look at the reasons for and successes of this program.  It will place them in the context of the politics and society of the 1980s.  It will also refer to some of the more striking highlights of the decade.

Don Beer, an active Friend and Volunteer Guide at the ANBG, taught history at the University of New England between 1964 and 1998.  He published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has been internationally recognized for his contribution to Canadian Studies.  In retirement Associate Professor Beer has turned his attention to the history of the ANBG.