Ray Johnstone is hoping to create a DVD slide show about Keysborough. 38647
By Lia Bichel
A KEYSBOROUGH resident is in the early stages of developing a DVD in an effort to preserve the community’s history.
After he recently completed the Noble Park centenary DVD and historical display, Ray Johnstone said he hoped to create a DVD slide show and possibly a book which would feature many organisations and families in Keysborough.
The retired archivist said he enjoyed learning about the past and looked forward to the process of making a historical memento.
“I have been living here since 1965 and know a lot of people who know the early history of the area,” he said.
“Although I am retired, I get caught up in these things.”
The DVD is aimed at preserving information that could otherwise be forgotten, Mr Johnstone said.
“As people move on or depart (from Keysborough), information disappears,” he said.
“I think it would be a pity to let this type of information go. If we don’t be careful, there will be nothing left to record.”
Because the process of gathering information and photos has only just begun, Mr Johnstone said he was unsure what issues would be covered, but hoped the public could send their ideas or photos to him.
“I am hoping people can send me photos from the early years,” he said.
“In Noble Park, a lot of people had cameras back then. But Keysborough was a different story – there were a lot of farmers or market gardeners and many didn’t have cameras.”
As marketing manager for the Keysborough Bowls Club, Mr Johnstone said anyone with thoughts, information or photos that they would like him to consider for his book could contact him on Keysboroughbowls@westnet.com.au.
Mr Johnstone said he hoped to set up a Facebook account or a webpage in relation to the DVD.
Noble Park Centenary DVDs were available for purchase from the Noble Park RSL or the Paddy O’Donoghue Community Centre in Noble Park, Mr Johnstone said.
