THE Richmond Heritage Festival is set to be huge this Saturday, April 27, with a slew of events and exhibitions planned around Richmond to showcase some of the charming history of our town.
Organiser Joy Shepherd said planning the event had "turned into a great community project".
"In the CBC/NAB Bank alone we have nine local historical groups combining to put on an amazing display, including artefacts and photographs of the old Richmond Train Line in the garden at the back," she said.
St Andrew's Uniting Church at 25 West Market Street will be a hub of activity, kicking-off with Glass Restoration Demonstrations throughout the morning.
"St Andrew's will be bringing out their history, with John Shields demonstrating his artistic skills in the foyer," said Ms Shepherd.
"This especially relates to the methods undertaken on six windows in St Andrew's church, originally fabricated when the church was built, circa 1845."
The St Andrew's Auditorium will be host to 'Then and Now' Historical Talks by Colo Shire Family History Group at 10am and 12:30pm. There will also be Guided Cemetery Tours departing at the front of the church at 10am and 11.30am.
From 9.30am to 1.30pm, Devonshire Teas and an outdoor BBQ will be provided.
Pop next door to the Richmond School of Arts at 26 W Market Street from 9.30am until 3.30pm to view a display on the history of the School and the Richmond Players, as well as a Macquarie Towns Art Display, and artefacts.
"Our local artists are going to be prominent, while our local Macquarie Town musicians will be performing in different spots," said Ms Shepherd.
Windsor Downs organist Tom Barber will be playing tunes on the verandah throughout the morning, and from 12.30-1.30pm he will be accompanying a Learn to Tango workshop inside.
The Old Richmond Post Office will feature three long-term employees telling tales.
"Some were there over 40 years and have great stories, plus they will have great photos and artefacts from the old Morse Code days," said Ms Shepherd.
"[Back then] Richmond Post Office was the hub of the town, with the PMG guys there, the girls on the manual telephone exchange, the mail sorters, and the many services at the front desk."
There will also be historical displays at the Richmond RSL Sub-Branch, with the history of the building going back to the first Government School in Richmond.
"Later on it was the Masonic Hall for many years. They will be opening all of their doors," Ms Shepherd said.
Calico bags will be sold at Eulabah and St Andrew's - funds will help restore St Andrew's windows.
For a full list of activities happening this Saturday, visit the Richmond Heritage Festival page on Facebook.