The book was launched by Kardoorair Press at Fusion of Flavours Restaurant together with friends and acquaintances of the author, Betty Bezant.

It is a wonderfully told tale of a unique childhood spent at Otford Public School with Aboriginal children evacuated from Croker Island during World War II.

The rich life experience of the author has led her to share personal memories of a time that was not only important in Australian history but even more important to her own sense of cultural awareness at an early age, an experience that she has valued throughout her life.

The story is highly entertaining in its descriptions of all the children’s daily school life and activities in the small village of Otford, NSW.

Director of Kardoorair Press, Tony Bennett, introduced the book in a speech to the author and gathering, emphasising the importance of personal, conversational stories that, as books, provide readers with the utmost pleasure in recalling historical events from their early life events and experiences.

Special gratitude to the editor of the book, Dr Peter Fletcher of Armidale, is duly acknowledged for his ongoing advice over more than a year to support the timely completion of the story and final layout of the publication.

A champagne toast to the author for her fine achievement finalised the evening which highlighted the tremendous effort made by her in researching and writing the manuscript over three years.

Interested readers can contact Kardoorair Press, PO Box 478, Armidale 2350 for purchase details of the book which will be $19.95 (including package and handling) for the not-for-profit publication.