The Webb family of Cromwell celebrated a century of fruit growing with an open day at Stonehurst Orchard on Saturday which attracted about 120 people, including orchardists, former staff, industry representatives, friends and family.
A new fruit stall, which also houses photos, equipment and other memorabilia from a century of orcharding, was opened as part of the celebrations. The orchard was established by Webbs in 1914 and has been passed down from father to son.
Simon Webb is the fourth generation of his family to have managed the property. Mr Webb said the community's support for past and present generations of his family contributed to the sustainability and the culture of the orchard over the past century.
As he spoke, bird scarers warning birds away from ripening fruit could be heard in the background.
He paid tribute to his ancestors who coped with ''so much risk and adversity in that time''. Their challenges included fires, a drought, floods and wars.
His parents, Ainsley and the late John, took over Stonehurst in the mid-1970s and his father, who died in August 2012, had always wanted to have an orchard museum.
Simon recalled a ''robust'' conversation about five years ago, between father and son, about whether a new packing shed or a new fruit stall should be the next priority.
Simon thought the stall should be next but his father won the debate and opted for the packing shed, ''reminding me to respect my elders and giving me a bit of tong-up''.
His father agreed building a new fruit stall should be the following project but sadly, did not live to see the result, which incorporated many of his ideas.
Ainsley Webb said her husband would have been the ''star attraction'' at the celebration.
''He was a wonderful teller of stories and he'd have lots to tell about the property's past.''
She said all the Webb orchardists had similar characters.
''They had to the strength to carry on when things were rough, the courage to continue and the vision to try new things.''
Afternoon tea at Mrs Webb's, featuring scones and apricot jam, rounded off the afternoon event. Fruit industry stalwart, Basil Goodman, of Cromwell, said it was a privilege to speak at the centenary celebrations.
He outlined the contribution made by Webb family members to the community over the years and said they were passionate advocates for the fruit growing industry, as well as people who took an active role in community organisations and local body politics.
