Over 20 researchers took advantage of the South East Family History Group’s open day on Sunday at its Millicent research centre.

They came from various parts of the region including Mount Gambier and Glencoe. History group president Noel Boyle said it was a busy day for his members as the customary monthly working bee on restoring old gravestones at the Millicent Cemetery was still held.

Mr Boyle said open day attendees could examine the latest additions to the vast collection of the group. He anticipates membership numbers will swell as a result of the open day.

“We also put out old photos from our collection of Lake Bonney activities and the local Altschwager and Nitschke families,” Mr Boyle said. “We try to put names to faces.”

Among the out-of-towners present was Valerie Verhoeven (nee Varcoe) who travelled from Mount Gambier to her home-town of Millicent. It was a true homecoming for Mrs Verhoeven as the history group research centre is located at the former Millicent Primary School.

“I was taught in these classrooms by such teachers as Jack Kain and Mr Nadebaum,” Mrs Verhoeven said. “This is a trip down memory lane. “I have been helped at the open day in my on-line research.”

The next regular history group meeting will be held at 7.30pm on May 27 with the guest speakers being Simone Brooker and Darren Berry.