Looking ahead to next year, I’ve already marked the Aurora Doors Open event on my calendar and made sure to secure my spot. Last year, I made a similar reservation, and everything was falling into place this time around—until Matthew received a birthday party invitation just two weeks before the event. I’ve come to realize that unexpected events are beyond my control, and it’s important to stay adaptable and learn from the surprises life throws our way.

I’m happy to report that each year seems to get better. While last year I had no time to spare, this year I was fortunate enough to have a couple of hours to enjoy some leisure activities.

At first, I aimed to visit at least five places, but that goal quickly slipped away. Once I started exploring, everything around me was so fascinating that I ended up spending more time than I’d planned at each location. In the end, I only managed to visit three places, but it was well worth it!

I began my visit at the Aurora Armoury on Larmont Street in Town Park. I’ve always been curious about what goes on inside, so I was excited to finally check it out. When I arrived, there was a cool army vehicle on display right outside, but I wasn’t sure what to expect inside. At first, it seemed like just one big open space, but I made sure to ask if taking photos was allowed.

I always ask to be safe, especially after a lesson I learned back in 1997 during a trip to Santorini. We were visiting an archaeological site that was fully covered, and cameras were allowed, but no flash photography was permitted.

I can still vividly recall two older ladies snapping photos like crazy until the tour guide caught them. It wasn’t pretty when they got scolded. Flash photography can damage objects, especially with UV light, which is why it’s important to keep old photographs away from sunlight. It’s always good to check the rules before pulling out your camera!

Now, back to the Aurora Armoury. There weren’t many people walking around, but I was given permission to explore, which was a relief. I wasn’t sure where to start, but my mood lifted as soon as I stepped into one of the lounge rooms.

The first thing that caught my eye were the photos on the wall. The portraits of a young Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were particularly striking, a reminder of a time long past. Alongside those, there were plenty of war photos and army poses that captured the essence of military life. The one below really stood out to me – it had that classic, powerful feeling you get from images that freeze a moment in history.

It felt like the walls were telling their own stories, and it made me appreciate the rich history this place holds even more.

It’s a thought that crosses my mind too when I see old photos like those. It’s fascinating to think that someone in Aurora might be related to the people in them, and even more so, to imagine that these could be the only copies left of such moments in history. It adds a layer of mystery and importance to the photos, doesn’t it?

I wonder if the families of those in the photos have any keepsakes or memories related to them. Maybe there are old stories passed down about the people in those pictures, or even artifacts that link them back to that moment in time. It’s like holding a piece of history, but you never know just how personal that piece may be to someone.

While taking a photo of something on the wall, I stumbled upon a second lounge room. It felt like walking into a mini museum, with a collection of photos decorating the walls and small artifacts displayed in glass cabinets.

It’s amazing how everything can come together sometimes. I’ve been working closely with Ron Wallace on some important business matters, and he managed to track down an incredible collection of books all about Aurora – some about the town itself and others written by locals. I picked them up last Tuesday, and I’m excited to dive into them!

Then, he surprised me with some additional books, including “The Queen’s York Rangers, An Historic Regiment” by Stewart H. Bull. If I hadn’t visited the Aurora Armoury on Larmont Street, I probably would have passed on it. But now, I’m the proud owner of this reference book. Yep, a reference book – not exactly my usual bedtime reading material.