Southern Highlands Branch: Winter Solstice gathering
As part of our Winter Solstice gathering, we are delighted to welcome two distinguished speakers offering complementary perspectives on heritage, landscape and cultural history. Alexander Dowthwaite from The King’s Foundation will speak about the Hillview project and the practical work of conserving historic landscapes through stewardship and traditional skills.
Following lunch, Michael Pembroke will discuss his latest book, Silk Silver Opium, exploring the historic trade between China and the West and the profound cultural exchanges that shaped landscapes, design and society across the world. Together, these presentations offer a fascinating reflection on how places are shaped, influenced and ultimately preserved through time.
Alexander Dowthwaite is Design & Education Director of The King’s Foundation Australia. Alexander currently drives community development, heritage regeneration, and education projects for the Foundation, including the regeneration of Hillview – the former Vice-Regal Summer Residence in Sutton Forest. A specialist in classical and traditional design, Alexander also serves as Chair of the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism (INTBAU) Australia and has lead development projects across the country, ranging from rural disaster recovery rebuilds to metropolitan social housing developments.
Michael Pembroke is an Australian writer, historian, and former judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Alongside his legal work, he is an author whose books explore history, politics, and culture, including Trees of History and Romance (2009), Arthur Phillip – Sailor, Mercenary, Governor, Spy (2013), Korea: Where the American Century Began (2018), Play by the Rules (2020) and his most recent book Silk Silver Opium (2025).
There will be a raffle (three tickets for $5.00) so don’t forget to bring some cash!
Location: East Bowral Community Centre, 71 Boardman Rd, Bowral NSW 2576
Cost: members $65, non-Members $75.
Book: at Humanitix.
This event is sure to be popular and numbers are limited. Book Early.