A year ago this weekend a group of strangers sat down together for a Sunday lunch at the Orange Botanic Gardens.
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Having moved here from Sydney the previous summer, Angela, Brendon and Poppy Argyle attended the Orange City Council event, designed to welcome newcomers to the city.
Twelve months on, Mrs Argyle was kind enough to offer a glimpse into how their lives have changed.
The then family of three is now a family of four, with Saffron (Sassy) delivered nine weeks ago at Orange hospital.
The Argyle’s move has allowed them to trade their two-bedroom Sydney house for a 10-acre property in Nashdale, with six bedrooms to accommodate the growing family.
“Orange is a fantastic place to have babies,” Mrs Argyle said.
“I found the public hospital here absolutely outstanding, well and truly on par with the big expensive private hospital I went to in Sydney for my first baby.”
Mr Argyle is now employed as a personal banker at Westpac, while Mrs Argyle’s career change from financial planner in Sydney to virtual business assistant here, has allowed her to work from home with her young children.
Having moved to greener pastures, the couple have turned their backyard yellow – with the first harvest from their new saffron spice venture set to go to market in 12 months time.
“The biggest benefit is having time to spend together as a family,” said Mrs Argyle.
“My husband and I both grew up in regional areas so we’re very much enjoying the wide open spaces, and having our own eggs.”
Council will host the free lunch again this Sunday at Orange Botanic Gardens Function Centre. While this event is now full, a second is planned for October.