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Many Victorians will recognize the iconic landmarks of the Gonzales Heights Observatory and Craigdarroch Castle, but few are likely to be aware of their common history.

Daily weather forecasts for Victoria and Southern British Columbia first began on November 1, 1898 under the direction of meteorologist Edmund Baynes Reed who was joined later by assistant observer and forecaster Francis Napier Denison. They were also responsible for taking readings of the recently installed Milne seismograph, the first seismograph in British Columbia and one of the first routinely operated instruments of its kind in the world.

Baynes Reed died in 1916, and Francis Napier Denison took over as Director of the newly constructed Gonzales Hill Meteorological Observatory of which he had played a prominent role in designing. Numerous papers and articles on weather patterns and seismic observations were published by Denison to scientific journals and societies throughout North America and the

Join us for the first of many Vintage Craft Classes this Winter and Spring at Craigdarroch Castle. On January 7th, Grace Morrison will lead “The Lost Arts of Darning and Mending.”

Class Description:   Have you ever felt like throwing out those socks with a hole in the heel is a waste? Ever wish you had a personal seamstress on hand to replace lost buttons or stitch pockets back on to your favourite shirts? With this course ‘How to Mend it’ we will work through the basics of repairing rips, tears, and holes of various sizes in your well loved clothing. You will learn the basics of darning

Are you interested in seeing Craigdarroch Castle in a different way? Why not join Curator, Bruce Davies for a benefit dinner November 25th in support of our student programs? The evening begins with a champagne reception and private viewing of select artefacts from our collection followed with a four course wine dinner by culinary educator and award winning Chef, Castro Boateng will follow. Check out the menu on our events and programs page. For more information or to purchase tickets call 250.592.5323.  Seating is limited.