A new historical book will be launched at Neerim South this weekend.
Written by Yarra Junction's Hendrik Boer, the book - titled 'Adelaide Anne Pike (Topp) 1879-1908 - A History of the Pike Family 1975-2008' details the ups, downs and everything in between of the Pike family. It is the third book written by Mr Boer, following an autobiography of his life and a similar publication about his own family, the Boers.
The subject of the title, Adelaide, was the grandmother of Mr Boer's wife Gwenneth Adelaide Boer, and is a tribute to her life. She died at the age of 29 following the birth of her third child.
The book also deals with the history of the Topp and Plinth families and their connections to the Pearson family.
A bulk of the book's content was originally gathered by Thelma Elizabeth Ramsey (nee Pike), who intended on writing the book herself.
However, she was unable to do so before her death and instead handed her notes and relevant materials to Mr Boer.
The story involves stories from the Federation of Australia, travels to South Africa and tales from the war.
Mr Boer's introduction to the book describes it as a "fascinating account of many generations" of "their pains, their losses, but also their successes and their achievements."
The book will be officially launched at 2pm on Sunday, July 30 at the Neerim South Uniting Church. To RVSP call 5967 1113.