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Meet Maleny’s Glenn Lawrance

Writer's picture: RonalynRonalyn

What does a young Englishman do after he’s been to sea as a merchant marine, taken on the life of an outback Queensland stockman, joined the Light Horse and fought at Gallipoli?


Why, of course! He establishes himself on a Balmoral Ridge escarpment midst a rainforest and establishes a home, a commercial orchid nursery, a flora and fauna sanctuary and a guest house and tea rooms.


Ethelbert Glenn Lawrance, fondly known as Glenno by the Maleny locals was never a regular farmer. Neighbours marvelled at his inventiveness and enthusiasm for new projects, even if they were never completed. Yes, perhaps Glenn was an eccentric and a romantic, but he successfully managed to convince the local Council of the importance of roads and tourism to the Blackall Range. Dignitaries rushed to come and visit, and marvelled at the coastal views, the vibrant birdlife and the delicious Devonshire Teas.


Thousands of visitors have enjoyed the magnificent grounds and gardens Glenn made available for picnics and strolls, a legacy that was continued by subsequent owners when Glenn passed away. 


One such owner, John Wolstenholme, feared that with recent subdivision and property development of Glenn’s land, the story of Glenn Lawrance and his home, High Tor, would be lost. 


He got together with Cate Patterson, coordinator of the Montville History Group and provided the notes and photos he had collected over the years, including research by Maleny historian Desley Malone. Glenn Lawrance of High Tor: A legacy of Sanctuary, of Love, Longing and Loss is the result of John’s commission. 


This easy-to-read local history is available from the Montville Post Office, the Montville Markets and Rosetta Books at Maleny. 


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