From Frosty Orchards to Tropical Islands (1959 - Gwen Furness)

The year was 1959 and rock 'n' roll was taking over the airwaves.

And that wasn't the only thing on the radio, because the whole of Stanthorpe would tune in to find out just who had been crowned Festival Queen.

Gwen Gloynes (nee Furness) grew up on an orchard on the Broadwater, and was crowned Festival Queen in 1959.

She went on to have an international career and would find romance in the tropics, but she would always have Stanthorpe in her heart.

I sat down with Gwen to chat about Stanthorpe in the late 50's, and the memories flowed as we poured over her photos from a time when ballgowns were hand made, and when Stanthorpe Festival Queens sashed Warwick Rodeo Kings.

Beyond The Crown is hosted by Lou Bromley.

Find out more by visiting the Beyond The Crown website or Facebook page.

This podcast has been made possible by the Regional Arts Development Fund; it's a partnership between the Queensland Government and the Southern Downs Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.