The Diggers Rest pub destroyed by Fire

I was shocked watching the 5 pm news tonight on Channel 10 when they had a report about a fire which destroyed the historic Diggers Rest pub. Why? Well because it was owned at one time by my uncle. I only went there once with my parents over 50 years ago and was introduced to three female cousins, Eleanor, Jill and the baby, Lyn. the reason I recollect it so vividly is because it was a Sunday and Diggers Rest was then in the country and my uncle "opened " the pub to give Dad a drink of beer. In those times if you travelled over 20 or 30 miles you were entitled to beer with a meal. I remember being given a very cold glass of raspberry vinegar. I can still remember how refreshing it was although it was over 50 years ago.

Tonight I spoke to my cousin , Eleanor, who now is resident on the Gold Coast and she had not heard the news.Naturally she was saddened over the news as she remenbers the times when she lived there. I also chatted to my aunt down on the Mornington Penisula and she also remembers the place. Sadly the hotel was closed for renovations and was hoping to open for Christmas. It was 157 years old. Police are treating the fire as suspicious.