Community
27 November, 2024
History celebrated at open day
THE history of one of the areas most iconic properties was celebrated recently.
Earlier this month Hetebsury House owners Kathryn and Andrew Stubbings threw open the doors to the property, encouraging residents to share their memories of the site.
“The day was fabulous,” Mrs Stubbings said.
“There were lots of locals, and many from far and wide came to explore the wonderful history and enjoy a cuppa on the old croquet lawn.
“Costumes provided by Jokers in Camperdown were a big hit, and over $700 was raised by the team at Cobdenhealth who provided a sumptuous afternoon tea.”
Mrs Stubbings said members of the Cobden and District Historical Society attended the day with a number of historical items which “generated much discussion of yesteryear”.
“They even managed to get a hold of a stretcher from the early 1900’s that we believe was used in the house when it was the former hospital,” she said.
“The weather was beautiful and the house and gardens came alive with many memories and stories.
“We have received more stories for our ‘I remember’ collection, and some even recorded their memories on video for us.
“These will all be available for guests, and will be shared on social media and our own website.”
Mrs Stubbings said it was important to the pair the history of the property remain with the “community that has so graciously shared it with us”.
“Marie Barrett was here on the day, with some of her family members, which was a real treat for us and the many people here who got to catch up with her in what was her old home,” she said.
“Of interest was the poppy tree, covered in crocheted and knitted poppies made by locals to help us celebrate not only the two significant doctors (AH Barrett and Naylor) who were medics on the Western Front in WWI, but also the many veterans who passed through these gates, and were recipients of the Heytesbury Haven respite program.
“A huge thank you must go to the amazing team that helped us bring it all together on the day.”
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