Community
6 November, 2024
Heytesbury House celebrates 120 years of history
THE Heytesbury House doors will be thrown wide open giving locals a chance to celebrate the history of the 120-year-old property.
Heytesbury House owner Kathryn Stubbings said the property will be open to the public on Sunday from 2pm, with attendees encouraged to share their memories of the property while enjoying a garden tea party.
She said funds raised from the garden tea party will be donated to Cobdenhealth which was a nod to the property’s past.
“We are throwing the doors open from 2pm to welcome the public in to share in the amazing history and wonderful garden spaces attributable to the many doctors and owners of the property over the last 120 years,” Mrs Stubbings said.
“Since arriving here 14 years ago, we have been touched by the significance of this property to the local community, and have always been committed to collating and keeping these memories for future generations.
“Many a conversation started with “I remember…” so we decided to create a library of stories written by locals to share their memories.
“Whether it be Dr Alfred Horne Barrett or his son Dr William (Bill) Barrett, almost every local from the region had something to share about an encounter.
“When we have visitors stay here, it always a joy to see them engage with the history, and it is important these stories are not lost.
“There is much to be learned from what past generations have experienced and often times endured.”
Mrs Stubbings said the property’s “incredible history” did not stop with the Barrett family.
She said there were five other doctors before them, and “many notable things have happened during their time here”.
“Dr David Dorey Browne wrote in his book that the first recorded blood transfusion in Victoria was performed by him during his time here,” Mrs Stubbings said.
“We have made a promise to the community that any information or treasures donated to us will be cherished, and will remain with the community when our time comes to move on.
“We have always felt that we are merely custodians of this amazing place, and it is only with the support of those who actually experienced the magic that has happened behind the hedge that their stories can be told and those heroes of their day honoured.”
As well as the garden tea party, there will a display of historical items with the support of the Cobden and District Historical Society, and a number of period costumes will be available for people to try on and take photographs with.
Mrs Stubbings encouraged those who have stories or memories to share to attend the celebration.
“We will have a space for recording those stories, or writing them down on cards to include in our ‘I remember collection’,” she said.
“Please come along and celebrate with us – we’d love to meet you and hear all about your experiences at 33 Parrott Street, Cobden (formerly known as The Bungalow)”..
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