Helen Malone, prepared a very interesting and diverse morning walk in early July for 17 happy members in three separate groups. Then, in the early afternoon, Helen arranged the opening of the Museum and a walk around the Southern Aurora Memorial Garden. In total, a walk of just under 8 km walk recorded by Andi Stevenson GPS.
The Honeysuckle Creek Walking Track Loop meanders along both sides of the Creek, with signage and monuments describing historic and past events. The associated features - seating, footbridges, signs and landscaping are a Violet Town community initiative. Over 80 species of birds have been identified including the locally endangered Grey Crowned Babbler, The observant members discovered two Grey Crowned Babbler nests in a tree along the creek and a resident excitedly showed us a nest in her garden.
Shadforth Reserve gave us another taste of nature; once an 18 hole golf course, cricket field and a one mile horse training circuit, now also popular with walkers. The areas of remnant indigenous plants are complimented by the Community Forest with initial plantings in 2007 within the racetrack providing habitat for birdlife including the endangered Grey Crowned Babbler.
Following a BYO lunch, Helen walked us through the productive and colourful Mary’s Community Garden to the Museum, once a blacksmith, hardware supplies and an undertaker business. We appreciate Brian and John opening the building for our visit and for sharing their extensive knowledge from Major Thomas Mitchell camping by the creek in 1836 to the present day plus the displays.
The nearby Southern Aurora Memorial Garden was a poignant reminder of this train disaster on 7 February 1969. In true country spirit, local people flocked to the scene to help and support the nine who died and over one hundred passengers and crew injured.
Thank you to Wendy Sturgess for taking a group on a shorter walk.
U3A Easy Walkers appreciate the effort by Helen Malone in providing our fellow members with a very informative and varied outing to Violet Town on a pleasant winter’s day.
Margaret Walshe
The Honeysuckle Creek Walking Track Loop meanders along both sides of the Creek, with signage and monuments describing historic and past events. The associated features - seating, footbridges, signs and landscaping are a Violet Town community initiative. Over 80 species of birds have been identified including the locally endangered Grey Crowned Babbler, The observant members discovered two Grey Crowned Babbler nests in a tree along the creek and a resident excitedly showed us a nest in her garden.
Shadforth Reserve gave us another taste of nature; once an 18 hole golf course, cricket field and a one mile horse training circuit, now also popular with walkers. The areas of remnant indigenous plants are complimented by the Community Forest with initial plantings in 2007 within the racetrack providing habitat for birdlife including the endangered Grey Crowned Babbler.
Following a BYO lunch, Helen walked us through the productive and colourful Mary’s Community Garden to the Museum, once a blacksmith, hardware supplies and an undertaker business. We appreciate Brian and John opening the building for our visit and for sharing their extensive knowledge from Major Thomas Mitchell camping by the creek in 1836 to the present day plus the displays.
The nearby Southern Aurora Memorial Garden was a poignant reminder of this train disaster on 7 February 1969. In true country spirit, local people flocked to the scene to help and support the nine who died and over one hundred passengers and crew injured.
Thank you to Wendy Sturgess for taking a group on a shorter walk.
U3A Easy Walkers appreciate the effort by Helen Malone in providing our fellow members with a very informative and varied outing to Violet Town on a pleasant winter’s day.
Margaret Walshe
Photographs: Wendy Sturgess, Andi Stevenson, Margaret Walshe
