Come visit Hill End on Sunday 16 October
As Spring begins to show her colours it is time to once again head to Hill End’s Open Day on Sunday 16 October 2016. A number of the villagers are throwing open their homes, their gardens, their Royal Hall, Court House, churches and studios to allow you to peek inside and see how they now live, work and play in an historic gold town.
Most of the buildings open for viewing were constructed in the 1870s and have seen generations of families through their doors. Some were almost in ruins when they were lovingly “adopted” by people with a passion and on Open Day they wish to share this with you. Many years of painstaking restoration and preservation (and never mind the dollars!) have gone into conserving these buildings as useful and comfortable dwellings. They are not museums, they are everyday buildings, still being used for their intended purposes and now all the more treasured for being so. Some have the “mod cons” but these are skilfully integrated into an eclectic environment where they seem right at home. “Why didn’t I think of that?” will be your constant comment.
Our Court is now in session…we are now including a new venue, rarely seen before by visitors to our town unless the long arm of the law was after you! The Hill End Court House has seen disputed mining claims, charges of “furious riding”, matters relating to unlicensed dogs and the odd murder. These have all been dealt with here over the years. It will be open to hear your case, then head to St Paul’s Church where you may repent…
The Autumn colours will be starting so bring your camera as Hill End will be a delight to behold. Artists, Donald Friend, Russell Drysdale and Margaret Olley found inspiration here and so will you. The unique light is still the same but the facilities are now so much better. Visit the artists who are now here and who have given up city life for a brief tree change to absorb the creative atmosphere.
A cottage with the bathroom “out the back” means that it is a place to escape to and relax in a lingering tub. Leave the mobile phone on the dining room table; it probably won’t work out there anyway! View the family portraits in the Royal Hall and watch out as their eyes follow you around the room…
This is your opportunity to speak to these people, who are proud of their village, in a relaxed friendly atmosphere and ask them the questions that have surely arisen as you wander around town. Volunteers will be available at all venues to guide you to your next place of exploration. C’mon in!
Bookings to experience this great day out on Sunday 16 October are essential and can be made by phoning 02-63378306 or email HillEndOpenDay@yahoo.com.au
Registration and payment is at the Royal Hall in Beyers Avenue (sorry, cash only on the day)
Cost: $25.00 per person/$18.00 concession.
