Nayland College Teacher, Anton Bentley helps to bring history back to life.
Anton will be performing at Washbourne Gardens on Sunday 17 March 2019 as a 'member' of the Washbourn Family in the Tasman Distric Council's History Brough to Life events. See below for article published by the Nelson Mail.
Visitors to Washbourn Gardens in Richmond may think they have stepped back in time.
As part of Tasman District Council's History Brought to Life events, four actors are set to provide insight into everyday life at Richmond during the 1920s, laden with historic facts and snippets from the Washbourn family.
"The Washbourn family left an indelible impact on Richmond," said council community partnerships officer Lani Evans.
Washbourn Gardens and homestead were once part of Tillingdown, owned by Dr Hubert (Pete) Washbourn and his wife, Constance. As well as owning Hillcrest private hospital, Washbourn was a breeder of pedigree Jersey cattle and was president of the local breeders association before going on to become president of the Nelson Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Evans said.
After his death, wrought iron gates were erected at the entrance to the A&P showgrounds with the inscription: "In memoriam – Dr H.O. Washbourn."
"Richmond was a small developing village back then," Evans said. "Motor vehicles were starting to become more commonplace, secondary students travelled to school in Nelson by train, sewerage was collected by a night cart and there were only 10 street lights."
The council held its first History Brought to Life event at Easby Park in 2018 "and it was so popular".
"People often don't realise how rich our history is," Evans said.
Designed as a fun way to encourage people to explore the parks and reserves, visitors got to discover some of Richmond's untold stories.
People were encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to sit on for the free event.