Be guided on a walk

By Jessica Howard

A scenic walk through Maddingley Park will ignite the history of Bacchus Marsh over the coming weeks.
Bronwyn Akers, a new member of the Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society, is holding 50-minute guided walks through the popular picnic destination during April and May.
Ms Akers will tell the stories of both new and old sites, including the front and back memorial gates; Evans Pavilion, Dickie Bandstand; Dickie Light; CWA Shelter, and the site where the cannon and sun dial once was.
Maddingley Park was created in the 1860s and with the help of the public’s generosity, was built into the attractive park it is today.
Ms Akers said the project was a way for the community to learn more about their backyard.
“It started as a university assignment that continued to expand and expand,” she said.
“Majority of the information is from the Historical Society and Trove – an online data base run by the National Library of Australia.
“I’ve lived in Bacchus Marsh for seven-years and before that was in Melton, so I’ve been going to Maddingley Park since I was really little”.
In 1935, the park became the responsibility of the Shire and is today maintained by both Moorabool Shire Council and a committee of community members.
The Guided Walk of Maddingley will be held on Saturday April 21 and Sunday April 29; and Saturday May 5 and Saturday May 12.
Ms Aker said the event is free, with no need to book a spot.
The guided walk will depart from the Taverner Street gates at 11am.
** The BM Historical society will also have a Maddingley Park display in the Lerdererg Library passage walls to coincide with the walk. **