The Rotary 4 Villages-Shipbuilders Heritage Walk is set to return to Kincumber on Sunday, May 21, from 8.30am.
The event takes participants on a short 3km walk on a flat, paved path along the historical, scenic waterfronts of Kincumber, Yattalunga, Saratoga and Davistown.
While the event is in its seventh year with a heritage theme, it actually began some years earlier, organised by Rotary Kincumber.
At that time it was a new concept for a community walk which included the purchase of a 4 Villages Passport which was stamped at each village.
As the original organisers retired interest began to wane.
Rotary decided to abandon the event entirely when only a handful of people turned up to participate on one rain-affected Sunday in 2015.
However, there were those within Rotary who thought the idea was too good to let pass and the event underwent a rejuvenation.
With some creative re-thinking, model makers were enlisted to help create history displays which were then exhibited at each of the four villages.
Provided with each 4 Villages Passport was a Q&A card with four questions relating to the history displays and the chance to win history ferry tours.
“All this provided a new atmosphere which proved very popular,” spokesperson Peter Rea said.
“A program was developed to provide new displays, ensuring there would be something different each year and the numbers of walkers increased significantly.
“Professionals and skilled artisans construct the historical models and dioramas.
“These are then combined with professional standard graphic designed elements containing information, maps, illustrations etc, reproduced on large format high quality full colour printouts.
“Not only do these volunteers provide thousands of hours of highly skilled work but they also provide the thousands of dollars required for the materials.”
Rea said new activities have been added to the event itself.
Children who come dressed-up receive a free 4 Villages Passport as well as a lucky-dip.
Broken Bay Pearls provides a vessel and tour guide to conduct tours along the Shipbuilders waterfront from Davistown to Kincumber.
The transport theme has expanded from maritime to now include classic car displays.
On Davistown Reserve there will be food, live music, stalls, machinery, a magician and children’s attractions such as face painting.
Apart from the history displays on the walk, some of the most popular displays from previous years will be re-exhibited in the 100-year-old Progress Hall, along with a sneak-peek at some of next year’s displays.
4 Villages Passports with the Q&A card will be available at Kincumber from 8.30am to 12.30pm for $5 adults and $2 for children, with activities continuing at Davistown Reserve until 3pm.
Source:
Rotary 4 Villages-Shipbuilders Heritage Walk