Feature Image: Court session for Lihou with magistrate and prosecutor, ‘shopkeepers’ in background. Credit: Michelle Dorian

Australian Heritage Festival Testimonial from the Maldon Heritage Network:

In January this year, Maldon Heritage Network (MHN) took up the challenge of promoting our town’s history during the Heritage Festival with a new guided walk, “Maldon’s Government Reserve: More than a camp for cops and crooks”.

A seemingly straightforward challenge.  Dig deep into the archives, find interesting bits and pieces about the many remarkable old buildings still dotted around the Reserve, then reveal little-known aspects of the buildings’ former lives during the walk.

Unexpectedly, the walk took on a life of its own! MHN decided to add a surprise element to the mix. A quick chat to the facilitator of the local Neighbourhood Centre’s ‘Creating a Performance’ group, a playwright and director (Plein Air Company), and a collaboration was put in motion. The playwright unearthed some relevant historical events and wrote short entertaining scripts to dramatise them.

The skits skipped through the decades, relating to points of interest along the walk. Participants walked into unexpected vignettes. An early 1900 re-enactment of Laura from The Getting of Wisdom bickering with her mother, the local post-mistress. A post WW2 ceremony of thanks for the primary school’s gift of apples to Maldon in Essex. This particular vignette left some participants on the walking tour red faced when it dawned on them that the apples at the school gate were for the collection, not to be eaten.

A David Attenborough sort, who spoke about the impact of early settlers on local inhabitants, flora, fauna and the landscape. A c1930s Maldon vs Fitzroy post-match speech from Pastor (Sir) Doug Nicholls and the local coach was followed by a contribution from the players. Resplendent in ill- fitting tutus, Fitzroy’s tap-dancing routine was somewhat overshadowed by Maldon’s grands jetés and pirouettes. Not a lot of finesse but much enthusiasm! A goldrush court scene had walk-participants acting as jurors and shopkeepers, forthrightly expressing their views to prove Lihou was not only innocent but could counter-sue. A late 1950s citizenship ceremony saw four Europeans take an oath of allegiance (becoming ‘new Australians’). Their names are now part of Maldon’s history.

Citizenship ceremony. Credit: Michelle Dorian

Finally, participants found themselves caught up in a 1917 women’s anti-conscription rally. As Mary Grant fired up the crowd from the rotunda, participants’ chants of ‘shame Government shame’ and ‘vote no’ echoed through the Shire Gardens, drowning out the protestations of the local church minister and Headmaster.

Mary Grant and her VOTE NO to anticonscription women’s rally. Credit: Michelle Dorian (Note the dog wearing a vote no coat)

These short skits breathed new life into the buildings and places along the walk and prompted playful interaction between performers and audience members.

Walk participants were a mix of locals and out-of-towners. Many complimented organisers on the interesting and engaging interplay of factual information and different takes on historical events.

Lady Martin, Victoria’s Agent General in London, Sir Norman Martin, Shire President, Bert Wood. Credit: B Browne

What a simple ‘history walk’ unearthed was a community wanting to promote Maldon’s heritage. It included the MHN, Plein Air actors, script writer/director, behind-the-scenes team and some locals who responded to call outs for extras. Even a local dog had a role in some performances! The Landcare group contributed, while the RSL opened its rooms and provided home baked cakes and a cuppa after the walk.

I was only a peripheral player, but I was greatly impressed with the time, effort and passion that went into this wonderfully informative, entertaining and pleasurable activity. What a community. You don’t have to dig deep in Maldon to find gold!