StoryScape #6

Ruth Summer-Rain is a mother of 3 and now grandmother to 5 boys and is happily retired to pursue many passions and interests.

After 20 years of living in NSW near Mudgee, following a self sufficiency lifestyle off the grid and home schooling for 11years, Ruth returned to Melbourne. She tutored in meditation, basketry, mindmapping, holding ceremonial space and was a celebrant for weddings and funerals. She also studied and practiced as a Death Doula.

Ruth spent 16 years at Allwood house as a Community worker and Networker.

David Kerrigan believes that to belong to a place, you need to know the stories of where you live, work and play. As volunteer historian and archivist at Allwood Neighbourhood House, David collects local history and brings it to life. David wrote and directed a community play, drawing upon the stories of Hurstbridge, called The Bridge, in 2024, mentoring a huge cast and crew and engaging over 600 people in Nillumbik and surrounds. David has also been part of the National Trust of Victoria at Gulf Station (volunteer and guide), Yarra Plenty Heritage Group, Hurstbridge and Allwood House Historical Society, and Kangaroo Ground Andrew Ross Museum.

On the 26th of May 1924 Hurstbridge was officially proclaimed a township. From as early as the late 1890s an Allwood Progressive Committee was active in attempting to advance the cause of township. Recognition of Allwood, as Hurstbridge was generally known at the time, would bring extra weight to bear on the administrative Eltham council for infrastructure such as rail, roads and cold store facilities for the important orchard industry. A number of factors delayed the recognition, the depression of the 1890s and later the first world war. William Grey who was a member of Eltham Council and owner of Allwood nurseries along with other farmers was instrumental in the early town progressive society. A mock Proclamation of township was created by The Bridge Collective, a local historical drama group for the centenary of the event in 2024 and is currently on display in the History Room at Allwood House.

Until relatively recently Peter Semple lived in Panton Hill for 40 years – his family (the Cracknells) since 1892 – and was involved in various community organisations including as a writer/helper for Network Community Newspaper which was ultimately run from Allwood House.

Trina Shaw was a renowned bohemian Hurstbridge local who attended many activities and events at Allwood House. Sadly she passed away in 2023, but her lovely vibe and array of costumes and treasures continues to be felt around Hursty Town.

Annie Fletcher, self-proclaimed “Rhythm Nut” has been living in the Nillumbik area for 21 years and has been actively involved with Allwood Neighbourhood House since her arrival. Annie has transversed across the roles of dancer, drummer, teacher, clown, performer, musician, workshop facilitator and community collaborator. At any stage, one or many of these experiences can pop up and influence her current roles, in surprising ways.