Entertainment
5 November, 2024
Unveiling stories of people past
NOW considered to be an iconic Herberton event, Sunset Stories will again be hosted at the town’s cemetery on Syme Road on Saturday 16 November.
The event is scheduled to follow the Beaver Moon (full moon) the previous evening.
An annual activity of the Herberton Lions Club, this popular evening walk taps into a growing interest in the social history fabric of our communities.
Each year, just six residents are chosen and a great deal of research undertaken to unveil their stories from the mists of time, of the trials, tribulations, achievements and successes of their lives.
The chosen six people are then reimagined by locals in period costumes, accompanied by the Mount Saint Bernard choir with songs especially adapted to their life story.
This dramatisation gives a chance to share fragments of the past through the voices of the living and an opportunity for people to enjoy a moonlight walk through the cemetery in a really immersive experience.
A place of so much history, with movers and shakers, prominent families, and ordinary working people who helped build the town all at rest there, the Herberton cemetery was opened in 1885 after the “old” original cemetery in the town area in Rose Lane (1880-1885) was closed, following problems with rock and the railway cutting needing to access part of the area.
Sadly, there are many in both cemeteries lying at rest with no marker or headstone to indicate their resting place, particularly in the case of children, although precious original documents have records that have allowed identification of many of those earliest burial sites and the people lying at rest there.
Sunset Stories is a cash only event, with entry $5 per person with children under 14 free and burgers, sausage sizzle, soft drink, water, tea and coffee available for a small charge.
Gates open at 5.30pm with the walk to begin as soon as dusk settles, usually around 6.30 to 7pm.
Whilst waiting, sit in the peaceful surrounds to eat and mingle with friends or take the opportunity to wander around the cemetery or the Padre White Chapel.
Be sure to bring a coat as it can become quite chilly, and sensible shoes and a torch are recommended. If coming for the meal, it’s recommended to bring a chair, because although seating is provided, it is limited.
Sunset Stories are sure to entertain and touch you deeply and the ambience of shadows dancing on the gravestones with the haunting call of the curlews drifting on the evening air will give an added ambience to an experience not to be missed.
