One of Australia’s largest and best-preserved War Service Commission homes estates is turning 100 – and Hampton Rovers’ heritage is linked this milestone event.
The Castlefield Estate, bounded by South Road, Hampton and Ludstone Streets, comprises more than 200 weatherboard and terracotta tile Californian bungalows – built by a grateful nation for soldiers returning from the First World War.
The Bayside community will turn out at Castlefield Reserve on SUNDAY 23 MARCH from 11.00am – and Hampton Rovers are encouraged to attend as the club approaches its own centenary.
The Hampton Rovers started in 1918 as an organised activity of the 1st Hampton Scout group – based at Castlefield Reserve – and was established as the club as we know today in 1929 in the earliest days of the surrounding Castlefield Estate.
The Governor of Victoria – Her Excellency the Hon Prof Margaret Gardner AC will unveil a plaque – and official guests include the veterans minister, federal and state MPs, the Army, Navy and RAAF, the RSL and the chair of the Shrine of Remembrance.
The 30-member Navy Band will play, a Haileybury piper will feature, and armed forces cadets will raise the Australian flag. Children from Hampton Primary and St Mary’s Primary will also perform.
Official proceedings run from 11.00 till around midday. Hampton Scouts and Sandringham Rotary will stage BBQs, Hampton Life Saving Club will provide cold drinks, and the CWA will also have a food stall.
New full-width bronze footpath plaques are currently being installed in every street on the estate, telling the story of the WW1 locations after which they are named.
A new large interpretive sign at the Reserve will tell the story of the heritage precinct, and include a link to an audio walking tour of the Estate which will feature on the Bayside Walks app.
In this way, Hampton’s Castlefield Estate is a living memorial to those who served, and is forever linked to the history of Hampton Rovers.
The Castlefield Centenary Project has been supported by the Victoria Remembers program, Bayside Council, the Sandringham and District Historical Society, Australia’s armed services, local school and community groups and generous corporate sponsorship.
