Darlington History Group

It is always a pleasure to gather and reflect on the year that was, and it was a delight to spend time with the Committee at our end of year windup at the Parkerville Tavern. It was an opportunity to relax and recognise all our members who participated at so many levels. In 2022 we wanted to recognise the work of Rob Borsje, our Secretary and Webmaster, for developing and managing the website, his contribution as our secretary, researcher and technical advisor.

This year marks a significant milestone for the Darlington Hall. It is the heart of our community and has fulfilled many roles. The hall was built in 1890 originally for Alfred Waylen and Josceline Amherst, owners of Darlington Winery, and served as the new cellar for the wine production. Since being granted to the Greenmount Road Board (now the Shire of Mundaring) the hall has been extensively used by the community for meetings, private events (including numerous birthday parties, engagement and wedding celebrations, funeral services and memorials), fitness classes and yoga, senior ballet, theatre performances and local dances. Until they found new premises, The Darlington Theatre Players (rebranded the Marloo Theatre) held their first performances in the hall. The Darlington Chamber Music Series hold a season of performances each year in the hall, and since the 1920s the Darlington Progress Association has held their monthly meetings in the hall. The Darlington Lesser Hall is home to the Darlington Club who meet socially each Friday night. It has also been renovated over the years, and this beautiful stone building stands proudly in the centre of our village. We need to consider how the community can come together to celebrate this Centenary, and welcome suggestions and input from the community groups that use the hall (or have in the past), and all Darlington residents. DHG would like those who are interested in being involved in the planning for the Hall Centenary to contact Val 9299 6868 to discuss your inspiration and be available in late February to form a committee and start planning the celebration.

As mentioned in the last Review, at the beginning of each year we have a planning meeting, where we review the past year’s projects and look at those we will tackle in 2023. We have some interesting proposals to consider, and look forward to sharing these as they formulate.

In 2023, as in past years, we look forward to working with the community, the Shire and organisations to continue to collect your stories and research our local history.

As we moved into the New Year, we heard about the Federal Governments push to significantly reduce funding to TROVE which sits under the National Library. We, along with other history and research groups, have written to Minister Tony Burke expressing our deep concern at this proposal to reduce the research facility offered by TROVE. We will keep you posted on the outcome.

The unveiling of the statue, organised by the Swan Guildord Historical Society, is due to happen in March 2023. The 10th Light Horse Regiment is a mounted infantry regiment that traces its history to the mounted infantry units of the Colonial Militia of Western Australia during the late 19th Century. The Regiment was most active from October 1914 (WW1), and continues to the present day. The Cockshott family, residents of Darlington for many decades, had one son Reg who enlisted with the 10th Light Horse Regiment in WW1. Reg is on the WW1 Darlington Honour Board, which can be viewed in the Darlington Hall.

Become a member of a group that is dedicated to researching, investigating, and preserving the history and heritage of Darlington. You will receive a quarterly newsletter keeping you in the loop about coming events and ongoing projects. For details on how you can become a member please contact Val Shiell admin@dhg.org.au or phone 9299 6868.

Welcome back to the Club and a new year of social activity. During the past season of giving, and as part of our Christmas Party, the Club decided to collect dry food items for DreambuildersCARE in Midland. Photos of some of the items collected below. Thank you all who generously donated.