John Becroft – at the 1875 Wilkinson Memorial Drinking Fountain – leads heritage tours through Williamstown. 88672 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By ALESHA CAPONE
FORGET the idea that history never repeats – the secrets of Williamstown’s past come alive when retold by John Becroft.
The history buff has been conducting heritage tours for the past 15 years.
At present Mr Becroft leads a weekly heritage walk around Williamstown which is sponsored by Hobsons Bay City Council.
Beginning at the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre, Mr Becroft shows both international visitors and Melbourne residents around sites including the Ann St morgue, the Timeball Tower, hotels and the Strand.
Mr Becroft nominated the 1875 Wilkinson Memorial Drinking Fountain outside the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre as one of his favourite historical spots.
A local minister, concerned at the amount of liquor consumed during Williamstown’s pioneering days, imported the fountain from Scotland so travellers could quench their thirst.
The fountain’s opening was reportedly attended by more than 2000 people.
“They didn’t have market research in those days so we don’t know how it went,” Mr Becroft said.
“But history writes the police had to arrest a number of people for being drunk and disorderly at the opening.”
Mr Becroft said he became a tour guide due to his lifelong interest in history after more than three decades as a school teacher.
He is also a member of the Williamstown Historical Society and said some residents know more about the area’s history than him.
“A few people know a fair bit more than me. I’m old and I’ve learned things across my 71 years,” he said.
“It’s important to preserve history but unfortunately things get forgotten.”
The free heritage walking tours depart from the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre every Tuesdays at 2.15pm and Friday at 11.45am. Bookings are essential. Contact: 9932 4310.
