By Natalie Gallenti
A group of devoted volunteers, historians and community members enjoyed a chat at the Tin Shed and honoured Alice Errington who donated the land on which the reserve is located, 100 years ago.
Volunteer Ann Sciretta said the Tin Shed which runs as a youth centre, offered disadvantaged youngsters within the area a chance to enjoy programs that they may not otherwise have been able to afford.
“These kids can be like every other kid and get to do great programs,” Ms Sciretta said.
She said the centre offered a gathering place for refugees and allowed them to interact with other members of the community.
Historian and author of St Albans: Oral History from the Tin Shed Archives, Joe Ribarou said the gift of Errington Reserve had a great impact on the community. Mr Ribarou said he took immense joy in seeing children play cricket and football on the reserve 100 years on.
Describing the late Mrs Errington as a woman with foresight, he said the gift she gave to St Albans could never be measured and continued to give back to the community a century later.
He said one only had to look around to see that the community spirit had lived on, with residents from all cultures gathering to celebrate the reserve and enjoy a meal together
