By Belinda Nolan
SHE will be forever remembered as the woman whose generosity united the St Albans community.
But anyone wishing to pay their respects to Alice Errington would be hard pressed to find her grave.
Born in 1864, Mrs Errington was a well-known benefactress who played an active role in the St Albans community.
In 1910, she donated the much-loved Errington Reserve to the people of St Albans, cementing her importance as one of the area’s most significant historical figures.
She died in 1931, aged 67 years.
Although her memory continues to live on in the reserve that is still enjoyed by local schools and sporting clubs, Mrs Errington’s remains were given little more than a pauper’s burial.
The St Albans resident currently lies in an unmarked grave in the Footscray Cemetery.
But a team of local residents and historians is hoping change all that.
Sunshine Historical Society member Tom Rigg is part of a new push to pay tribute to the St Albans heroine by erecting a memorial at her stricken grave site.
The group is hoping toraise around $1000 to pay for a plaque to commemorate Mrs Errington, 100 years on from her famous gift.
Mr Rigg said he had been shocked when he stumbled across the bare grave during a visit to the Footscray Cemetery.
“I had a lot of trouble finding it because there is just nothing there to mark the site,” Mr Rigg said.
“It’s really quite sad.
“We’re talking about someone who gave so much to the St Albans community.
“To my mind she is one of the greatest benefactors of the area and it is only fitting that we as a community give something back to remember her.”
Anyone wishing to donate money for the cause, can visit the Tin Shed at 309A Main Rd East in St Albans.
