This article was sponsored by Kingston Avenue of Honour Inc.
Off the Midland Highway, east of Creswick on a road signposted to the tiny town of Kingston, are 286 silent sentinels.
These 100-year-old elm trees constitute the former Shire of Creswick Avenue of Honour. Members of the community, then a population of only 5,000, planted 225 trees on 10 August 1918, with the remainder planted by 8 August 1919.
The trees commemorate men and women of the Shire who served during World War I.
The Avenue was heritage-listed in 2015. It is often missed by traffic travelling the Midland Highway. The rich volcanic soils of the area have contributed to its survival.
Only nine trees have been replaced. A management plan, being developed by the Hepburn Shire Council, will maintain the well being of the trees and secure the Avenue for future generations.
Descendants of those commemorated in the Avenue visit regularly. Everyone is welcome to join descendants and the local community on Sunday 11 November to commemorate and celebrate the Centenary of the Armistice and the Avenue planting.
Kingston Friends of the Avenue and the Creswick-Smeaton RSL Sub Branch invite you to this free family day, which runs from 9am to 4pm.
At 10.15am formal proceedings will commence with the Creswick Brass Band. The Creswick Light Horse will lead the parade. There are 35 Light Horse volunteers commemorated in the Avenue, including three who fought in the Battle of Beersheba.
The RSL will conduct the Remembrance Day Service at 10.40am. A community celebration to mark the Centenary of the Avenue and the Armistice will follow.
Musical entertainment, a knitted and crocheted poppy installation, historical displays, vintage machinery, steam engines and food vans will be available for your enjoyment. Children’s activities include a tree trail, a straw bale maze and old-fashioned games.
This is an all-weather event (except on a day of extreme fire danger). Kingston Road will be closed to through traffic from 9am. Parking will be available for gold coin donation with free shuttle buses operating. Plan to arrive before 10.15am for the formalities, or after 11am for the entertainment and activities. You can walk from either end during the formal proceedings. The event is wheelchair-accessible.
Check the Kingston Avenue of Honour Facebook page or the website for further details. Visit www.kingstonavenueofhonour.org.au or check out the Facebook www.facebook.com/KingstonAvenueofHonour
Many thanks to our major sponsors: RACV Goldfields Resort, Fulton Hogan, Creswick and District Community Bank, Hepburn Shire Council, Hocking Stuart, The Hepburn Advocate and the Ballarat Courier.
This article was sponsored by Kingston Avenue of Honour Inc.