Stories of resilience, heartbreak, tragedy and accomplishments of once prominent local members of the Busselton community were shared at a tombstone tour held at the Pioneer Cemetery.
Busselton Historical Society’s Delys Forrest hosted the tour as part of the Festival of Busselton celebrations on Thursday morning.
Ms Forrest said the tours were a great way to share stories about the people who contributed significantly to the history of the area.
The group of about 20 battled chilly winds and drizzle to take in the intriguing anecdotes and legacy of featured individuals.
Some of the prominent figures portrayed included the Yelverton, Bovell, Killerby, McDaniell, Forrest, Bunbury and Barnard families.
“I really enjoy it, I love the history. I think Busselton has got really good history,” Ms Forrest said.
“People that come on the tours they’re really interested, some of them are local descendants or relations and some of them are tourists.
“They love to find out what people did back then and their ingenuity at a time which was very different to now.
“The stories of how these prominent figures just went in and got out and did things, put up with hardships and progress while trying to survive and make a living are just great and are a reminder that we can do anything if we put our minds to it.”
For information on the tombstone tours or to make bookings for a group appointment, contact the Busselton Historical Society on 9751 5171.
Ivy James
Journalist for Bunbury Mail, Australian Community Media and Fairfax Media
Journalist for Bunbury Mail, Australian Community Media and Fairfax Media
