Friends of Werribee Park in Werribee, Victoria | Community organisation

Friends of Werribee Park

Locality: Werribee, Victoria

Phone: +61 131963

Address: K Road 3030 Werribee, VIC, Australia

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• Non-profit organisation
• Community organisation

25.01.2022 Friends of Werribee Park had wonderful time at the State Rose Garden Show, the rose garden was absolutely beautiful!

25.01.2022 Thank you Parks friends ... your volunteers have been missing you all too We are looking forward to getting back and making 2021 the best year ever.

24.01.2022 An update regarding the Australian Heritage Festival... It is with a heavy heart, but in the interests of the health and safety of the community, that the National Trust of Australia is cancelling the 2020 Australian Heritage Festival. This is in response to the #COVID19 public health emergency. Please see the Australian Heritage Festival website for further information: https://bit.ly/3b835an

24.01.2022 Wishing a Merry Christmas to all of the fabulous Friends of Werribee Park members and their families. May your day be full of good cheer and your hearts full of love.

24.01.2022 It has been a long few months having to stay away from the people and places we love to protect them. Thankfully the restrictions are slowly starting to ease and the gardening volunteers are back doing what they do so exceptionally well. Perhaps some are finding it a little harder to get back out there into the world then others..... Hey Hsar? ... In all seriousness tho, flexi tubs do come in pretty handy during a downpour photo credit to Brigitte

23.01.2022 A message from the wonderful folk at Parks Victoria...I can only imagine how heart broken they are... In response to advice from the Victorian Chief Health Officer, Parks Victoria has decided to close high visitation sites with a typical attendance of over 500 people outdoors, and 100 people indoors. Please note that some of these are partial or temporary closures, so for full details visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/covid19 This includes:... The Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre and lookouts 1000 Steps Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden William Ricketts Sanctuary St Kilda Pier penguin viewing platform Mackenzie Falls Buchan Caves tours Wonthaggi State Coal mine tours Werribee Mansion tours See more

23.01.2022 During the Victorian Era of 1837 1901 there were many changes in fashion styles and the social and economic structure of the newly colonised Australia. There was the end of the convict era, pastoral expansion in the 1840s and in the 1850s and influx of new settlers seeking their fortune during the Gold Rush. Both men and women of this era made their status known in society by the style of their clothing. During this time dresses were sewn entirely by hand, as it would be an...Continue reading

22.01.2022 Get ready for Carol's in the mansion tomorrow from 2pm. Feel free to join us! EDIT - unfortunately as we don't have a pianist today carols will not be happening. Hopefully next Sunday from 1-3. Stay tuned!

22.01.2022 Thought I would share these here as I know the gardeners and especially those that work in the rose garden would appreciate the work involved. These beautiful dahlias are in the portland botanical gardens. They use then for the ANZAC ceremony.

20.01.2022 Have fun with with whole family at this years Childrens Week picnic. The event is happening on the 27th of October at Werribee Park. For more information on the go to https://www.facebook.com/events/477774212987136/?ti=icl

20.01.2022 They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Lest We Forget

20.01.2022 Confused about Social Distancing regulations? Just wear a Crinoline

19.01.2022 For anyone with some spare time up their sleeves, and let’s face itthat’s a few of us at the momentI thought I would share the following link to an interesting series I discovered on YouTube. A great way to pass a few ISO hours. Released by the BBC and presented by Dr Pamela Cox, Professor in Sociology, renowned historian, writer and presenter. This 3 part series uncovers the reality of the lives of servants from Victorian times through to WW2. Part One - Knowing Your Place... looks at Grand Victorian houses that relied on an army of unseen workers that used hidden passages to carry out their duties to maintain these immaculate homes. Anonymity, invisibility and segregation were a crucial part of the gruelling job and the strict servant hierarchy meant they were even segregated from each other. Part Two Class War explores the repercussions when domestic servants challenged their Masters and Mistresses during the Edwardian period of service. During this time the upper classes heavily relied on their domestic staff but the numbers of workers in the field were dwindling as people sought better working conditions and wages elsewhere. This episode also looks at how servants were recruited from work houses, reform schools and slums. Part 3 No Going Back investigates how War affected domestic service workers and how women rose to challenge of stepping into the men’s roles. Once the war ended woman were hesitant to return to their old roles with the over starched aprons and caps. This brought forth the challenge of tempting them to return with prettier new uniforms and the roles of ‘daily servants’. It may not be exactly how it was for the staff at Werribee Park during its days of grandeur, but it is in insight into a life and time we admire and respect for the changes that were brought about so we could have the lives and lifestyles we enjoy now. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqiMASk5MIU&feature=share See more

19.01.2022 Next costume program is on Saturday 24 August from 11am to 3pm. If you love history and dressing up then this is for you!Next costume program is on Saturday 24 August from 11am to 3pm. If you love history and dressing up then this is for you!

18.01.2022 Friends of Werribee Park Covid safe outdoor General meeting. So great to see everyone in 3D and to welcome our newest members in person. There were so many exciting plans discussed for 2021. We even had an uninvited guest speaking Crow that had more then a few (loud) words to impart....Perhaps he was just as frustrated by what Covid did to 2020.

18.01.2022 Christmas is almost upon us for another year and the halls of the Mansion now have that wonderful smell of fresh pine once again. A smell synonymous with the festive season. Thankyou to our wonderful volunteers for bringing the Christmas spirit into the grand house and thank you Brigitte for the photos... Also a thank you to Parks for allowing us to help spread the cheer in a year full of challenges.

17.01.2022 With restrictions finally lifted, Friends of Werribee Park are happy to announce the newly formed Interpretation group. Our team of passionate volunteers will be in the Mansion most weekends to assist visitors with any assistance they may require. Thank you to the Werribee Half Battery for inviting us to join their grand luncheon on the lawn.... Photo credits. Allan Sterling. If you would like to become a volunteer please come and join us either in the Interp program or in the beautiful grounds with our wonderful gardeners. Https://www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au/V/group-details-public/

16.01.2022 When the world gives you a virus, make Silverbeet. Beautiful work by beautiful people

16.01.2022 *** REMINDER *** The annual Childrens Week Picnic is back for the 19th year, and will be held on Sunday 27 October at Werribee Park 10am 4pm. This FREE community event is open and accessible to all and is a fun family friendly day out full of entertainment, interactive arts experiences, sporting activities, music, dancing and good times! There will also be food trucks, roving entertainers and lots of fun experiences! We hope that you can join us for a great fun day out at ...the Childrens Week Picnic. Like the Facebook Page to keep up to date with event news or check out the website for more information on this years fun activities and entertainment. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/477774212987136/ Website: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/childrensweekpicnic

15.01.2022 ***NB FOR ALL ENQUIRIES REGARDING WERRIBEE PARK PLEASE CALL PARKS VICTORIA ON 131963 or EMAIL [email protected] "Friends of Werribee Park" is a not for profit group of volunteers who assist Parks Victoria in the maintenance of the formal gardens of the Mansion grounds as well as various buildings and carriages on the property. Volunteers also run the Costume program in the Chintz Room several Saturdays per month, whereby visitors can get a glimpse into the fashions of th...e Chirnside's day as well as trying the costumes on. They also help out with activities in the Mansion grounds, such as Heritage Days in January, Easter egg hunt, Children's Picnic, various functions run by Wyndham Council as well as the evening plays. If you have been a visitor to the Mansion your photos and feedback are most welcome. For any volunteer enquiries please email - [email protected]

14.01.2022 The Friends of Werribee Park had a wonderful time at the Childrens Picnic on Sunday, here are some photos from the event.

13.01.2022 Wishing everyone a Happy Easter. Stay healthy, stay happy and stay in your burrows.

13.01.2022 It won't be long now before the doors of Werribee mansion will be open again...and it won't be a minute too soon! Be assured, FOWP have been working behind the scenes preparing for this most wonderful day. The silver has been polished, the best china has been set and the gardens are in full bloom all with thanks to our lovely friends from Parks Victoria.... 2021 is going to be Splendiferous. If you are looking to make some new friends, learn new skills or be part of something great...consider volunteering in 2021. https://www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au/V/group-details-public/

12.01.2022 It's a new week, with new members. FOWP are excited to introduce James and Drennan. James (left) joins us from the Werribee Half Battery (check out their socials). He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the history of the Half Battery based at Werribee Park and Soldiers Reserve of 1889.... Drennan (right)is quite the dapper young man that looks at home in a top hat and waist coat. His engaging smile will no doubt be a winner with guests to the park. If you would like to become a member of Friends of Werribee Park or know someone that should, please share our page and have them contact us @ friendsofwerribeepark.com.au You don't have to be in the Costume Program like these two fine gents. There is also our fabulous Interpretation Program, the phenomenal garden group, the creative sewing room and the soon to be opened Black Smith hut and farm. Come and be part of history.

12.01.2022 "And people stayed at home And read books And listened And they rested And did exercises... And made art and played And learned new ways of being And stopped and listened More deeply Someone meditated, someone prayed Someone met their shadow And people began to think differently And people healed. And in the absence of people who Lived in ignorant ways Dangerous, meaningless and heartless, The earth also began to heal And when the danger ended and People found themselves They grieved for the dead And made new choices And dreamed of new visions And created new ways of living And completely healed the earth Just as they were healed." Kathleen O'Mara. See more

11.01.2022 Christmas 2020 needs you! Can you carry a tune? Do you enjoy belting out a Carol or 2? Then FOWP needs you! Christmas Carols in the Mansion...... Sunday 13th and 20th Dec. 3pm to 4pm...Please let us know if you are keen to join in bringing that festive feeling into the grand old house See more

10.01.2022 To Australia's amazing Health Care Professionals and Emergency Response teams WE THANK YOU. It's because of you that we will see those we love again, and for that reason it is imperative that we all stay home this Easter. It's a small sacrifice for a greater gain.

10.01.2022 Here are some moments from the amazing Christmas dinner our group had last night at the Mansion.

10.01.2022 Margaret Fair Chirnside (Maggie) born September 5th 1851, Haddington Scotland. Maggie the first child born to Andrew and Mary, arrived at the height of the gold rush. In order to avoid the rush of people immigrating to Australia in search of gold and to allow their new daughter the time to gain the strength to handle the voyage back to their new home, they chose to remain in Scotland for her 1st year. In November 1852, the new family arrived home in time for their first Chris...Continue reading

10.01.2022 Congratulations James. An amazing person doing a phenomenal job in a place we all love and respect. Thank goodness for your naughtiness as it led you to Werribee Park, otherwise as volunteers we may never have had the privilege to work alongside you and your team.

10.01.2022 FOWP is excited to announce the opening of the Sewing Room. The activity will be run every fortnight on Thursday from 10:30 AM to 2:30PM starting on the 6th of February. If you are interested in joining us please send inquiries to [email protected]

09.01.2022 More information about the event at https://www.facebook.com/events/523936755043314/?ti=icl

09.01.2022 One of the Park Rangers at Werribee Mansion. Lovely person, always has a smile and happy to help anytime. Well done Hsar.

08.01.2022 Parks Victoria are proud to announce that Werribee Mansion has been chosen to be included in Open House Melbourne this year. Come along and wander through the rooms as the Chirnsides did nearly 150 years ago. See our volunteers dressed up in costume, have a chat with us and experience the Mansion like you haven't before. https://www.openhousemelbourne.org/m/the-weekend-july-2019/

08.01.2022 Weve been selected to participate in Local Matters at Grilld Werribee this August! For the whole month of August FOWP has a jar at Grilld. To help us win a $300 donation just head to the Grilld at Pacific Werribee Shopping Center at the corner of Heaths Rd and Derrimut Rd. Once you order you will receive bottle cap tokens that you can put in our jar. Its a simple (and delicious) way to show your support!

04.01.2022 Today is International Woman's Day. A day to celebrate all women for their social, economic and cultral achievents...past and present. I would like to take a moment to recognise Mary Chirnside (Nee Begbie). Born Sept 23rd 1827 died March 4th 1908. Mary was known for being a kind hearted woman with a strong faith in God and an empathy for all humanity. ... During her life at Werribee Park she hosted many garden parties, picnics and charitable events for the local farmers and their families to show the Chirnsides appreciation for the hard work they enjured. After her beloved Andrew passed, Mary still gave to her community by commissioning a stained glass window for the local church (built on land donated by the Chirnside family). Throughout her time at Werribee Park, Mary gave tirelessly to her family and community creating the legacy that still remains today for us all to still enjoy, learn from and appreciate. Next time you are strolling through the stunning gardens admiring the 100 year old trees or in awe of the phenomenal mansion, give a little ' high five' to Mary for playing her role in creating a place that we still love to this day.

04.01.2022 Our deepest condolences to the familes of last night's terrible incident.

04.01.2022 One question that is asked of our Costume Program Volunteers regularly is... How did the ladies use the bathroom with all of those layers? Well, let me relieve of your concerns . Pun intended :) ... Split drawers! Similar to pantaloons, they were worn up until approx. The 1890s when they were replaced by the joined drawers Usually made from cotton or linen they were considered comfortable, hygienic and easy to wash. If not a little breezy. A chemise would be worn over the top and then depending on the fashion of the time, a crinoline or bustle would be worn. A lot of woman would try to avoid the need to relieve by going in the morning and evenings when they were not fully dressed in all of their finery. Most crinolines were also relatively flexible and could be gathered up and the lady would use a chamber pot, bourdaloue or approach the toilet forward facing. In the case of the Bustle, they either were much like a padded cushion that didnt interfere with the job at hand or there were caged bustles that simply compressed like an accordion or swung to the side and out of the way. All in the name of fashion and reputation... Werribee Park was quite ahead of its time, hosting 4 WCs including 2 just for the house staff! If you would like to become a Friend of Werribee Park, either in the stunning gardens or the grand house please register your interest below and once Covid has passed our team will be in touch. https://www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au/V/group-details-public/

03.01.2022 A big day for the Costume Program yesterday with 135 visitors through. As the weather starts to warm up more people venture out so we expect large numbers of visitors in the program to come. Make sure you check out the gardens when visiting the Mansion to see what a great job the volunteers are doing to maintain them.

03.01.2022 Our group has worked hard today to make the Mansion festive for the holidays.

02.01.2022 It is with a heavy heart that Friends Of Werribee Park will be suspending all up coming costume program events to minimise the spread of Covid -19. Please stay tuned to this space for updates. In the meantime please stay positive. These are trying times but a smile to a stranger says a thousand unsaid kind words.

02.01.2022 For anyone with some spare time up their sleeves, and lets face itthats a few of us at the momentI thought I would share the following link to an interesting series I discovered on YouTube. A great way to pass a few ISO hours. Released by the BBC and presented by Dr Pamela Cox, Professor in Sociology, renowned historian, writer and presenter. This 3 part series uncovers the reality of the lives of servants from Victorian times through to WW2. Part One - Knowing Your Place... looks at Grand Victorian houses that relied on an army of unseen workers that used hidden passages to carry out their duties to maintain these immaculate homes. Anonymity, invisibility and segregation were a crucial part of the gruelling job and the strict servant hierarchy meant they were even segregated from each other. Part Two Class War explores the repercussions when domestic servants challenged their Masters and Mistresses during the Edwardian period of service. During this time the upper classes heavily relied on their domestic staff but the numbers of workers in the field were dwindling as people sought better working conditions and wages elsewhere. This episode also looks at how servants were recruited from work houses, reform schools and slums. Part 3 No Going Back investigates how War affected domestic service workers and how women rose to challenge of stepping into the mens roles. Once the war ended woman were hesitant to return to their old roles with the over starched aprons and caps. This brought forth the challenge of tempting them to return with prettier new uniforms and the roles of daily servants. It may not be exactly how it was for the staff at Werribee Park during its days of grandeur, but it is in insight into a life and time we admire and respect for the changes that were brought about so we could have the lives and lifestyles we enjoy now. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqiMASk5MIU&feature=share See more

01.01.2022 One question that is asked of our Costume Program Volunteers regularly is... ‘How did the ladies use the bathroom with all of those layers?’ Well, let me relieve of your concerns . Pun intended :) ... Split drawers! Similar to pantaloons, they were worn up until approx. The 1890s when they were replaced by the ‘joined drawers’ Usually made from cotton or linen they were considered comfortable, hygienic and easy to wash. If not a little breezy. A chemise would be worn over the top and then depending on the fashion of the time, a crinoline or bustle would be worn. A lot of woman would try to avoid the need to relieve by going in the morning and evenings when they were not fully dressed in all of their finery. Most crinolines were also relatively flexible and could be gathered up and the lady would use a chamber pot, bourdaloue or approach the toilet forward facing. In the case of the Bustle, they either were much like a padded cushion that didn’t interfere with the job at hand or there were caged bustles that simply compressed like an accordion or swung to the side and out of the way. All in the name of fashion and reputation... Werribee Park was quite ahead of its time, hosting 4 WC’s including 2 just for the house staff! If you would like to become a Friend of Werribee Park, either in the stunning gardens or the grand house please register your interest below and once Covid has passed our team will be in touch. https://www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au/V/group-details-public/

01.01.2022 The world may be in a sad state of affairs at the moment...but remember there is always time to put on your best frock and hat, bring out your finest china and have a cup of tea with your lockdown buddy (this may even be a pet)...laughter is the best medicine. Stay healthy because you are loved and we all want to see you when this cloud passes.