A stalwart of Williamstown for about 60 years, Brian Haynes has fell in love with the area and has discovered the town’s old buildings tell tales of the town’s history and legacy. He told Matthew Sims that he continues to explore his many passions, which include gymnastics and caravanning.
What is your connection to Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay?
I have lived in Williamstown for nearly 60 years and walk and exercise around my town a couple of times a day looking for interesting things to put on a Facebook page that I run – ‘Williamstown – past and present’. My early childhood was in the narrow streets of Richmond, so I can appreciate the open spaces and diverse scenery that Williamstown offers.
What do you love about where you live?
As a local historian, I love researching our unique and varied history of Williamstown. I have found quite a few 1850s buildings where their history was not known. Williamstown still has hundreds of structures remaining from the 1850s and 1860s, and the list keeps growing as I research. A special group for me are our bluestone houses, of which we still have more than 50 remaining. A number of local history books are also in the pipeline – one day.
How has your passion for the west informed your life and work?
I am a life member and past president of the Williamstown Historical Society. I have been a member of the Williamstown Historical Society for over 42 years. Being retired gives me more opportunity to follow my varied hobbies and activities, which also includes caravanning and travelling. I have been involved in the sport of gymnastics since 1961 and coaching in the western suburbs since 1992. I still judge competitions and assist my local gymnastics club, Lifestyle For Kids, on Champion Road.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
There are so many special areas in Williamstown but a favourite place, maybe a bit morbid for some, is the historic Williamstown Cemetery, where so many of our early citizens now reside. I just guided a couple of cemetery walks, where we visited the resting places of our early convicts within the cemetery. Other favourite places include our botanic gardens, our coastline and our hidden laneways and back streets.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
I am a twin. There is a small risk that we were mixed up as babies so maybe, my real name might be Bruce. I answer to both.
