Heathcote Valley Stories

The legacy of Heathcote Valley: tracing a colorful past
Here is a collection, in no particular order, of stories about Heathcote Valley's rich history. Learn about the events and people who shaped our community over the years. Most of these articles have been previously published in the Heathcote Valley Community Magazine. You are welcome to use these articles for educational purposes, but we do ask that they are not copied or used on other websites or publications without approval of the author. Please note that articles may be updated from time ot time, so may differ to the original version published in the magazine. We will be adding to this collection over time, so be sure to check back again to see what is new. We hope you find something interesting and enjoyable here to read. Top Secret in Horotane By Barrie Woods The story of how munitions came to be manufactured in Horotane Valley during World War 2 Methodism in the Heathcote Valley By Melville Opie How the Methodist church in Heathcote valley came to be A Tale of Two Pipes By Barrie Woods The history of the oil and LPG pipelines between Lyttelton and Heathcote. 13 Acres of Gorse By Barrie Woods The story of the origin of Duncan Park Living in Hammerton By Barrie Woods Do you know that Heathcote was originally known as Hammerton? This article explores the early settlement of Heathcote Valley. Railway Billie's Tunnel By Barrie Woods Read how the Heathcote railway tunnel came to be. The Battle of Hillsborough By Barrie Woods War games in Avoca Valley get serious. Birdsey By Barrie Woods A colourful character's brief association with the valley lives on. A Sunny Little Enclave By Barrie Woods The early history of Morgans Valley Memories of the Wetherall Family and the old Birdsey Valley Inn By Lyn Benfell Lyn shares her family connections and memories. The Wonderful Stories and History of 112 Bridle Path Road By Lyn Benfell Wonderful stories of the Mouldey family A Brief History of the Heathcote Maltworks By Barrie Woods 130 years of malting in Heathcote coverd in under 5 pages. The Demise of the Heathcote Maltworks By John Squibb John Squibb was a meteorologist for most of his life and is now happily retired living at the old Maltworks site which has been developed into the Maltworks Villas. Heathcote's Lovely Lanes By Barrie Woods The origins of Heathcote's street names. Digging up Bricks By Barrie Woods A short article about the origins of RS bricks, many of which can be found locally. A Difficult Path By Barrie Woods An article about the Bridle Path Don't Pine the Pines By Barrie Woods A short history of the lower reaches of the Heathcote (Ōpāwaho) River. Early Years in Horotane Valley By Ted Shields Ted Shields talks about the early years of Horotane Valley where his family have lived for more than 100 years. Happy Times in Horotane By Flo Helen Chung-Jenner Flo Helen Chung-Jenner talks about living in Horotane Valley and introduces her autobiography. Heathcote - Gateway to the World By Barrie Woods A short history of the Lyttelton Road Tunnel The Valley Inn By Steph, Office Manager, Calvert Hospitality How the Valley Inn has rebuilt and recovered after the 2011 earthquakes