Our annual history walk was held on Saturday 14 November.
The theme was again hotels, but this year we looked at the Abbotsford area. Compared to the section of Collingwood between Smith and Wellington Streets that we walked last year, the hotel sites were not quite so densley packed together, except for Victoria Street which as an early thoroughfare had the usual 19th century pattern of a hotel on almost every corner. Many have been demolished and some are now restaurants. The walk was ably led by Frances and Christine, with commentary on other buildings in Nicholson Street from Karen, and a firsthand description of the old swimming baths in Marine Parade from Helen. Finishing up at The Retreat Hotel was a real highlight of the afternoon. It is a delightful pub and worth a visit whether to look around or partake of a refreshing ale. Publican Kim came along on the walk and quickly swung into barmaid mode as we arrived.
