Islay House, a familiar sight on the main road through Woodend, started life as a hotel. But how did it get its name? And how should you pronounce it?
Time to honour them properly
The war memorial clock tower is Woodend’s most familiar landmark. But the journey to build it was long and challenging.
Pipped at the post
More than 1,000 people attended the first meeting at Woodend’s new racecourse in 1903. But Gambill’s victory in the Woodend Cup wasn’t the most impressive feat they saw.
Day the band played on the roof
Woodend bandstand was erected as a memorial to J.C. Keating. Such was the esteem in which he was held that a public subscription raised £700.
Grog and groceries
We’re accustomed to having supermarkets with bottleshops attached. But in 1862, when Newham’s first general store opened, it was the other way around.
Ned Kelly and the blacksmith
The Redmonds’ forge in Woodend was a place where not only could you get your horse shod or your wagon repaired but you could be sure of a warm welcome.