The Hawksview

The Hawksview Collection is a vital part of AlburyCity's costume collection. Donations were made to the collection by sisters Daintry Heywood, Eveline Gillett and Beatrice Webb. The Hawksview Collection consists of clothes and accessories from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with some items belonging to the sisters' mother and grandmother.

Daintry (1905) and Eveline (1907) were born at the Gillett family property, 'Warenda', near Shepparton. A few years later the family moved to Mt Moriac, where Beatrice was born in 1911. Soon after, they moved to Bell Park, West Geelong. The sisters had a governess at home and later attended boarding school at The Hermitage, Geelong.

In 1924 their father, Harry Gillett, bought 'Glenaroua', a 5,000-acre property near Broadford. They all loved 'Genaroua', but the Depression and several bad seasons forced Harry to sell the property. It was while on holiday at Point Lonsdale that Beatrice first met Phil Webb when, as a small boy, he threw a handful of beach sand in her face. Several years later Beatrice and Daintry visited the Webb family at Culcairn. It was 'love at first sight' for Beatrice and Phil. Also during this visit, Daintry met her future husband, Phil Webb's uncle, Captain Phil Heywood of 'Hawksview'.

After leaving school, Daintry returned home to the farm and started a local Girl Guides unit. Eveline trained as a nurse and Beatrice as a kindergarten teacher.

In 1942 Beatrice married Phil Webb and moved to 'Hawksview', and in 1943 Daintry married Phil Heywood.

The two sisters lived within a short distance of each other for the rest of their lives.

Daintry was actively involved with the Girl Guides for many years. After a long and varied life she died in 2001.Eveline stayed with their parents in Geelong until, due to her ill health, her sisters moved her to Albury, where she died in 1981.

Beatrice had four children, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She died in 2008.

They were gracious ladies, loved and respected by their families. The Hawksview Collection represents the memories of a family, but it also marks the end of an era.