Amateur historian Mike Deephouse at Trigg beach.
Camera IconAmateur historian Mike Deephouse at Trigg beach. Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

History buff in plaque call

Tom Rabe, Stirling TimesStirling Times

Streets and reserves bare the names of men and women claimed by the unpredictable currents along the coastline, but Mr Deephouse says more needs to be done to educate the public of the area’s rich history.

This Saturday, marks the 67th anniversary of the deaths of Frederick Floyd and Sister Mary Chrysostom who both drowned after Floyd unsuccessfully attempted to save the Irish nun when she was dragged out to sea north of Trigg Point.

Mr Deephouse said although a plaque stood on Trigg Beach for a time after the incident, there had been no information along the coastline since it was damaged during a 1950s storm.

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The plaque is now inside the Trigg Island SLSC.

The plinth that supported the plaque, as part as a belt-and-wheel rescue device, is sometimes visible at Trigg Point when strong tides shift the sand it is buried beneath.

‘These guys are the sprit of exactly what volunteer surf lifesaving is all about and the fact that they risked their lives, they are the spirit that drives the surf lifesaving movement,’ Mr Deephouse said.

‘It’s important because so many people lost their lives on that beach and without people like Charles Riley and Frederick Floyd you wouldn’t have that community spirit that started the surf clubs.’

The retired paramedic said he would like to see the City of Stirling install more plaques and information along the coastline to celebrate the area’s history and accurately pass on the stories.

‘They’d benefit because they’d know the real history, the stories that are passed on by everyone in Trigg and North Beach and Watermans; all the residents know the stories but not one of them really gets it right,’ he said.

‘I think by having these monuments there, people will be able to read it and see it and it’ll be passed on again correctly and accurately.’

City of Stirling director of Community Development Chris Brereton said the City would consider placing more information or plaques at notable locations along the coast.

‘Mr Deephouse has met with several of the City’s officers to discuss the Trigg and North Beach area which indeed has some interesting history, and encourages Mr Deephouse to make a formal written request for plaques or signs for the City’s consideration,’ he said.

Before the installation of the belt and reel and the foundation of the Trigg Island SLSC, 10 people HAD died in 10 years.