Visit to an Atomic Fallout Shelter ...

On Sunday the 11th August the Wanderers joined the Toyota Landcruiser Club on a trip to the Adelaide Hills to visit an Atomic Bomb Shelter.

The history of the shelter started many years ago, when a member of the Bonython family (Hugh) decided to create an Atomic fallout shelter during the cold war in the seventies.

The war was between the Americans and the Russians. It was a different type of war. The competition was to scare the other nation with its threats to blow up the earth. It was the time in history when there was competition to who would be the most powerful nation. It was down to the Russians and the Americans. People were frightened to hear rumours of a war that would include the use of nuclear weapons and where no blood would be spilt in close combat.

Early in the day over a cup of coffee or tea with cakes and scones, approx. 80 people listened while the owner gave an interesting dialogue of past owners and their connection to the history of the property. He talked about his beliefs as to why the buildings were erected during Don Dunstan’s time in Parliament, interesting enough these buildings were not completed as Don Dunstan’s time in Parliament came to an end.

On this property there are four interesting buildings. The original Bonython home which is located near the bomb shelter and in fact has a secret entrance to the house from inside the bomb shelter, the bomb shelter, a huge hall and a house that use to be an Art Gallery but which is now converted into a bed & breakfast.

The hall: was going to be used for the storage of expensive artefacts from the Art Gallery Of South Australia but unfortunately was never completed. This is where we had our morning tea and Lunch.

The bomb shelter: The tours were held in groups of ten. We were led down to the dark, mysterious depths of the shelter. We were led down stairs but originally there was a main tunnel that has been blocked for reasons unknown. The bomb shelter was a fascinating place to visit. From seeing heavy doors build to withstand great forces, the housing of diesel tanks to run various equipment and an area that was suppose to house 22 people for a period of 2 years.

Bed & Breakfast house: This house is across from the Hall and can be hired as Bed and Breakfast accommodation. It is a most beautiful house. It can house four couples. The view from every window is amazing with a beautiful entertainment room and a spa bath in each bathroom.

The overall day was very exciting and delicious. A beautiful morning tea and the barbecue lunch was tasty. It also was a very good idea to have the basketball ring and ball. That kept the children happy and busy.

On behalf of everyone who attended on that day, I would like to thank Bill & Carol Saunders and Kevin & Shirley Wigglesworth and everyone else that contributed to that day.

The owner of the property agreed to give $2:00 per admission to the Royal Flying Doctors and this raised $128:00.

Thankyou
Amber
Aged 12, Student at Ferryden Park PS

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