Still craving Halloween? Gruesome Graveyard Yarns has murder, mystery and mayhem
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Okay boos and ghouls, are you still craving the remains of Halloween? Haven’t had your fill of spine-tingling shivers? Well, pine no more – because just over the border is a spooky treat waiting for you.
On Saturday 29 November, you are invited to a twilight wander through the Yass cemetery to hear Gruesome Graveyard Yarns. The tour is the work of Corinne and Wayne Chalmers from the Yass Valley History Centre who, along with volunteers, have dedicated 250 hours of research to bring stories of local tragedies, murders and mysteries to life.
This is an adults-only tour as the content is MA15, including the most notorious homicide case in Yass’s history.
“A terrible massacre took place in 1868, when a disgruntled employee, William Munday, murdered the Conroy family after a wage dispute,” Corinne explains.
“Although the massacre took place in Goulburn the murderer was hanged in Yass and is buried in the cemetery.”
And that’s only the start of the stories, although Corinne isn’t giving away too many spoilers.
“There were no grave robbers ,but there are so many stories people have forgotten or never knew. One of the stories we share is of a young girl just before World War I who fell in love and was murdered. It rocked the entire area and her loss was felt deeply.”
Corinne feels a connection to the stories and is also mindful that many relate to families that still live in the area.
“Even though we call it ‘Gruesome Yarns’, it’s a privilege to share these stories and histories. I’ve always loved history and as a local growing up around Yass, I was fascinated by old farm machinery that was often just lying around,” she says.
Corinne’s passion continues as an adult and is helping the Yass History Centre.
“All funds raised from the tours go to help conserve the Centre’s fragile archives and help keep this history alive.”
As for the practical side of what to expect, the tour takes 25 people, so get in quick! Corinne says to wear sturdy shoes for the uneven ground. And as for why it’s twilight rather than, say, the witching hour?
“I am NOT walking around in the dark,” Corinne says.
“Twilight is the golden hour and it’s a special time to experience the graveyard setting.”
So, for those who want their Halloween season to continue, join Corinne for a fascinating night of stories and spooks.
THE ESSENTIALS
When: Saturday 29 November, 6 pm
Where: Yass Cemetery, Irvine Drive, Yass
Tickets: $30 per person from trybooking.com
Image feature: Yass Valley History Centre
