Ward Belt, South Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ward BeltSouth Australia |
|||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ward Belt
Location in South Australia
|
|||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 5118 | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 7 km (4 mi) W of Gawler | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Light Regional Council | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Light | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | |||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
Ward Belt is a small area located west of Gawler in South Australia. It was first known as Ward's Belt. The area got its name from James Ward and his wife. They arrived in South Australia in 1853 on a ship called the Olivia. Today, Ward Belt is mostly used for farming. Farmers here grow grain and raise animals like beef cattle and sheep.
When a major road called the Max Fatchen Expressway was completed in 2011, it changed some local boundaries. Part of the nearby area of Buchfelde was moved into Ward Belt. This change meant that the Gawler Aerodrome, which is a small airport, also became part of Ward Belt.
History of Ward Belt
Ward Belt has a few interesting historical spots. These places tell us about the people who lived and worked there long ago.
The Old Chapel
A long time ago, in 1874, a special church called the Primitive Methodist chapel was built in Ward Belt. The first stone for the chapel was laid on February 26, 1874. A kind person named Mr. James Sparshott helped a lot. He gave the land and materials needed to build the chapel.
The chapel opened its doors to the community on April 26, 1874. It was a place for people to gather and worship. The building was updated in 1894 to keep it in good condition. However, the chapel was eventually taken down in 1926. Today, only a small cemetery remains where the chapel once stood. Mr. Sparshott, who helped build the chapel, is buried there.
The Ward Belt Hotel
There was also a hotel in Ward Belt many years ago. Hotels in the past were often places where travelers could rest and get food. They were also important meeting spots for the local community. In 1912, people noted that the hotel was quite old and worn down.
