The Scott-Kilvert Hut Ballad

 

The following song was written by Peter Fleming (dec.) during the construction of the Scott-Kilvert Hut in 1966, following the deaths of Ewan Scott and David Kilvert on 21 May 1965. It tells the story of the hut’s building and offers a glimpse into what it was like to be part of such a remarkable effort.

 

The hut was built by the Launceston Walking Club and members of the Riverside High School community, with support from the North West Walking Club. It was designed by architect Arnold Rowlands (dec.), who was a member of the Launceston Walking Club at the time.

 

Eight King Billy pine trees were felled and floated across Lake Rodway to form the main supports. Wherever possible, materials such as gravel and stone were sourced locally, while other supplies were flown in by helicopter.

 

Construction began in September 1965, just months after the tragedy. It was an enormous volunteer effort, involving around 10,000 hours of work over 38 days. The hut was officially dedicated on 3 April 1966.

 

 

 

The Scott-Kilvert Hut Ballad
(to the tune of 'Sixteen Tons')

A mob of folks set out with a will
Up that track and over the hill
A mob of folks set out with a will

 

Chorus:
To build a hut at Lake Rodway
Lake Rodway, Lake Rodway
To build a hut at Lake Rodway

 

Carry that timber over that track
Sweat and toil – nearly broke my back
Carry that timber over that track

 

The eight pine trees came down with a crash
The architect said it would save us some cash
The eight pine trees came down with a crash

 

Swing that hammer, pound that stone
Lug that rock – curse and groan
Swing that hammer, pound that stone

 

Knee deep in water scraping up sands
The bricky calls out while we’re tearing our hands
Knee deep in water scraping up sands

 

Boil up the billy, throw in the tea
Call up the workers – that’s you and me
Boil up the billy, throw in the tea

 

Was trimmin’ that pole when he slashed his leg
The work went on while he lay there and bled
Was trimmin’ that pole when he slashed his leg

 

Lift that pole, pull your weight
Just one slip you’ll see that pearly gate
Lift that pole, pull your weight

 

Drive that nail, chop that wood
Set the tile so it stays down good
Drive that nail, chop that wood

 

Campsites scattered all over the joint
The young folk gathered at Passion Point
Campsites scattered all over the joint

 

A favourite place was Passion Point
Passion Point, Passion Point
A favourite place was Passion Point

 

The work’s all over – a job well done
The opening is on so people come
The work’s all over – a job well done

 

The hut’s now built at Lake Rodway
Lake Rodway, Lake Rodway
The hut’s now built at Lake Rodway