Standing once again with pride and presence, the restored naval cannons at Point Nepean carry with them a story that stretches back more than 170 years, across continents, generations, and countless family memories.
These are Naval 3-inch muzzle-loading signal cannons, originally transported from Scotland to Australia in 1853 by James Service, the paternal great-great-grandfather of current custodian Belinda Richardson. Born in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Service was a successful businessman who later built a substantial family home in East St Kilda, naming it Kilwinning in honour of his Scottish heritage.
From there, the cannons began a long journey through family hands. The property, along with its historic fixtures, was later sold to Belinda’s maternal great-grandfather, Wallace H Smith, and the cannons remained as part of the estate for many years.
Eventually, they were passed to Belinda’s grandfather, Clive Wallace Smith, who brought them to Portsea—where they would overlook the sea for the next 70 years. In that time, they became part of family tradition and local lore. One of the most cherished memories is Clive’s annual New Year’s Eve ritual, firing the cannons using firecrackers packed into a tennis ball tin and set off in unison. On another occasion, a cannon was even transported to Sorrento Golf Club and fired to signal the shotgun start of a summer competition—an unmistakable echo of its original signalling purpose.
When Clive passed away, the cannons were gifted to Pam Wallace Fraser. She ensured they remained in place, continuing to guard the property and spark curiosity among visitors. They became more than historical artefacts—they were landmarks, conversation pieces, and part of the family landscape. Generations of children played on them, climbing and imagining stories around their solid iron forms. Today, Belinda’s own grandchildren continue that tradition, finding joy in both their history and their presence.
Now, as the fifth-generation custodian, Belinda Richardson carries forward that legacy. And thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the Point Nepean Men’s Shed, the cannons have been carefully restored to their former splendour. The restoration represents not just technical skill, but hours of dedication, craftsmanship, and respect for history.
Belinda expresses deep gratitude to Terry and his team, noting that the work honours not only the cannons themselves but the generations of family who have cared for them. She believes her forebears would be delighted to see them returned so faithfully to their grandeur.
Today, the cannons stand not only as restored naval artefacts, but as enduring symbols of heritage, continuity, and community care—linking past and present through the hands that preserved them and the people who continue to value their story.
Belinda and the men at the shed were looking forward to firing the cannons, however, ne of the family members is a policeman and pointed out that Belinda didn’t have firearms licence!
But overall, everyone was just happy to see them back in the garden looking great.
