Two significant contributors to Canberra were recognised on Thursday with the unveiling of Heather and Arthur Shakespeare Square in Civic.
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Descendants of Heather and Arthur Shakespeare - the founding editor of The Canberra Times - joined representatives from ACT Scouts and other local organisations as the newly developed square was officially launched by Andrew Barr Minister for Economic Development.
Jointly funded by government as part of their city improvements program, and Canberra CBD Limited, the choice to name it after the Shakespeares was a popular one.
"A number of names were put forward, but the one that got virtually instant support was Arthur and Heather Shakespeare," Emmanuel Notaras chairman of Canberra CBD Limited said.
"The Shakespeares were very significant people in the Canberra community, at a business level, but more importantly at a community level.
''Arthur and then his wife, Heather, were great supporters of the scouting movement and Heather also worked in a lot of charities … She was just one of those civil minded people and that's why we felt they deserved to have a square named after them,'' Mr Notaras said.
The ACT scouting movement has been largely supported by the Arthur Shakespeare Foundation for Scouting, established with a bequest from Heather after her husband's death, and sustained for by her continued philanthropy until her death in 2008, aged 99.
Arthur's grandson, step-grandson of Heather, James Meek, gave his tick of approval to the square.
"I used to work at ANU … and I used to occasionally come through here and I've got to say, they've made it rather nice - it was a bit drab and concrete jungle and cold.
"I'm one person who does wander around the city and enjoy spaces, so I appreciate it when people put an effort in to make it nicer."
His daughter, Bronwyn Meek, 25, said having the square named after her great-grandparents was a point of pride for a humble family.
"Growing up you don't actually know that much about the family … finding out he started The Canberra Times and all that kind of stuff … it's kind of a big deal and [I was] really proud to hear such kind words about Arthur and Heather, it's really nice," she said.
