President's Report
Janelle gave an update to the Club advising that after recent investigative procedures, President Colin has been advised he requires open heart surgery, after which he'll need to undergo a period of recovery and rehabilitation which could extend for up to three months.
To ensure the position of Club President is sustained and Club functionality is maintained, Board have approved that during this period, the role of Club President will be shared between Past Presidents, Janelle and Neville. It is anticipated Janelle will undertake the role at the Club level (i.e. conduct weekly meetings as President, prepare the run sheet and provide the President's Report for the Bulletin and Board meetings), while Neville will undertake the role at the District level (i.e. be the Presidential representative for District events, contact for correspondence, access Club Runner etc) and run the Board meetings. This shared role allows them both to fulfill their existing Club and District roles.
To ensure the position of Club President is sustained and Club functionality is maintained, Board have approved that during this period, the role of Club President will be shared between Past Presidents, Janelle and Neville. It is anticipated Janelle will undertake the role at the Club level (i.e. conduct weekly meetings as President, prepare the run sheet and provide the President's Report for the Bulletin and Board meetings), while Neville will undertake the role at the District level (i.e. be the Presidential representative for District events, contact for correspondence, access Club Runner etc) and run the Board meetings. This shared role allows them both to fulfill their existing Club and District roles.
Week in review:
Looking forward:
This week’s bulletin marks Coln’s first instalment about the history of Cherrybrook. This week’s edition starts with Cherrybrook itself. In coming weeks, further instalments about the history of the other suburbs where our members live will be highlighted. Enjoy!!
The original inhabitants of the area are the Dharug people.
Cherrybrook was, created out West Pennant Hills. It was named after Joseph and Mary Ann Harrison’s 65-acre (26-hectare) orchard on New Line and Cherrybrook Roads, West Pennant Hills. They settled on a block in the area in 1839, planted orchards and built a small timber cottage they called "Cherrybrook Cottage". The name "Cherrybrook" is believed to have come from the fact they grew cherry trees near the creek, which passed through their land. Their farm which became known as "Cherrybrook Farm", had been granted originally to Mary Russell during the 1820s. The orchards produced peaches, apricots, pears, plums, and citrus fruit. Many years later the property was bought by Eric Vaux, who established a dairy and kept the name Cherrybrook.
Cherrybrook was originally part of Castle Hill Government Farm. Most of the first land grants in the area were given to emancipated convicts from the government farm between 1818 and 1819. Castle Hill Government Farm, was operated by convicts from 1801 to 1811 to provide food and stock for the colony, centred on Old Castle Hill and Banks Road, was approximately 14,000 hectares and extended northwards.
The original European settlers were mostly Wesleyans or Methodists. In 1845, they built a Wesleyan chapel and established a burial ground on New Line Road. The chapel is now the Cherrybrook Uniting Church Hall and is one of the few reminders of the past of Cherrybrook and West Pennant Hills.
Timber-cutting was the first industry in the area, and after the land was cleared of trees and scrub, orchards were established in the 1850s. In 1915, all but one of the ratepayers in the Cherrybrook area were listed as orchardists. After World War I, poultry was farmed in conjunction with the orchards. In the 1940s however, the orchards were broken up and sold to migrant gardeners and returned soldiers.
In February 1959, the land was subdivided to become the first project home village in Sydney. The original bushland was bulldozed, and exhibition homes were built. The Sydney Region Outline Plan, released in 1968, called for new urban developments in the area west of the Elouera Natural Bushland Reserve. Land in what is now Cherrybrook was set aside in 1975. The first land was released in 1978 and within 10 years 2,400 houses had been built. LJ Hooker was the developer for the first stage of the subdivision and named it the Greenway Estate after the colonial architect Francis Greenway. He and other early colonial architects were commemorated in the first street names.
- Thank you to those who volunteered at the Castle Hill Bunnings BBQ last Saturday. This was a profitable and enjoyable day, so well done all.
- Last Saturday was the first meeting of our Community Group. Neville and I attended. The objective was to discuss growth plans within the group. You will hear more about this in due course.
Looking forward:
- An Election BBQ and Cake Stall is being run at West Pennant Hills Public School on Sept 14 to coincide with the Local Government Elections. Tony is coordinating the BBQ and Janelle.
- Another Election BBQ is being run at West Pennant Hills Public School on October 19 to cover the By-Elections in the seats of Hornsby and Epping. I am looking for someone to volunteer to run this event.
- Trivia night is on September 21. Please start to put your tables together. The cost remains the same as last year at $25 per person. Full details are in the Bulletin and Keith is doing social medial promotion.
- The club has been invited to assist the RC of Carlingford run their Harmony and Health Festival on October 19th. However, this now conflicts with our Election BBQ, so our participation is likely to be limited. The money raised will to youth mental health and say no to domestic violence programs.
- The money raised will to youth mental health and say no to domestic violence programs.
- Next Monday 02/09/2024 Beecroft Club is holding a meeting with the Hills Chinese Community. The main goal is to help members and guests understand Chinese organisations and how they promote connection and opportunities for their members. Anne, Neville and Sue will represent the Club, however if anyone else would like to go please let Anne know by Friday 30/08/2024.
- On Sunday September 15, RC Beecroft Club is holding a Peace Conference at Cheltenham Girls High School. The keynote speaker is Noor Azizah from the Rohingya Refugee Advocate and NSW Young Woman of the Year. Further details are in the Bulletin.
- District Conference is scheduled for 21-22 March 2025 at the Pulman in Penrith - ourbetterworld2025.wordpress.com. Early-bird Registrations currently apply ($230 until Aug 31) then its $250 until 31 Dec, after which it reverts to full cost of $280. Accommodation packages for Friday night open at Pullman and nearby.
This week’s bulletin marks Coln’s first instalment about the history of Cherrybrook. This week’s edition starts with Cherrybrook itself. In coming weeks, further instalments about the history of the other suburbs where our members live will be highlighted. Enjoy!!
The original inhabitants of the area are the Dharug people.
Cherrybrook was, created out West Pennant Hills. It was named after Joseph and Mary Ann Harrison’s 65-acre (26-hectare) orchard on New Line and Cherrybrook Roads, West Pennant Hills. They settled on a block in the area in 1839, planted orchards and built a small timber cottage they called "Cherrybrook Cottage". The name "Cherrybrook" is believed to have come from the fact they grew cherry trees near the creek, which passed through their land. Their farm which became known as "Cherrybrook Farm", had been granted originally to Mary Russell during the 1820s. The orchards produced peaches, apricots, pears, plums, and citrus fruit. Many years later the property was bought by Eric Vaux, who established a dairy and kept the name Cherrybrook.
Cherrybrook was originally part of Castle Hill Government Farm. Most of the first land grants in the area were given to emancipated convicts from the government farm between 1818 and 1819. Castle Hill Government Farm, was operated by convicts from 1801 to 1811 to provide food and stock for the colony, centred on Old Castle Hill and Banks Road, was approximately 14,000 hectares and extended northwards.
The original European settlers were mostly Wesleyans or Methodists. In 1845, they built a Wesleyan chapel and established a burial ground on New Line Road. The chapel is now the Cherrybrook Uniting Church Hall and is one of the few reminders of the past of Cherrybrook and West Pennant Hills.
Timber-cutting was the first industry in the area, and after the land was cleared of trees and scrub, orchards were established in the 1850s. In 1915, all but one of the ratepayers in the Cherrybrook area were listed as orchardists. After World War I, poultry was farmed in conjunction with the orchards. In the 1940s however, the orchards were broken up and sold to migrant gardeners and returned soldiers.
In February 1959, the land was subdivided to become the first project home village in Sydney. The original bushland was bulldozed, and exhibition homes were built. The Sydney Region Outline Plan, released in 1968, called for new urban developments in the area west of the Elouera Natural Bushland Reserve. Land in what is now Cherrybrook was set aside in 1975. The first land was released in 1978 and within 10 years 2,400 houses had been built. LJ Hooker was the developer for the first stage of the subdivision and named it the Greenway Estate after the colonial architect Francis Greenway. He and other early colonial architects were commemorated in the first street names.
Advert from 100 years ago
The lone, glamorously dressed Ceylonese tea-picker above was a feature of Bushells advertising over quite a long period in the early 1900s. Spending the day picking only the upper-most leaves of Camellia sinensi appears exotic, glamorous and thoroughly relaxing, and presumably this is the feeling we’re meant to believe is imparted when drinking a cup. Unlike other Bushells posters of the time, this one, mercifully, does away with the continued pun that regularly featured on her basket: ‘Bushells of flavour’.
So, Let’s stay safe look after each other and create magic.
Night Report
The meeting opened at 7PM with Roslyn Savio as Sergeant.
Janelle chaired the meeting and started out by advising that President Colin Sharpe has to undergo major surgery and will not be able to carry out his duties for some time. So Janelle and Neville will share the load. Our thoughts are with Colin for a speedy recovery.
Janelle welcomed Tara Palffy and David Wagner from Rufftrak.
Trivia Night September 21st. Please start putting tables together. The MC is Robert Bredon from RC Norwest Sunrise.
Guest Speakers
Rufftrak creates a safe place for young people and a way of changing their lives and keeping them out of prison. They focus on respect, safety, love, character building and giving back to the community. There is no judgement.
Rufftrak has a property at Londonderry and the program runs Monday to Friday. The young people work with animals in a farm environment. Rufftrak helps young people strive to be the best they can be, and to set them up for future success. This includes preparation for employment, apprenticeships.
Tara spoke very well. She came from a broken family, and joined the program. She is now 16, living independently, studying and working at Rufftrak.
A very impressive organisation.
We showed our appreciation in the usual way with a certificate and several plantings.
Awards Presentation
Neville (first meeting back since travelling) shared the 3 awards our club received from district and RI for our club in 2023/24.
Neville presented A Rotary Shield, PHF and gift of appreciation to Peter Stanton for his work on the WASH project and his support for the 23/24 Board.
Neville Presented a PHF to Andrew Little for his work to establish and run the Teacher in a Box Program.
Reports
Anne (Community) mentioned the garden clean ups at safe houses.
Andrew (International) advised that the second tranche of Global Grant Funds $A20,000 has been received by NTA. A progress report has been received and accepted by Rotary International.
Keith (Public Image) is working through some issues with our Facebook page.
Janelle (Youth) Elise will move to Ryman’s. 3 students are coming from Coonabarabran in October to attend the Science Program at Macquarie Uni. Looking for billets for them.
Elise (Exchange Student) a brief report. A week of school and a weekend trip to The Snow with the Rymans. Very different to skiing in Europe!
Tony C (BBQ’s) Thanks to everyone who participated on Saturday 24th at Bunnings Castle Hill. A special thanks to Adrian for all his hard work behind the scenes. We made a profit of over $2,300. The next event is an Election BBQ at WPH Public School on 14th September. We have a full crew for the BBQ and Janelle is looking for members/partners to run the cake stall and people to bake cakes.
Sergeant Session The raffle was won by Nicole Ryman and Heads and Tails by Andrew Little.
Meeting closed at 8.30PM
Janelle chaired the meeting and started out by advising that President Colin Sharpe has to undergo major surgery and will not be able to carry out his duties for some time. So Janelle and Neville will share the load. Our thoughts are with Colin for a speedy recovery.
Janelle welcomed Tara Palffy and David Wagner from Rufftrak.
Trivia Night September 21st. Please start putting tables together. The MC is Robert Bredon from RC Norwest Sunrise.
Guest Speakers
Rufftrak creates a safe place for young people and a way of changing their lives and keeping them out of prison. They focus on respect, safety, love, character building and giving back to the community. There is no judgement.
Rufftrak has a property at Londonderry and the program runs Monday to Friday. The young people work with animals in a farm environment. Rufftrak helps young people strive to be the best they can be, and to set them up for future success. This includes preparation for employment, apprenticeships.
Tara spoke very well. She came from a broken family, and joined the program. She is now 16, living independently, studying and working at Rufftrak.
A very impressive organisation.
We showed our appreciation in the usual way with a certificate and several plantings.
Awards Presentation
Neville (first meeting back since travelling) shared the 3 awards our club received from district and RI for our club in 2023/24.
Neville presented A Rotary Shield, PHF and gift of appreciation to Peter Stanton for his work on the WASH project and his support for the 23/24 Board.
Neville Presented a PHF to Andrew Little for his work to establish and run the Teacher in a Box Program.
Reports
Anne (Community) mentioned the garden clean ups at safe houses.
Andrew (International) advised that the second tranche of Global Grant Funds $A20,000 has been received by NTA. A progress report has been received and accepted by Rotary International.
Keith (Public Image) is working through some issues with our Facebook page.
Janelle (Youth) Elise will move to Ryman’s. 3 students are coming from Coonabarabran in October to attend the Science Program at Macquarie Uni. Looking for billets for them.
Elise (Exchange Student) a brief report. A week of school and a weekend trip to The Snow with the Rymans. Very different to skiing in Europe!
Tony C (BBQ’s) Thanks to everyone who participated on Saturday 24th at Bunnings Castle Hill. A special thanks to Adrian for all his hard work behind the scenes. We made a profit of over $2,300. The next event is an Election BBQ at WPH Public School on 14th September. We have a full crew for the BBQ and Janelle is looking for members/partners to run the cake stall and people to bake cakes.
Sergeant Session The raffle was won by Nicole Ryman and Heads and Tails by Andrew Little.
Meeting closed at 8.30PM
