President's Report
Janelle, as Acting Club President reported the following on Colin’s behalf -
Week in review:
Looking forward:
This 4th instalment from Colin about the history of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook:
Pennant Hills
Pennant Hills was probably named after Sir Thomas Pennant, the famous naturalist who died in 1798, and had been a friend of Sir Joseph Banks who might have suggested the name. At this time, Pennant Hills included the suburb of Ermington on the Parramatta River.
The suburb was named for both its geological features and its man-made additions. When Sydney was first established, 'Pennant Hills', applied to the range of hills stretching north from Parramatta. The Pennant refers to a flagpole erected on the area's highest point. During the first years of the Sydney settlement this flagpole with its pennant was a form of early communication between the government in Parramatta and the governor's outer Sydney residence. It was used to signal to Parramatta that the governor was returning to Parramatta after spending time at his retreat in the outer areas of Sydney. When his horse-drawn carriage went past Thompsons Corner, the pennant would be raised and as this was in clear sight of the Parramatta garrison, they would prepare for his return in a few days. Early settlers included the Reverend Samuel Marsden, who was given a grant of 100 acres in 1799, which he sold about 20 years later. A surgeon, Thomas Arndell the Reverend Rowland Hassall, and William Bellamy were other early European settlers.
In 1850, at a time when the combined population of Field of Mars Common and Castle Hill numbered fewer than 3,000 people, Henry Parkes approved, the commencement of Pennant Hills Public School. Pennant Hills was among the first metropolitan schools under the control of the newly constituted National Education Board. The school first opened under the name of Pennant Hills Public School when the township of Pennant Hills was centred on the ridge at the intersection of Pennant Hills and Castle Hill Roads, which was a trading point on the way north. When the railway station line came through the area, a new school was built in 1925 closer to the railway station, to be known as 'Pennant Hills East'. West was added to the name of the original school and it became 'Pennant Hills West' and eventually the area around Thompsons Corner became known as West Pennant Hills in 1986.
The first industry in the area was timber-getting. In the 1820s, timber – including that from the Pennant Hills Government Establishment– was taken by bullock teams to the wharf at Ermington (then called Pennant Hills Wharf) and from there by water to Sydney.
Once the large trees were removed, the land was cleared for farming, and orchards were planted. In the early 1900s, as the large properties began to be subdivided, dairy farms were established. The remaining orchards also ran poultry to supplement their income and to save on the cost of fertiliser.
- Great to hear that President Colin was discharged from hospital last Thursday and he’s now back at home being cared for by Anne.
- Huge thank you to all involved in last Saturday’s Election BBQ and Cake Stall at West Pennant Hills Public School – that includes the BBQ crew, bakers on the Cake Stall plus servers and helpers. Funds raised will be put to good use plus the social capital such days generate is immeasurable. So well done!
Looking forward:
- Based on the results of the BBQ/Cake Stall on 14/09/2024 it was decided not to proceed with the next Election BBQ/Cake Stall on 19 October covering the By-Elections in the seats of Hornsby and Epping. Observations are that the communities voting habits are changing, these being impacted by pre-polling and postage voting, and as such there isn’t the volume of people voting at the booths as there once was.
- Trivia night is on this Saturday night September 21. Neville provided an update under the Fundraising report, but reminder here of need for people to assist in hall set up at 5pm.
- The club has been invited to assist the RC of Carlingford run their Harmony and Health Festival on Saturday 19 October. The money raised will go to youth mental health and say no to domestic violence programs. Carol is involved representing membership and Janelle participating as part of the District’s Respectful Relationships Program.
- Rotary Club of The Entrance and Erina are again involved in running the local round of the National Busking Championship at the Entrance on Sunday 29 September 9am-1pm are looking for support from our Club; We have supported this event by volunteering for them for the past 3-4 years so looking for assistance.
- District Conference is scheduled for 21-22 March 2025 at the Pulman in Penrith - ourbetterworld2025.wordpress.com. Registration is $250 until 31 Dec, after which it reverts to full cost of $280. Accommodation packages for Friday night open at Pullman and nearby. Robyn is the Club Conference coordinator, so please let her know if you book in to attend.
This 4th instalment from Colin about the history of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook:
Pennant Hills
Pennant Hills was probably named after Sir Thomas Pennant, the famous naturalist who died in 1798, and had been a friend of Sir Joseph Banks who might have suggested the name. At this time, Pennant Hills included the suburb of Ermington on the Parramatta River.
The suburb was named for both its geological features and its man-made additions. When Sydney was first established, 'Pennant Hills', applied to the range of hills stretching north from Parramatta. The Pennant refers to a flagpole erected on the area's highest point. During the first years of the Sydney settlement this flagpole with its pennant was a form of early communication between the government in Parramatta and the governor's outer Sydney residence. It was used to signal to Parramatta that the governor was returning to Parramatta after spending time at his retreat in the outer areas of Sydney. When his horse-drawn carriage went past Thompsons Corner, the pennant would be raised and as this was in clear sight of the Parramatta garrison, they would prepare for his return in a few days. Early settlers included the Reverend Samuel Marsden, who was given a grant of 100 acres in 1799, which he sold about 20 years later. A surgeon, Thomas Arndell the Reverend Rowland Hassall, and William Bellamy were other early European settlers.
In 1850, at a time when the combined population of Field of Mars Common and Castle Hill numbered fewer than 3,000 people, Henry Parkes approved, the commencement of Pennant Hills Public School. Pennant Hills was among the first metropolitan schools under the control of the newly constituted National Education Board. The school first opened under the name of Pennant Hills Public School when the township of Pennant Hills was centred on the ridge at the intersection of Pennant Hills and Castle Hill Roads, which was a trading point on the way north. When the railway station line came through the area, a new school was built in 1925 closer to the railway station, to be known as 'Pennant Hills East'. West was added to the name of the original school and it became 'Pennant Hills West' and eventually the area around Thompsons Corner became known as West Pennant Hills in 1986.
The first industry in the area was timber-getting. In the 1820s, timber – including that from the Pennant Hills Government Establishment– was taken by bullock teams to the wharf at Ermington (then called Pennant Hills Wharf) and from there by water to Sydney.
Once the large trees were removed, the land was cleared for farming, and orchards were planted. In the early 1900s, as the large properties began to be subdivided, dairy farms were established. The remaining orchards also ran poultry to supplement their income and to save on the cost of fertiliser.
So, Let’s stay safe look after each other and create magic.
Night Report
Sgt Roslyn Savio opened the Zoom meeting with 29 attendees, including Honorary Members and partners.
Roslyn Welcomed guest speaker Tash Coleg and all present.
Sue Moore, Toasted Rotary - and then herself for having after 4 months finally found full time work!!!!
President’s Report - Refer President’s report earlier in bulletin.
Janelle standing in for Colin Sharpe - It was noted that Colin is now back at home and recuperating well – and advised not to Cough, Sneeze or even hiccup until he is fully recovered!!!!
The Democracy Sausage/Cake stall on the weekend at West Pennant Hills Public School. Report tabled by Tony Coote…. The Cakes table was extremely successful with the Democracy Sausage not so popular there. Thanks to all the ladies who so kindly put their cooking skills to excellent use and in the quantities they did.
Nett result was $1,363. Adrian was thanked for his efforts in getting the day set up and cleared away, and David Turnbull for being our Ambassador into the school for the event. Thanks Chaps, job well done.
Sandra White then introduced our Guest Speaker Tash Coleg, who is an ID and Cybersecurity Specialist with Services NSW
Her presentation was an eye opener for many of those listening as she explained just how easy it is to be inadvertently scammed and how the scammers worm their way into our Laptops, Desktops, phones and anything technical we use and then proceed to very professionally scam people of their Identification and Money.
She outlined some vital questions to be asking if someone suspected they were speaking to a scammer, or even just why the organisation/person asking for identification details really needed that much information - The key being don’t provide too much information and to guard your personal information very closely.
Thank you Tash, most interesting information.
Director’s Reports
Community Service:
Elise gave us a run-down of the last week… She was excited to attend a Rugby League Game on the weekend, and a Beach Awareness programme for all Exchange Students at Coogee Beach…. As well had fitted in some shopping in preparation for the School Formal in a few weeks.
We heard from Georgia Ryman in Chile, and saw a short presentation from her, she is well into her year there, she wrote a heartfelt message on the things she is experiencing and seeing and has come to realise how wonderful our county here is.
Janelle then rounded up the meeting reminding us of the major event this weekend, ie the Trivia night.
Next Monday 23rd is a Face to Face at the Vicar.
Roslyn Welcomed guest speaker Tash Coleg and all present.
Sue Moore, Toasted Rotary - and then herself for having after 4 months finally found full time work!!!!
President’s Report - Refer President’s report earlier in bulletin.
Janelle standing in for Colin Sharpe - It was noted that Colin is now back at home and recuperating well – and advised not to Cough, Sneeze or even hiccup until he is fully recovered!!!!
The Democracy Sausage/Cake stall on the weekend at West Pennant Hills Public School. Report tabled by Tony Coote…. The Cakes table was extremely successful with the Democracy Sausage not so popular there. Thanks to all the ladies who so kindly put their cooking skills to excellent use and in the quantities they did.
Nett result was $1,363. Adrian was thanked for his efforts in getting the day set up and cleared away, and David Turnbull for being our Ambassador into the school for the event. Thanks Chaps, job well done.
Sandra White then introduced our Guest Speaker Tash Coleg, who is an ID and Cybersecurity Specialist with Services NSW
Her presentation was an eye opener for many of those listening as she explained just how easy it is to be inadvertently scammed and how the scammers worm their way into our Laptops, Desktops, phones and anything technical we use and then proceed to very professionally scam people of their Identification and Money.
She outlined some vital questions to be asking if someone suspected they were speaking to a scammer, or even just why the organisation/person asking for identification details really needed that much information - The key being don’t provide too much information and to guard your personal information very closely.
Thank you Tash, most interesting information.
Director’s Reports
Community Service:
- Anne Sharpe noted that lawns at the Transitional House would be done again on 26th September… Volunteers called for.
- Neville Hansen…. The Trivia night is on this Saturday night 21st September, a quick planning meeting at 5.30 pm on 18th to ensure all bases covered. 26 tables filled already, 4 more tables available to be filled.
- Carol Russell noted that from the BBQ on Saturday, 3 people had expressed interest in visiting our club, invitations will be issued and one couple had registered to attend the Trivia night.
- Keith Ball noted that Meta had been contacted again to re-establish our club on Facebook after having been deregistered a few weeks ago.
- A visit to Hornsby SES on 17th with 11 persons attending.
- A visit to the Female Factory at Parramatta organised soon, an 11am in the morning visit
- Janelle Craig advised that 3 kids from Coonabarabran would be visiting our Club for the Science Experience. A social gathering of the Exchange Students organised for 9th October at The Brook.
- Janelle has been organising with District a Garden Party at The Vicar on Saturday 21st where at this time 63 people had registered…The event to raise funds for scholarship to assist women/ girls who had been impacted by Domestic Violence.
- Sandra White 21st October, Youth Night at the Vicar being organised and Tree of Joy planning is underway for implementation in December as usual..
- Sandra White also noted that a social luncheon was being organised for members/partners on 6th October and an International Theme was planned.
Elise gave us a run-down of the last week… She was excited to attend a Rugby League Game on the weekend, and a Beach Awareness programme for all Exchange Students at Coogee Beach…. As well had fitted in some shopping in preparation for the School Formal in a few weeks.
We heard from Georgia Ryman in Chile, and saw a short presentation from her, she is well into her year there, she wrote a heartfelt message on the things she is experiencing and seeing and has come to realise how wonderful our county here is.
Janelle then rounded up the meeting reminding us of the major event this weekend, ie the Trivia night.
Next Monday 23rd is a Face to Face at the Vicar.
Humour
We a new contribution, which is from Tony. Joke Balance is zero.
The editor has reverted to past productions to keep you happy.
The editor has reverted to past productions to keep you happy.
Blood Type from Tony Coote
A wife's eulogy at her husband's funeral: "Norman needed a blood transfusion, but his blood type was not on record, so the doctors asked me if I knew what it was. They urgently needed to know, to save Norman's life. Tragically, I had never known his blood type, so I only had time to sit and say goodbye.
I'll never forget how supportive my Norman was. Even as he was fading away, he kept on whispering to me, "Be positive, be positive!" That was my Norman! Always thinking of others."
I'll never forget how supportive my Norman was. Even as he was fading away, he kept on whispering to me, "Be positive, be positive!" That was my Norman! Always thinking of others."
Morning Evening Laugh from "Past Productions"
