President's Report
Janelle, as Acting Club President reported the following on Colin’s behalf -
Week in review:
- Again, good news on Colin’s recovery – with him being able to walk around the block (albeit slowly) and possibly be up to sitting at his computer next week.
- A big thank you to everyone involved in last Saturday’s Trivia Night, particularly Andrew and Neville who led the event, members of the organising committee, and to Glenda and her team for providing refreshments. Feedback from the night was positive especially regarding the new Quiz Master Robert Bredin’s efforts and for the night finishing earlier. So well done all, on a great job and for a night of fun and fellowship.
Looking forward:
- RC 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 far Sandra is attending but please advise by Wednesday this week if you’d like to assist.
- We’re still working with the RC of Carlingford to run their Harmony and Hearts Festival on 19 October to raise funds for Australian Rotary Health, Respectful Relationships Program and Mental Health initiatives.
- Neville and I attended the District President’s Meeting last Saturday and there are a couple of things to mention:
- Ride the Train for Polio is fast approaching on Thursday 24 October -so time to gear up for a ride;
- Foundation Fundraiser taking place on 20 November being run by Rotary Clubs of Norwest Sunrise, Castle Hill and Kenthurst. It’s on at Rydge’s Norwest with Paris gold medal Olympian, Noeme Fox, as the guest speaker;
- Polio Movie Night happening on 6 November at Castle Hill being run by RC Castle Hill; $25 pp and movie title yet to be announced but will keep you posted.
- District Conference – Penrith 21-22 March 2025. ourbetterworld2025.wordpress.com Please let Robyn know if you’re attending. We’re waiting for video presentation form DG Niranjan which we’ll try to show parts of at next week’s zoom meeting.
This 5th instalment from Colin about the history of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook:
Kellyville
Pre-1788 The first inhabitants of this area were the Darug, who left evidence of their lives in the area. The nearby creek would have provided drinking water, fish, eels, birds and eggs and the landscape in the immediate area would have been a good place to camp. Resources for housing, clothing and equipment would once have been in abundant supply on the Cumberland Plain. After European settlement in 1788, an area close to the site was set aside as a government farm, with Castle Hill as the centre. The farm was not viable and too costly to run, so Governor Macquarie closed it down in 1819. For many years Kellyville remained a place to pass through on a journey and was often referred to as ‘there or nowhere’, ‘nowhere here’ or ‘there and nowhere else’. Farms were scattered along the main roads, but there were no distinct towns or villages between Castle Hill and Windsor.
The first land grants were in 1802. Kellyville was originally known as 'There and Nowhere', followed by 'Irish Town', as a large number of Irish people lived there. Convict Hugh Kelly arrived in May 1803, married his older widowed mistress Mary Evans and established a licensed inn ' Kellyville's origins as a landmark date to at least 1810 with the grant of land and the 1820s construction of the White Hart Inn. The foundations for the Inn remain. The Inn was a popular stable and accommodation on the main road to Windsor. The White Hart Inn existed long prior to its competitor The Bird In Hand. Ironically, the original owner of the land grant on which the White Hart Hotel was built was Hugh Kelly. The Half-Way House' which became 'The Bird in the Hand' (corner of Wrights and Windsor Roads).
In 1880s, John Fitzgerald Burns, James Green and George Withers purchased portions of several early land grants which were subdivided into farmlets as part of the Kellyville Estate, giving the suburb its name. These were sold between 1888 and 1904. Their original land boundaries explain the present route of Windsor Road. The first subdivisions of 100-acre lots were made in 1884.
In 1880s, John Fitzgerald Burns, James Green and George Withers purchased portions of several early land grants which were subdivided into farmlets as part of the Kellyville Estate, giving the suburb its name. These were sold between 1888 and 1904. Their original land boundaries explain the present route of Windsor Road. The first subdivisions of 100-acre lots were made in 1884.
Kellyville Post Office opened on 1 January 1889. The original post office building stands on the corner of Acres Road and Windsor Roads. It now houses a car rental operation.
Bus outside Kellyville Post Office on corner of Acres & Windsor Roads Kellyville 1930s
Parts of Kellyville have become separate suburbs over the years. Beaumont Hills, north of Samantha Riley Drive, was renamed in 2002. Kellyville Ridge, west of Old Windsor Road, is a separate suburb in the City of Blacktown. North Kellyville was proclaimed a separate suburb in June 2018.
Another historic building in the area, and one that is still standing, is Aberdoon House.
Located in nearby Rouse Hill, Aberdoon House is a stunning example of Colonial Georgian architecture. Like the White Hart Inn, Aberdoon House also has an air of mystery. It is not known exactly when it was built, but only that it was renovated in 1887. It isn’t even clear who built the house in the first place.
What is known is that the surrounding land was granted to former convict Thomas Clowder in 1818 and that the house is likely the earliest building in the area. It’s also known that it changed hands to none other than Hugh Kelly, owner of the Bird-in-Hand tavern and the man for whom Kellyville is named, in 1826.
Bus outside Kellyville Post Office on corner of Acres & Windsor Roads Kellyville 1930s
Parts of Kellyville have become separate suburbs over the years. Beaumont Hills, north of Samantha Riley Drive, was renamed in 2002. Kellyville Ridge, west of Old Windsor Road, is a separate suburb in the City of Blacktown. North Kellyville was proclaimed a separate suburb in June 2018.
Another historic building in the area, and one that is still standing, is Aberdoon House.
Located in nearby Rouse Hill, Aberdoon House is a stunning example of Colonial Georgian architecture. Like the White Hart Inn, Aberdoon House also has an air of mystery. It is not known exactly when it was built, but only that it was renovated in 1887. It isn’t even clear who built the house in the first place.
What is known is that the surrounding land was granted to former convict Thomas Clowder in 1818 and that the house is likely the earliest building in the area. It’s also known that it changed hands to none other than Hugh Kelly, owner of the Bird-in-Hand tavern and the man for whom Kellyville is named, in 1826.
So, Let’s stay safe look after each other and create magic.
Night Report
Opening: Sergeant Neville opened the meeting and welcomed Guest speaker, Stephen Humphreys (Australian Rotary Health Research) and Rotarian Robert Erskine OAM from RC Eastwood-Gladesville.
President’s Report
Refer President’s report in bulletin.
Guest Speaker
Karen Lambert introduced PDG Stephen Humphreys (Rotary Club of Camden and Chair of Australian Rotary Health - one of the largest independent funders of mental health research within Australia.
Providing funding into a broad range of general health areas, provide scholarships for rural medical and nursing students, as well as Indigenous health students. Australian Rotary Health provides funding into areas of health that do not readily attract funding and promotes findings to the community.
Australian Rotary Health is supported by a number of Rotary Clubs in Australia. They have a broad vision to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians. Our Club has donated a total over $42,000.00.
Karen gave a vote of thanks and presented Stephen with a certificate; a tree will be planted in Stephen’s name at the transitional house in Kenthurst.
Director’s Reports:
Community Service:
Anne advised garden maintenance at the Kenthurst transitional housing on Wednesday 25th September 9AM, coffee afterwards. “Tree of Joy’” meeting on ZOOM 2nd October.
Foundation:
Karen Lambert reminded members of a Polio Eradication started 40 years ago. Cases still remain on Afghanistan and Pakistan the annual Ride the Polio Train event will be on the 24th October. Foundation event at Rydges Norwest with keynote speaker Olympian Noemie Fox.
Fundraising:
Bob Davison advised the Christmas markets will be held in early December and he asked for volunteers to join the committee. Bob expressed his thanks to the Trivia team. Tony Coote recognised Andrew Little enormous contribution to the night.
International:
Peter Stanton advised all required documents have been submitted. Neville mentioned the Flores Project was raised at the President’s meeting and may possibly be inspected as a successful international project.
Membership:
Carol will attend Harmony and Hearts on the 19th October. Two new banners are being made. Carol will soon carry out a Club Health Check.
Public Image:
Keith asked members to provide photographs of events for the Bulletin. Please note roster and calendar changes.
Vocation:
Members 13 attend the SES Hornsby Headquarters last week, it was a great night and the SES volunteers gave us a tour of their premises and explained what they do in emergency situations. Rufftrack have invited the Club to a Coffee Morning at the farm in Londonderry on the 21st October. ON the 12th November is a visit to the Female Factory in Parramatta.
Youth:
Janelle advised students from Coonabarabran are taking part in the National Youth science Forum, there will be a dinner with them at the Brook in Cherrybrook shopping Centre on Wednesday 9th October, Janelle suggested we don fun hats as Rotary Hat Day is the 10th October. Applications for RYLA have opened, so suitable candidates are needed to take part.
Domestic Violence:
Janelle advised that the Garden Party to launch Bursaries and Scholarships was very successful. It was a happy occasion with a great vibe. Funds $4000 and $5000 from the Sponsor. Janelle thanked the Club members for their support.
Club Service/Social:
Sandra advised of invitations from the Rotary Clubs of Beecroft and Hills-Kellyville both for the 28th October.
Beecroft Club’s guest speaker is an Olympian Swimmer, Hills-Kellyville guest is Leonnie Dillon from OZ Harvest.
The Long Lunch on the 6th October has been postponed until further notice.
General Business:
Carol Russell welcomed former member Sue Moore back to the Club as a full member and Janelle presented Sue with a flower arrangement.
Sergeant at Arms:
Neville conducted a ‘Fine’ session.
Raffle won by
Sue Moore, Sue donated cakes to “Hands and Feet”
Heads and Tails won by
Sandra White, Sandra donated cakes to “Hands and Feet”
President’s Report
Refer President’s report in bulletin.
Guest Speaker
Karen Lambert introduced PDG Stephen Humphreys (Rotary Club of Camden and Chair of Australian Rotary Health - one of the largest independent funders of mental health research within Australia.
Providing funding into a broad range of general health areas, provide scholarships for rural medical and nursing students, as well as Indigenous health students. Australian Rotary Health provides funding into areas of health that do not readily attract funding and promotes findings to the community.
Australian Rotary Health is supported by a number of Rotary Clubs in Australia. They have a broad vision to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians. Our Club has donated a total over $42,000.00.
Karen gave a vote of thanks and presented Stephen with a certificate; a tree will be planted in Stephen’s name at the transitional house in Kenthurst.
Director’s Reports:
Community Service:
Anne advised garden maintenance at the Kenthurst transitional housing on Wednesday 25th September 9AM, coffee afterwards. “Tree of Joy’” meeting on ZOOM 2nd October.
Foundation:
Karen Lambert reminded members of a Polio Eradication started 40 years ago. Cases still remain on Afghanistan and Pakistan the annual Ride the Polio Train event will be on the 24th October. Foundation event at Rydges Norwest with keynote speaker Olympian Noemie Fox.
Fundraising:
Bob Davison advised the Christmas markets will be held in early December and he asked for volunteers to join the committee. Bob expressed his thanks to the Trivia team. Tony Coote recognised Andrew Little enormous contribution to the night.
International:
Peter Stanton advised all required documents have been submitted. Neville mentioned the Flores Project was raised at the President’s meeting and may possibly be inspected as a successful international project.
Membership:
Carol will attend Harmony and Hearts on the 19th October. Two new banners are being made. Carol will soon carry out a Club Health Check.
Public Image:
Keith asked members to provide photographs of events for the Bulletin. Please note roster and calendar changes.
Vocation:
Members 13 attend the SES Hornsby Headquarters last week, it was a great night and the SES volunteers gave us a tour of their premises and explained what they do in emergency situations. Rufftrack have invited the Club to a Coffee Morning at the farm in Londonderry on the 21st October. ON the 12th November is a visit to the Female Factory in Parramatta.
Youth:
Janelle advised students from Coonabarabran are taking part in the National Youth science Forum, there will be a dinner with them at the Brook in Cherrybrook shopping Centre on Wednesday 9th October, Janelle suggested we don fun hats as Rotary Hat Day is the 10th October. Applications for RYLA have opened, so suitable candidates are needed to take part.
Domestic Violence:
Janelle advised that the Garden Party to launch Bursaries and Scholarships was very successful. It was a happy occasion with a great vibe. Funds $4000 and $5000 from the Sponsor. Janelle thanked the Club members for their support.
Club Service/Social:
Sandra advised of invitations from the Rotary Clubs of Beecroft and Hills-Kellyville both for the 28th October.
Beecroft Club’s guest speaker is an Olympian Swimmer, Hills-Kellyville guest is Leonnie Dillon from OZ Harvest.
The Long Lunch on the 6th October has been postponed until further notice.
General Business:
Carol Russell welcomed former member Sue Moore back to the Club as a full member and Janelle presented Sue with a flower arrangement.
Sergeant at Arms:
Neville conducted a ‘Fine’ session.
Raffle won by
Sue Moore, Sue donated cakes to “Hands and Feet”
Heads and Tails won by
Sandra White, Sandra donated cakes to “Hands and Feet”
