21st November 2024. Edition One. In this edition:
President's Report,
The Bunya Pine that Stuart saved, Fearnley Park
Clean Up Australia, The Beecroft Post Office,
Hannah St planter boxes, Wongala Crescent demolition,
Beecroft in the 40s and 60s, Local JP, Parramatta Council Newsletter, Recent Development Applications.
IMPORTANT DATE TO REMEMBER Sunday March 2Clean Up Australia Beecroft Village Green.
Message from the President Dear Fellow Residents,
We are only days away from Christmas and so to all my fellow residents I
extend all compliments of the Season and especially every good wish for
2025.
As 2024 draws to a close it is with much sadness that I note the death
of Stuart Pittendrigh. Stuart (with his wife Jan) was a long term
resident of Cheltenham and was an equally long term office bearer of the
Civic Trust including as Secretary. He worked in this official capacity
for over two decades and was an invaluable supplier of expert advice on
trees across our two villages. Stuart’s family of origin hailed from
the Bathurst region but we know him for his work in horticulture,
landscape and especially with trees across the broader Sydney region.
His work around Barangaroo is a very important contribution to the
beauty of Sydney and the well-being of all of its residents. He worked
on many gardens in our locality and managed the trees in places like the
ARV at Castle Hill. Unfailingly, he volunteered his advice (when asked)
on any local issue with trees. He was amongst the first tranche of
recipients back in 2020 to be declared a Living Treasure by Beecroft
Rotary. Our condolences to Jan and his family. Humble, charming
and warm, Stuart was a great man who left his mark while contributing
much to our world.
Following this contemplation on the life of Stuart, it seems appropriate
next to mention the impressive youngsters in our community amongst whom
the next leaders and contributors might be. As a representative
of the Civic Trust, I was honoured to attend the prize giving ceremony
for the departing year 6 of Beecroft Public School. The musicians and
dancers who performed and the achievements which were recognised were
all truly amazing. Surely, our future will be in good hands.
Congratulations to the staff of the school for all of their hard work
and leadership. I am sure the other schools across our area demonstrated
similar achievements at which to wonder. While on the topic of
education, I cannot help but make a personal mention of my great nephew,
Matt, who has just received his HSC results after attending a nearby
high school. He did really well – congratulations Matt, well done, now
it’s time to party: in your low key way!
Together with the Civic Trust’s vice-presidents, (Ross Walker and Bill
Rankine) I met with our new State member, Monica Tudehope. We raised
issues such as M2 noise, the inherent conflict in the role of private
certifiers, the difficulties in applying the State Government's housing
policy, problems with developments such as those near Byles Creek and
other issues familiar to those readers of the BCCT eNews. The slow
chipping away of the tree canopy with the resultant impact on
temperatures across our villages (and elsewhere) was the focus of a
lengthy discussion about practical ways in which this activity could be
impeded.
The end of year concert of the Beecroft Orchestra maintained the very
high standard which we have come to expect over many years. The
inclusion of Australian composers and young conductors was an added
bonus. This is definitely one feature of our local cultural life that
deserves your support and encouragement.
Being near the end of our year, there are many activities to engage with
– from Rotary’s celebration of our volunteers to street parties (thanks
to Rachel and Kaye in my street) to the various Christmas carol
services. I went to the carols at Beecroft Presbyterian where the Shalom
Korean church participated and provided exquisite choral items. To my
untrained eye there seemed far more local people present than in other
post Covid years.
Once again I trust that this holiday season will be one of joy,
conviviality, and relaxation. With the turmoil in the world around us,
it is an important season to think about great joy, peace on earth and
good will to all. Please keep safe and behave responsibly.
The Bunya Pine that Stuart Pittendrigh campaigned for and saved
Stuart managed to save the bunya pine closest to the rail line. The tree was earmarked for removal as part of the 3rd
rail track project. Stuart used his knowledge to argue that the main
root system for the tree was not next to the rail line but on the
Wongala Crescent side. This meant the excavation of the garden for the
extra track would not affect the tree’s stability. The surviving
tree is testament to his knowledge and skill.
Fearnley Park
Hornsby Shire Council has put into place its plans for Fearnley Park. To view the proposed plans CLICK HERE.
There was for some time a call for public comment. Submissions
have now closed and their were 37 submissions made to Council. The
Trust's submission to Council may be read CLICK HERE.
Clean Up Australia 2025 The
Civic Trust has once again registered the Beecroft Village Green as a
community site for the 2025 Clean Up Australia campaign. Put in
your diary Sunday 2nd March, from 9am to 12 Noon.
Volunteers can simply turn up and register on the morning. Any issues
such as bad weather, contact Ross Walker who will be supervising,
on 0412 257 556.
A huge thank you to all those who volunteered for Clean Up Australia in 2024.
Over 30 bags of rubbish were collected.
We had support from many residents plus the local Scouts and Rotary.
Below are pictures some of some of volunteers and some of the rubbish collected. Ross
Walker, Stuart and Trish Brown, Bill
Woods
The local Scouts
Beecroft Post Office The
Post Office, along with our friendly and efficient postmistress, Lucy,
have moved . The new site is immediately next door to their old
site. Lucy said her view down the arcade was much improved, she
can now see all the way to the car park.
Hannah Street Planter Boxes
The Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust is still calling for additional
volunteers to assist with watering the planter boxes in our Hannah
Street village.
We currently have a small number of dedicated volunteers led by Sandra Ross and we desperately need more assistance.
With summer upon us we need to establish a second mid week roster on
Wednesday mornings. We find 7.30am ideal to avoid shoppers and to avoid
the heat of the day.
Ideally with 3 volunteers on the roster the watering takes no longer than half an hour. .
We meet at 7.30am on Sundays and Wednesdays in the village, collect
watering cans from The Garden Clinic and then water the Planter Boxes.
The more volunteers we get the lighter the workload.
If you can participate, please join the group by visitingCLICK HERE
Demolition for the new residential and commercial Development at Wongala Crescent is ongoing.
Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust eNews The
Trust publishes this monthly eNews newsletter. If you would like
to receive this newsletter on a regular basis, please CLICK HERE to subscribe to the eNews.
Beecroft in the 40s 58 Station Pumper & Crew - Copeland Rd East 1945
Local Justice of the Peace Timothy
Abrams, a Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust committee member, has
generously offered his services as a Justice of the Peace for any
residents requiring this service.
Tim can be contacted on Mob 0417 662 405
Dr. Penelope Crossley has also generously offered her services.
Penelope is a practising solicitor and is happy to witness documents pro
bono for 2119 residents. Penelope can be contacted on 0449 232 474.
Civic Trust Facebook page
The Trust’s Facebook Page has every now and then interviews with interesting people in 2119.
The latest of these is an interview with Michael Bianchino, a name synonymous with the protection of The Powerful Owl. CLICK HERE
City of Parramatta's December News Bulletin
Can be viewed CLICK HERE
Recent Development Applications The
Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust's Web Site now has links to recently
submitted Development Applications in the 2119 postcode area for both
Hornsby and Parramatta Shire Councils. This page will be updated
with every eNews publication. CLICK HERE To access them.
Other objections and correspondence with council can be viewed CLICK HERE
Keep our two suburbs strong and informed by being a member!
To support or join the Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust, please visit our website. CLICK HERE.The
eNews has become our main method for disseminating information to the
community. We already send the eNews to many of our residents. We
encourage residents who receive the eNews to tell their neighbours and
friends and suggest they too subscribe. The eNews letter is
available to all who subscribe. Trust Membership is not a
requirement.
The eNews archives are available HERE. To subscribe to the eNews: CLICK HERE.
There is an active Civic Trust Facebook group; to view the Facebook CLICK HERE.
The Trust will assist any resident regardless of their membership status.
