5thJuly 2019 Edition One. In this edition: President's Message,
Hornsby Council tree strategy,
Trust Autumn Walk 23rd June,
History Group Book Launch,
Opening Day, Sporting facilities,
Police Reports.
Message from the President There
is always something on in Beecroft or Cheltenham and last weekend was
no exception. On Saturday the Beecroft History Group launched
their latest publication on James Blackwood and on Sunday our sporting
community teamed up with Hornsby Council to officially open the new
facilities at Cheltenham Oval. There are more details below, where
I have taken the liberty to provide my own observations.
Hornsby Council’s tree planting strategy, instigated by our Mayor Philip
Ruddock, is progressing well. This is the first time I have
mentioned the strategy in the Trust’s eNews, mainly because the strategy
initially focused on parklands north of Beecroft where there was an
opportunity by Council to make an immediate impact. The tree
planting strategy will provide benefits for our community in the future,
adding value to our real estate but also improving the biodiversity in
our natural environment. I, and no doubt you too, want to
see our suburb become a better place to live. Over thirty years I
have observed significant loss of fauna in our suburbs, such as a
variety of birdlife and lizards. This loss adversely impacts on
the suburbs’ ecology and over time our own wellbeing, so I ask you to
support Hornsby Council’s Tree strategy. More details below.
25,000 Trees by 2020 – Hornsby Council’s tree strategy
Many residents will be aware that the Mayor of Hornsby, Hon Philip
Ruddock, initiated a tree planting strategy this year. It has been
an ambitious task that has stretched Hornsby Council’s internal
resources. Trees come in all shapes and sizes and they need to be
replaced regularly due to age, disease, size or the fact that they
simply grow in the wrong place. The strategy includes all types of
trees and all locations, whether in public reserves, in streets or in
your own yard. The Trust supports the strategy, with conservation
being one of the aims of the Trust’s constitution. For more
information CLICK HERE
This year National Tree Day falls on Sunday 28th July, with
National Tree Day for Schools on Friday 26th. Council has teamed
up with Beecroft Public School’s environmental group to plant trees in
Lyne Road Reserve at Cheltenham on the Friday 26th July between 12 noon and 1pm.
On the actual Sunday 28th July, Council has chosen Fagan Park at Galston to celebrate the day. This event will be from 10am till 1pm
So Beecroft doesn’t miss out, Council will, with the support of the
Trust, be holding our own tree planting day at Observatory Hill from
10am to 12 noon on Sunday 4th August.
All these events are open to the public, so you are welcome to attend and get involved if you so wish.
Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust Annual Autumn Walk – held on Sunday 23rd June 2019 The
Trust held its annual ‘autumn’ walk in winter last Sunday. The
weather was kind to us, providing a perfect window of dry weather.
A comfortably sized group of thirty attended, learning about the
bushland reserve that many of us regularly walk through. The walk
went as far as Burns Road South where we compared the bush regeneration
on Council’s road reserve with the weed infestation blanketing Devlin’s
Creek. The difference is dramatic. While afternoon tea was
being served at the new netball courts after the walk, Rod Best, the
chair of the Beecroft History Group, talked about Sir Garfield Barwick’s
former property that was demolished when the M2 motorway was
constructed.
Details of the next Spring walk will be provided in early August.
It will be held in association with the National Trust property, Ahimsa
in Day Road Cheltenham.
The Beecroft Cheltenham History Group Book Launch – held on Saturday 29th June 2019. WW1 Letters of James Blackwood: A Beecroft Son at war and at peace.
The launch was held in the Beecroft Presbyterian Church, where James Blackwood's name appears on both the Honour Rolls.
At age 19 James ceased law studies at Sydney University to join the AIF and fought in France where he died in December 1916 from
wounds. The book is a collection of letters written by James to
his family during this time as a way of showing the impact of war on the
Beecroft Cheltenham community.
Formalities were handled by the Chair of the Beecroft Cheltenham History
Group, Rod Best, with Hornsby Council represented by the Mayor Hon
Philip Ruddock.
Julian Leeser, the Federal Member for Berowra, and former Member for
Epping Andrew Tink AM both spoke about the book. Morning tea was
served afterwards in the adjoining church hall where the book could be
purchased. The letters and accompanying introductory notes provide
an insight into our local society in Beecroft during the First World
War. For anyone interested in the history of Beecroft and
Cheltenham this book is good reading. The book can be purchased
through the History Group’s website at enquiries@bchg.org.au
or at the Beecroft Newsagency. The RRP is only $20.00. If
outside of 2119 postcode, then postage and packaging is $10.00.
Cheltenham Oval Sporting Facilities Official Opening – held on Sunday 30th June 2019 This
event highlighted the strength of our local community. Fully
supported by Hornsby Council, over 200 people of all ages participated
in the festivities. It was particularly pleasing to have our
elected members from the three levels of government attending, but also
mixing with the residents. Julian Leeser MP, Member for Berowra,
Dominic Perrottet MP, NSW Treasurer and Member for Epping, Damien
Tudehope MLC, Minister for Finance and Small Business, the Mayor of
Hornsby Hon. Philip Ruddock, plus Councillors Emma Heyde and Joe Nicita
mingled with the residents.
This event was initiated by the Beecroft Soccer, Beecroft Netball and
Beecroft Cricket clubs and full credit must go to their respective
committees for making this such a memorable day. The Trust and
Beecroft Rotary also attended, both recognising the significance of the
event by promoting the event.
This is what makes our community strong.
Latest Police Reports CLICK HERE for
the latest reports. Just a reminder that these reports are
regularly provided by the Ryde Police Area Command which includes the
entire suburbs of Beecroft & Cheltenham.
Councillor Emma Heyde's Latest Newsletter - June 23rd CLICK HERE
Annual Memberships for 2019 became due at the
Annual General Meeting in March... 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. Currently we have over 1040 email addresses, up from 900 two
months ago. We encourage residents who receive the eNews to tell
their neighbours and friends. 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.The Trust has always had an unwritten policy to assist any resident regardless of their membership status.
