Category: Journal 2021

by Rosemary Phillis

By the time we hit late November 2020 it felt like we were on top of COVID-19 in New South Wales. We made plans to open the Riverstone Museum in 2021 and looked forward to a Christmas which would look relatively normal.

The virus was not done. There was an outbreak on the Northern Beaches connected to a worker who transported returning travellers and this spread in the community. The Northern Beaches were placed into lockdown and the rest of us watched on.

The State Government had introduced a daily press conference at 11 o’clock each day with the Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant, the Health Minister Brad Hazzard. I found myself making sure that I was in front of the television each day to get the latest updates and instructions.

Some general restrictions were implemented for Christmas and then stricter ones implemented for after Christmas.

Several other pockets of transmission opened up in Sydney at Croydon and Berala. From Monday 4 January 2021, in the Greater Sydney area, it was compulsory to wear masks in retail areas, on public transport and other places.

In Riverstone people adapted well and by 5 January everybody I saw when down the street were wearing a mask inside the shops.

As January progressed, there were 0 cases of community transmission. Guidelines were relaxed so that people did not have to wear masks inside shops.

The Historical Society felt secure enough to open the Riverstone Museum for the first time in 12 months, on 7 February 2021. The Magic Metal Motoring car club brought a wonderful display of cars to the Museum to kick off the year in style. Like other businesses we had registered for a QR code so that people visiting the Museum could log in via the Services NSW App or on a paper register sheet. We had a good roll up of visitors as people were keen to be out and about in places like the Museum.

Late February 2021 saw the start of COVID-19 vaccinations in Australia. The first priorities were front line workers, quarantine staff, staff in quarantine hotels, nursing home residents and staff.

New South Wales continued to record 0 community transmission and people began to return to work. Restrictions were gradually lifted and as at early March, public transport was one of the few places were people were still required to wear masks.

19 March was a welcome day for public transport when the restrictions were relaxed to increase the capacity of trains and buses to 75%. There was also no longer a need to sit in every second seat, leaving a 1.5 metre space between people. Community transmission remained 0 in NSW which was a relief, although cases of transmission within quarantine from people returning from overseas were still being recorded.

Monday 29 March was a welcome day when restrictions were eased back to no longer require masks to be worn on public transport and restrictions were lifted on numbers at weddings and funerals. Indoor venues were still subject however to the 2sq metre per person rule.

In April, the vaccination roll out plans were impacted by the linking of the AstraZeneca vaccine to rare blood clots in several people under the age of 50. This was the vaccine in greatest supply available in Australia at that time. The roll out of AstraZeneca was then changed to people over 50, and under 50 restricted to those prepared to sign a waiver form and take the risk. Later, as the statistics showed a higher level in people aged in their 50s, this was then changed to people over 60. This caused confusion and lead to a hesitancy in using AstraZeneca. People held off in the hope of getting the less readily available Pfizer vaccine.

Restrictions were still in place for Anzac Day Services. The local RSL sub-Branch was not in a position to organise the regular dawn service, which is normally attended by thousands. A private service was held by the sub-Branch at the Riverstone Cenotaph and attended by around 100 locals who had gathered at the same time to pay their respects. After the brief service, a pair of commemorative brass boots was officially unveiled at the Cenotaph.

Things continued smoothly in New South Wales until an outbreak linked to a person, who transported an overseas flight crew to and from their accommodation in Sydney, tested positive for the Delta strain. This variant spread more rapidly than others and saw the outbreak grow to 80 local infections. The State Government announced that from 6pm on Saturday 26 June, the Greater Sydney area would be in lockdown for two weeks. This meant only going out in a limited set of conditions including food, essential items, caring, attending medical appointments and of course getting a vaccination. People were required to wear masks when indoors or anywhere outside of their home.

People in Riverstone responded smoothly to the lockdown. Initially it was like a ghost town in the local shopping centre and traffic was light on the roads. Those who were out picking up essential goods from the local shops were wearing masks.

Sadly the new restrictions impacted a large number of local businesses. The majority in the main street and shopping centre had to close, move to appointments only or interaction via phone or video. (Later some had to move to click and collect.)

Although the outbreak in the Greater Sydney area was predominantly around Bondi, COVID testing centres were set up locally. One was at 32 Worcester Road, across from the Anglican School, and the other in the grounds of the Vineyard Church at 357 Windsor Road.

In July the number of cases continued to increase, especially in south western Sydney. Further restrictions were imposed. Exercise and recreation were limited to people’s Local Government Area (LGA) or a maximum of 10 kilometres. In addition, people were required to carry identification showing their address and a mask when out of their home and whilst exercising. Shops were required to have State Government QR sign in codes or paper sign in sheets, and people were required to use them.

The increased restrictions in the Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown saw residents only able to leave the area for essential work. They were required to be COVID tested every three days. This impacted on shop keepers in Riverstone. The KM Variety store for example in the main street was closed. For a number of days the Commonwealth Bank did not open for face to face services, leaving customers with only auto teller machines. They son reorganised their staff so that they worked from branches within their LGA.

Local police became more visible, with patrol cars seen more often around Riverstone. One local shopkeepers told me that a policeman came through the shopping centre to make sure that all of the shops had QR codes and that people were using them.

The regular daily 11 am New South Wales COVID update became must see on television for locals. As time went on the lockdown was extended. Record numbers of people were tested daily and the numbers of infected people rose. Sadly some lead to hospitalisations and deaths. Fortunately vaccinations were having a positive effect. Those who had received their second injections were proving less likely to get as sick, or be hospitalised, as those who hadn’t.

The news conference on 23 July brought the news that from 12.01am the next day, the Blacktown LGA, which incorporated Riverstone, would be subject to tougher restrictions.

Kevin Connolly MP posted the following update on his Facebook page on 24 July 2021.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT FOR BLACKTOWN LGA TODAY?

1. 1. 1. The Public Health Order in place for Greater Sydney still applies to Blacktown. Residents must stay at home unless leaving for one of the listed “reasonable excuses”.
      2. The only change today relates to leaving home for the purpose of WORK. You can leave Blacktown LGA for work purposes only if your occupation is on the list of authorised workers https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/authorised-workers
      3. There is NO requirement at this stage for testing each 3 days (as applies to Fairfield).
      4. The other listed reasons for leaving home all remain unchanged: ie. you can go out to do essential shopping; you can go out to exercise in Blacktown LGA or within 10km of home; you can go out for care / compassionate or medical reasons, (including to be vaccinated, get a Covid test or to give blood).
      5. People who live in Blacktown LGA and who cannot work from home can go to work in Blacktown LGA unaffected by this new restriction.
      6. People who live in other LGAs (except for Fairfield, Liverpool, Canterbury-B and Cumberland) can still come to Blacktown LGA for work, unaffected by this change.

From 30 July, the distance people could travel in the hot spot areas including Blacktown, for exercise or shopping for essential items was reduced to 5 kms.

Although no details appeared in the press, a staff member at a local school tested positive and two students subsequently tested positive. These people must have isolated successfully as no further infections appeared to come from those cases. The local community only knew, because someone posted information on the Riverstone Community Group Facebook page.

So what did life look like around Riverstone by the time the extra lockdown restrictions were introduced?

-About half of the shops in the town were closed. Shops had signs advising customers that they were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

– All open businesses had a State Government QR sign in code at the front door. It was compulsory for customers to sign in either using the QR code reader on their smart phones or sign in manually on paper record sheets. This recording was in case an infected person visited the business and would allow others there at the same time to be advised by contact tracers employed by the NSW Government.

– Hairdressers were closed. People’s hair grew longer and in some cases greyer unless they could dye their hair at home.

– Lawn mowing businesses were not allowed to work. People’s lawns started to grow and look shaggy. Luckily it was winter, so the grass, apart from clover, was not growing quickly. Eventually this was removed in time for the spring grass growing season.

– The only bank in town, the Commonwealth, introduced restricted face to face hours from 10am to 2pm. A security guard at the front of the bank ensured that people signed in and that the number of people inside at the one time was limited.

– More people could be seen walking around town for their daily exercise. Pet dogs had never been walked as much.

– No one stopped to chat. Everyone walked with purpose and no-one was hanging around.

– People were encouraged to shop online, using home delivery or click and collect where you ordered and paid, then when the order was ready, stayed outside the business where the employees would put the goods in your boot.

– The other states, particularly Queensland and Western Australia maintained border closures to residents of New South Wales, Sydney and the LGAs of concern. This particularly difficult for locals who were not able to travel or have visitors from interstate.

– Limits on people coming into Australia meant some Australians were stuck overseas. The limits were driven by the number of quarantine spaces available in hotels in Australia. People returning had to quarantine in a designated hotel for 14 days and test negative to COVID-19 before being able to rejoin the community. In addition, most people, unless they had an approved reason were not able to travel overseas.

– Holidays were fairly non existent due to the overseas travel restrictions, state border closures and then restrictions on travel within New South Wales. The latter arising once infections started to rise in the country.

– Some Medical Specialists required patients and carers to have COVID tests within 72 hours of their appointments and to show evidence of a negative test result.

The State Government continued to promote several messages every day: – Stay at home/ – Get tested if you have even the mildest of symptoms/ – Get vaccinated.

The numbers of infections continued to increase. From 16 August restrictions increased to reduce exercise and shopping for all greater Sydney to within 5kms of home. Permits were required to visit the rest of the state.

Sadly the number of infections per day rose to nearly 1600, with over many requiring hospital treatment. So far during the latest outbreak over 200 people have died as a result of COVID.

On 15 September restrictions were eased for the LGAs not considered of concern. Further concessions were made for fully vaccinated people. They could for example catch up outdoors with up to 5 other fully vaccinated adults. There was also no limit on the amount of time spent exercising outdoors.

Riverstone being part of the Blacktown LGA was still regarded as an area of concern. The daily figures were based on postcode. For 2765, the number of infections was ranging from about 4-13 per day.

On 20 September, some of the restrictions were eased in the LGAs of concern. Like the other LGAs, people were no longer limited to 1 hour of exercise per day (plus one hour of recreation if fully vaccinated. Once again they could travel within 5 kms of their home or within their LGA for exercise or recreation.

The issue of mental health was recognised by the government and within our community.  People tapped into ideas from other areas and came up with new ideas to try and lift morale.

A Facebook page called “Rivorocks” was set up. Locals were encouraged to paint rocks and hide them for others to find, photograph, post on the Facebook, then hide and the leave, keep or remove the rock. It was a hit and became a popular pastime and fun for children and adults.

Another idea was Spoonville. People were encouraged to decorate spoons and place them in their gardens.

Casuarina School, on the corner of Garfield Road and Piccadilly Street, developed a “well being wall”. Individuals, local businesses and organisations were encouraged to provide or email “pictures, paintings, poems, inspirational messages or even your favourite recipe”. These were then printed, laminated and put up on the fence facing Garfield Road.

Another important initiative set up by the Riverstone Community Centre was the “Dollars for Dignity” campaign. This wonderful idea was promoted on Facebook. People were encouraged to donate $10 each online, with the idea being that if 1000 people did this, the Centre would have funds to continue to assist people who were struggling financially. The donations came flooding in from individuals, businesses, sporting and community groups added valuable donations to those made by individuals.

As at the time of writing this article at the end of September 2021, the main hope for a return to a more “normal” life is for rates of fully immunised people to reach at least 70% of the population able to be vaccinated. At present the rates are on target for this to be in mid to late October. This does not mean full opening and back to what was once “normal”, but will see greater freedoms. Like many I am looking forward to it.

by Nell Moody

Aunty May was born Mary Caroline Rothwell in the late 1890’s.

When she was about twelve, her grandmother died. Grandmother had run the house and brought up the children, and little May, the eldest girl, then took over.

Intelligent, loving and always cheerful, she earned everybody’s respect. Her brothers and sisters loved her all their days in gratitude for those good years.

May’s life was changed completely by the 1919-1921 flu. Not because she caught the flu, she didn’t. The Spanish flu took Her mind.

By 1919 she was working as a nurse at the Children’s Hospital in Sydney. The hours were long, and frequently when she returned to Schofields, there were requests to help sick families in the district. I was told that one night, she came home and pulled her chair to face the wall, sat in it and refused to speak. When she did speak it was about dying children and little coffins.

Medical help was sought. She spent time in hospital where new treatments including electric shocks were tried. Over the years there were many visits to Medical Specialists but her condition did not improve.

She lived with her mother and her sister Pearl in a house not far from us. Her sister Pearl continued to care for her.

As I grew up Aunty May’s conversations about dying babies and coffins never changed. We shared the back seat of the car when we went out for a drive, and to my eternal shame, I was ashamed of her and fervently hoped that we would not meet any of my school friends.

She lived a long life but her real life ended sixty years before 1985. She is buried in Riverstone Cemetery. The inscription on her headstone reads “A KIND AND LOVING PERSON”.

Editor’s Note: Nell wrote this article because of her respect for her Aunty May’s role as a carer for people and the toll it took on her. She hopes that people consider the impact that the current pandemic will be taking on health care workers and carers and wants people to know that help is more readily available than it was back in 1919.

A variety of support services are listed on the New South Wales Government web site. In their words, There is never a wrong time to seek help. The web site provides a series of contact numbers including: Beyond Blue 1800 51 23 48 and Lifeline Australia 13 11 14.

by Shirley Seale

In the Journal last year, Rosemary wrote about the current effects of the current pandemic. This is a look back at the history of the 1919 pandemic.

Celebrations of the end of World War I were turned to despair when the deadly pneumonic influenza began to rage around the world. In New South Wales optimism caused the Department of Local Government and the Board of Health to inform the local Council on 17th January 1919 that the epidemic had been practically wiped out and there was a much brighter outlook now. The Board was preventing the establishment of an Inoculation Department for the present time and asked what action the Council had taken to prevent the spread of the epidemic. [i]

By January 28th four cases of the pneumonic influenza were reported in Sydney, each having been contracted in Melbourne and the Government began to realise the extent of the contagion. A member of Parliament in NSW declared ‘Victoria, by its neglect to have itself declared an infected state by the Commonwealth, has allowed infection to become widely distributed amongst its population and by its delay to act has also brought about infection in this state.’ New South Wales acted swiftly and imposed preventative restrictions in Sydney and the County of Cumberland, which included Riverstone. The restrictions bear an uncanny resemblance to those we lived through in 2020 and now in 2021.

Traffic was stopped at the borders and a quarantine of seven days was imposed on all travellers by land or sea. All places of public entertainment were closed, schools, church services and meetings were prohibited. (Teachers were still being paid and 1200 volunteered at the emergency hospitals – there was no on-line teaching in 1919).

Masks were made compulsory by an order of the Premier, William Holman on 31st January and fines were imposed for non-compliance. Travel within the state was not restricted and many people travelled to the Blue Mountains where they thought the fresh air would keep them healthy.

That month, Sir James Cantlie, Surgeon to the Seaman’s Hospital and Lecturer in Surgery at the London School of Tropical Medicine, announced that the only valuable antidote for the new influenza was alcohol, and the scarcity of alcohol, said Sir James, is a disgrace to the controlling authorities. This ray of hope was soon refuted by Dr Gwynne Hughes, one of Sydney’s eminent medical men, who said ‘so far as a stimulant is concerned, people who are used to taking them should continue to do so, but not to excess!’

The local trotting meeting to be held at Londonderry was postponed in the first week in February.

Usually in Riverstone, as the soldiers returned home at the end of the war, the railway station was decorated, a band was playing and people crowded the station area with banners and flags. However the welcome home for Private Wilson was indefinitely postponed in February due to the restrictions and by July when Corporal Marlin returned, the band was absent because practically all of the members were suffering from influenza. [ii]

Mr R.W. Setchell, a Riverstone clergyman, had sent a postcard to Mrs John Wheeler of Bourke Street telling of his voyage in a troopship. Mr Setchell was in good health, but 600 of the 800 men on board had been stricken down with the influenza scourge, which ‘authorities in this country are now engaged in a campaign against’.

On Saturday15 February, the Daily Telegraph on page 10 reported ‘so far the Hawkesbury District is free of influenza but the health authorities of the municipality are leaving nothing to chance. Masks are universally worn and the people are co-operating loyally to keep the scourge out. A Vigilance Committee, comprising aldermen and four members of the hospital committee has been formed and at their first meeting decided to utilise the public school as a temporary hospital should the occasion arise. An inoculation depot has been opened in Windsor and another is to be opened in Riverstone immediately. All the hotels, schools and churches have been closed and public functions and meetings postponed until the danger is passed’.

On a lighter note the Windsor and Richmond Gazette (the Gazette) that month wrote ‘The most comical sight of the season was a courting couple, who wishing to be quite up-to-date, squatted on the grass in McQuade Park, Windsor and chatted away for dear life, wearing their white influenza masks. One would imagine that the masks knocked all the poetical sentiment out of courting life but apparently it didn’t for casual passers-by could hear the muffled lovey-dovey and suchlike spoony vocabulary at the usual quick intervals’.

At the end of March, the Government announced that the Sydney Show was abandoned for the year and added some further restrictions. No person could remain in a hotel bar for more than five minutes and people were urged to take whatever precautions they could to prevent contagion. The Showground buildings were to be requisitioned for the purpose of hospital accommodation for patients. The Show Society raised no objection while pointing out the considerable financial losses to all concerned. [iii]

On Friday 25 April, our first Anzac Day, the Gazette commiserated with Dr A. C. Johnston, who was kept busy owing to so many people having contracted colds and influenza. Some of the residents have made a move to fight the influenza in case it breaks out in a virulent form’. The doctor was assisted in looking after the patients by Mrs Crisp, Mrs Wallace, Mrs Symonds and Miss Shepherd but needed more help. ‘There are several cases in town. The fitting and equipping of a local hospital seems to be out of the question though the next best way of fighting the pandemic is nursing in the patient’s own home and strict isolation regulations’.

A tennis match went ahead at the request of the Captain Mr Gallen although his sister had recently died and the sad case was mentioned of Byron Cheadle, son of F. Cheadle of Marsden Park, who was buried the previous Saturday and whose wife died only two days later. The ‘scourge’ as the paper called it, was starting to be felt in the district.

In April also, the Health Inspector, Mr T.W. Jago, reported to Blacktown Council that an outbreak of pneumonic influenza had occurred at Riverstone and Plumpton. Altogether there were fifteen cases, four were in Riverstone, two in Plumpton and nine in Windsor. The doctor stated that all was being done that could be done. Mr Cunningham, a member of the Administrative Board in Sydney, announced he had been sent to Blacktown to open an emergency depot forthwith and suggested the appointment of the head teacher at Blacktown Public School, Mr McCredie as Depot Master. A sub- depot would be opened at other parts including Riverstone. It was resolved to make application to have all public telephones made available at all hours as far as was practicable. A motor ambulance would be provided for use, the Department would pay the salary of an assistant health Inspector and meet all reasonable expenses in fighting the pandemic. [iv]

Miss Renie Vidler of Riverstone is going as a nurse in training at Wellington Hospital, reported the Gazette on page 9 of its 4th April Edition. ‘The lot of a nurse is not as easy as some might be inclined to believe. Women who perform these duties have great responsibilities on their shoulders. The recovery of the patient is often due to the tender care and cheery manner of the nurse. In addition to the responsibility a nurse is often exposed to great danger of contracting a deadly infectious disease – the present scourge for instance that has broken through the quarantine gates of this Commonwealth. A great many nurses have been attacked by the deadly disease of pneumonic influenza’.

On 23 May 1919, the Gazette was able to report that all influenza cases in Riverstone were progressing well and no fresh outbreak had been reported. An advertisement on page 3 of the Gazette on 25th June read ‘For influenza, colds, take WOOD’S GREAT PEPPERMINT CURE’, but two days later on page 4, ‘There is an increasing amount of sickness throughout the district, some of the cases being serious. A death from Pneumonic influenza occurred in the Richmond Emergency Hospital a few days ago. There are other suspected cases of the scourge’.

In June and July some of the young men in Riverstone were becoming victims and their deaths were reported locally. Arthur Rumery, son of a well-known local family, died of the influenza on 30th June, just days short of his 32nd birthday and his cousin, Cecil Stranger, died on 3rd July. His sister Elsie Stranger had started nursing but all the family became ill and she was sent home to look after them. She said ‘the flu seemed to take the strongest while the weak pulled through’. [v] Bertrand Alcorn, a popular young man of twenty-five years, died at Riverstone on 6th July and Arthur Sherwood, of Rouse Hill, a local cricketer, ‘a man of apparently strong constitution in the prime of his life’, fell victim to influenza the same week.

There was much sickness in Riverstone and the Gazette wrote that it had made ‘many sad homes, for several deaths have occurred. Scarcely a house has missed the visitation. At Mr George Freeman’s home, nine of the ten inmates were down together’. [vi] One of the saddest cases, reported in the same edition, concerned Mrs Sanders, the sister of Mrs Crisp, wife of the Riverstone Police Officer. She had come to Sydney from Broken Hill with her little children to meet her husband, Signaller W. Sanders who was to disembark from his troopship the next day. Mrs Sanders contracted the influenza and died three days after arriving to greet him. Sympathy was expressed for Mrs Crisp, who had not been well.

Mr Frank Fenwick of the Post Office had to be sent to Parramatta District Hospital by motor ambulance and Private Kirwan was still in Egypt after being too ill with Influenza to travel home, but was reported as recovered now. Also recovering was Arthur Sturman who had been in critical condition and Mrs Wiggins, who had been despaired of.

Recognising that the pandemic had adversely affected the finances of hundreds of workers, the butchers of Sydney suggested that meat be distributed free to the needy. Riverstone Meatworks, together with other wholesalers, immediately agreed to the donation of 60 pounds worth of meat to be cut up and distributed by the Meat Board at various Influenza Relief Depots. About six tons of meat was donated. [vii]

The Gazette praised the Sydney Health authorities for having a ‘proper realisation of the seriousness of the plague, but were scathing about ‘our brotherly Victorian brothers’ whom they blamed for sending a second dose along to NSW. Victoria is getting just what she might expect from her criminal indifference’. [viii] Between March and August 1919 almost 40% of the NSW population had contracted the disease and 6387 of them had died.

The Commonwealth Serum Laboratory had manufactured a vaccine, which was provided free of charge at Inoculation Depots, but, just as today, it was not universally accepted, was not compulsory, but seemed to lessen the effects of the sickness in those who had been vaccinated. Many of out local citizens queued up for the ‘jab’.

On 11 August this advertisement appeared on page 3 of the Windsor Richmond Gazette:

REFINE gives a stronger resistance during epidemics. When diphtheria, influenza, typhoid, acute colds and other epidemics are prevalent……REFINE gives fighting power to the red corpuscles in the blood …… etc. Sold by chemists and grocers.

No firm could advertise like this in 2020 or 2021!

Inoculation Depots were established and advice given to residents through notices in the Gazette of 7 February 1919, such as the one below from the Blacktown Shire Council.

A few days later, on 15th August the Windsor Richmond Gazette could report that there were no new cases of pneumonic influenza at Richmond Emergency Hospital and those brave women who offered their services have returned to their homes.

In December 1919 a final report for the year read: ‘Miss E. Shepherd, who was a most prominent worker among the influenza patients in Riverstone, was recently made the recipient of a silver-mounted hairbrush and comb, in recognition of her valued services during the epidemic. Miss Shepherd, in her modesty, does not think that her work is worthy of recognition in a public way and has decided not to accept the gift. [ix]

[i] Windsor Richmond Gazette, 17 January 1919, p. 10.

[ii] Ibid., 7 February 1919, p. 9; 4 July 1919, p.9; 28 Feb.,1919, p. 2.

[iii] Sydney Mail, 2 April 1919, p. 13.

[iv] The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, 26 April 1919, p. 11.

[v] E-mail from Rosemary Phillis.

[vi] Windsor Richmond Gazette, 11 July 1919, p.2.

[vii] The Sun, 16 July 1919, p. 9.

[viii] Windsor Richmond Gazette, 7 February 1919, p.4.

[ix] Ibid., 9 December 1919, p.3.

Information on statistics was sourced from  records.nsw.gov.au/archives/collections-and-research/guide-and-indexes/galleries/Spanish-flu-1919

Allan Hood

The following stories capture the character of life in Riverstone in the 60s and 70s and the commitment of the Hood Family to customer service with their Auto Wrecking business.

Anonymous Driver

Back in the ’60s my Dad got a phone call 10.30pm. “Hello John, this is Sargent xxxxx, we have a car on its roof on the bend opposite the cemetery on Garfield Road. Would you like to attend with your tow wagon?”

He said “Yes, I’m on my way.” On arrival, my Dad found the ’64 Holden Police car parked near a car on its roof.

The Sarge said “there is nobody around, the driver is not here. Just pull it back on its wheels and tow it back to your yard and I’ll have a look at it in the morning.”

Off went the police car. My Dad pulled the car back on its wheels, then a voice came out of the blackthorns. “Hey Hood, are the cops gone yet?” My Dad shone a torch in and asked “is that you ……?”

“Yer, are the cops gone?” came the reply. “Can you give me a lift home please?”

So Dad dropped the fellow home and headed to the wrecking yard with the car on the hook where it stayed until next morning. Nothing was ever said to anyone.

New Years Eve Party

One year my Dad decided to have a New Years Eve party at the wrecking yards. He thought he’d better do the right thing and let the local police know. He called in to the police station, told them what was happening and invited them to drop in if they wanted.

The party had started and the police arrived. They drove the EH police car into the yard and Dad shut the gates behind them. They had a slab of beer in the boot and got out and joined the party.

After awhile things got a bit rowdier and one of the family started throwing people into the pool. Unfortunately they also threw the local copper in too, uniform, gun and all. We helped him out and the party continued.

The next day Dad went down to the local police station to apologise. The police officer had his gun in pieces on the counter and was oiling it to prevent it from rusting. Dad started to apologise. “Don’t bother apologising,” he was told, “that was the best New Years Eve party I’ve been to.”

Cinderella Slipper

Hoody’s wreckers got a call from Bowdens Truck repairs at Bourke, NSW. They needed a 6 volt Chev truck starter motor. We obliged them by sending the spare part COD by rail.

We needed to pack the motor in something for the journey. My Dad spotted Nugget Spencer’s old gum boot, left behind after a concreting job had done on the floor of a shed. The starter motor fitted perfectly in this gum boot. A few fencing staples and it’s ready to go on the rattler to Bourke.

I went down to the Riverstone Railway Station to be greeted by none other than Ray Smith. “What in the hell is that?” he asked. “A starter motor off a Chev truck heading for Bowden and Co at Bourke,” I replied..

“I bet your old man had something to do with that packaging, fancy a gum boot wrapper. o.k. where is it going?”

“Bowden and Co at Bourke, NSW, COD please.”

About six months later, Mr Bowden turned up from Bourke on his way to the Big Smoke Sydney, with a Borage gum boot in hand, laughing his head off. He said, “You Hoods have got the best way to get a laugh out of anyone. It was the talk of the town in town for months at Bourke.”

The Speedo Story – from Hoody Wrecker archives.

One time a customer was travelling around Australia and the speedo on his XW V8 Wagon was broken and we had none left at the wreckers. I volunteered to give him the Speedo out of my own XW Falcon to help him out. “I’ll get another one out of the next wrecked one that comes in.” I told him. (Which was only a few weeks later.)

In the meantime one Monday night I was at a training night at 177AD SQ Army Reserve training. One the way home I was driving along the road near the Richmond Air Force base and would you believe I was pulled over by the cops. I got out and said “What have I done wrong officer?” I asked.

He said, “You were clocked doing 78kmph in a 70 zone.”

“I’m very sorry Sir,” I said.

Then a senior police officer got out of the Police car and shone a torch light on my face. “Oh, you’re Hoody from the Auto Wrecker aren’t you?” he asked. “Yes Sir.” I answered.

“What’s that uniform you’re wearing?”.

“I’m in the Army Reserve Sir.”

“Good on ya Hoody.”

“I can explain my reason for exceeding the speed limit by 8kmph.” I explained the story and how I had given the other fellow my Speedo. They looked in and could see that the car had no Speedo.

“There is no doubt about it, you Hoodys look after your customers.” The senior officer owned a Fairlane and had bought many a spare part off us himself over the years.

I told them as soon as a Falcon came in that I would grab the Speedo out of it. I’m not a lead foot and I take it easy.

Like Father Like Son

Back in the ’70s I was a fireman in Rivo’s NSW Brigade. We went on a fire call to Clarke Street Rivo. While heading northward down Garfield Road, the clutch blew up. We turned into Clarke Street and called on the radio for a recovery truck to tow us back to the Fire Station.

It was getting late in the day so I asked Peter Aldridge, our Captain, if I could get a lift back to our wrecker where we had a 6 ton scrap truck that I could use to tow the fire truck back to the station. He said “sounds good.”

Anyway we got back to the wreckers, hitched up the Flat Top to the fire truck and made it back to the station ok.

Just recently, I asked another older retired fiery Bill Barnett about it he said, “Hoody’s Wreckers to the Rescue.” He also said “Like Father Like Son. Once a Towie, always a Towie.”

The Fire Fighting “Branch”

Back in the ’70s while in the Army Reserves, you had to do two weeks basic training. I ended up doing my two week stretch at a place called the Bardia Barracks at the Ingleburn Army camp. (This has since been flattened and sold for residential development, very sad).

While at the camp, one night one of the twelve bed barracks caught fire. Next thing everyone called out “fire, fire, fire”. I automatically kicked into gear as a trained NSW Fireman. I was wearing only a pair of shorts and a blue singlet and raced over to where the fire was. They had a 2.5 inch hose rolled out, but no brass branch (nozzle) in the fire hose box. So I raced back to our barracks, threw open the FH Box and grabbed the branch. I raced back, to the fire, screwed the Branch onto the hose and sang out “WATER”. Someone turned on the water and I rolled out the hose to make sure there were no kinks in it and started to put out the fire.

Anyone who was involved in the fire was taken to hospital that night to get checked out for smoke inhalation, including me. The next morning when I returned to my barracks, I walked in and the eleven other soldiers asked, “how did you know what a branch was Padre?” (Padre was what they nicknamed me.) “Because I’m a trained NSW Fireman.” “What, you’re a fire fighter?” Then they all started to clap and cheer me. I felt humble and embarrassed. You do what you have to do to help out.

Rusty Flattened Jam Tin

One day we were on a driver training exercise in Army Reserve in the Hawkesbury area. We had about ten trucks, Land Rovers, ‘D’ series Ford 6 wheel drive troop trucks etc.

I ended up with other troops in the back of a D series on wooden seats, not very comfortable. The convoy came to a halt. I thought to myself, “what’s going on?” I got out and wandered up to a Land Rover (nice comfortable seats, Officers only), with the bonnet up. I was greeted by Corporal Skinner (a lady soldier). “Ah, Private Hood, you must know something about how to fix a broken down truck coming from a car-wreckers.”

“I’ll give it a try Corporal Skinner,” I said. As I had walked up to the Land Rover I kicked a piece of rusty jam tin under my boots. “What’s happening anyway?” I asked.

“It won’t start, someone stalled it and it now it won’t start.”

I look under the bonnet. They had the ignition turned on and out of gear, so I picked up the rusty jam tin and arced it across the two terminals on the solenoid and she started up straight away, claps and cheers again. I felt embarrassed and humbled.

“Private Hood, where is your kit?” asked the Corporal

“In the ‘D’ series.” I answered

“Well go and get it, I want you in this Land Rover in case it breaks down again.” So I went and collected my kit and travelled the rest of the trip in the comfortable seats.

by John Horne

In 2018, John Horne won the Blacktown City Council Mayoral Prize with his book COME FLY WITH ME BLACKTOWN CITY’S AVIATION HISTORY FROM 1911 UNTIL THE PRESENT. John has kindly allowed us to reproduce the following information in relation to Riverstone, extracted from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs WW2 Nominal Roll for the RAAF using the Place Search – place of birth/residential locality on enlistment. Details for Vineyard, Marsden Park and Schofields were added for this Journal item.

Surname	First Name	Service Number	Service
Andrews	Aubrey George Hunter	61317
Andrews	Ronald Roy	3228
Brown	Archer Christopher	68426
Brown	Hubert Thomas	132423
Butler	John Cranfield	70809
Butler	Lindsay Ray	132542
Carey	Reginald	6257
Carey	Sydney Theodore	15829
Charlton	John Clement	35510
Donoghue	Leon Norman	14024
Donoghue	Maurice Laurent	02157 [33265]
Egan	Reginald Stanslaus	134124
Evans	Jack Allan	132524
Fitzpatrick	John Edward	138408
Fletcher	John Joseph Mander	4256
Fletcher	Leonard Roy	A25229 [62703]
Fussell	Colin George William	164239
Gilbert	Leslie Robert	444113
Harding	Mavis	107708	WAAF
Henderson	Thomas Jones	139434
Hillier	Hilton Ronald	139240
Holohan	Keith	168080
Hook	Violet Mary	109383	WAAF
Howes	Elsie Jean	98279	WAAF
Howes	Margaret Howard	92672	WAAF
Hughes	James William	69017
Hurley	Edward	67153
Hyne	Ronald Rupert Cortis	420201
James	Aubrey	62559
James	Colin Ernest Mackenzie	74012
Johnston	Francis William	71060
King	Edward John	134378
Mangold	Patsy Ruth	176360	WAAF
Matthew	Henry Alexander	131041
Meredith	William	71379
Murphy	Frederick Delamotte	408608
Nelson	Roy Ernest Hunter	78984
Surname	First Name	Service Number	Service
O’Brien	Walter Henry	130276
Orchard	Alva	163105	WAAF
Parkes	William George	420497
Pollard	Reginald Clive	65888
Quinn	Allan Cecil	138388
Roots	Aubrey Clive	164349
Rosenthall	Joan	93165	WAAF
Shailer	Frederick James Ivor	2870
Simpson	Janet Wood	177297	WAAF
Sly	Donald Vivian	67505
Stevens	Alen George	135625
Stevens	Francis Noel	433065
Stevens	Kenneth John	68551
Stubb	Raymond Henry	15608
Teale	Lucy Nancye	105684	WAAF
Teale	Stanley Arthur	444385
Trad	Godfrey	136480
Voysey	Cedric Ernest	134119
Ward	Felix Earl	131116
Ward	Patricia Isabella	98298	WAAF
Weaver	John Herbert	130227
Wells	William James	68679
Whitehead	Colin Maxwell	444729
Wiggins	Frederick Norman	136908
Wiggins	Leslie Alfred	162808
Williams	Henry James	139661
Williams	William Cecil Forbes	130697
Wood	Joseph Michael	64404
Yenson	Roy	A51409 [445548]
VINEYARD
Surname	First Name	Service Number	Service
Brown	Stuart Lovell	132005
Sibthorpe	John Hope	A216689 (4061)
SCHOFIELD
Alderton	Welsey Raymond	138871
Alderton	Lindsay Baden	161091
Cassell	Oliver Keith	164183
Marsh	Leonard Leslie	35664
Rabey	Joyce Lillian	177515	WAAF
Rabey	Richard Joseph	163106
Simons	Myra	177141	WAAF
Thompson	Robert Slath	60620
Visocchi	Linda	176792	WAAF
West	William Gordon	34440
MARSDEN PARK
Mason	Maurice Brian	14425
Moy	Stephen Clement	134275
Smith	Ellen Gwendoline	108863	WAAF
Taylor	Frank Eric	411647

by Rosemary Phillis

17 August 1991 was an important day for commuters on the Richmond Line with the commencement of electric train services from Riverstone to Richmond.

The service from Riverstone to Richmond had previously been provided by CPH Rail Motors and then two car Diesel Railmotors The later had become more unreliable which meant that service was often been replaced by buses.

Even with electrification, due to limitations with the rail electricity supply, the service from Riverstone to Richmond was still to be a shuttle. The trains now being two car electric ones which were badged “L” sets. They were not new carriages and non air conditioned. For safety they had headlights added for night vision for the drivers, as the line still had several road level crossings along the length.

An official train, carrying dignitaries and special invited guests, departed from Riverstone for Richmond, where festivities were held including historic displays and band music.

Travel for the rest of the day between Riverstone and Richmond was free and many local took the opportunity to travel between the stations.

In 1992, the power supply was upgraded, and the Richmond line was fully integrated into the Sydney Metropolitan system. Passengers no longer needed to change trains at Richmond. The small “dock” section of track was filled in and became part of the commuter car park.

One thing that passengers would have missed was the Station Master’s announcement each time the electric trains came in from Sydney, which went something like this: “All out all change please, this train terminates, terminating train on number one platform, all out all change. This train terminates and returns to the City. Passengers for the Richmond Line should board the train waiting in the dock at the western end of the platform. All out all change please.”

Full electrification brought a more reliable train service for commuters on the Richmond Line. The final significant upgrade for travellers came with the introduction of the Eight car Waratah Class train sets which are all airconditioned.

by Clarrie Neal

Articles in the Windsor and Richmond Gazette show that tennis started in Riverstone in the early 1900s. In this article, Clarrie Neal records some of the history of tennis in the district from the 1920s onwards, having interviewed people who’s memories went back to that time.

Tennis has always been a popular game in the Riverstone and surrounding districts, particularly during the 1920s and continuing through to the 1960s. There were no community courts as we know them today, but there were many homes on large blocks of land that had their own court. There were more than 50 courts in the district, with many first class, being made of good quality loam, whereas others were formed of metal screenings or in some cases the soil from ant beds. These courts required a lot of attention, having to be regularly watered, rolled with a heavy roller and bagged to evenly spread out the top layer of sand.

Bill Griffin recalled that most of these courts built in the 1920s were hand dug with the spade and mattock. Though the sites chosen were usually near level there was still a lot of work required to clear the area of weeds and to form a good even base for the playing surface.

There were no permanent lines as we know them. Lines were formed with a marker shaped like a golf buggy, the cylinder filled with a mixture of lime and water. As the marker was pushed along, a fine layer of lime was left on the surface, which formed the line. Sometimes the lines were formed using a thin layer of dry lime powder. Most of the tennis played was social but there were many matches played against teams from the surrounding districts.

The Windsor and Richmond Gazette records show that teams from Marsden Park and Riverstone played matches against Richmond, Sackville, Wilberforce, Mt. Druitt, Toongabbie, Schofields, Rouse Hill, Annandale and Annangrove. During the 1930s Riverstone and district conducted their own local competitions. In later years many of the courts provided teams for the competitions run by the Hawkesbury and Blacktown District Tennis Associations.

Mavis Lane and Olga Robshaw Remember

Mavis Lane came to live in the district in 1935 with her husband Sammy and has many fond memories of the tennis in those days. She recalled her first game in Riverstone was played on Hibberds court and she played poorly because it was the first time she had experienced the ant bed surface. She found it difficult to adjust to after playing on the loam courts of Rockdale.

To get to tennis Mavis and Sam would walk from their home in Station St. Schofields along Railway Terrace. and then up Riverstone Rd. to Hibberds court. After the days tennis they would walk down to the town to have tea with Sam’s parents in Garfield Rd. and then later that evening walk home to Schofields. Mavis said that as the children came along they would push the pram all the way, with either one or two babes in it.

Olga Robshaw recalled her father Bert Davis building their family court in Grange Av. using a horse and scoop to transport the loam from where he excavated it on his property. She has many wonderful memories of tennis in those days, particularly the round robin tournaments played on different courts. She played with her brother Harris as a partner and sometimes with Hilton Platt, they would use a tandem bike to travel from court to court. The tandem bike was owned by Sammy Lane.

She remembers playing many games on Ted Gallen’s court “The Pines” at Marsden Park. The pine trees were very close to the sidelines and she always had problems with them, but the Gallen family never seemed to have any such problems.

Bert Davis did not play tennis and there was a time when Olga and Harris were away that the court fell into disrepair. Olga had just returned home when one day some airmen from the nearby aerodrome called and asked if they could play tennis there. Bert explained that the court was in bad shape and covered with weeds, but they said they were willing to restore it and within a few weeks the court was in top condition again.

These airmen were from the British aircraft carrier “The Indefatigable” and there was a squadron of their planes based at Schofields during the 2nd World War.

Both Olga and Mavis, along with Joan Moy all have fond memories of the tennis crowd and the dances held in a large room at the back of Tom and Emma Griffins house on Garfield Rd., usually with their daughter Nellie playing the piano. Also providing the music at different times were Tom with his violin, and either Dick Stacy or Phil Cassidy on the piano.

Mavis and Olga really enjoyed their tennis and both believe the afternoon teas that were served in those days were the real highlight of the day. They recalled playing with Rona and Joyce Ransley, Harris Davis, the Griffins, the Gallens, Hector Alcorn, Laurie Moulds, Thelma and Hebe Bliss, Hilton and Lance Platt, Clarrie Neal, Freddie Burden, Ossie Robbins, Arthur (Smokey) Mayhew, Jack Douglass, ‘Dinky’ and Addie Knight, Jim Armstrong, Lawson Banks, Alf Jefferies, Bill Vaughan, Roy Gavin, Alan Hughes, Trevor Edwards, Jack Powell and Gordon Barker. Olga said their social tennis days were always a lot of fun, – with the likes of Sammy Lane prancing about on the net trying to upset his opponents and Hector Alcorn talking all the time trying to achieve the same result.

There were never any champions amongst them but Freddie Burden and Clarrie Neal did win a Blacktown District Men’s Doubles Championship in 1941. Mavis said she always remembers Freddie Burden in his latter years at the Bowling Club, even when on his walking frame he would always greet her with ” Come on Mavis, lets go for our game of tennis.”

Probably one of the best courts in the area was Platt’s. During the late 40s early 50s it was usual for some of the better players in the district to play there on a Thursday night, often attracting a group of spectators. I remember Bernie Rosa who had just opened his shop at that time, would arrive with a box of ice creams to sell to the spectators. Some of the players were Lawson Banks, Alan Hughes, Clarrie Neal, Jack Douglass, and Bobby Tate.

As a child I can remember walking from Crown Rd. Riverstone all the way to Bert Davis’s court at Schofields to watch my father Clarrie Neal play tennis, and we would often walk back home if the tennis finished late. The children always enjoyed these days because there was always somewhere to explore with the other children. We would climb up onto the umpires box which was built on top of the tennis shed and then ‘help’ Bert collect the eggs from the poultry sheds and watch him milk the cow.

And as I was reminded by Olga, we loved to wander around the cow paddocks stomping on the cow pats, much to our parents disgust. And of course, we always made sure we were near the tennis shed when the afternoon tea was served.

Kaye Crawford and Wendy Drayton

In 1971 the Riverstone High School team won their way through to the final of the Florence Conway Shield. It was a state-wide competition for High School girls in tennis. The Riverstone team played right through in the draw and met Caringbah in the final on the centre court at White City. At the end of the match the two teams were tied and the two schools became joint holders, each holding the shield for 6 months. The two outstanding players for Riverstone were Kaye Crawford and Wendy Drayton. (Wendy also played tennis at State level, won the Coca Cola Little Masters’ whilst at primary school and represented N.S.W. high schools against Queensland.

Compiled by Clarrie Neal in May 1999, from photos and information provided by Mavis Lane, Olga Robshaw, Laurie Hessian, Joan Moy, Bill Griffin, George Drayton, Ron Mason, Phyllis Knight, Rosemary Phillis, Marion Bottles, and Merv Rothwell. Apologies to any people who owned courts and I have failed to mention.

Tennis Courts located in the Riverstone area included –

Hibberds	Cnr. Riverstone Rd. and McCulloch St. opposite the present High School.
Felix Ward	McCulloch St.
Keith McKenzie	At the Baker’s Flat end of Riverstone Rd.
Riverstone High School	McCulloch St. 2 courts opened in 1970.
Riverstone Public School	2 courts in Elizabeth St. The library is now built on the site.
Ray Vaughan	Garfield Rd. near Oxford St.
Vidlers	Opposite the Terraces in Garfield Rd. just along from Pitt St, alongside Vidler’s.
Frank Parkes	Between Wellington St. and Hobart St.
Tom Allison –	Campbell St. this court was originally known as ‘La- Basse’ ( French for the base) but this was later changed to ‘Avondale’.
Ossie Robbins	Oxford St just past the intersection of Regent St. – it was on this court that Ossie’s daughter Joan learnt to play, going on to win the Under 19 Australian Doubles Championship with Beryl Penrose in 1949. Heather Smith comments: The red sandy loam used to top dress the court was obtained from council owned land on the corner of Bourke St Richmond. The only remaining evidence of this is the large hole now a the water hazard on the Richmond Golf course.
Sam Mason	Crown Rd. Built before 1920 and was played on by Sam, his daughter Kath and Jenny Schoffel.
Garnet Shepherd	On the corner of Piccadilly and Sydney Sts. Built with the help of the Schofields family.
Hilton Platt	Cnr of Garfield Rd and McCulloch Sts.
Henry Cook	Piccadilly St., just along from Elizabeth St.
‘Prince’ Greentree	Garfield Rd. opposite the Catholic church.
Reg Egan	On the corner of Crown Rd and Hamilton St.
Gordon Martin	Crown Rd. near Hamilton St.
Keith Martin	Hamilton St. known as ‘Wilmar’.
Jack Weaver	Sydney St. known as ‘Quinty’ with the name derived from Uranquinty, an Air Force base in the Riverina area where Jack was stationed during the war.
Norm Brown	Known as “Amity”, on the corner of Edward St. and Riverstone Parade.
Gordon Hook	Sydney St.
Ted Hurley	Melbourne St.
Eric Conway	On the corner of Garfield Rd. and Riverstone Pde, hardly used as the site was sold.
‘Ned’ Leeson	The manager of the Meatworks during the 30s/40s had built alongside his residence in Richards Ave.
Royal Hotel	Garfield Rd. Bill East was the publican. Between the hotel and Harry Williams blacksmiths. Looked after by Ossie Robbins and Roy Gavin.
Vic Knight	2 courts at the rear of the garage on the corner of Garfield Rd and Carlton St.
Wally Andrews	West Parade.
Wood family	Surrounded only by a low fence.
Charlie Knight	Castlereagh St.
Charles Strange-Mure	Piccadilly Street opposite Park Street.
Jack Martz	McCulloch St.
The Presbyterian Church	On the corner of Oxford St. and Garfield Rd.
Church of England	2 courts in Elizabeth St, behind the church.
Catholic Church	2 courts on the corner of Garfield Rd. and McCullough St. Laurie Hessian helped build these courts.
Riverstone Meat Co	Built 3 courts in the 1950s on their land opposite the railway station. Named ‘Imperial’, after the brand name of their bacon and smallgoods. Two were fitted with lights to allow night tennis. Other courts with lights: Tom Allison, Fred Browning, Henry Cook, Reg Egan, & Hilton Platt.
Council Tennis Courts	Corner of Garfield Road and Carlton Street.

Courts located in the Schofields area included-

Merv Rothwell	Corner of Junction Rd. & Schofields Rd. Built 1940s. ‘Wimbledon’.
Martha and Fred Rothwell	Lot 59 Junction Rd Built after the first World War. “Millford”.
Tom Evans	Veron Rd known as Veron Court.
Cec Currie	Station Rd. now Bridge St.
Bert Davis	Grange Ave. known as “Woodbrook”.
Bliss’s –	“Hebe Cottage” midway between Riverstone and Schofields.
Fred and Win Browning	Argowan Rd. known as “Larrasal Sue”, named after their 3 children.
Vic McWilliam	Kensington Park Rd.
Henry Saundercock	On the corner of St. Albans Rd. & Railway Tce.

Courts located in the Marsden Park area included-

Snowy Griffin	Garfield Rd. West, near Carnarvon Rd. built by Tom Griffin, sons Joe, Ernie, Snowy, and Billy. Also helping were Stan Mangold, Bill and Ron Carr.
Bob Beer	Richmond Rd.
Clarrie Wilkes	Delaware Road.
Pat Mason	On his poultry farm in Garfield Rd. West.
Ted and Lillian Gallen	South St. known as “The Pines”. Built c1926 for their children.
Jack Judge	Cleveland St.
Marsden Park School	Built in the late 40s.

 

Courts located in the Rouse Hill area included

 

Vince Hessian	Nelson Rd.
Frank Hessian	Hessian Rd.
Coopers	Rear of the Post Office, cnr Mile End Rd & Windsor Rd.
Frank Lester	Blind Rd. Nelson.
Hughie Mason	Nelson Rd.
Tom Peterson	Windsor Rd near the Royal Oak, now “The Mean Fiddler”.
Terry’s Estate	This court was built early this century.
Box Hill-Nelson Progress Association	Had a court built in the 1940s.
The Evans family	Mile End Rd.
Rouse Hill School	Windsor Rd. probably built in the 1930’s.

Blacktown City Council Press Release, issued 2 July 2021

The woman who was at the forefront of the campaign for a memorial wall and garden to be built at Riverstone Cemetery, has been honoured by being the first person to be interred there.

In a short ceremony, the ashes of Judith Lewis OAM and her husband Kevin were placed in a niche in the new Riverstone Cemetery Columbarium Walls and Memorial Garden.

Mrs Lewis was one of Riverstone’s leading citizens. She was born in Riverstone and was a pupil, librarian, teacher, historian and relieving principal at Riverstone Public School.

Judith Lewis was a founding member and President of the Riverstone Historical Society as well as being a leading light in many other local organisations including the Riverstone Festival committee.

Mrs Lewis was awarded the OAM in 2009 for services to education and to the community of Riverstone.

Blacktown City Council recently completed work on the area consisting of the memorial walls, garden and areas for peaceful reflection.

Blacktown Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said it was fitting that Mr and Mrs Lewis were the first people to have their ashes placed in the new Columbarium Walls.

“Judith campaigned tirelessly for the creation of the memorial wall and garden,” Mayor Bleasdale said.

“Judith and Kevin were much-loved and respected members of the local community, and I am pleased that they can be honoured in this way.”

Mayor Bleasdale said the Columbarium Walls and memorial garden demonstrated Council’s commitment to ensuring members of the community could farewell their loved ones in a manner that suited their wishes and culture.

Riverstone Cemetery is a traditional rural cemetery of monumental graves, set among stands of gum trees with sections set aside to cater for Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Muslim, Presbyterian and non-sectarian denominations.

More than 5000 burials have been conducted on the 5.6-hectare site since it opened in 1894.

The cemetery is heritage-listed due to the Aboriginal artefacts found at the site and due to the fact that many early settlers were buried there.”

by Derek Hambly B. Sc.

Local roads are sometimes named after people who had a connection with the area. Burfitt Road, Riverstone was named after Charles Trimby Burfitt, who was also known as C T Burfitt. C T was for a period of time an auctioneer/land agent. He handled the sale of a number of land estates around Riverstone including Marsden Park, Lincoln and Blenheim. The following 1927 newspaper obituary provides an insight into Charles Trimby Burfitt.

“DEATH OF FORMER DUBBOITE
C. T. BURFITT.

The death occurred on Saturday, 27th ult., at his residence, Glenleigh, Victoria-road, Bellevue Hills, Sydney, of Mr. Charles Trimby Burfitt, who for many years was a prominent member of the Royal Australian Historical Society, he was at one time president and secretary.

The late Mr. Burfitt, who was 78 years of age, was the son of the late Mr. James Burfitt, of Rodstone, Somersetshire, England. Mr. James Burfitt was one of the pioneers of the western district of New South Wales, where he had extensive business interests. Mr. C. T. Burfitt was also a grand-nephew of the late Dr. James Ingram, president of Trinity College, Oxford.

Born at Springfield, near Orange, he was in his younger days a store keeper at Dubbo, arriving in 1869. First he was employed by Messrs. Tait and Smellie, but a year later entered storekeeping on his own account in partnership with a Mr. Thompson. The first business premises were on the site now occupied by Bebarfalds Ltd., but afterwards Mr. Burfitt had his store on what is now the Exchange Hotel corner.

He married Miss Fitzmaurice, aunt of Mr. E. J. Stevens, now clerk of the Talbragar Shire Council, Dubbo. Going to Sydney, he carried on business as an auctioneer. He retired about 20 years ago. For many years past he had been a recognised authority on Australian history, and had written a book on the wool industry, which was used as a text book by the Department of Education. He had also made a study of the language and customs of the aborigines. He was a member of the Royal Colonial Institute.

Mr. Burfitt is survived by Mrs. Burfitt, two sons, and two daughters. The sons are Dr. Walter F. Burfitt, of Macquarie-street, and Mr. James Ingram Burfitt, solicitor, of Sydney; the daughters, Miss Frances M. E. Burfitt and Dr. Mary Burfitt Williams (wife of Dr. Grosvenor Williams, of Macquarie-street). There are 15 grandchildren.

The funeral look place in the Waverley Cemetery, the service at the graveside being conducted by the Rev. Father O’Reilly (parish priest) and Dr. O’Reilly (rector of St. John’s College, Sydney University).

The principal mourners were Mr. J. I. Burfitt (son), Dr. Grosvenor Williams (son-in-law), Messrs. Walter S. Burfitt, Maurice Burfitt, David Burfitt, Thomas Burfitt, and Desmond Burfitt (grandsons), and Harold Gill, Gabriel Gill, and Peter Cahill (cousins).”

Dubbo Dispatch and Wellington Independent, Tuesday 6 September 1927, page 4, Accessed via Trove.  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228213363?searchTerm=burfitt#

C T Burfitt also promoted land sales around Blacktown. The following promotional lithograph advertised the virtues of becoming a resident of Blacktown. Readers could obtain details from C.T. Burfitt.

 

by Rosemary Phillis

This article starts with a speech on the early years written by Mavis Lane. With the assistance of Jo Flook, Noreen Parrott, Jan Dickinson and Maureen Imms, along with information recorded on Honour boards and in record books, I was able to compile the information and bring the history up to the closure of the club 2013.      

On 18th September 1957, a meeting was called of all women interested in the formation of a Women’s Bowling Club in Riverstone. The meeting was held in the Riverstone Bowling & Recreation Club, who had expressed a willingness to see a club formed. It is recorded in the minutes of this meeting that eight women attended, and the following accepted office:

	President	Mrs S. Connolly
	Vice Presidents	Mrs E. Harris (Senior)
		Mrs M. McCutcheon
		Mrs A. Vincent
	Secretary	Mrs M. Simmons
	Treasurer	Mrs M. Wiggins
	Bowls Organiser	Mrs E. Deranja

The eighth foundation member was Mrs M. Wormleaton.

Affiliation fees for the new Club were paid to the N.S.W.W.B.A. on 31st October 1957.

Official Opening, President’s Day and 4th Birthday were jointly celebrated on 19th October 1961, when Mrs Pattison, then State President attended with three of her ladies, but there is no record as to who they were.

The dedication of the previously mentioned Foundation Members cannot be overlooked, for it is due to their hard work, foresight, and determination that we have the successful club we have today.

A special Founders Day was held on 21st March 1974, when the Club was privileged to have five of these women present, and a small token of gratitude was presented to each of them.

Originally, it had been intended to restrict Membership to 30, but in November 1957, an unsuccessful move was made to increase this to 64. It was not until October 1960 that the Men’s Club allowed us to have 40 members, stating at the time, that a further increase would be considered when additional green space became available. At the present time, there is no restriction. Numbers continued to rise steadily, and in view of the fact that the neighbouring Blacktown Bowling Club did not accept women, our membership consisted of a number from that area, reaching 65 in 1963, when several of these members applied for Clearances, to form the Blacktown Women’s Bowling Club. However, the good relationship has continued with our sister club, and a Trophy Silver Teapot, donated by Pat Hayden (Blacktown) and Eileen Johnston (Riverstone) is competed for annually, to ensure that the friendship continues. This Teapot is used on the President’s Table on the day on which it is played for.

In April 1965, the Riverstone Bowling & Recreation Club moved from temporary premises to the present up-to-date clubhouse, and the Women’s Club made themselves responsible for the complete furnishing of the ladies section of the new building. To celebrate our first function in these surroundings, we held a “Friendship Day” in our new clubhouse, on 13th May. At our President’s Day and 8th birthday, on 28th October of the same year, we were honoured by a visit from Mrs Luscombe, State President of N.S.W.W.B.A. who was accompanied by State Treasurer, Mrs Starr and Mesdames P. Morrison and E. Fortescue of the Historians Committee.

At our 18th birthday in 1975 special guests included State President Lorna Atkinson who was accompanied by Mesdames J. Cutting, H. Henry and E. Walker.

Foundation member and past President Ellen Deranja was awarded our first Life Membership in 1976; this recognition has also been granted to Eva Mangold (1978) Mavis Lane (1979), Helen Gosden (1990) and Mary Buerckner (1994).

Our 25th Birthday in 1982 saw N.S.W.W.B.A. represented by State President Jean McKinnon, together with Mesdames E. McDonald, V. Withall and Camboux. For our 30th Celebrations State Vice President Mimi Frost represented headquarters and State Vice President Joan Ollivier was their representative at our 35th.

In 1985, the N.S.W.W.B.A. commenced negotiations to form district associations and we became one of twelve clubs in the Mitchell district; the inaugural meeting taking place on 23rd May 1986, at Wentworthville Bowling Club. We have been represented at Mitchell district by June Crawford inaugural Vice President and later, Lorna Webb (President) and Social Committee members Jan Stacey and Mary Buerckner. Mary has also been selected as a player in a number of matches at both District and Group level.

Despite small membership, Riverstone have always been able to field a Pennant side; and were successful in 1979 as section winners in No.3 Metropolitan Pennants; more recently a No.4 came our way and in 1991 we had the honour of receiving a No.3 flag from our District President. The following year we were successful in Wolinski Shield at District Level. We have been honoured to have had our dear friend Mabs Sinnett as patron since 1957, (surely a N.S.W.W.B.A. record!!). May Perkin and Marj Watson having served for shorter periods.

At our Annual General Meeting in June 1997, Eileen Gould (affectionately known as “Bunty”) and Helen Gosden were invited to join Mabs in this position and it is to our great pleasure to know they have accepted.

Membership remained static for a number of years, but thanks to promotion days held on Club premises, we have gained a number of younger women whose interest and enthusiasm augers well for the future.

A history of our club would not be complete without mention of our Birthday Rose Bowl. This beautiful silver bowl was purchased by our early members – the club being then just two years old, and each President Day / Birthday a plaque is placed on the plinth recording the date, Club age and the number of members in that particular year. We pay tribute to the far sightedness of our early members, in providing us with such a beautiful record of our club’s progress and commend them for their thoughtfulness.

Mavis Lane. October 1997

In 2008 Jo Flook kindly provided updated information on the history of the club to follow on from the article by Mavis Lane.

1997-8: President: Mary Buerckner, Vice Presidents: Helen Gosden and Mavis Lane. They were our life members.

1998-2000: President: Beverly Rosa, Vice Presidents: Eileen Walsh and Pauline Wilson.

1999: The 4s Pennants team made up of 8 ladies played against the District teams. 4s Pennants team players. Leads: Jo Flook and Deanna Tuck; Seconds: Noreen Parrott and Pauline Wilson; Thirds: Margaret Crouch and June Kennington; Skips: Deby Brien and Eileen Walsh. We won the flag, then played and won the zone. We played to State and reached the semi finals.

2000-03: President Pauline Wilson resigned during her office and Joyce Ferris took over. Vice Presidents: Noreen Parrott and June Kennington.

2000: 3s Pennants team won the District flag, but lost in the zone play off.

Members of the team were the same as the 4s but Jan Dickinson skipped in place of Eileen Walsh.

2001: 2s Pennants team won the district flag and the zone play off but were defeated by Casino in the quarter final at State level. 2s team changed leads Carol Notly and Sue McGill; seconds Pauline Wilson and Jo Flook; thirds Noreen Parrott and Margaret Crouch; Skips: Jan Dickinson and Deby Brien.

2002: 1s Pennant team got as far as the District semi finals. Leads C. Notly and S. McGill; seconds D. Tuck and J. Flook; Thirds: E. Walsh and L. Whipp; Skips: J. Dickinson and N. Parrott.

2003-04: Joyce Ferris still President and Vice Presidents were Joy Macintosh and Eileen Walsh.

2003: The 1s pennant team didn’t do too well, but were good enough to be kept as Number 1 players.

2004: Riverstone had two teams that won District, our 4s and 1s.
4s team leads: Pat Midolo and Toni Taylor; seconds J. Macintosh and D. Tuck; thirds: Robin Mulligan and J. South; Skips: E. Walsh and Val Hodge.

The 1s went on to win the zone, but lost in a count back at State level.

Leads: C. Notly and L. Whipp; seconds J. Flook and N. Parrott; thirds: J. Dickinson and M. Crouch; Skips: Dee Carter and Beryl Hulett.

Beryl Hulett won club singles and the District champion of champions.

The District triples was won by M. Crouch, D. Carter and B. Hulett.

2005-2006: President: June Kennington Vice Presidents: W. Walsh and N. Parrott.

2005 1s pennant team won District and zone and lost at State level.

Leads: C. Notly and S. McGill; seconds: N. Parrott and A. Gosden; thirds Jan Dickinson and M. Crouch; Skips: D. Carter and B. Hulett

Because of a decline in membership numbers after 2004 we had the 1s Pennant team only.

2006-07: Same president and one new vice President: Sue McGill.

Still a 1s pennant team; leads: C. Notly and J. South; seconds Betty Howden and S. McGill; thirds: B. Hulett and N. Parrott; Skips: Jan Dickinson and M. Crouch.

2007-08: Joy Macintosh became President; Sue McGill and Joan South Vice Presidents.

In 2007 year the club had its 50th Anniversary, marked with a visit from our state Vice President, Jewel Buchanan and District President, Delma Scott. The life members were Mavis Lane, Helen Gosden and Mary Buerckner. Patron Helen Gosden. Sadly patron Eileen Gould passed away on the 15th of September this year. Eileen had been a member since 1960 and was treasurer for many years, she was club patron for 10 years.

The club still uses the rose bowl and it had pride of place at the clubs 50th anniversary.

2007: 1s pennants won this District flag and the zone, but lost once again at State level. Leads: J. South and C. Notly; seconds: J. Flook and B. Howden; thirds: B. Hulett and N. Parrott; skips: J. Dickinson and M. Crouch.

The following information was obtained from the Honour Boards on the walls at the Riverstone Bowling Club; the Riverstone W.B.C. results book; Jan Dickinson and Maureen Imms, who was the last President of the Club.

2008-2009: President, Joy Macintosh, Secretary, J. Flook, Treasurer, B. Howden, Bowls Secretary/Organiser, J. Dickinson.

2008: James Wall Shield, district level. C. Notley, J. South, M. Crouch and B. Hulett. Also won James Wall Play off at Concord on 15th and 16th July 2008.

District Triples: Won by C. Notley, M. Crouch and B. Hulett, who also won Mitchell group play off.

District Fours: Won by C. Notley, J. South, M. Crouch and B. Hulett. Reached final at State Level (runners up).

There were over 60 bowlers in the Metropolitan Squad 2008, Beryl Hulett was chosen to play. Carol Notley was chosen in the N.S.W. squad for 2009, to play in Catrina Wright team.

2009: President, Joy Macintosh, Secretary, J. Henson, Treasurer, J. Flook, Bowls Secretary/Organiser, J. Dickinson.

2009: Sydney 2009 World Masters Games. Ladies pairs winners were Riverstone W.B.C. Members J. Henson and J. Dickinson. Gold Medal winners.

2010-2011: President, J. Dickinson, Secretary, J. Henson, Treasurer, E. Nelson, Bowls Secretary/Organiser, N. Parrott.

2011-2012: President, M. Imms, Secretary, J. Henson, Treasurer, L. Graham, Bowls Secretary/Organiser, N. Parrott.

2012: Pennant Team No. 2. L. McHenery, M. Coveney, J. Henson, J. Dickinson, L. Graham, J. Burrows, C. Notley and N. Parrott, Reserve: D. Murray. Won District Pennants 2012.

Pennant Team No. 4. G. Harris, F. Finniss, P. Petterson, M. Imms, Y. Moretti, V. Plummer, L. Stone, F. Goodship. Reserves: T. Taylor. Runners up 2012.

2012-2013: President: Maureen Imms, Secretary: Yolanda Morretti, Treasurer: Lynne Graham, Bowls Secretary/Organiser: Florence Goodship, Vice Presidents: Pauline Pedderson and Toni Taylor. Selectors: Lorraine Stone and Val Plummer. Social Committee Chair: Gayle Harley.

2013: Riverstone fielded a No. 1 and No. 4 Pennant Teams in their final year of competition.

The final Championship winners at Riverstone were:

Major Singles: L. Graham. Runner Up: L. Stone. Minor Singles: J. Burrows.

Pairs: N. Parrott – L. Graham; Triples: L. McHenery – M. Coveney – Y. Moretti.

On 24 October 2013 the women celebrated their last President’s Day. A small snippet in the WBNSW Women’s Bowls Magazine of January February 2014 reported: This special day was attended by Club Patron Katie Pead, and two of its life members – Jan Dickinson and Eileen Walsh and past President Joy McIntosh. The highlight of the day was the cutting of the cake celebrating this Club’s 57th year….

The Riverstone Bowling Club closed on 30 November 2013, bringing to an end 56 years of women’s bowls at Riverstone and leaving memories of many years of sporting fun, friendship and success.

With thanks to Jo Flook, Noreen Parrott, Jan Dickinson and Maureen Imms for their assistance with providing information for this article.