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Scotland Island - Western Shores - Mackeral Beach
January 9, 2011
Newsletter for Offshore Residents of Pittwater, Australia - Volume 12, Issue 545

Editorial

A belated happy new year to everyone, yes we are finally back up and running again. To all those people that sent emails only to have them bounce back, please send them again as your involvement in the PON is vital.

By all accounts most have had a tremendous festive season, and as is becoming the custom around here, the offshore community set the standard for celebrations with the outstanding performances from the Floating Choir, the Island Dog Race which attracted an enormous crowd this year and of course the new and very promising Gone Fishing gallery offering entertainment at Church Point on the Christmas eve.

For those interested, here are the links to the offshore photo gallery with photos covering these events. Note there are more floating choir photos to come  - also, there is a link to short compilation video (only a few minutes) of the Floating Choir at Frog Hollow !

Scotland Island Dog Race Photo album or Slideshow version
Floating Choir Photo Album
Short Video of Floating Choir

Penny of Church Point Ferry Service is working on a history of the boats, crew and ferry service, and is looking for material to be included - if you have any photos, or interesting anecdotes about our colourful ferry drivers please contact Penny at  penny@churchpointferryservice.com - 0433 038 408.  The article come tribute to Lenny Duck and the Elvina printed below may spark your memories, and hopefully allow Penny to build an accurate history of the service.

Enjoy


Contents
  • Gwyn's Calendar
  • SI Chidren's Centre Job Vacancy
  • FerryTales - Lenny Duck & the Elvina
  • Local Council Notices
  • The Russcraft 7 - Pegasus III
  • BYRA Twilight Sailing
  • Found
  • House Swap
  • The Local Contact Guide
  • Join SIRA
  • Archived Newsletters
  • Your subscription Information

  • Gwyn's January 2011 Calendar 

    To download a full version (A4 size) of this months calendar, ready for printing,  just click on the calendar image.

    You can contact Gwyn Perkins by email at g.perkins@gwyn.com.au


    The file is quite large and in PDF format. To view PDF documents you will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.
    To download Acrobat Reader please click here
    Jan 2011 Calendar
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    Scotland Island Children's Centre
    Looking for Director and Childcare Worker

    SICC Ad

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    FerryTales…The Elvina
    The Elvina, the Falcon, and Driver Lenny Duck

    Before the Community Centre and fire brigade, before electricity connection and Tarrangua, before Eastern and Bell Wharves, and even before the Sydney Harbour Bridge… there was the Elvina. Our old girl is approaching 100 years. She has much to celebrate. The Elvina is the longest serving passenger ferry in NSW and her story is rich.

    Jimmy Goddard’s granddad built the Elvina in 1911 at Palm Beach. She was built for the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Company, and originally named the “Falcon.” She has been plying the waters of Pittwater ever since.

    The Church Point Ferry service began in 1924. One of the first drivers was a demobbed Norwegian seaman, Einar Holst Fredriksen, AKA Fred. But motor forward a couple of decades. It’s World War II. All dinghies, skiffs and yachts were to serve the war effort. The Elvina (then Falcon) played her part moving troops to the gun emplacements on West Head, not to mention most people around Pittwater.

    Post war, December 1951 to be precise, E.H. Caldwell of Church Point purchased the Falcon. Her moniker was soon the Elvina, named after Pittwater’s Elvina Bay, serviced by the Church Point Ferry Service.
    The best known of the ferry drivers was Mr. Lenny Duck. Lenny was a lived locally, driving the ferry prior to the existence of water taxis. He was himself a taxi of sorts. Early flights, medical emergencies, out of hours issues, Lenny could be enticed out of bed to help.

    And there were the regular after-hours runs. Tanya Mottl worked at a Newport restaurant. After work Lenny picked her up – as long as she brought him a dessert or two.

    Margaret Molloy remembers Lenny delivering mail and taking the Molloy family back to Church Point after the last ferry. He thought they were having such a good time he couldn’t possibly take them away before dark.

    Reminiscing about the Elvina, it’s only right to linger long on driver Lenny Duck. He loved the old girl, and to this day the Elvina is moored outside the house where he lived. When Lenny decided to retire, the Elvina was brought out for his last shift.

    Lynne and Michael Clay, long time resident of Elvina Bay, wrote an ode to the man, which she has kindly allowed us to use. It too is part of the Elvina’s 100-year story:

    Through rain, hail, lightning, sunshine, bushfire smoke, moorings too close together –

    From southerly busters, howling nor-Easters, hot summer nor’ westers that sear the inside of your nostrils and threaten bushfires with every gust, to the bitterly cold winter westerlies that dry out your lips and hands till they split…. The weeks of rain where you got soaked tying up the ferry and collecting fares -

    Here’s to a very special man – a man who wore shorts right through winter, and to days when there weren’t any outboard motors of tinnies, no electricity, a monthly garbage service, when we all tied our putt putts to Church Point Wharf and parked our cars between the Pasadena and the Blacklers boatshed (now the mini- market)Lenny

    To the sounds of the World War II air raid siren at the old Fire shed… which still make the hair stand up on the back of my neck!

    And do you remember Denis Ryan playing the double bass and the bagpipes as he travelled around the bays on the back of the ferries? Or when the Elvina had no wheel-house and you had to drive with the front window down because the spray on the window made it hard to see - needless to say you and the passengers got wet, but never a complaint -

    You have seen all these things and more. Here’s to the Beaver, Wagstaff, Church Point, Curlew, and Elvina and here’s to you. Our heartfelt thanks for being such a thoughtful considerate and helpful friend over the thirty plus years we have known you." 

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    Local Council Notices
    Summer Holidays at Mona Vale Library

    Mona Vale Library has a number of events taking place in January that will suit both children and adults.

    Library Manager Cathy Howie said that one of the highlights would be craft workshops that are suitable for both primary-aged and older children.

    “The workshops focus on making ‘softies’ that are the latest rage in stuffed toys,” said Ms Howie.

    “Softies have been described as handmade and unique and only limited by one’s imagination,” Ms Howie said.

    Details of the workshops are as follows:

    Design a rabbit – Learn how to create a funny bunny
    19 January 2011
    Ages 8 – 12 years
    9am – 11.30am

    Sampler Cat – This quirky cat teaches sewing techniques used in softie making
    20 January 2011
    Ages 12 – 18 years
    9am – noon

    The workshops are $10 and are limited to 10 participants; bookings are essential on 9970 1600.
    Workshops include a morning snack, but participants are asked to bring a drink. Children involved in the Sampler Cat workshop can also bring any colourful ribbons or favourite buttons that they may wish to use on their ‘softie’.

    Another highlight of summer activities at the library is a photo competition for children under 18 years of age.

    The library is looking for images of unusual or interesting mailboxes.

    Local Studies Librarian Sarah Thompson said that the photographs entered would be added to the
    library’s local history collection. “A selection of the photos will be displayed in the library as part of
    a collage,” she said.

    Ms Thomson said each photograph submitted would be entered into a prize draw raffle.

    Entry forms will be available at www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/library from 1 January 2011.

    Other activities over January at the library include a free photographic exhibition to celebrate the National Heritage Festival called The Home Front: Life in Pittwater during World War Two.

    The exhibition showing photographs of everyday life in Pittwater during the war will include anecdotes and oral history excerpts.

    The exhibition runs from Wednesday 5 January to Monday 31 January 2011.
    Sarah Thompson, Mona Vale Library Ph: 9970 1607


    Council adopts Great Mackerel Beach Flood Plan
    At its meeting this week Pittwater Council adopted the Great Mackerel Beach Floodplain Risk Management Plan.

    Mayor Harvey Rose said the Great Mackerel Plan was the first in a number of flood risk management projects that Council was reviewing. Others include Mona Vale/ Bayview, Nareen Creek at North Narrabeen and Narrabeen Lagoon.

    “The primary aim of these plans is to reduce risk to people and property in Pittwater and ensure that future development takes into account any flood risk,” he said.

    “Adopting the flood plan for Great Mackerel Beach was a priority, given flooding has occurred there on a number of occasions, causing property damage and potential risk to life,” added Cr Rose.

    Cr Rose said that there were a number of issues raised by residents during the consultation period which included a community information day held earlier this year.

    These included investigating:
    • local drainage problems after heavy rainfall through the preparation of a local drainage strategy
    • the relocation of the Telstra cable on the bridge crossing of Great Mackerel Creek
    • the possible relocation of the Rural Fire Service shed which is prone to frequent flooding.
    Other issues that form part of the plan include: preparing a policy to establish future management of the entrance to the lagoon; investigating a voluntary house-raising program; improving flood warning and preparing an emergency response plan with the State Emergency Service.

    Cr Rose said that while flooding is nothing new for Pittwater, climate change could mean that local floods will be higher and more prolonged in the future. “This in turn may impact on more properties.”

    The Council’s review of its flood plans takes into account benchmarks set by the state government’s Sea Level Rise Policy that was adopted last year.

    The policy assumes a sea level rise of 0.4 metres by 2050 and 0.9 metres by 2100 along the NSW
    coastline.

    To view the Great Mackerel Beach Floodplain Risk Plan
    www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au

    Jennifer Pang, Ph: 9970 1209


    Celebrate World Wetlands Day

    Pittwater Council is organising a free twilight walk in the Warriewood Wetlands to celebrate World Wetlands Day on Friday 4 February 2011.

    Natural Environment & Education Manager Mark Beharrell said the twilight walk led by a Coastal Environment Centre educator forms part of the Sustainable Living in Pittwater Program.

    “The walk will give residents the chance to explore the largest remaining sand plain wetland in northern Sydney, “ he said.

    “There is an abundance of bird life in the Warriewood Wetlands which contains several endangered ecological communities which includes the swamp mahogany forest,” said Mr Beharrell.

    “The walk takes in the wetland boardwalk and shows some of the design features used in managing water quality and restoring habitat near new housing developments in the valley,” he said.

    Mr Beharrell said the walk would provide a memorable opportunity to learn about wetlands and the creatures that live in them.

    He said families and accompanying children are welcome on the walk, which will meet at Katoa Close, Warriewood at 6pm.

    Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, bring a rain jacket and wear insect repellent.

    Book online at www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/cec or call 1300 000 CEC (232)

    Media contact:     Sharon Kinnison, CEC Educator
    Mobile: 0438 719 764


    Life in Pittwater during World War II

    Never before seen images from World War II and anecdotes from those who lived through it are a highlight of Mona Vale Library’s latest exhibition.

    Amazing Stories is on display at the library until 31 January to celebrate The National Trust’s Heritage Festival for 2011.

    Library Manager Cathy Howie said the photographic display which includes anecdotes and oral history excerpts brings together the memories of Pittwater residents who lived through World War II.

    “These residents lived through rationing and the ever-present threat of a Japanese invasion,” she said.

    Other memories shared as part of the exhibition include the presence of barbed wire on our beaches as well as recalling the servicemen and women stationed in the Pittwater area.

    Ms Howie said the images show the fortitude and resourcefulness of Pittwater residents during World War II.

    Mona Vale Library is located at 1 Park Street Mona Vale.
    Media contact:     Sarah Thomson, Mona Vale Library Ph: 9970 1607

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    The Russcraft 7
    A day yacht Down Under
    by John D. Little
    PegasusIII
    Pittwater is a spacious natural harbor situated about three hours’ sail north of Sydney, Australia. The eastern shore is crowded with houses, yacht clubs, and marinas. Half a mile across the water, the western side rims the vast Kuringai National Park. This is untouched wilderness, save for a half-dozen tiny communities dotting the water’s edge. At the southern end of Pittwater lies Scotland Island, home to a thousand souls. The only way to get to these places is by water. So, those who choose to live there generally have an uncommon love of boats.

    Greg Roberts has lived on Scotland Island for 15 years. He’s sailed and built boats all his life, includ- ing canoes, rowing sculls, sailing dinghies, and his outboard-powered commuter boat. All of his boats are made of wood. Once a week Greg has been crewing aboard a Jubilee-class sloop in an informal ’round-the- buoys series. The Jubilees are 18' open centerboarders designed in 1935 as one-design racers. They’re lovable, but no match for modern boats. While Greg has enjoyed the Jubilees, at about the beginning of the new millennium he began to ponder the idea of building a day- sailer of his own—something like a Jubilee, only much faster, with more room and “something where I wouldn’t get my head knocked off every time we go about.”.......

    You can read the rest of this fascinating pre-production article about the making of the Pegasus III by downloading the PDF file here - The Russcraft 7.

    Also photos of launching day of Pegasus III can be viewed at the Offshore Gallery  - go to this link - http://picasaweb.google.com/offshoregallery/PegasusIIILaunch2009#

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    BYRA Twilight Sailing
    Invitation to join Tuesday evening sailing

    BYRA Twilight ad

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    Found
    Silver Wrist Watch
    Contact Phillippa Thomas............0407 244 677



    House Swap

    Wanted to swap late May/Early June a beautiful Georgian home in Perthshire, right in the heart of Scotland, UK. My folks are looking for a 4-5 week swap (including car) for a house on the Island or Bays (including boat!)

    They need a place with at least 3 bedrooms and ideally 2 bathrooms. The house in Scotland is newly renovated (3 beds/2 bath), central and well appointed. Only 45 min from Edinburgh or an hour from Glasgow -  the house is well situated to explore Scotland. Perthshire is also the gateway to the Scottish Highlands and has a many quality local food and farm shops.

    If anyone is interested please ph or email Col on 0412 294 216 / colin@ehsproject.com

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    The Local Guide
    Community Information

    What's On in Pittwater - Self Editing Event Calendar 
    click to go to the Calendar
    Scotland Island Community Vehicle - 0404 103 700 Number, Usage & Charges
    Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade - 9999 4404 http://www.sirfb.org.au
    West Pittwater Rural Fire Brigade - 9997-3795 www.westpittwater.rfsa.org.au
    Offshore Photo Gallery http://picasaweb.google.com/offshoregallery/
    Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA) Membership Application - click here to download
    West Pittwater Community Association (WPCA) - http://www.wpca.org.au
    Scotland Island Water
    SI Emergency Water Contacts and Guidelines for water: click here for information and contacts
    Scotland Island 'Water Agreement' - click here to download
    Scotland Island Children's Centre - (SIOCS - Scotland Island & Offshore Childrens Services)
    Catherine Park (Long Day Care Service)  8.30am - 4.30pm (Tues, Weds & Thurs)
    Playgroup @ Children's Centre every Monday, 10.00am - 12 midday
    Other services include: School Holiday Programme / Facility & Equipment Hire
    For information call 02 9979 7856 or email:  siocs@comcen.com.au
    Scotland Island Community Hall Bookings:  Kez on 9999 4092 or kezborthwickbolton@gmail.com

    topTransport
    Scotland Island Community Vehicle - 0404 103 700 - Number, Usage & Charges
    Church Point Ferries - 0408 296 997  Ferry Timetable click here
    Pink Water Taxi - 0428 238 190
    Pittwater Offshore Services - Contact Rus on 0415-464-733
    Manly Warringah Cabs   - 02 9972 5600
    Palm Beach Cruises  - 02 9997 4815

    Real Estate
    PMC Hill  - 9999 4902   http://www.pmchill.com.au/
    Century 21 Showcase Pittwater  - 9999 0155   http://www.c21pittwater.com.au/
    L.J.Hooker Mona Vale - 9979 8000   http://www.ljhooker.com.au/monavale

    Services, Clubs & Accommodation
    Scotland Island Traders - On-line shopping from your computer, through your door on Scotland Island. Contact Graeme on 0419 460 331 or click here for full details
    Justice of the Peace - Bob Bolton - 9999 4092
    Justice of the Peace - Paul Purvis - 9979 6017
    Justice of the Peace - Paul Burchall - 0414 975 793
    Pittwater Community Arts Inc.  - Enquiries Lorrie Morgan 9997 8079  lorriemay@bigpond.com
    Woody Point Yacht Club -  http://www.wpyc.com.au   commodore@wpyc.com.au
    Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club - 02 9997 1022  http://www.rpayc.com.au/  
    Royal Motor Yacht Club - http://www.royalmotor.com.au/ 02 9997 5511
    Scotland Island Lodge - Bed & Breakfast - 02 9979 3301 or  http://www.scotlandislandlodge.com.au 
    Elvina Escape - B & B at Elvina Bay - Alison Newham 0423 598 760
    Treetops on Towlers Bay - 02 9332 2611  info@walkabouttours.com.au
    Pittwater Youth Hostel  - 02 9999 5748  www.yha.com.au/hostels/details.cfm?hostelid=31  
    Nila Chambers - Celebrant (marriages, funerals etc)  Discount for all offshore residents. 9999 2445
    Offshore IT Computer Services  - Contact Robert  0427 890 357 or 9999 2942

    Island Classes (Fitness, Dance, Art etc)
    Pilates, Meditation and Group Fitness with Patrice -  0406 483 036 patrice.corrie@gmail.com
    Anusara Yoga -  Thursdays -  0421762236 dominiquemarill@gmail.com or floydcbg@ozemail.com.au
    Art with Max - Watercolour classes. Phone Max on 9997 4527
    Art Classes- drawing and painting in oils, acrylics and mixed media- Marion 9979 3993 or 0431 457 431

    Groups
    Gurdjieff / The Forth Way - Call John on 9979 5584, Marion on 9979 3993 or Anne on 9999 3478
    Green Group For Catherine Park - Run by SIOCS - Emmie Collins on 0405 330 781
    WOW - Women on Water - second Wednesday of the month - contact Nila on 9999 2445   
    Parents & Kids Groups Playgroup - Run by SIOCS - email Emma trysemz@tpg.com.au
    Scotland Island Players - contact Bob or Kez on 9999 4092
    Catherine Park Bush Care Group, 2nd Sunday @ 9.30am, Sharon Kinnison @ 9997 6017
    Elizabeth Park Bush Care Group, 1st Saturday @ 9 am, Bob Bolton @ 9999 4092
    Island Thinking Group - Roy Baker, 9999 6891, roybaker99@yahoo.com

    Government Organisations
    Pittwater Council - 9970 1111  - email  pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au  Web site click here
    Member for Mackellar Bronwyn Bishop, email clicking here or Bronwyn.Bishop.MP@aph.gov.au
    Member for Pittwater  Rob Stokes,  email pittwater@parliament.nsw.gov.au

    Airlines, Buses and Railways
    Sydney Airport:
    Arrivals and Departures
    Qantas:
    Information                
     Jetstar:
    Information
    Virgin Blue:
    Information

    Sydney Buses: Information.

    Sydney Ferries:
    Information
    City Rail:
    Timetables & Information.
    Country Link Rail:
    Timetable

    Weather
    Scotland Island Tides, Moon phases, Sun rise & set
    Local Weather Forecasttop
    Radar weather for Sydney (128k circle)
    Emergency Contact Numbers   
    ALL EMERGENCIES (Police - Fire - Ambulance) 000
    Police Assistance Line & Information 13 1444 or 9281 0000
    Broken Bay Water Police 9910 7899 or 0412 162 093
    Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade  9999 4404
    NSW Fire Service General Information 9265 2999 9265 2999
    Rural Fire Service General information 9450 3000
    State Emergency Service, Warringah/Pittwater SES 9486 3399
    National Parks & Wildlife Service: 000, general information 9457 9322
    Dept of Community Services: general information 9977 6011
    Sydney Water 132 090
    Energy Australia 131 388, (ah) 131 909
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    Join SIRA
    You can now join the Scotland Island Residents Association by clicking here. Please print the page and return the completed form to SIRA at this address:
    The Treasurer, SIRA, PO Box 70, Church Point 2105.
    Please NO CASH.

    Contact SIRA at
     sirapittwater@gmail.com
    Join WPCA
    To join the Western Pittwater Community Association, contact Michael Wiener at
    m2wiener@bigpond.net.au

    Archived Newsletters
    A complete set of past electronic newsletters since May 2000 can be found and read at https://ymlp.com/archive_gesgjgm.php  or by clicking here or by visiting the Mona Vale Library.

    The Island website is at www.scotlandisland.org.au
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    To Contribute
    If you would like to contribute to this newsletter it's easy!. Send an e-mail to the editor (editor@scotlandisland.org.au) or by clicking here. Type your contribution (100 words or so would be fine) and assuming it is of general interest to the community, does not include matter of a political nature and is not offensive, it will appear next month.

    Subscription Information
    To get on and off this newsletter, click here or got to: http://www.scotlandisland.org.au/signup .
    To change your address, click the 'modify' link at the bottom of this newsletter or send an email to the editor@scotlandisland.org.au



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    The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA), or the Western Pittwater Community Association (WPCA) top


    Newsletter Design:Paul Purvis [0403-442-764]