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Scotland Island - Western Shores - Mackeral Beach

- April 2007 -

Newsletter for Offshore Residents of Pittwater, Australia  Volume 9, Issue 220 April 2007     

 
Editorial:

May I commend to you yet another survey, the water survey shown below. It is being run by Pittwater Council and it would be useful to show offshore enthusiasm for this project. I am sure you have sent back the other survey - the carpark and parking survey also supported by council. This is a hard copy survey and needs to be sent back in the reply paid envelope NOW!.

The dinner for Trudi sounds absolutely wonderful! Check the details below.

  • History Corner
  • Cartoon of the Month
  • Raja Yoga Meditation Classes
  • Please think of others with a Disability
  • A former resident remembers...
  • Peninsula Music Club Program
  • Clean Up Australia Day - Thanks!
  • Speaking of Cleaning Up...
  • Free On-Line Tutoring at Avalon Library
  • Pittwater Community Water Survey - your views count
  • Inaugural Pittwater Offshore International Women’s Day Celebration
  • Kids on the cost School holiday Program
  • Dinner for Trudy Engler
  • Oh What A Night
  • Lost or Borrowed
  • Local Guide
  • Archived Newsletters
  • Your Subscription Information
  • History Corner

    Bumpo Creek, an affluent or inflowing stream that flowed into McCarrs Creek near the main bend in the inlet,. was reputedly named by some residents who found that on navigating at high tide their boats continually bumped on one side or the other on snags and mangroves. It wasn’t until 1945 that the Bumpo name was replaced by the more euphonious and atmospheric Cicada Glen Creek on the official plan, along with the names of Silent Pool and Crystal Creek.

    The area of Cicada Glen embraced many large cabbage tree palms which are said to be older than the City of Sydney and the gully through which a freshwater stream was first seen was known as Jones’ Gully since the stream’s source rose in a 40 acre grant to James Jones. Many years later, in 1907, a track was made through thickly wooded bush all the way to Coal and Candle Creek by James Booth, a pioneer of Pittwater, for the keenly priced sum of six pounds ten shillings, or thirteen dollars in today’s money.

    In September, 1883, near Tumble Down Dick, at the Pittwater Trig Station over 230m high above the end of McCarrs Creek, Mr. J. Brooks a community surveyor, occupied the station as an observation point . With a ten inch (25cm) theodolite he completed angular measurements or all surrounding and visible stations, including Barrenjoey Lighthouse.

    In the area where soft hills rolled down to the very end of McCarrs Creek, a Mr. Wheeler waxed lyrical when he discovered yet another affluent that “flowed over a sandstone bed into a crystal pool a few feet (approx.2m.) deep. A tangerine ‘bottle brush’ , a perfect specimen of Banksia ericifolia, mirrored itself in a pool. On an open tract in a dell-like formation was a splendid setting of Boronia , glittering pink in the sunshine, with a few native roses. The lush Boronia serrulata did not waste its sweetness on the desert air.”


    Next Month: THE LONELY PIONEERS

    Leicester Warburton

    Cartoon of the Month (click small calendar to download)

    Gwyn Perkins

    Download a full version of this months calendar, ready for printing - click the calendar image above.

    Raja Yoga Meditation Classes
    Recently, there has been a Raja Yoga meditation course offered in a private home on the Western Foreshores.
    Guided by Preeya, a Raja Yoga student who has been practising for 16 years, the course has been a great success. It is now thought of extending it to other residents in Pittwater.


    We are seeking expressions of interest from people interested in meditation. All courses are free of charge.
    For more information about BK (Brahma Kumaris) Raja Yoga, please go to
    http://www.brahmakumaris.com.au/ or ring Patricia 0413 489 148 or email pravalic@bigpond.net.au

    Kids on the Coast School holiday Program

    Peninsula children have no excuse to be bored these April school holidays with Pittwater Council’s “Kids on the Coast” Holiday Program.

    An interesting variety of activities is offered for children aged 5 years and over, with an underlying theme of caring for our coastal environment. Activities cost $15 per child and take place at the Coastal Environment Centre (CEC) at Lake Park Road, North Narrabeen (along Pelican Path on the shore of Narrabeen Lagoon).

    Activities comprise:

    • Tuesday 10 April, 10am-12noon: Bush Sculpture (7-12 years)
    • Tuesday 10 April, 12.30pm-2.30pm: Ocean Care Games & Art (5-12 years)
    • Friday 13 April, 10am-12noon: Rock Platform Discovery (7-12 years)
    • Monday 16 April, 10am-12noon: Lagoon Life Exploration (5-12 years)
    • Thursday 19 April, 10am-12noon: Flying High Kite Making (7-12 years)
    • Friday 20 April, 10am-12noon: Shark Art (7-12 years)

    The Kids on the Coast Holiday program is available on the Pittwater website at www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au and can also be sent on request through the CEC on 9970 6905.

    Bookings for all activities are essential with the CEC on 9970 6905. As most activities are held outdoors, please ensure children wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen.

    For more information: Coastal Environment Centre
    Tel: 9970 6905

    Please think of those with a Disability

    Tennis Wharf gets used by a number of disabled people and they are having great difficulty negotiating their electric scooters and wheelchairs when they come to the jetty to pick things up. Please be alert to the need that space needs to be kept for turning, etc.

    Kindly remember to park your wheelbarrows etc in such a way as to make it convenient for those with a disability.

    A Former resident remembers...

    AEON

    The wavelet of shimmering water gurgles as it washes my toes. The incoming tide is stealthily edging over basking rock.
    My skin glows with the balm of a caressing sun and a dragonfly wanders erratically.. There is a cathedral quiet on the island shore except for the wandering water and perhaps a sigh from the nor’easter sifting through the casuarina grove behind me. A spiritual comfort of peace here, an escape.
    For so long, longer than the mind can comprehend, this water has stroked or, sometimes, even pounded this shore in a twice-daily rhythm of reliability. The aborigines were here, too, their middens stacked with giant shells. Before that it was a wildlife haven for millennia.
    My eyes love the curving comfort of pretty Woody Point and the bulwark of hills behind the bays. They play a soothing symphony in my mind.
    There is a wonder about these moments as I contemplate with gratitude.

    Leicester Warburton

    Peninsula Music Club Program

    The Peninsula Music Club has been going for many years and has regular Musicales at Loquat Valley School. Many offshore residents attend and it is a great opportunity to hear fine music at a very reasonable price. Membership of the club costs $50 a year which entitles you to attend all five concerts and enjoy a great sparkling wine and sandwich supper after the program! It is also possible to attend individual concerts without joining the club. Listed below are the remaining concerts or the year. If you would like more information, contact the president, Mrs J Tuynman on 02 9997 1937 or the secretary, Mrs W Reading 02 9938 1545.

    Remaining Concert Dates:

    • Friday 20th April - Rem Urasin
    • Friday June 15th at 8pm - Tiempo de Tango
    • Friday 14th September at 8pm - Daniel de Borah
    • Friday 23rd November at 8pm - The Linden String Trio with Clem Leske

    Clean Up Australia Day - Thanks!

    Sunday the 4th of March was Clean Up Australia day. The Island had a huge response with thirty four volunteers turning up. Nineteen dead tinnys were taken off together with an estimated six tons of "stuff" This short note is to thank all those who lent a hand especially Dave and Toby from Broken Bay Lighterage.

    John Travers

    Speaking of Cleaning Up...

    A number of islanders gathered on Sunday 11th March to help a resident tidy up their house and surrounds. Very special thanks go to Simon Lambe, John Marshall, Cass Gye, Gordon Floyd, Bill Gye, Jack's cousin Steve, Michael Jones and David Richards (these names in no particular order) for giving up their Sunday. And extra praise to Robina Warburton from Pittwater Council for coordinating the clean up and arranging for the removal of the garbage.

    This marvellous effort is indicative of the care and affection offshore residents have for one another.

    A wonderful effort

    Free On-Line Tutoring at Avalon Library

    Avalon Community Library is the first library in the northern beaches to offer FREE on-line tutoring to members.

    Students who are members of the library can take advantage of free tutoring through Online Classroom, through Tutoring Australia and computers at the library from 4pm -5pm Monday to Friday. After library hours, the system can be accessed via home computers until 8pm.

    Students can participate in a live, one-to-one learning session with a tutor using the Online Classroom. It works much like MSN Messenger, allowing the tutor and student to text chat, share web pages and transfer files.

    Subjects covered are for Year 4 to Year 12 and comprise:
    • Mathematics (including Extension Maths)

    • Science (General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
    • English (General English, Essay Writing)
    • Assignment Research (Finding information, organising reports etc)
    • Study Skills (Time management, note-taking, revision techniques, etc)

    Pittwater General Manager, Mark Ferguson, said: “Pittwater Council is delighted to offer this free service to members of Avalon Community Library. It is good to give something back to our community and we want to encourage young residents to use our library services. Since the service commenced, an average of 30 students have used it each month. We’d like to increase that number considerably, so we recommend students to take advantage of this free service.”

    More information on Tutoring Australasia is available at http://yourtutor.com.au, or the library website at www.avalonlibrary.org.au, or by contacting Helen Clark on 9918 3013 or email avalonlibrary@ozemail.com.au

    Pittwater Community Water Survey - your views count

    Pittwater Council is currently preparing a Pittwater Community Water Conservation Plan to consider the future water demands of the local community and set targets and strategies for the reduction in water usage throughout the Pittwater LGA.

    By completing a short survey (less than five minutes) you will provide important input into the plan by helping Council to understand community attitudes and preferences towards water conservation. You could also win one of four prizes containing a water wise gardener’s pack + shower timer, with over $150 worth of products to help your garden and bathroom become more water efficient. Survey responses are completely confidential and personal contact details are optional.

    To complete the short survey go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=309093466425
    To find out more about the plan go to http://www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/ and follow the link under Notices.

    Inaugural Pittwater Offshore International Women’s Day Celebration 

    Thursday March 8, 2007 saw sixty offshore women share the spirit of International Women’s Day, by celebrating over breakfast at the Pasadena.

    The call for an international date to celebrate women was first conceived of in northern Europe in1910. Here we were 97 years later celebrating on the shores of Pittwater. Lovely for all assembled is that March 8 was Trudy’s 87th birthday, so it was a double celebration.

    Penny Star welcomed us to country as befits all Australian gatherings of a symbolic nature. Pen gave us the wonderful Aboriginal metaphor of a meeting of women such as ours was, being the ‘placenta’ of a community. Strong female stuff indeed.

    Robyn Baxendale of Lovett Bay spoke on her work with the International Red Cross Committee. She outlined the focus of this international humanitarian body and also gave us particular insights into some of the issues particular to women that IRCC helps with. The amount of $300US was raised as a donation for Robyn to allocate. She has arranged for this to be sent to a colleague in the Mongolian Red Cross to distribute to a group of women who rely on the MRCS for basic necessities.

    These are families of destitute herders who can no longer sustain themselves in their traditional rural environments, who migrate to the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar and simply squat in their Gers (tents). They receive almost nothing from the government so their needs are substantial. The local MRCS branches know them well, so can ensure that the funds go to where they are needed most. In keeping with the source of the funding Robyn has emphasised that if cash donations are made, these should essentially go to women, or to men caring for children.

    An outline of Robyn’s talk is available by clicking here

    Emmie Orhan (Collins) has provided some photos of this lovely morning. Kerry Borthwick took the opportunity to extend an invitation of Women On Water (WOW) to all offshore women- this group meets monthly.

    Thanks to all the women who attended and to the Pasadena and staff who provided at such short notice for this event.

    The Mayor and Deputy Mayor, who attended the more formal Pittwater IWD celebration organized by Zonta and the Council, send their best wishes via Mandy Loveday. Mandy also announced the Pittwater Woman of the Year: Lynette Russell who is Principal of Barrenjoey High School. Lynette won the award for recognition of her services to education spanning a number of decades.

    It was a wonderful event that could have stretched into mid-morning and beyond. It was a pleasure to organise, Mandy and Emmie have put up their hands to do IWD 2008.

    Karen Lambert

    Dinner for Trudy Engler

    Three course Dinner - catering by Lisa Atkins

    7pm Saturday 12th May 2007

    Scotland Island Community Hall

    Tickets $50per head (includes a gift for Trudy) and are available at Church Point 5-7pm on Thursday 5th April and Friday 20th April 2007 from Fiona and Deryn or by cheque made payable to Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA) PO Box 70, Church Point, 2105.

    Very highly commended - tickets for this function will sell out quickly. Make a point of buying tickets as soon as possible.


    Oh What A Night

    As Toby pointed out, there are no winners and losers on Scotland Idol; everyone's a winner - rubbish! Your Scotland Idol is: DERRY FINKELDEY.


    The producers of Scotland Idols would like to thank everyone who gave their tremendous
    support to the event and raised over $1,000 for Kindy (SIOCS) which will be used to develop the Kindy playground, including new sandpit shelter and climb frame structure, relocation of the blackboard and activity wall and most excitedly the establishment of a children’s garden so the children can cultivate and grow their own veggies and flowers.

    Everyone had a great night being thoroughly entertained by a stunning range of performances that could only be produced by this island and off-shore community. Original artists Johnny Cash, Sheryl Crow, Patsy Montana (Yodelling), Kate Bush, Leonardo's Bride/Husband, Steppenwolf, Captain and Tennille, Mitzi Gaynor, Chrissie Hinde and Cab Calloway were given a run for their money by our Idols: Graham Catt, Erin Ricketts, John Travers, Shayne Chamen-Kraal, Izzy Moodie, Karmel Patterson, Ruth Tedder, Lizzy Brand (with Andrew Bains in a grass skirt and coconuts), Derry Finkeldey and Brian Franki respectively.

    Lost or Borrowed

    A couple of weekends ago my youngest son's new BMX - a Xmas present - was borrowed?/ taken? and in fact rather audaciously 'replaced' with an old reject from the plastic and bamboo cover he'd left it under at the front of our block. We've asked around and have scouted the island with no joy. I feel it must be here somewhere and can't believe a parent hasn't questioned where it appeared from. Contact me at emstar@tpg.com.au

    The Firemans Ball

    The Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade is delighted to present the Fireman's Ball with music from the fabulous Lionel Robinson & The Dukes of Lounge, fine cuisine from Elvina Bay's own Lisa Atkins and a licensed bar all within the magical Fire Station Ballroom.

    Date: Saturday, 28 April 2007
    Time: 7pm
    Venue: Scotland Island Rural Fire Brigade
    Dress: Black Tie
    Tickets: $65 each available from www.pittwatertradingonline.com.au or PMC Hill Real Estate, Church Point

    Cloak room available. No BYO, licensed bar operating.


    Tickets are limited so don't miss out on the premier Island event!

    The local guide

    What's On in Pittwater - Self Editing Event Diary Click Here  
    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  
    Buy and Sell: Pittwater Trading Online or visit http://www.pittwatertradingonline.com.au  
    Local Real Estate Agents:  
    Bothammottl Real Estate L.J.Hooker Mona Vale
    PMC Hill (subscribe to their newsletter here) Pittwater Real Estate
    Government Organisations:
    Local Pittwater Council, or email them at pittwater_council@pittwater.nsw.gov.au  or by clicking here.
    Federal: Bronwyn Bishop, Member for Mackellar by clicking here or Bronwyn.Bishop.MP@aph.gov.au
    State: Alex McTaggart, Member for Pittwater, at pittwater@parliament.nsw.gov.au or by clicking here
    Local Transport: Scotland Island Community Vehicle: Info: click here. Phone 0404 103 700 Church Point Ferries (0408 296 997)  Manly Warringah Cabs (02 9972 5600) Palm Beach Cruises (02 9997 4815) Pink Water Taxi (0428 238 190)
    Bed & Breakfast: Scotland Island Lodge: or http://www.scotlandislandlodge.com.au (02 9979 3301)
    Yacht Clubs Woody Point Yacht Club  or http://www.wpyc.com.au 
    Short Term Holiday Accommodation: Pittpoint Cottage:  (02 9997 8382) Wiringulla Retreat (02 9971 8375) or here
      Treetops on Towlers Bay' (02 9332 2611) info@walkabouttours.com.au
    Local Pittwater Studies Website: http://www.pittlink.net/ls
    West Pittwater Community Association Minutes: http://www.scotlandisland.org.au/wpca.htm

    Emergency Contact Numbers

    • NSW Police: 000, Police Assistance Line: 13 1444, general information 9281 0000
    • Broken Bay Water Police 9979 4944 or 0412 162 093
    • NSW Fire Service: 000, general information 9265 2999
    • NSW Ambulance Service: 000, general information 9320 7777
    • Rural Fire Service: 000, 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

    Membership of SIRA, Emergency Scotland Island Water Contacts and Application for Water + Guidelines for water, in one document: click here for information (while online)

    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

    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@hotmail.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://www.ymlp.com/pubarchive.php?sira or by clicking here or by visiting the Mona Vale Library. The Island website is at www.scotlandisland.org.au

    Finally:

    If you would like to contribute to this newsletter it's easy!. Send an e-mail to the editor by clicking here. Type your short contribution (100 words 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 to your neighbours, 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.

    The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA), or any of the associated Pittwater Offshore Resident's Committees

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