Village Bell March 2012 3 Rainfall at “Barkala”, Beaconsfield–Emerald Road Bell Credits Next Issue: End of May George Moir Copy Deadline : 10 May
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Upper Beaconsfield Association www.upperbeaconsfield.org.au UPPER BEACONSFIELD VILLAGE BIssue No. 187 • March 2012 ELL Village Festival 2012 CWA ladies prepare scrumptious scones Gladys Edwards, 103, rings the bell Cr Graeme Legge presents the trophies to the runners fun had by all Upper Beaconsfield Citizens of the Year 2011 Awards presented by the Mayor of Cardinia Shire, Ed Chatwin Izabel Bianchi Peter and Joan Green Young Citizen of the Year Senior Citizens of the Year Many residents may have met 12-year-old Peter and Joan Green, formerly of Sugarloaf Izabel Bianchi at last year’s carols, where Road, now of Berwick, have quietly she entertained us with her performance. contributed to community wellbeing She likes singing, reading and spending over many years, always being community time with her animals. Izabel was chosen minded, not expecting praise or fanfare. as our young Citizen of the Year for her They lived here for over thirty years, Peter services to the residents of Salisbury house, building the house employing Joan as his where she regularly reads to the elderly. gofer. During this period they both served Sometimes these small acts of kindness on the Village Hall committee, Joan as go unnoticed, however, they should be secretary for ten years and Peter as President acknowledged and encouraged. Izabel for 6 years, as well as using his building skills is a role model for all of us in terms of as volunteer maintenance man. donating her time to those people in need Joan was associated with the Upper of some warm human kindness. Beaconsfield Rural Fire Brigade for over twenty years, a tireless worker with the Ladies’ Auxiliary. She has also helped at the Berwick Opportunity shop once a week for 19 years, as well as being a member of the local CWA. On leaving Upper Beac it was heart wrenching for Peter to dispose of a lifetime collection of tools of trade, but gratified Nikki Le Brocq when a gentleman was thrilled to buy them for his own pursuits in doing things in Citizen of the Year the old craftsman’s way. But Peter insisted Nikki was selected as Citizen of the Year on taking his trailer, and his collection of for her tireless service to the community of war medals. Oh and of course Joan too! Upper Beaconsfield over twenty years. She Joan carried her sense of humour and love has served on the committees of numerous of gardening everywhere, but downsizing community groups including being involved some difficult decisions about President and committee member of the sentimental possessions too. Upper Beaconsfield Primary School PFA for They each continue to volunteer, Joan over ten years, member of the Kindergarten at the op shop and Peter with Berwick committee, the toy library committee and Woodworkers helping to make toys for less currently the Tennis Club. fortunate children. Nikki has been an untiring fundraiser for many causes, organising events and raising large amounts of money for our Primary School, SIDS & Kids Victoria, the CFA, the 2009 bushfire appeal, Red Cross and the Congratulations Cancer Council. Nikki has been an amazing support for her also to our Citizens husband Geoff and her sons, Jack, Harry & Bill. She works part time, helps run Geoff 's of the Year 1985, business and supports the Cams Rising Star Stan & Beryl and Formula Ford organisations, in which her son Jack is very involved. Hamilton, on Nikki has a tremendous amount of their 50th wedding community spirit and generously donates her time and experience. She deserves the thanks anniversary. from the community of Upper Beaconsfield, for all of the hard work she does. Village Bell March 2012 3 Rainfall at “Barkala”, Beaconsfield–Emerald Road Bell Credits Next issue: end of May George Moir Copy deadline : 10 May. Editor Month 43 yr average 2011 2012 No material from this Helen Smith tel 5944 3219 Jan 62.8 98.9 60.3 Layout publication may be reproduced Feb 53.4 250.5 Marianne Rocke in any manner without the Photo Editor permission of the editor. Mar 64.4 58.9 Cameron Rocke The editor reserves the right to Apr 76.9 101.0 edit articles for length, language, Collation May 85.0 96.4 Noel Ling readability and appropriate content. The Village Bell advises Advertising Jun 79.1 66.6 that the views or remarks Jul 79.2 65.9 Helen Smith and Kaylene Cox expressed in this publication are Subscriptions not necessarily the views of the Aug 87.4 36.1 Julie Born volunteer Village Bell editorial Sep 90.3 105.3 Mailing List or production team. No service Cheryl O’Gallagher or endorsement is implied Oct 95.4 73.7 Printing by the listing of advertisers, Nov 85.6 159.5 Graham Jackson sponsors or contributors. Dec 80.5 114.1 Receiving copy: The Village Bell is a member of Helen Smith: the Community Newspapers Total 940 mm 1226.9 mm editor.villagebell @ Association of Victoria The 2011 spring quarter (Sep–Nov) recorded a rainfall of gmail.com tel 5944 3219 www.cnav.org.au 388 mm (average 271 mm) followed by the first two months of summer recording 174.4 mm (average 143.3 mm), which maintained this higher trend. History Snippets The year 2011 recorded a high rainfall of 1226 mm, only exceeded once in my 44 years of rainfall recording when the Early Village Bells make a very interesting read 1970 rainfall record was 1275 mm. In this period a further seven years of rainfall in the range of 1100-1200 mm has occurred— The digitisation of the back issues of the Village Bell is progressing three in the 1970s and four in the 1990s. steadily, with the first twenty-two issues now available on our website for download. www.upperbeaconsfield.org.au/archive There are many interesting stories to be found about our history, our people and what concerned us then. In 1912 ... The next UBA In 1912 ... Frances Evelyn Shanks is born. When 12 years old she suggests that the settlement of North meeting will be held Beaconsfield be named Dewhurst. on Wednesday, In 1912 ... Judge David John Davies Bevan, of Pen Bryn, becomes the 1st Judge of the Supreme Court of 4 April at 8 pm the Northern Territory. Community Complex In 1912 ... Donald Samuel Campbell dies in the Titanic disaster. He was working as a purser. His mother * Everyone is Ellen Campbell together with her sisters lived at ‘Santon’ on Stoney Creek Road. welcome * In 1912 ... Richard Noble dies in Maffra. A long time esteemed resident of Upper Beaconsfield, he was given an illuminated address on his departure. Men’s Shed up and running UBCC Building and Grounds Committee We have registered with both the Victorian Matt McDonald to locate the building on land at the and Australian Men’s Shed Associations, Complex. A planning permit is being and are developing links with neighbouring “The Shed gave me my life back; friends, sought and the process of approval will no Men’s Sheds, Cardinia Shire and other things to do.” This comment came from a doubt involve community consultation. The community groups. The Shed also operates member of a nearby men’s shed. The Upper steering committee is also exploring avenues with the support of the Upper Beaconsfield Beaconsfield Men’s Shed is off to a great for funding to install the building and Community Centre (major user group start and it is hoped the group will draw connect services. at the Complex). Members have given similar responses from members in time. In the meantime the group has held practical assistance in maintenance and The group has been meeting since October two demonstration sessions, one on the repair of items around the Complex. 2011, has a steering committee and meets maintenance of small engines (Barry New members always welcome. Just every Wednesday morning from 10 am to Gates) and another on the management come along on a Wednesday. For further 12 noon in the Arts Annexe next to the and maintenance of fire pumps (Eric information, contact Matt McDonald Upper Beaconsfield Community Complex. Bumpstead). Sessions are planned for (5944 3860 / 0407 845 135 / fivemacs@ The Men’s Shed has the promise of a chainsaws, fruit trees, soils, sharpening tools netspace.net.au) or Noel Ling (5944 3735 / portable classroom and support from the and hardening and tempering steel. 0414 443 735 / [email protected]) 4 Village Bell March 2012 Vale Russell Arthur Williams 24 Jan 1929 to 18 Nov 2011 Are we a “Tidy Town”? Jo Carter Jo Carter Russell was born in Maryborough in 1929 Is our village looking less appealing then formerly? Residents and to school teacher Arthur Williams and his visitors alike have mentioned that the general appearance of the wife May. Russell was one of five brothers. He village is declining. The committees of both the UBA and the Hall married Fay Wright of Coburg and they had and Grounds have discussed this situation with our local councillors three children, one son and two daughters. and requested that council do their part in cleaning up council In 1974 the family moved to Upper areas. It is not always easy to maintain neat and tidy gardens during Beaconsfield. the summer heat, and grass seems to grow before our eyes. An ardent Carlton Football Club follower, We will all look forward to seeing improvement in the Council’s Russell was a member of the MCG for 55 properties, and for the former pleasant appearance of our own years, and was a Life Member and Hall of Fame member of the gardens and nature strips.