In this edition:  Bag Free Beecroft,   Beecroft's First Street Library, Autumn walk May 21,   Mikey the Powerful Owl.
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This issue is quite timely with the recent ABC television series on waste but also with the imminent opening of our new shopping centre at the corner of Beecroft Road and Hannah Street. The Trust has been invited by a group of local residents to participate in a campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags in our local Beecroft shopping centre.  Who knows – we may be able to ban them completely!  The local shop owners have already been consulted and they support such a program where it is practicable.
The Trust committee supports this program but , as we often do, we are seeking your views on this initiative. Below is a link to a short survey that will provide us with a clear position on this matter from our community as this campaign is likely to develop momentum. As President I encourage everyone to complete the survey.    
Click here to do the survey.  


If you want to comment on this issue please reply to me at President@2119.org

Emma Heyde who has assisted in putting this promotion together, can be contacted at:
bagfreebeecroft@gmail.com
Beecroft's First Street Library Open for Business.

                


Over 30 book-loving locals gathered at 40A Hannah Street on Saturday 20 May 2017 to celebrate the opening of Beecroft’s first Street Library with an afternoon tea.
Its architect and chief librarian Ms Sue Pearce has a passionate belief in lifelong literacy having spent her professional career as a primary school teacher, Reading Recovery teacher and developing community early literacy programs and resources for Western Sydney families, librarians, early educators and community workers.

“Books are still so important in our lives, despite all the electronics and digital games. It’s so important for parents and grandparents to read to children.” she said. The library was officially opened by lifelong Beecroft resident Ms Hazel Grey, who said “reading is a wonderful tool for learning when introduced at an early age.”

There are only two official Street Libraries in Hornsby Shire, in North Epping and Hornsby, so Ms Pearce is keen to see more appear on our suburban streets to promote sharing and community engagement.

The Beecroft 100 Stories Street Library stocks a range of books for children and adults, which have turned over more than twice since opening at the end of April. No library card is needed, so you can take a book, give a book or share a book.

People interested in establishing a Street Library in their local community can go to www.streetlibrary.com.au or contact Sue Pearce by email  earlyliteracy1@gmail.com


Picture and story contributed by Georgia Cameron and Michael Bianchino. georgiacameron@bigpond.com
Update on the unauthorised clearing associated with the subdivision at 79-87 Malton Rd Beecroft.

                      

 
The Trust understands that Hornsby Council is taking the unauthorised tree removal seriously and Council’s legal team has engaged Barristers Dean Jordan (SC) and Georgia Lewer (JC)  with the intention of filing Class 5 LEC prosecution proceedings at the end of June.  As President, I was invited along to a meeting arranged by the Byles Creek Valley Union with Ms Gabrielle Upton’s Chief of Staff, Kevin Wilde.  Ms Upton is the Minister for the Office of the Environment and Heritage.  At the meeting we stressed to Mr Wilde the importance that this prosecution proceeds. Mr Wilde assured us at the meeting that he would contact Council as to the status of the prosecution and report back to us. We are still waiting to hear from him" but it is pleasing that the State Govt is overseeing Council's decision to proceed with this matter in the LEC.
Trust Autumn Walk Sunday 21 May.
The Trust lead about 30 residents on a walk through Chilworth Reserve in Beecroft and Cheltenham on a beautiful sunny autumn Sunday.  Councillor Robert Browne took advantage of the weather and joined the group.  We visited a number of bush regeneration sites around Kirkham St and Castle Howard Rd before inspecting the construction site for the Metro service centre next to Cheltenham Oval. 

There was a discussion about how, consistent with State Government approvals, the temporary access road from Kirkham St. should be removed and rehabilitated back to bushland.  It is believed by some that there is an ongoing political campaign for the temporary road to be made permanent.

Once again Rod Best from the History Group gave an interesting talk about Mr James Devlin (1807-1875) after whom Devlins Creek, the creek that flows through Beecroft and Cheltenham, is named. 

Thanks to the ladies who provided an excellent afternoon tea, capping off an enjoyable afternoon. 



Note the water monitor sunning itself on the Bartho Seat!


A few of Michael Bianchino's pictures can be viewed at:  Click Here
The Half Hour Hoot On Triple H 100.1FM
  

 
Cheltenham residents Michael Bianchino and Georgia Cameron, authors of “Mikey the Powerful Owlet: Saving Byles Creek Valley”, recently spread their wings and now present a weekly radio segment on local community station Triple H 100.1FM.
 
They go live to air at 5pm every Friday as part of Streetbeat with Neil and Geoff, delivering colourful conversation with great guests, news and views on important community, environmental, political and social issues. You can also expect some original music and an update on “Mikey” and his family from Byles Creek Valley.
 
The first editions included interviews with Dr Beth Mott of The Powerful Owl Project, Louise Ward of the Animal Justice Party, Emma Heyde on the closure of the Epping to Chatswood rail line, HSC Councillor Nathan Tilbury on amalgamations and elections, Kath & Kim on their social enterprise “The Possibility Project”, Sue Pearce architect of Beecroft’s first Street Library and Sydney Wildlife carers Deb Fleet and Jacqui Marlow.
 
You can tune into The Half Hour Hoot on Triple H 100.1FM on your radio, or digital device on http://www.triplehfm.com.au/ or listen to the SoundCloud podcast on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thehalfhourhoot/
 
Michael and Georgia are always looking for interesting local news and events from Beecroft, Cheltenham and beyond. So, if you have some, please contact them via Facebook or email at
woohoo@mikeythepowerfulowlet.com
Beecroft & District Garden Club Inc June Monthly Meeting.
Beecroft Bowling Club, 128 Copeland Road, Beecroft 
Friday, 2 June 2017 commencing at 7.30 pm for an 8 pm start.  
 
Our speakers will be four of our members:
Deidre Mowat, Gail Crossley, Carolyn Hughes and Gillian Parsons.
Stepping Back in Time   –   Plants I remember from my Grandmother’s Garden.  
 
We are a friendly club.  Visitors welcome.  Cuttings and potted plants for sale.  Supper provided.
 
Details:       Susan Mordy - 9875 3127
Trust Membership Subscriptions and eNews...

Keep our two suburbs strong and informed by being a member in 2017!
 

I wish to personally thank those who have paid subscriptions.  We have received close to 120 payments so far this year.  Those who have forgotten please use the following details:-


To renew your membership for 2017, please send a cheque with your phone and email details to PO Box 31, Beecroft 2119, OR credit our bank account directly: BSB 062-113 10068238, using your name as a reference.  Please also send an email to treasurer@2119.org.au advising that you have updated your membership for 2017.   Donations are also accepted.

Just a reminder that membership is due in April each year. For those who have already paid, many thanks. Household Membership: only $20 per year; Pensioner/Single Resident: $10 per year.

The eNews is becoming our main method for disseminating information to the community. Currently we have over 1020 email addresses, up from 900 two months ago.  We encourage residents who receive the eNews to tell their neighbours and friends. The eNews letter is available to all who subscribe.  Trust Membership is not a requirement.
The Trust will continue to distribute the printed bulletin as not everyone uses the internet.  
 
The Trust has always had an unwritten policy to assist any resident regardless of their membership status.
Kind regards,
Ross Walker

President
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