Friends of Bella Vista Farm | Other

Friends of Bella Vista Farm

Phone: +61 407 461 644

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Other
• Community

25.01.2022 Bella Vista Farm now has a wonderful Trash & Treasure sale added in to the Devonshire Teas and Tours of the Heritage House. Dont miss a bargain. Come on down. Open from 9 am-2 pm Sunday 1st December.

25.01.2022 Thanks Mark Pearce for this interesting post.

25.01.2022 This post is to introduce personal stories of the Friends of Bella Vista - our Volunteers. These stories have been published in Hills to Hawkesbury Community News which has now ceased publication in these straightened times. I thought it would be interesting to publish these stories for a wider readership. RON RAY Ron Ray is a veteran of the Battle of Waterloo! No, not that one: Five years ago, on the 200th anniversary, he took part in a re-enactment on the original battlefie...ld in Belgium. So who better than Ron, who served in the Army, to battle for an important part of Australias history? - Bella Vista Farm. The Farm is part of Australias history and it must be kept alive, not only for today, but for future generations. At school, Ron loved history and his passion for Bella Vista Farm is palpable. During special events held at the Farm, Ron organises volunteers from the NSW Corps of Marines to demonstrate their drill and weaponry. They dress in the 18th century scarlet livery of the Marine Corps, which was founded by the British Royal Navy in 1786 to protect and preserve order in the new Colony of NSW. As well as all this, Ron is one of the Guides at Bella Vista Farm, taking visitors through the house and surrounding grounds and buildings. Twice a week he is part of a small group who helps feed the Farms Merino sheep. He also volunteers for the Maritime Museum and the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. He sometimes wonders when he had time to go to work! During his professional life in Human Resources, Ron did a Master of Commerce, specialising in Workplace Relations. He and Carol have been married for 30 years and they have two children, Jarred and Sarah. Jarred is following in dads footsteps, sharing historical interest of times past. Its people like Ron who continue to keep Bella Vista Farm alive and a wonderful place to visit. (Anyone who has an interest in history and wants to serve the community and would like to become a member please visit us at Bella Vista Farm once the Covid-19 situation is past. Let us hope that is not too far away! The Farm is usually open on the 1st Sunday of each month, cnr. Elizabeth Macarthur Drive and Norwest Boulevarde, Bella Vista or check out the Councils website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au) See more

24.01.2022 On this day 225 years ago (22nd July 1795) Matthew Pearce received a 160 acre (65 hectares) land grant in what are today parts of the Sydney northwest suburbs o...f Baulkham Hills and Bella Vista. Matthew and Martha Pearce had arrived in NSW a year earlier as some of the earliest free settlers to the Colony. Their grant was named "Kings Langley Farm" after the English village where Matthew had been born. They must have arrived with some reasonable connections as, up to that time, this was the largest grant that had been made to any one individual. A part of the Pearce Family Cemetery on Seven Hills Rd is on this original grant. See more

23.01.2022 Bella Vista early 1930s. What do you do when you visit your country cousins at Bella Vista? ....... In your jacket and tie you ride a horse and get pulled around by a cow in a makeshift cart of course!!!! (Alan & Stuart Harris from my family collection).

23.01.2022 The Hills District has many long-standing residents with rich histories. Dennis and Jill Willcox are two of those people. Their families, both originally from England, settled in Kellyville and have not moved from the area since. Hector Willcox established Severn Vale Farm in 1949, naming it after the Severn River in Gloucestershire. Jill’s parents and siblings came from England in 1950 and Jill started life in Kellyville. Jill (aged 5) and Dennis (7) met at Kellyville Prima...ry School in 1958 but their courtship didn't begin until 1967. They married seven years later. Dennis joined the police just before their wedding on 19 January 1974 and remained in the force for five years. During this time Jill worked for the PMG for 10 years. In 1979 Dennis started his own concrete delivery business and Jill left work to start a family. They have 4 children, 8 grandchildren. Dennis says they keep us happy and young. Dennis and Jill lived at Severn Vale Farm from 1978 until 2016 when the dairy farm was sold to a large shopping centre conglomerate. In honour of their long-standing residency, surrounding streets have been named after family members Hector Court, Florence Avenue, Severn Vale Drive, Willcox Avenue and Graydon Avenue after Dennis’ elder brother. Two park benches have been donated to the Council at the intersection of Hector Court and Florence Avenue in memory of Dennis’ sister Jean who passed away in 1984 aged 34. Dennis felt sad at the farm’s demise. He was looking to find a place for several historic pieces which had been at the family farm ever since Dennis can remember. He was delighted when Graham Rawstron, President of Friends of Bella Vista Farm showed interest in taking them. Now Bella Vista Farm is lucky to have two cast iron stoves - a Bega, now in the old shop and a Wellstood in the original kitchen which is separate from the main house. The chiffonier is in the drawing room and the hallstand is in the hallway. All were installed just before the Covid 19 lockdown and can be seen on Open Days. Dennis and Jill are thrilled these pieces stand in a home bearing its own rich history. Visitors to Bella Vista Farm will be interested to learn that Dennis' mother Florence was still chopping wood into her 80’s, to feed the Wellstood stove (pictured below) and heat the water. Now 99, she currently lives in Kellyville in a home bordering the old farm and is looking forward to celebrating her 100th birthday on 1st May 2021. Gisela Horner 16.9.2020 Bella Vista would like to meet anyone who has an interest in history and wants to serve the community and would like to become a Friend. Come and visit us once the Farm is open on Sundays again. Bella Vista Farm is located Corner Norwest Boulevard and Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista or you can send us an email to [email protected]

23.01.2022 The 8th story in a series to highlight the Friends of Bella Vista Farm. These ladies like to serve High Teas and share a love of period clothes and fine china. I hope you find their story interesting. On Heritage Days at Bella Vista Farm, look out for this trio of friends Ann, Wendy and Jeanette. The women believe they are caretakers of history for future generations. Its about the history of an object not its value. If you dont know where youve come from, you dont know ...where you are going said Wendy. A lot of research and dedicated work over 30 years has produced a beautiful collection and invaluable knowledge. Ann learnt about Bella Vista taking a Probus group for a tour and joined five years ago. She lives in Kenthurst on 5 acres breeding chickens, raising alpacas and sheep. In past years Ann and Wally, her husband, raised sheep on large acreage in Lithgow. She ran a craft shop in the little township of Wallerawang outside Lithgow. Having decorated her front window with a spinning wheel she decided to take up the craft. Ann brings this to Bella Vista wearing period costume and adds a delightful touch to Open Days. She is particularly interested in educating young people about sheep, where the wool comes from and its end product as she is amazed so many children dont know. Bella Vistas latest addition to the flock Blackie, is a black sheep Ann knew as a lamb. She convinced the committee to purchase it once weaned. Wendy has known Ann for 38 years. They have a shared a passion for history and Wendy has recently joined as a Friend of Bella Vista. In 1991, at an evening college Antiques class, Wendy met Jeanette. They became friends and created a group called Amateur Anteekers with their husbands and others, meeting every fortnight sharing stories about antiques and conducting show and tell. They travelled widely to regional towns collecting heritage laces, garments, antique furniture and china. It was the thrill of the hunt and their mutual interest made it special. Later they branched off and formed a smaller group Threads of Time giving presentations and telling stories about their collection to church groups, retirement villages, and nursing homes. Their antique pieces are unique and beautiful and their passion is as alive today as when they first began. Another skill is their delightful High Teas hosted by the women. Bella Vista is planning one to be held in the Packing Shed. Once our world is back to normal, a date will be published. By Gisela Horner See more

22.01.2022 One photo from my quick visit to "Bella Vista Farm" today ..such a beautiful place.

22.01.2022 Sunday 5 May 2019 Heritage Open Day at Bella Vista Farm 0900 - 1400 Cnr Norwest Boulevard and Elizabeth MacArthur Drive Bella Vista. It will be special - Friends dressed in costume; a guessing game What Tool is That?; games for the children; a treasure sale; tours of the House and grounds - and of course, our yummy Devonshire Teas/Coffees are always on offer.... Come and visit us and enjoy an interesting day out, learn more about part of our early history. You wont be disappointed! The Free Spirit Markets will be open too. See you there! See more

21.01.2022 Bella Vistas next Open Day is approaching - 6th October 2019. Its the start of Daylight Saving - dont forget to put your clocks forward!!! Bella Vista opens at 0900 until 1400. We are getting the sheep ready for the summer and they will be shorn on this day. Come and have a delicious Devonshire tea sitting in the gardens; take an interesting tour through the house and meet our friendly Friends of Bella Vista. They are the backbone of this historic property keeping the grounds tended and ensuring the upkeep and repair of the buildings. Walk along the Bunya Pine pathway. Its a great day out. The Free Spirit Markets will be selling their wares on the approach to the house. We look forward to seeing lots of visitors. Cnr Norwest Blvd and Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista.

21.01.2022 This post is the 5th in a series I have written about the people who are active volunteers (Friends) at Bella Vista Farm. The Friends delight in Mark Pearces fascinating history and strong connection to the farmhouse. I hope you enjoy Marks story. Gisela Horner MARK PEARCE Mark and I met in a quiet caf. His story unfolds to my fascinated ears. He can trace his ancestors back to the earliest days of the Colony. His 3 times great grandparents Matthew and Martha Pearce, saile...d in May 1794 as Free Settlers on the convict transport Surprize, landing at Port Jackson on 25th October of that year. The journey had been gruelling and tragically their little boy did not survive the voyage. In 1795 Matthew was granted 160 acres in the Toongabbie area and with hard work, his property grew to 1,100 acres. For 40 years he farmed his land growing citrus fruit, cattle and sheep. After his death in 1831, his widow Martha and their five children carried on the lineage. It was Marks great grandfather, Edward Henry Pearce who built Bella Vista when he took over the farm in 1865 and the family lived there for the next 85 years until 1950. When Mark was born, the house had already been sold. He recalls his father pointing it out, but he never visited it. When he joined Blacktown Historical Society and learnt more of its history, he realised the importance of the farmhouse and its surrounding buildings and became a passionate advocate for its preservation. When the Water Board threatened to demolish Bella Vista farm and its buildings, Baulkham Hills Council stepped in and saved it for a token amount. In 2006 the Council decided to set up a support group and the Friends of Bella Vista was formed. These volunteers have been the saviours of this fine building which is an important part of our colonial history. Mark, along with Carolyn Gould and Sharon Rawstron, all active committee members, have spent months creating its chronology and is now published. Cost is $20 each plus postage and handling. Enquiries:[email protected] The Pearce Family Cemetery is the only original piece of land still in possession of the family which they have owned for the last 215 years. At least we know where well end up, Mark says. See more

21.01.2022 Our next Open Day is on Sunday 3rd November. Come and enjoy a fascinating time visiting the heritage farmhouse, hear stories from times past, children can enjoy a country setting and play games in the grounds and there is always the delicious Devonshire teas served by our friendly volunteers. Take some time out and enjoy part of Sydneys early history. 0900-1400 3rd November. Cnr Norwest Boulevard and Elizabeth Macarthur Drive Bella Vista.

20.01.2022 Next Open Day 6th October. Our sheep are being shorn. Come and join in the fun on the day, enjoy a Devonshire tea, do a tour through the house. Living history in Bella Vista.0900-1400. Cnr Norwest Boulevard and Elizabeth MacArthur Drive. Come and visit the Farm.

20.01.2022 Another Open Day at Bella Vista Farm this Sunday 1st March (tomorrow). Come and visit a piece of Australian history 0900-1400. Meet Ann spinning the wool from our sheep, Val who runs arts and crafts for children, tours given by the Friends of the house for a gold coin donation, Devonshire Teas/coffees served in a delightful rural setting and our Trash and Treasure stall. All that ... and more. The history is captured in an A4 sized handsome volume available for $20.00. All donations go to the upkeep and ongoing restoration of this wonderful property. We are proud to continue to help keep this places history alive. Cnr Norwest Boulevard and Elizabeth Macarthur Drive. This SUNDAY March 1.

18.01.2022 In the 19th century "Bella Vista" was twice visited by Governors of NSW. In Nov 1872 Sir Hercules Robinson (14th Governor of NSW 1872-1879) and his party travel...led to Parramatta by train, were "driven" to a couple of properties near Parramatta then on to "Bella Vista" for lunch. The whole of the afternoon was then spent "strolling about and admiring the beautiful scenery". This was followed in Sep 1887 by a visit from Charles Carrington, 3rd Baron Carrington (16th Governor of NSW 1885-1890). This visit to a number of orangeries was made at the invitation of the NSW Fruitgrowers Union. "Bella Vista" was the first planned stopover with a procession "fully half a mile in length" (about 800 metres) making its way there after the partys arrival at Seven Hills Station. It is mentioned that "it was a rough road all the way" something that didnt change on Old Windsor Rd until the 1980s. Castle Hills Carrington Rd is named in honour of his visit. Her Excellency the Hon. Margaret Beazley is the 39th Governor of NSW. Maybe after 133 years its time for another Vice Regal visit.

18.01.2022 Have you ever wanted to step back into the past? Now is your chance. This Sunday 0900-1400 the Farmhouse is open to visitors for tours (a gold coin donation). You can enjoy a delicious Devonshire tea sitting in the gardens. Back in the early 1900s Bella Vista Farm was part of the colonial farming empire of the Macarthur family. John Macarthur purchased the land starting with 1250 merino sheep. When he was sent back to the UK to face a trial for misdemeanours, his long-suffer...ing wife Elizabeth managed the flock for many years, riding across from her home at Parramatta. If you are looking for fun, friendship and something interesting to do this Sunday, Bella Vista Farm is the place for you. Come and meet our Friends and have an enjoyable day out. Corner of Norwest Boulevard and Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista. Open from 0900 until 1400. 1st September. The Free Spirit Markets are open too - you may even find a gift for Dad! See more

16.01.2022 This is the third post in a series I have written about the people who keep Bella Vista Farm alive. They are the Friends of Bella Vista Farm. This week features Carolyn Gould who has been volunteering at the Farm for many years. I hope you enjoy the story. Gisela Horner MEET CAROLYN GOULD... Weve all heard of six degrees of separation! Carolyn Gould is a woman who attracts coincidences! Both her parents were popular writers and passionate about history; this influenced Carolyn from a young age, so when friends introduced her to the historic Bella Vista Farm, she was enthusiastic to volunteer. She is one of a small team who has written a chronological history - "Bella Vista Farm Its Past and Its People". Send book orders or enquiries to [email protected] Cost: $20 each plus postage and handling. Carolyns fathers early ancestors came to Sydney Cove on the convict transport ship "Surprize" in 1794. Also on board were free settlers, Matthew and Martha Pearce, ancestors of Mark Pearce, a current Bella Vista Committee member, whose family built the farmhouse in the 1840s. Another of Carolyns ancestors, James Shepherd, owned land in West Pennant Hills Valley. When John Macarthur relinquished his adjoining 100 acres, it was granted to James Shepherd in 1824. Bella Vista is well known to have grazed Macarthurs merino flock from 1801 - 1824. Carolyn had a long career in television production at the ABC which often involved historical dramas. These included Rush and 1915. As part of the filming of 1915, two cashmere goats used on set needed a home - Carolyn volunteered. That was the start of her interest in cashmere and she joined the Australian Cashmere Growers Association, culminating in The Medal of the Order of Australia in 2013 for service to the cashmere industry and the community. Carolyn has been married 43 years to Graeme, a highly respected former TV designer and local artist. Their son Joe is a well-known percussionist with The Crooked Fiddle Band. Carolyn was appointed Vice President of the Band Association of NSW: another voluntary role. Her life revolves around community help. Bella Vista Farm is fortunate having Carolyn share her extensive knowledge - always with a helpful and positive attitude. Anyone who has an interest in history and would like to become a Friend, come and visit us at Bella Vista Farm once Covid-19 era is over. The Farm usually opens the 1st Sunday of each month at 2 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive Bella Vista or check out www.thehills.nsw.gov.au See more

14.01.2022 Bella Vista Farm is open Today!!! 7th July 0900-1400. Tours through the house give an interesting history of life in the 1800s. It will be a sunny day so stroll through the surrounding rural grounds, meet the volunteers and relax with a cuppa and delicious scones, jam and cream. A real inner! See you soon!

14.01.2022 This story is the second in the series of personal stories of the Friends of Bella Vista - our Volunteers. These stories have been published in Hills to Hawkesbury Community News which has now ceased publication in these straightened times. I thought it would be interesting to publish these stories for a wider readership. I hope you enjoy them. Gisela Horner. MEET CAROL BAKER AND BILL DERSCH... Carol Baker and Bill Dersch love life. Their story is one that many would think very romantic. It dates back to when Bill and Ross Baker - the inaugural President of Bella Vista Farm Park - were best friends, aged 11. Their friendship continued throughout their lives. Ross and Carol met at a dance at the Lane Cove Town Hall in 1965 and three years later, they married. Bill was their groomsman. Carols best friend Judy married Bill in 1972. In the following years, the families socialised. In 2005, Judy passed away leaving Bill devastated. As true friends, Ross and Carol rallied to help. Sadly, five years later, Carol was widowed. Then the roles were reversed and Bill and friends stepped up to assist Carol. This tale is a happy one! Carol and Bill married in 2014. They are a great team as part of the Friends of Bella Vista Farm. Its hard to imagine how Carol finds time to do all she does. She undertakes her role as Secretary of the Friends seriously following through with membership applications. When she accepted the job as Secretary, she instigated the serving of the famous Devonshire teas to the public. This has become a popular tradition and contributes to the upkeep of Bella Vista Farm the jewel of the Hills Shire. Carols passion for gardening has voted her Secretary of the Creative Gardeners Club and Secretary of Castle Hill Agricultural Society. Many other community services culminated in her being awarded Senior Citizen of Hills Shire 2018, presented by the Mayor of Hills Shire Council, Dr Michelle Byrne. Bill is a wonderful foil for Carol He calls himself a friend of a Friend. He enjoys looking after the sheep at Bella Vista Farm and being general roustabout. Carol and I have been married for 50 years, but not to each other!, he says with a smile. (Anyone who has an interest in history and wants to serve the community and would like to become a Friend please visit us at Bella Vista Farm once Covid-19 is past. Let us hope that is not too far away! The Farm is usually open on the 1st Sunday of each month, cnr. Elizabeth Macarthur Drive and Norwest Boulevard, Bella Vista or check out the Councils website www.thehills.nsw.gov.au)

13.01.2022 As the Publicity Officer for Bella Vista Farm, I have written many stories highlighting the Friends of Bella Vista, so I thought you might like to hear my story. At this time, the 15th September, I reflect on the night of the Opening Ceremony. I was invited to join the Ceremonies team for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games in 1999. My role was managing 250 backstage volunteers who prepared the on-stage performers with makeup, costuming and co-ordinating the thousands who entered...Continue reading

12.01.2022 Daylight Saving begins on Sunday 6th October. Thats when Bella Vista has its next Open Day from 0900-1400. The farmhouse conducts tours (a gold coin donation).... We serve an excellent Devonshire tea. Enjoy it sitting in the pleasant gardens. Back in the early 1800s Bella Vista Farm was part of the colonial farming empire of the Macarthur family. John Macarthur purchased the land starting with 1250 merino sheep. When he was sent back to the UK to face a trial for misdemeanours, his long-suffering wife Elizabeth managed the flock for many years. Bella Vista Farm has sheep and they will be shorn on 6th October. If you are looking for something interesting to do, come and visit this historic property. Corner of Norwest Boulevard and Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista. The Free Spirit Markets are open on your approach to the farmhouse. See more

12.01.2022 Ever since Susie Miller was a little girl, she was aware of Bella Vista and its history. ‘I joined the Friends of Bella Vista, as I felt an obligation when I visited with a friend. I wanted to learn about my family connections’ she told me, ‘their inter-generational effects, experience Bella Vista and reflect on mother and family members’ comments’. Susie’s great grandmother Maud Elizabeth Archdall Pearce (pictured below) was the first born in 1876 to parents Edward H Pearc...e and Isabella Adelaide Pearce (nee Archdall) at Bella Vista Farm. At the age of 23, Maud secretly married William Acres ‘the boy next door’ to Bella Vista. However ‘the boy next door’ stayed next door. For the next 18 months, they lived separately, each in their family homes. Susie remarks There is still a mystery about that story so we can only wonder! Thereafter they set up home together, had two children Isabella Adelaide and Edward William Buckanby (Billy) Acres, Susie’s grandmother and great uncle. Susie grew up in Parkes NSW. Sunday outings would sometimes be to Goobang National Park where they discovered a building under construction. Susie and her siblings would scramble through the ground floor window to explore. This building was the Dish famed for helping bring live television images of the Apollo 11 Moon landing to the world and became the subject of the iconic Australian movie, ‘The Dish’ starring Sam Neill. CSIRO’S radio telescope has recently been added to the National Heritage List. Susie remembers another Australian icon, the popular Redex Trial, in which her parents took part; a car rally which circumnavigated Australia in the 1950’s and made famous by pioneering radio star, Jack Davey. In 1975 Susie gained her Science degree and later worked as a high school teacher. Another branch of her career involved a research project investigating cancers caused by exposure to chemicals and asbestos in the petroleum industry. She interviewed workers about their medical history, consulted unions, coordinated the information and sent the results to her employer. She was at the early stages of Work, Health and Safety (WH&S) as it is known today and is pleased it is now the norm on worksites. Today Susie has returned to work as a Science teacher. Susie is very interested in Indigenous culture - Aboriginal sites and stories. She’s also passionate about amateur theatre and painting. Her four beautiful dogs add much joy to her life in her rural surroundings in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Gisela Horner 31/07/2020 Bella Vista would like to meet anyone who has an interest in history and wants to serve the community and would like to become a Friend come and visit us once the the Farm is open again at Cnr Norwest Boulevard and Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista or send an email to [email protected]

11.01.2022 If you missed open day at the Farm today, then you missed something quite special. Join us next open day on 6 October, when there will be live sheep shearing.

07.01.2022 Sunday 4th August is the next Open Day at Bella Vista Farm. Come and spend an interesting few hours in a beautiful historic setting, take a tour of Bella Vista Farm, walk around the property, shaded by the huge, ancient Bunya Pines which stand atop the hill, charge your batteries with a delicious Devonshire Tea, meet the resident sheep - they are always curious to meet new visitors! Chat to our friendly volunteer staff - the Friends of Bella Vista Farm. Open 0900 - 1400 - Sunday, 4th August, Cnr. Norwest Boulevard and Elizabeth MacArthur Drive.

07.01.2022 There is nothing that can beat gardening on a beautiful Sydney day when the news is all bad says Friends President, Graham Rawstron. So a few of the Friends of Bella Vista Farm went gardening and afterwards didnt the lawns and gardens look wonderful. And social distancing was not a problem. Hopefully you can enjoy Grahams lovely photos as Bella Vista Farm will not be open for a while.

07.01.2022 Catch a glimpse of the Hills agricultural past at Bella Vista Farm on Sunday, September 1 between 9am and 2pm, and learn about the mystery bottle of historical significance recently discovered by the Friends of Bella Vista Farm. Find out more at http://hillsfocus.com.au/?p=1492

06.01.2022 The Farm garden yesterday. A couple of the gardening group spent a few hours working well apart tidying up. Staying on top of gardening tasks is necessary to ensure that nature doesnt reclaim our garden during the lockdown. It is enjoyable exercise and a salve to the need for company at a safe distance.! Go the gardening group.

06.01.2022 MEET BELLA VISTA'S STORYTELLER - STEPHEN MARTIN Stephen Martin loves a chat. I could talk to a tree! He is a member of the Storytellers Guild (NSW), a community organisation which welcomes anyone with an interest in oral storytelling. After two years’ apprenticeship he was awarded accreditation as a storyteller. The website lists him as one of their official storytellers. Volunteering attracts him because he loves to wind a story around the places where he guides - Bella Vi...sta Farm, The Opera House, Government House, the Experiment Farm, Fairfield City Museum, the Maritime Museum, Hambledon Cottage in Parramatta and at the Sydney Living Museum. He brings places to life through storytelling and encourages visitors to imagine living in times past his imagination has no bounds and he encourages visitors to question. Stephen was born in Paddington Sydney 70 years ago. He never knew his father and was brought up solely by his mother until he was 8 when they went to live with Stephen’s uncle and his two sons. This was a difficult time in his life adjusting to his new family life. In 1971, he went on a blind date and met Betty. They married two years later and bought a home in Seven Hills where they raised their two boys. They still live there today, 44 years later. As a primary school student, Stephen loved school but when he moved to his uncle’s house in Granville and attended Arthur Phillip High School, he lost interest and left school at 16 and worked for some years in a dry-cleaning business. Stephen always loved military history and thought about joining the army or the police force, but saw an advertisement for Customs and worked there for his entire working life. Work threw up very difficult and stressful situations. On the wharves of Sydney and at Mascot, discovery of narcotics, stolen cash and occasionally animal smuggling was the norm, but his charismatic nature got him through many uncomfortable moments. His attitude was It’ll work in the end. He chose to retire at 55 to pursue his historical interests. Stephen’s volunteering has given him a positive and fulfilling life skill. He is good at it. Growing up was a difficult time for Stephen. He considers himself a lucky man to now have a secure and good family life and to be able to tell his stories of an earlier period. Bella Vista would like to meet anyone who has an interest in history and wants to serve the community and would like to become a Friend. Bella Vista Farm will be open on Sunday 6th December 1000-1400 at Cnr Norwest Boulevard and Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista. All Covid rules will apply. Send an email to [email protected] for more information.

05.01.2022 Bella Vista Farm Open Day and Free Spirit Markets have been postponed until further notice. For more information and for updates on when the markets will recommence, please visit https://www.freespiritmarkets.com/

05.01.2022 Its next weekend!!! - Open Day at Bella Vista Farm - and its Fathers Day - 1st of September!! Come and see us - all welcome. Visit the Free Spirit Markets on your walk along the Bunya Pine drive leading up to Bella Vista Farm. We look forward to seeing you. This Sunday.

05.01.2022 Thelma, Graham and Marge hanging the first curtains in Bella Vista house for 40 years. Thanks to your meticulous work another milestone has been achieved. The Ladies Withdrawing Room is looking spectacular and the new curtains lift the ambience in the Lounge Room. Our next Open Day is on Sunday September 1. Come along between 9 am and 2 pm Childrens Craft, Devonshire Teas, Tours of the House (look for the curtains!) and self guided tours of the outbuildings with a growing collection of old machinery and tools.

04.01.2022 Coronavirus pandemic or not, some things still need to be done at the Farm. Our sheep need to be fed and checked every day and to keep them healthy they need to be vaccinated and drenched. They also enjoy Ben Azzopardi, our sheep carer, giving them a pedicure. And the gardens must be tended and grass mown. So there is plenty to keep some of the Friends busy and in splendid isolation.

04.01.2022 Tuesdays are gardening day at the Farm and a hardy few have worked through the lockdown to keep on top of the weeds and necessary watering of the rose gardens. It is a large garden so keeping well apart has been easy. Today was no different but it was also an opportunity for a few of the Friends to check out what cleaning and dusting is needed now that the painting of the exterior of the house and kitchen block is finished.

04.01.2022 WE look forward to seeing you on SUNDAY 6 OCTOBER! THE MARKETS WILL BE THERE, TOO!

04.01.2022 This is the 6th post in a series I have written about the people who are active volunteers (Friends) at Bella Vista Farm. Valerie Barton, an inaugural member, is another of the valued team. I hope you enjoy her story. By Gisela Horner When you meet Valerie Barton, she greets you with such an infectious smile and a bright manner, you cant help but warm to her. This has to be her secret for being so popular with children. Val came to Australia from the UK with her husband Bria...n in 1962. She worked with Aboriginal children for 2 years in South Australia. After that they moved to Sydney and Val took up a position at Karabi Aboriginal Centre, Westmead where she worked for many years. Later she became Assistant Librarian at Baulkham Hills High School. As a child, she went with her father to a youth club he ran and enjoyed helping him with the children, an interest which carried into her adult life. Val volunteered her time with Parents and Partners, which help disadvantaged families. It was here Val met a seven year-old girl who became a regular visitor to her home at weekends for years. Val is one of the original volunteers of Bella Vista Farm. Her passion for young people and their welfare is evident. She welcomes the children with her cheeky smile and happy disposition. Their parents can take a leisurely tour through the house knowing their children are engaged with arts and crafts and activities Val organises. Sometimes she takes a tour of her own accompanied by the children, bringing alive some of the history of the Farm. She is qualified to work with children and holds a TAFE Tour Guide certificate. Val has a very positive outlook on life. Her philosophy is you get back what you give and giving to children gives them a positive future for them. Val has a daughter and grandson in the UK and a son and three grandchildren in Australia. Her joy for living and giving is a gem which the Friends of Bella Vista Farm acknowledge and treasure. With the Covid-19 shutdown, Bella Vista Farm has not been open to the public for some months. However, watch this space - we hope to have good news soon about when the Farm will open again. See more

03.01.2022 A rare opportunity to visit Bella Vista Farm by torchlight. Hear some great stories and experience the atmosphere.

03.01.2022 Open Day at Bella Vista Farm. The flock waited patiently for Alistair our Shearer to begin their haircuts. Not a ewe or whether stepped forward so Alistair had to do some heavy lifting. Lucky last was Blackie who had to suffer the embarrassment of being finished with a pair of scissors when Alistairs shears stopped working. Well a haircut is still a haircut.

02.01.2022 Another Open Day at Bella Vista Farm this Sunday 2nd February. Come and visit a piece of Australian history 0900-1400. Meet Ann spinning the wool from our sheep, Val who runs arts and crafts for children, tours given by the Friends of the house for a gold coin donation, Devonshire Teas/coffees served in a delightful rural setting. All that ... and more. The history, captured in an A4 sized handsome volume is available for $20.00. All donations go to the upkeep and ongoing restoration of this wonderful property. We are proud to continue to help keep this places history alive. Cnr Norwest Boulevard and Elizabeth Macarthur Drive. This SUNDAY 2 February.

02.01.2022 This is the 4th post in a series I have written about the people who keep Bella Vista Farm alive. They are the Friends of Bella Vista Farm. This week features Greg Dunn who has been volunteering at the Farm for a long time. I hope you enjoy this latest story. Gisela Horner GREG DUNN ... Bella Vista Farm couldnt do without the help of its Friends. Hills Shire Council gives financial backing to Bella Vista but without the Friends giving their time and energy to the farm, it could have fallen into disrepair. One of those is Greg Dunn, known as Mr Fixit. His passion is poetry and music, which began early. As a boy at Marist Bros. Auburn, Greg sang in the school choir. His grandmother always listened to the ABC and introduced him to the music of Richard Tauber and Peter Dawson. He loves to sing at many functions in his bold baritone and has often been MC for the Bella Vista Carols. Greg recently retired as Managing Director of the Australian branch of an international manufacturing company. He started writing poetry to pass the time when he got caught in traffic going to work. He has now written 100 poems, many of which have been published. Why volunteering? Greg likes giving back to society and having fun! He has been a Lions Club volunteer since 1995, holding several senior roles. Greg and his wife, Judith Dunn OAM, a prominent Historian, have been active Bella Vista Friends for many years. They have been married for 55 years. Greg says wryly: The older I get, the more Judith is interested in me! A shortened version of a poem written by Greg about Bella Vista Farm THE MAGIC OF BELLA VISTA FARM Theres a place just out of Sydney where time is standing still, Where I can dream and let my mind run free. I travel back in history to a land-grant on a hill; Which still exists for visitors to see. It is Bella Vista Farm which has survived for all these years, And allows you to transform to days gone by. If you have imagination and can disregard your fears; I invite you to at least give it a try. Forget about the modern world and go back to the past; Youre working in the garden on the Farm. The sun is warm and friendly and youre sure that it will last; But a little rain would not do any harm. Just sit and close your eyes and pretend that you are there; The Colony still trying to find its feet. Youre a guest of the Macarthurs; and a mile away from care, Youd be held in high esteem along the street. Why not come along and join us in remembering our past; And how folks lived on Bella Vista Farm. And with sheer determination, nailed their colours to the mast; Oh, and uh, the Devonshire Teas wont do you any harm! See you there? Greg Dunn

02.01.2022 AUSTRALIA DAY AT BELLA VISTA FARM The Friends of Bella Vista Farm are holding a Trash and Treasure stall from 4pm on Australia Day, with a host of pre-loved ...goods for sale. Come up to the farm Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista and enjoy Australia Day and grab a bargain! Lamingtons, tea, coffee, water and ice blocks will be served in the House and Heritage area. There will be arts and crafts activities with Val; the Trash and Treasure stall; history displays; Ann will be there spinning wool and the sheep will be fed in the heritage area. Hills District Historical Society will be there too. Lots of great entertainment on the big stage too. Free entry. Starts 1600 until 2100. Come and join the fun! Check out www.thehills.nsw.gov.au See more