Dorothy Warwick opened the meeting at 2.17pm and welcomed all in attendance.

Apologies: Vanessa McNeill, John & Christine McKenna, Michael Griggs, Carol & Brian Duane, Audrey Murphy, John Walz, Julie Beck, Leah Armstrong, Margaret Childs, Diane Jogia, Pat O'Brien, John Warwick, Noelene Pascal, Lila Richardson

Minutes of the Public Meeting held 12 September 2004, which were mailed or emailed to members, were accepted by the Meeting

Correspondence inwards and outwards was noted, as per the agenda.

There was no business arising from the previous minutes or the correspondence.

A member queried if there had been a decision in respect to what sort of development was envisaged for the Tamplin Road frontage. Dorothy Warwick advised that the NSW Heritage Office is still conducting the tender process for the appointment of a consultant, and confirmed that any development would be strictly controlled. Following another query, Dorothy advised that the width of the proposed parcel of land is about 30 metres from the Tamplin Road frontage, and the boundary which would separate it from the back of the Dormitory building would need to be in line with the back boundaries of houses located on either side of the parcel of land in question.

President's Report

Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to Linnwood once again. It seems ages since we last had a meeting so as usual there are a few things to catch up on.

Not a lot for "show and tell" today - the main donation being this lovely table top lectern, donated by Mr Hugh McCredie (grandson of George) of Queensland. Mr McCredie sent it down to his brother Bruce McCredie, who very kindly brought it over at our last Open House Day. Even though it isn't 'old' as such, it is still a lovely piece of woodwork and we very much appreciate his donation.

We were also very fortunate to receive from the Guildford Community Centre three large display boards that they no longer had any use for. These will be of great benefit to us with the amount of photographic and other displays we do - and the best thing about them, apart from their size, is that they are all on wheels so can be moved around very easily. If you could see us trying to put these displays together on the existing boards and having to lift and move the boards around - and we always notice that there never seems to be any men around when there is furniture to be moved - I can assure you that the female members certainly appreciate these boards being on wheels!

We also received a donation of old books from Merrylands Library and they will look very nice in the library bookcases with our other old books.

I'll now try and bring you all up to date with what's been happening over the past two months and what's coming up in the future.

The weekend after the last meeting was quite chaotic with both the Australian Miniature Enthusiasts and the Australian Lace Guild having 2-day workshops in the house, and then on top of that we had two tour groups come through on the Sunday - so it was a very busy time but we think everything went off quite well.

On Thursday 23rd September, Delphin Lend Lease came in with their 'backyard blitz' operation and didn't they make a difference! If you haven't been to have a look - please do so after the meeting. The area on the southern side of the house, back towards the dormitory building, has been cleared right out and a herb garden made for Pioneers' clients to tend. They also took out the old swing set frame and planted a couple of 'climbers' to climb up and over the old steel climbing frame.

So, our sincere thanks to Delphin's office workers for donating their time and effort on the day. Also, many thanks to our own Linnwood Garden Group who were here on the day and concentrated their efforts on the area around Faulds House, cutting back some of the trees and transplanting some plants from the Faulds courtyard out into a garden along the eastern wall. Thanks also to Beth Werner for taking lots of photos of all the action, and I have them here for you to have a look at the 'teams' in action. Delphin didn't stop there. When they heard the plans the garden group had for the fountain, they then offered to come back another day with a small bobcat to move all the mulch from over near the bamboo stand, and put it into the fountain - saving many a trip with a wheelbarrow! Well, it took a few weeks, but they did come back and move it all, and again, many thanks to our own gardeners who again turned up on the day, pot plants at the ready, and 'hey presto!' we had an instant garden in the fountain - and doesn't it look wonderful! Our Gardening Committee really do deserve a pat on the back, what they have done with the grounds and gardens, in their own time - which includes a roster to come and water each week - is truly amazing, so please, I think they all deserve a round of applause.

Our garden group, plus a few extras, recently went to visit 'Combewood' an historic home at Mulgoa - mainly to have a look at the gardens, still in fairly original condition, and were treated to a tour of part of the house as well. I believe everyone was truly impressed with this old home, still very much in original condition, and obviously our members made an impression on the owner who rang recently to ask advice on how to set up a 'Friends' group, as the house is badly in need of some help. The owner, also coincidently, had a photo of two Linnwood girls standing in front of a statue at Linnwood, probably the one now missing at the top of the drive, and very kindly donated it to us. It now gives us an idea of what was actually standing on the base that is still there.

I have a photo album here for you all to have a look through - showing pictures of the RTA sign at the start of the cycle/pathway at Military Road, featuring pictures of Linnwood, photos of "Kenilworth" home of Arthur McCredie (George McCredie's brother) at Harris Park (and now the International Conservatorium of Music), and with thanks to Beth Werner, lots of photos of the Delphin Lend Lease working bee.

Continuing on, we have had a couple of tours through, so thank you to those who were here each time to help serve morning or afternoon tea - it all helps. I have also done a few more talks at various community groups - trying to spread the word about Linnwood, its history and what it can offer the community in the future.

With the tour groups, we had a situation where the bus drivers would not bring their buses in because of overhanging branches from the trees lining the driveway, which made it a long walk for some of the elderly visitors. With thanks to Justine at L.J. Hooker and with Council approval, the offending branches and limbs have been trimmed back, so hopefully that situation won't arise again.

As you can see above you, we had quite a lot of entries for our Back to Guildford Festival Colouring-in Competition. With eight local schools participating, we had approximately 970 entries! And we had the wonderful time of hanging them all up the day before the last Open House! Again, where would we be without our volunteers! What you see here is the bulk of them - but we also then took over 300 entries down to IGA at Guildford to hang in their store as part of the Festival day. We were really happy with the response and our thanks must go to the judges from the Arts & Crafts Society - what a job they had to sift through all the entries and pick some winners!

We opened Linnwood on the day of the festival and had displays on show, the Holroyd Family History Group here ready to help anyone with researching their family tree, and lovely Devonshire Teas available, but unfortunately, we didn't have too many people come through the house. I believe it was a case of not enough advertising and we would really have to consider if it would be worth doing again next year.

Plans are still underway to have another Rhymes, Rhythms, Writings & Refreshments night or afternoon as part of the Holroyd CityFest in April of next year, so we will keep you informed of that as time goes on.

Our October Open House went quite well - we had the Humber Car Club here for the day and I believe they all enjoyed themselves. With the Spoon Collectors Club, Woodcarving Guild and Phil Patterson here with his police & military display, together with some new exhibitors, there was certainly a lot to look at. As I mentioned before, Bruce McCredie, together with his wife Doreen, came for a visit and not only brought the lectern donated by Bruce's brother, but also brought, just for the day, the original 'Illuminated Address' presented to the McCredie family by the Guildford community and we have some photos here to show you. It is just stunning - the penmanship is beautiful and there is even a small sketch at the bottom showing the original 'Linwood Hall' built on the property, used by the community for their church services. We were very fortunate to be able to hang this beautiful 'address' in the hall for the day and we thank Bruce and Doreen for allowing us to do so. They are such a lovely couple and very interested in all that we do.

Since then, Bruce has also sent me a photocopy of the obituary for his cousin, the artist Jean Appleton, who passed away last year. Some more information we can add to our McCredie family collection.

You may also notice hanging in the hallway a new painting (by Mr Joe Allen and on loan), of 'The Parson'. Those who have been to our Open House days when the Marines are here and have seen 'The Parson' will know who we are talking about - and what a great likeness it is. The artist was quite disappointed that the Marines weren't here in October, but rest assured, they will be back in December - so it will be interesting to see 'The Parson's' reaction to seeing himself on canvas!

Our December Open House will see the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors here to do evaluations of - watches & clocks! So if you have any old watches and clocks at home that you are not sure when or where they were made and why they aren't working - bring them along!

For this Open House Day we will be trialling sandwiches for sale as well as the other refreshments we normally provide. Apparently this is something visitors have been asking for, so we will try it and see if it's a success.

The week before the Open House - on Sunday the 5th, we will again be having a wedding in the grounds and catering afternoon tea for the guests. If anyone can volunteer some time on the day to help set up and serve we would really appreciate it. Please put your name on the relevant 'volunteers sheet' if you think you could help on the day and we will contact you closer to the day to confirm. We do ask that all volunteers try and wear black and white clothing on the day as well as their name badge.

Volunteers are also needed to do a letterbox drop for the Open House. Even if you just do the street you live in, we would appreciate it. Advertising these days is becoming more and more difficult, so if you could help out by going for a walk in your own street and popping a flyer in each letterbox, it would be really good. Again, if you could put your name on the relevant sheet, we will contact you closer to the day and drop off the flyers.

The committee would like to ask if anyone knows of a fridge mechanic who may be able to look at and assess the fridge we had that died - to see if it is worth fixing or, failing that, if any member has an old or 2nd fridge (that still works of course!) that they don't need any more. We are finding that with all the groups using the house and functions being held here, it would be much more practical if we had another fridge out here in the large kitchen - it would save many trips back and forth to the fridge in the other room. If you can help out, please talk to a committee member after the meeting.

I would now like to take this opportunity to thank one of our members for all the work he has done for us over the past months. From organising and making our new gates, putting locks on our kitchen cupboards (and thank you to those ladies who cleaned and lined and reorganised them), and working on the doors of our display cabinets - to Stan Thomas, a very big thank you from all of us. For those who may not know, Stan is going into hospital this week for heart surgery and we wish him all the very best for a speedy recovery.

Now, to things to come.

We are putting together our Calendar of Events for 2005 and as you can see, have some interesting guest speakers already lined up. We are working on the Open House exhibitors for next year, and whilst we don't have anything confirmed at this stage, I can assure you that there will be some very interesting displays coming in 2005. Although, just today, the Australian Aviation Museum at Bankstown Airport has confirmed their appearance here in April - they will be bring their travelling museum - the nose of a Nomad airplane fitted out as a museum - so that should be really interesting. As part of February's line up, Christine and Pam are working on a display of vintage Christening gowns, baby wear and underwear from bygone times. They have asked if any members have any of the above items that they would like to loan for display on the day, could they please let us know. It should be a very interesting display - I have seen some of the gowns already and they are just beautiful.

On Saturday 27th November we are having a "Scrapbooking" afternoon here at Linnwood from 2pm. If you would like to come and learn how to do this very popular craft, please let us know. It will cost each person $10 and you need to bring 6-8 photos with the same theme with you. All other materials (and afternoon tea) will be supplied. So come along and have a fun afternoon. There is a flyer for this activity on the table, so please take one and give Helen or myself a ring if you are interested in participating.

The Cumberland Group of the Embroiderer's Guild NSW Branch will be meeting here on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 1pm - starting in February of next year. Our committee member Christine is the co-ordinator/teacher/convenor of this group, so if you are interested in any type of embroidery, Christine would love to see you at the meetings. Please give her a call on 9632 7878 if you would like more information. Ladies and men are welcome.

On Friday I received a phone call from CLAN - their membership from girls who were at Linnwood continues to grow, and they have enquired if we could possibly have another reunion for the 'girls'. We will endeavour to do this in the new year as we feel that it is very important role for us to play in helping these women resolve any problems they may have from being brought up in 'care'. The Senate Inquiry has handed down the first part of its 'Forgotten Australians' report and there were 39 recommendations in this very important paper. CLAN will be sending us a copy of the report and have also asked us to write a submission to the Senate in time for the next sitting, outlining what we as Friends of Linnwood have done and will continue to do for the Girls of Linnwood. We will keep you informed as to how this progresses.

Last but not least is our Christmas dinner to be held on the night of our December Open House. After all the visitors have gone home we will be having our chicken and salad and dessert dinner. All members are welcome to attend and the price will be $8 per head. Please add your name to the booking sheet or give Helen or myself a ring to book if you're not sure about it today. We can take bookings right up until a few days before the 12th. Payment can be made today if you can, otherwise on the day will be fine. Again, we will be asking for help to prepare the salads etc, so if you can lend a hand it would be appreciated. Then we can all sit back and enjoy a lovely summer's evening at Linnwood.

Treasurer's Report for September/October 2004

In John McKenna's absence, Dorothy Warwick gave the Treasurer's report. The closing balance for September was $13,345, and closing balance for October was $13,847.

Beth Werner moved that the Treasurer's Report be accepted - all in attendance agreed to the motion.

Update from Gardening Committee

Winston Tattersall then gave the meeting another amusing report in respect to "an absolute hive of gardening activity" going on at Linnwood. On 23 September the staff of Delfin Lend Lease donated a day to clean out the garden area at the southern side of the laundry near the Dormitory, for the benefit of Pioneers. The clients of Pioneers can now do some gardening themselves, as a new and raised garden bed has been placed there for their own use.

Most members of the Gardening Committee were very active on the day as well, and Winston made special mention of Flo, Pam and Coral (hereinafter referred to as the "Linnwood Diggers") who visit Linnwood very regularly to weed, water and generally check that all the new plants are still surviving. They have also cleared out a circular garden bed to the east of Faulds House and have replanted it with Mondo Grass, Daisies, Agapanthas and Irises. In the newly cleared garden bed at the corner of Faulds House they have planted more Mondo Grass, Vinca, Butterfly Bush, Gazanias, Lavender and Clivia. They have also moved some small rose bushes back into the sun. The Linnwood Diggers have provided all of these new plants, a wheelbarrow and a new fork and spade as well. Ladies, well done and thank you!

On 23 October members of the Gardening Committee and other FOL members visited Combewood, an historic house at Penrith. The owner is a direct descendant of the Woodriff family, which had been given a large land grant of 1,000 acres in 1804. The 2-storey house was completed in 1890. The current owner lives in the house, which is basically still in its original state and is just beautiful. A tour of the downstairs rooms showed furniture, memorabilia and photos of succeeding members of the Woodriff family. The gardens of Combewood are lovely, with huge and beautiful old trees and the owner gave a history of the various trees and plants. Afternoon tea on the verandah concluded the visit - a most enjoyable afternoon.

Another working bee took place at Linnwood on 31 October to tackle the north-east facing garden bed at Faulds House. The Linnwood Diggers, Adriana and Sue transplanted more Clivias, and Russ brought his trailer to move several loads of mulch onto the renovated gardens. The workers weeded, trimmed, removed privet and cleared out some of the drains near Faulds House.

It has been a long held desire to fill the old fountain with a garden, and our wonderful friends from Delfin Lend Lease graciously came to our rescue by supplying a bobcat and driver to bring up all the mulch necessary to fill the fountain. More Mondo Grass, Daisies and Irises have now been planted and once they've all settled and grown, it will be a beautiful sight.

The next working bee will be on Sunday 28 November any time between 9.00am and 3.00pm, so if anyone wants to come along and lend a hand, you will be very welcome.

Update from Catalogue Committee

Pam Zopf advised that the Committee hadn't had a chance to do much work recently. The two front rooms and the hallway have been completed - totalling over 100 items. The Committee will follow-up with donors in order that they can sign-off their entries in the register.

General Business

Winston Tattersall raised the matter of the water leak at Faulds House. Dorothy Warwick has written to the NSW Heritage Office and LJ Hooker.

Today's Guest Speaker

Dorothy Warwick re-introduced Trish Skehan from Concord Heritage Society, who members may remember spoke to us last January about "Yaralla". Trish reminded us that Yaralla is situated at Concord West, near the hospital, on a 40 acre estate which was left in trust to the people of New South Wales by Dame Eadith Evans. The estate was saved from being sold by the NSW Government for $68 million to a Japanese group which wanted to build a golf resort. Unfortunately some of the buildings were demolished during the sale process, before the community stopped the sale. Many historic items went missing during this period, including a large number of WWI servicemen's medals. The property is now used by the Health Department for a large dialysis facility.

Trish regaled us with some very interesting stories and people she encountered in her research for her two books on Yaralla and Dame Eadith's family. The paternal side of Eadith's family can be traced back to Robert the Bruce, and Dame Eadith was a distant cousin of the Queen Mother. Trish was fortunate in being able to interview some of the Queen Mother's staff and obtain some information on the family. Trish sent a copy of her first book to the Queen Mother and received a letter from her saying how much she enjoyed it.

Even though Dame Eadith came from a well-to-do family and was a Dame Commander of the British Empire (the highest honour given to a woman in Australia's history), she was very keen to improve the circumstances of poor families and the under-privileged, and there were stories of her many kindnesses, one being that she turned over a lot of Yaralla land to soldiers of the First World War who did not have a home to return to.

Dame Eadith also established the Ashfield Foundling Home, was very supportive of women's education, founded the Red Cross in Australia with Mrs Lesley Munro Ferguson, and gave parts of her country estates to that organization.

Trish also told a couple of stories of how, during her travels while researching for her books, she came up against brick walls and things just didn't seem to be going right, when all of a sudden she would find herself sitting on a train next to someone who knew someone who could give her the information she was seeking. Or the time she visited a lady in a Sydney nursing home who had lived at Yaralla when she was young - the nursing staff told Trish that the lady had dementia and wouldn't be of any help. However Trish persevered and when she asked the lady did she know Dame Eadith Evans, this 15-year old voice suddenly emerged and the woman spoke as if she was still at Yaralla. Trish was able to get quite a bit of information from this dear old lady.

For those who are interested in visiting another historic estate that was saved by a caring community, Yaralla is holding its next Open Day on 3 March 2005.

Next Meeting

The next Public Meeting of the Friends of Linnwood will be held on Sunday 9 January at 2.00pm, and our Guest Speaker will be Susan Hutchinson, co-ordinator for the Fairfield City Museum & Gallery.

Raffle

The raffle was won by Irie Olde (again!).

Meeting Close

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 4.00pm.