September 29 - October 27, 2024: Issue 635

 

Bayview Sea Scouts Hall History: Updated with insights provided by 't of Church Point'

Re: Pittwater Online News Issue 624 - Bayview Sea Scouts Hall

Dear Editor

Apologies for delay. I had missed your original article until a friend sent me a copy.

(Pittwater Online News - Issue 624 - Bayview Sea Scouts Hall)

I remember the hall being used as an ambulance station.  My dad built our house at Church Point about 1959 and I used to attend Mona Vale public school. Whenever we drove past the ambulance station I would look to see if the ambulance vehicle was sticking out of the front door.

My dad took me down to join the 1st Bayview sea scouts in November 1962 when I was 10 1/2 so soon after 1st Bayview actually started.  He was told I was too old to join cubs so they allowed me to start scouts at an age younger than 11.  

We were always lucky to have adults willing to donate their time as scout leaders to organise the scout meetings on Saturday mornings and to supervise our use of various watercraft in the afternoons plus to organise and attend various scout regattas, camps and events.  Visits to the navy base at Garden Island was a special attraction.  

The 1st Bayview Sea Scouts would attend district scout camps at the newly completed Ingleside Scout Camp. Our tents were heavy canvas with “P.M.G” for Post Master General stencilled on the sides and not the usual better quality, scout tents.   

Other "water activities centric” scout camps were organised at Portuguese Beach near the Basin on Pittwater. We would often row to and from there in an old ‘double ended’ surf boat that came from Fisherman’s Beach at Long Reef.

My father was a sign writer by trade and made the original “1st Bayview Sea Scouts" sign under the ships wheel on the entry to the scout hall plus signs to various rooms (but not the hall sign shown in your photo) as well as many of the signs used at the new Ingleside scout camp. 

Back then, bottle recycling was practiced as a fund raising activity and we usually classified and stored the empty bottles prior to their collection on the western side of the hall where they were hidden from view.

I thought that the sandstone sea wall actually extended under the hall but not at the same height. Several large, water rats occupied the area behind the wall.

I seem to recall a scout regatta being held at Bayview sometime around 1965 and prior to the one you mentioned in 1975.  We would attend other scout regattas at Sailors Bay, Balmoral, Longueville, Abbotsford and Woollahra.

Attached is this magazine cover of Power Boat & Yachting from August 1965 featuring members of 1st Bayview Sea Scouts.


Who was the source about the history of the scout hall?  I don't recall the “trappings of the ambulance station … to teach cubs and scouts 1st aid” apart from the rooms that the Ambulance left behind. Do you know exactly what those trappings were to help my memory?

Regards
T., of Church Point

Pittwater Online Ed.; Thank you very much 'T'. We have not been provided on details of those 'trappings' and would welcome any further insigts and input from those who recall using them.

 

Bayview Sea Scouts Hall: some history 


The hall used by 1st Bayview Group, which has been running continuously for almost 62 years in this same location, was first built through the work of Cedric Moreton Williams as a clubhouse for the then Pittwater Aquatic Club. The Williams family have done a lot for Pittwater throughout successive generations, including asking Sir Granville de Laune Ryrie (1865-1937), grazier, politician and soldier, to officially dedicate the Mona Vale Village Park War Memorial

SCULLING. PITTWATER CLUB. LIGHTWEIGHT TITLES

At the last meeting of the New South Wales ...Sculling League. Cedric Williams Pittwater, handed in the titles he held of lightweight champion sculler and lightweight Gladstone skiff champion of New South Wales. Williams has been the outstanding lightweight sculler in the state for quite a few years and his retirement from the lightweight division should create greater Interest in these championships. SCULLING. (1935, April 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17164544 

He didn't stop rowing in local events though or organising for things to get better by affiliating the club with NSW Rowing Association and securing coach as well as funds from then Warringah Shire Council towards a clubhouse:

PITTWATER CLUB'S REGATTA

The Pittwater Aquatic Club’s first regatta under the control of the New South Wales Rowing Association will be held at Bayview on Monday. The club is now affiliated and for Its first main series will enter crews In four oar and sculling races only. It has secured Mr F Ballan as coach. He is an ex member of Drummoyne Rowing Club. The first crew heavyweight maiden fours comprised of the club’s scullers N Fox V Fox A Fryer and C Williams. The second crew are men from Deewhy F Moore J Trim R Bonser and M Moore.

The racing will start at 10 am when heats of the sculling races will be held and the main racing at 3 p m The club has recently purchased two eight-oar boats and will commence training for senior events early in the new year. A new club-house is being erected at BayviewROWING. (1936, October 3). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved fromhttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17286978 

The official opening took place on Monday 4th of October 1937 and was conducted by Pittwater Aquatic Club Patron Sir Clifton Love, manufacturer and businessman, who also spent Christmas Holidays in Pittwater aboard his luxury cruiser, Spindrift.


Pittwater Aquatic Club opening - C M Williams' son Cedric Vincent Williams' photo





from the water when it was the Aquatic Club premises, for rowing. Photo: Don Taylor, circa 1930s

AQUATIC GAIETY.
Christmas Holidays Afloat.

Christmas and New Year promise to be very bright socially at Palm Beach and on the luxurious homes afloat on Broken Bay and Pittwater.
In the Basin adjacent to Palm Beach will be many luxury cruisers of all sizes and descriptions They will include the auxiliary schooner Boomerang of Mr and Mrs Frank Albert with Mr Lex Albert and a party on board and with Live Wire is a speed tender Mr and Mis Stuart Doyle's motor yacht Mirimar, the fifty foot cruiser Cynthia of Mr and Mrs H P Christmas, Mr and Mrs Bernard Bayley in the Greyhound, Mr and Mrs W Heine in Corsair, Mr and Mrs W D Lawson in Sylph III, Mr and Mrs A D Walker in Lolita, Mr and Mrs P A Mcintosh in Opal with Silver Spray, Mr and Mrs Bertie Hors-field in their cruiser Moth, Mr and Mrs V Heine in Hoona, Mr and Mrs Sid Blundell in Catherine Ellen, Mr and Mrs Noel P Hunt in Ronald, Mr and Mu J A Barraclough In Corycia, Mr and Mrs H W Bunce in Laloa, Mr and Mrs A W Brown with Mr and Mrs Brown sen in Binghi, Miss Mirle Doyle in Baby Miramar, Dr C L S Mcintosh in Carinya, Mr Keith Hamilton with Mr and Mrs Ken Wheeler and Mr John Milgrove aboard Ophir, Mr and Mrs F Luks Hermina II, Mr and Mrs Ron Shaftos Marcia, Mr and Mrs P Dowling's Fairie, Mr W Mantel's party In Air Wave, Jack Copeland in the speed boat Idle a While, Mr Jo Fallon with speed boat It, Mr Ralph Doyle with his daughter Miss Robin Doyle in the Redwing, Sir Clifton Love in Spindrift Mr and Mrs A G Wilson in Iolanthe.
Altogether more than £100 000 worth of luxury craft will grace the waters of Broken Bay this Christmas flying the famous burgee of the Royal Motor Yacht Club-blue with a yellow cross and Royal crown.
Many and festive are the parties to be held on board the various yachts and smart dances card parties and excursions daily and nightly will add to the gaieties of the season.
Then comes the Pittwater regatta on December 30 which is the Cowes of Australia with its myriads of craft from big sailing yachts to tiny outboards splashing the azure waters of Pittwater and Palm Beach with flickering foam-speed boats luxury cruisers sailing boats and yachts and the T S S Gwydir the social centre of activity as the flagship of the Regatta. At night the Broken Bay branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club will hold its annual New Years ball.
 AQUATIC GAIETY. (1933, December 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17033201

The Pittwater Aquatic Club began in 1922 in Bayview, with meetings originally held in the boatshed of local gentleman and champion rower/sculler Cedric Williams. The club, formalised in 1924, was the original sculling/rowing club version of the Pittwater Aquatic club.

The PAC also included ladies in its ranks who regularly competed with each other and at inter-club events. Their inclusion began in 1933 and they soon began winning inter-club races as well:

SCULLING. - Pittwater Aquatic Club.

Pittwater Aquatic Club closed Its 1932-33 sculling season and financial year on June 3. The membership was Increased during the year by 40. During the year a women's section was attached to the club, which now has a membership of 19 active competitors. The club has had a very successful season, and at present holds four of the five State championship titles allotted by the New South Wales Professional Sculling and Rowing League. On Broken Bay during the season 167 races were held. SCULLING. (1933, June 29). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16963459

The club had various cups and trophies to be competed for during the season, the Pittwater Cup, a Relay Race for the Parramatta Cup, the PAC Fox Trophy for Men’s Best and Best Handicap, and the Penniman trophy and even one called the Giant Brand Paint trophy. In February of each year they held a two day Regatta to which competitors from Shoalhaven, Parramatta and Balmain would come. The most well known of all these trophies is one initiated by Cedric Williams Esq. to be raced for as a perpetual trophy between clubs. 

CLUB SAILING FIXTURES.

PITTWATER -Cedric M Williams trophy race Waterwitch 21m 19m Tug 14m 8m Wln^s 12m8m Mavis 12m fin Sunny 10m 8m Swastika Popeye 9m 8m Bunyip 6m 6m Ncmlsls 3!jmam Pandora 2m scr Cygnet set ser I roller 7m Swift scr set. CLUB SAILING FIXTURES. (1937, October 21). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17407142

SCULLING. Parramatta River Club. CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA.

The Parramatta River Sculling Club held Its championship regatta over the Putney-Gladesville course on the Parramatta River on Saturday. The main attraction on the programme, the light-weight Gladstone skiff championship of New South Wales, was won for the third successive year by Cedric Williams,  of  Pittwater, who defeated his clubmate, F. Kerr, by three lengths. J. Hanlan, Pittwater, won the outrigger handicap, and the skiff handicap,

Results:

Lightweight championship of New South Wales, In Gladstone skills, lm (holder, C. Williams);  C.M. Williams (Pittwater), 1; F. Kerr (Pittwater), 2.Only starters. Won by three lengths.  Women's Gladstone skiff handicap, lm.: Miss D.Pamplin (Parramatta), 52s, 1; Miss D. Hammond(Parramatta), 38s, 2; Miss M. Hickson (Pittwater),16s, 3. Won by four lengths. SCULLING. (1935, March 11). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17172714


Cedric M Williams as rower circa 1930 (Older gentleman used to help with rowing - possibly F Ballan)

The PAC also took part in the earliest Pittwater Regattas and sustained its participation throughout the decades these ran.

As part of this VIP's were frequently welcome aboard the Flagship of these regattas after embarking at Bayview wharf and being welcomed by a guard honour comprised from local Naval Sea Scouts, which underlines how long this location, and building, has been associated with the Sea Scouts fellowship.

The Navy League was established in Australia in November 1900 as the Australian branch of the United Kingdom Navy League.  By 1950 they operated independently of their British parent. Their aim is as an advocacy group dedicated to creating interest in maritime and naval matters, particularly those relating to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Australian Merchant Navy. In 1920, the New South Wales branch of the Navy League established a cadet-training organisation, the Navy League Sea Cadet Corps.

A few insights from the pages of the past:

LOVE OF THE SEAS. TRIBUTE TO YACHTING. GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S SPEECH. 

The value of yachting from a national standpoint was strikingly emphasised by the Governor-General (Lord Stonehaven) in a speech at the Pittwater Regatta on Saturday. It was the occasion of the presentation by his Excellency of an illuminated address and wallet of notes to the hon. secretary, Mr. John Roche, who had held that position since the Inception of the regatta, 21 years ago.

Mr. C. E. Le Maistre Walker, C.B.E., president of the regatta executive, described the Governor-General as "a good sport." He complimented the officials, especially Mr. Roche, whose service constituted a record. 

Lord Stonehaven said they thoroughly realised how deserving was Mr. Roche of the praise expressed in the Illuminated Address, 

"You are very precocious In Australia-which is not to be regretted-and though only 21years of age, it seems to me that this regatta is very flourishing, full of confidence, and sure of success," said his Excellency. 

"This result must be due very largely to the work of the secretary. (Cheers.) An efficient secretary is a most difficult man to find, and a valuable man to retain when you get him(Renewed cheers.) He is entitled to the gratitude not merely of the racing fraternity, but of the citizens as a whole. Anyone coming from any other port of the world cannot fail to realise the part that yachting plays in the development of Australia. I have been greatly impressed today, from the lads in the dinghies to the elder men whose heads emerged from the cockpit of the flagship. (Laughter.)

Right: PITTWATER REGATTA. His Excellency the Governor-General (Lord Stonehaven) watching the Pittwater regatta at Broken Bay (N.S.W.).PITTWATER REGATTA. (1928, January 3). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3901320

"We are fond of yachting," he continued. "Not only Is It a wonderful relaxation, but it is also a splendid sport. Australia is an island, and an island depends on the command of the sea for its development, its happiness, and everything else. Nothing breeds a love of the sea more than yachting. It affords a splendid opportunity of relaxation, assists in the training of character, and contributes towards the future of this great nation."

(Cheers.) His Excellency paid a tribute to the Navy League Sea Cadets, who had provided a guard of honour. Mr. Roche, in reply, said that he had always looked upon his work for the Pittwater Regatta as a hobby. LOVE OF THE SEAS. (1928, January 2). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16431021

The Governor-General (Lord Stonehaven) was received at the Bayview Wharf on Saturday morning by Mr. Roche, who introduced him to the president of the Warringah Shire Council, to Mr. Archdale Parkhill, M.P., Mr C. A. Le Maistre Walker, C.B.E. (president of the regatta committee), Mt. R. W. D. Weaver. M.L.A.. Mr. John Williams, Alderman, S. H. Burns (hon. secretary of Balmain Regatta), Mr. H. G. Alderson (chairman of  the New South Wales Rowing Association). Mr. W. N. Cuthbertson (general manager of the Newcastle and Hunter River Steamship Company), and Mrs. E. G. Greig. 

The Navy League Sea Cadets provided a guard of honour beneath arches of flags and greenery prepared by residents of the district. His Excellency then embarked on the motor cruiser Miramar, belonging to Mr. Stuart F. Doyle, commodore of the Royal Motor Yacht Club. At 3.30. p.m. Lord Stonehaven was received aboard the flag-ship Newcastle. PITTWATER. (1928, January 2). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16431002


Sam Hood image of Bayview's Pittwater Aquatic Club contributing to the regatta, with John Roche on Bayview Wharf waiting for Lord Stonehaven.  Digital Order No. a409025, courtesy State Library of NSW.


From Cedric and Iris (Sophie's) collection - Courtesy of daughter of Cedric, Elizabeth  From Williams Family albums:

Committee members of the Pittwater Regatta on board SS ARCHER - Mrs Grieg can be seen in spiffy hat, John Roche peeking out behind Mr F. J. S. Young. 1925 Regatta, courtesy Australian National Maritime Museum photo No.: 10666. Archer was flagship in 1923 - the rowing cap worn by man third from left with white pants states 'NSW 1925'

At the last race prior to the outbreak of war in 1939 this trophy, a model of a Racing Four complete with sculls, and mounted in a glass case made by then well-known model maker Stuart Murray, was won by the Balmain club. It gathered dust at their club stuck atop a cupboard until 2009 when remodelling caused pause for thought and the return of this item to its home in the new Pittwater Aquatic Club. The PAC, now a sailing club, moved to new premises on the other side of the bay.

One of the original Trophies. Picture by Michael Mannington, 2012. 

Some of the medals Cedric M won - courtesy of Cedric V

A model Cedric M built of a Gladstone Skiff - courtesy of Cedric V Williams

Larger PAC hall social functions were held at the Masonic Hall at Collaroy, and when the community was welcoming home airman Patrick Gordon Taylor, an event was held at Mona Vale’s hall:

Sophie, Cedric and John Williams Snr. at right side, Front row in this photo - courtesy Elizabeth Hird (nee Williams)

Cedric M Williams was friends with Captain P G 'Bill' Taylor (later Sir) - they went flying together and the first seaplane of sorts that Sir Taylor flew was flown from Bayview. See: The Man Who Saved Smithy - Fighter pilot, pioneer aviator, hero: the life of Sir Gordon Taylor MC, GC by Rick Searle - a few insights from the biographer of this Allen&Unwin book on a local hero - and make you wonder if there were a few Williams hands helping those floats float!

Among Elizabeth Hird's Photos and newspaper clippings from her mum Sophie Iris are some  seen in our recent Collector's Corner page - Pittwater Regatta Air Race Trophies: from 1934 and 1935 and The Pilot Who Saved William Hughes - including one of the planes in photograph form: clearly Capt. P G Taylor had more than a small hand in bringing aeroplanes into being part of Pittwater Regattas:


That welcome Home included Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith:



Letter and clippings courtesy courtesy Elizabeth Hird (Nee Williams)

The Pittwater Aquatic Club also held its own end of season functions in the clubhouse:


During WWII the club lapsed (1939) and those who were members stayed on the water fulfilling roles in keeping Pittwater safe. Cedric Williams, along with older brother Jack, worked on Pittwater and became an Army Lieutenant. 

The hall at Bayview was then used for a while as an ambulance station.

HOW THE KILLER GOT AWAY

The police have pieced together the movements of Fisher's taxi on Saturday from information supplied by numerous telephone callers. This is the picture they have got:

8 A.M.-Fisher left home to start work.

10.30.-Taxi seen by Mr. C. Clark, whose Church Point store is about three-quarters of a mile from the culvert where Fisher was found.

WIFE-"Had To Skip"

10.45_Mrs. Wymark, on her way to buy groceries, heard the taxi coming, with its engine full-out. She said yesterday "If I hadn't skipped out of the way it would have hit me. We very rarely see coloured taxis out here They are mostly private hire cars. That is why I noticed its cream and orange colour. When I saw the description in the Sunday papers I immediately told the police "

The taxi was travelling towards Mona Vale

10.55-Mr C Williams ambulance officer at Bayview, saw the taxi rush past the ambulance station, heading for Mona Vale.

“I knew Fisher and I know his taxi," he said "Every time he went past he hooted his horn to say good day.

"I was in the garden, but this time there was no hoot "


MR. C. WILLIAMS

11.30.-Mr M Daddry, of  Roseville Road, Beacon Hill who works for the same employer as Fisher did was looking out of the window with his wife and saw the taxi on Pittwater Road going towards the city

Mr. Daddry slid to his wife, ‘Gee, Ted must be late to work.'

12 10 pm-Mr Chris Mallis who owns Fisher’s cab saw the taxi being driven along Oxford Street city by a thin stranger He challenged him and the man got out of the cab. He ran away as Mr. Malus was questioning him.

The police believe that Fisher, who lived in Oaks Avenue, Deewhy, was murdered at about 10 a.m. on Saturday. 

They want to interview a man aged about 18 to 20, 5ft 7in to 5ft 11in tall, very thin build, fairly fair complexion clear skin, very fair hair, parted on left side (hair on right side of parting tends to stand up a little), thin features, clean shaven. He was dressed in a brown, possibly check, sports coat, sports trousers, and white shirt.

It is believed Fisher may have been in the back of the car dead for some time before the killer dumped him in the culvert.

After Mr. Malus took over the taxi in Oxford Street, detectives found a .22 cartridge shell and Fisher's wrist watch and a cigarette lighter on the back seat. Later, a Paddington man found a sawn off 22 calibre rifle in his backyard He handed it to police

SEARCH-Scrub And Roads

On Saturday night, Superintendent H E Snowden, Detective Inspector J Rogers and Detective Inspector M F Calman organised yesterdays big police search. They scientifically searched roads and dense scrub over a wide area.

They are searching for a fibre seat cover which was missing from the murdered man's taxi.

They appeal to anyone who finds it to contact the C.I.B. immediately.

Detective-Inspector J. Rogers, Detective-Inspector M. Caiman, Detective-Sergeant Crowley, Detectives W Cannings and K. Brown, and other C.I.B. men are leading the hunt for the killer

Police are impressed by similarity of the murder with the Southport taxi-murder last month. The blood-stained taxi of Athol Henry McCowan was found on the seafront at South-port, near Brisbane, towards the end of May. McCowan was found murdered in a creek a week later after a manhunt in which more than 1,000 people took part. His murderer has not yet been found. HOW THE KILLER GOT AWAY. (1952, June 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18271020 

Three people were injured yesterday when two cars collided head on in Bayview Road, Bayviewoutside the Pittwater branch of Manly Ambulance.
Injured were: Miss Laura Greenwood, 37, of Thornley Street, Leichhardt, fractured right arm and laceration to face, scalp and hand; Miss Leslie Utting, 22, of Ellison Street, Ringwood, Melbourne, lacerations to both, legs and injuries to the back; Hugh Giblin, 38, solicitor, of Bay-view Road, Church Point, laceration to the forehead. Child Dies On Road At Glebe (1953, March 15). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 3. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18502491 

1st Bayview Sea Scouts Group were given permission to use the hall from 1962. The Warringah Shire Council meeting of May 28th 1962 records:

B) Boy Scouts Assn. Pittwater District; addressed to the President; 16/5/62 Requesting permission to use the building, previously occupied by the Manly-Warringah District Ambulance, and-situated in Pittwater Road, Bayview, for the purpose of a Scout Hall. 

Council Resolved --that those organisations be permitted to use the hall at Council's pleasure. ,(Crs. Wade/Bertram): , (C) Palm Beach Golf Club Ltd., 18/5/62 Notifying on June 16th.: the Club is holding a Charity Day in aid of the Mona Vale Hospital and extending an invitation to all Councillors to be the Club's guests at the evening's social function 32. 'Resolved; that the Palm Beach Golf Club be informed that as many Councillors as possible will attend.; (Crs. Ellis/Jones). 

When 1st Bayview first started the hall was still had some of the trappings of the ambulance station. This made it easy to teach the cubs and scouts 1st Aid.

With the opening of Mona Vale Hospital the shed was no longer needed for this purpose.

The hall is a waterfront property on the edge of Pittwater. The hall was built on pylons out in the water. Then the break wall and Bayview Park was reclaimed and built around it, but not under the hall. To this day there is still a sandy beach and water at high tide underneath this hall.

The area around Bayview Park, alongside the site and where the Bayview Tennis Club has had its home since late 1933, has been subjected to successive episodes of land-filling, reclamation and dredging since the early twentieth century. By the late 1940s the area had been almost totally reclaimed and by the early 1970s dredging of the bay and reclamation of saltmarsh had been completed. The western edge of bay had been prepared and realigned in anticipation of the seawall and a proposed marina development at Winnererremy Bay which did not eventuate (see film by John Illingsworth below). Until the past few decades estuarine wetlands were regarded as unhealthy swampy wastelands requiring 'reclamation' which was often achieved by way of waste landfills. This intervention of the natural environment eliminated much of the transitional zone – the estuarine complex of mudflats, saltmarsh meadows, mangroves and Swamp Oak forests. The Careel Bay Playing fields are another instance of this occurring. These had been a tip and then were added to by filling in the mangroves that once stretched from the northern edge of Avalon to Careel Bay.

The hall has been rebuilt and modernised multiple times, but retains a rustic wooden boatshed vibe.

The old Pittwater Aquatic Clubhouse was in danger of being demolished due to its dilapidated state. It was saved but again came under potential demolition orders with a scheme to widen the road. This was not the first time where the land meets the water was changed to suit road building and other infrastructure. Warringah Shire Council Minutes of Meetings record a few instances – a few examples are:

June 7th 1938 Warringah Shire Council Minutes of Meeting records; - 

Correspondence was dealt with as follows - 1. Lands Dept., 20/38, stating Metropolitan Water Sewerage & Drainage Board has requested that a small area of land between Bayview Road and highwater mark of Pittwater, as shown on an accompanying sketch, be added to the road; inquiring whether Council concurs the declaration as a I, in public road of this area, and also other similar other small are shown on accompanying plan. Resolved, - The Department The informed the Council concurs in the proposal. 

The Minutes of Meeting held March 22nd 1968 record:

Dunbar Park. Area cleared for relocation of Scout Hall. Kitchener Park. Area on southern side graded ready for grassing. Bayview Baths. Cleansed on 20.3.68 and 3.4.68. TREES & GARDENS. The following trees and shrubs planted or replanted during this period:_Epping. Drive. 35 liquid amber. Glen Street. 6 liquid amber. Pringle Avenue. 14 liquid amber. Naree Road. 6 liquid amber and 8 tristania conferta. North Curl Curl School. 12 eucalyptus haemostoma, 4 melaleuca armillaris. Various streets and reserves; 46 mixed trees and shrubs re; plan . 

The November 29th 1971 Special Meeting records:

EXPENDITURE LAND. (Page 33). Proposed Acquisition of Lot 1, Section 7, D.P. 9125, No. 25 Fisher 4 Road, Dee Why Civic Centre, Dee Why $40,000. 21. Resolved; That this item be deleted and referred to the 1973 Estimates. (Crs. Sainsbery/Farrell). 22. Further resolved; That items 2 and 3 under the heading 'Land', proposed acquisition of No. 1826 Pittwater Road, Bayview for Open Space, and Lots 1, 51 6, Bungan Beach for Open Space, totalling $63,250, be deleted from the Draft Estimates and included in a future Loan. (Crs. Begaud/Farrell).  Adjournment of Special Meeting; 27. Resolved; That this Special Meeting now adjourn, and resume on Thursday, 9th December, 1971, at 5.30 P.M. (Crs. Farrell/Gracie). The meeting concluded at 10.28 p.m. _This is page Number 5 of the Minutes of the Special Meeting of Warringah Shire Council, held on Monday, 29th November, 1971

Warringah Shire Council's Works Committee Meeting of Monday, 4th April, 1977 records: 

PITTWATER ROAD - MONA VALE TO CHURCH POINT DESIGN BY DEPARTMENT OF MAIN ROADS (file 430/12) (Report No. A77/69 S/E) The Department asks Council's concurrence with its design proposal to allow preparation of final design and establishment of an appropriate reclamation line. 1 The proposal is to generally provide a 12.6 m. carriageway which allows for 2 through traffic lanes and 2 kerbside lanes. All curves are to be widened to suit the Department's Urban Road Design Standard and additional widening of 1.6 m. at bus stops included throughout. A footpath 1.6 m. wide on the north aide is to be provided and a 1 a. nature strip or berm, behind the kerb on south side. 2. Because of the presence of established trees within the proposed carriageway between Jendi Avenue and Kananook Avenue, the Department requests Council to plant new trees in the proposed footway area and it has reduced the carriageway to 6.7 m. and no kerb and gutter until these trees become established, at which time the carriageway will be widened to 12.6 m. and the existing tress in the carriageway removed. 3. The proposed alignment follows the existing road pavement as closely as possible within the constraints of the Department's Design Standards. This results in the retention of the Bayview Tennis Courts and Scout Hall on the Pittwater side of the road and eliminates heavy reclamation and sea walls between Mona Street and Bakers Road except for a short length around the large bend at Fermoy Avenue. Additional widening to accommodate separation median and a sheltered right turn storage lane is provided at the large boat shed immediately west or Fermoy Avenue. The purpose of this is primarily to save a number of large trees in the area of the median. 4. There is no significant acquisition of private property required for road widening but Council will lose approximately 8 m. off the full length of the Church Point Car Park. 5. From Minkara Road to Church Point a continuous line of seawall approximately 10 ml off the edge of the present road pavement is proposed. RECOMMENDATION That a) the Deportment's design as submitted on plan 0174.479 MU 2506 be agreed to; b) street trees be planted to replace trees requiring removal in the future between Jendi Avenue and Kananook Avenue; COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION: That the plan as recommended be forwarded to the Standing Committee, as set up, to examine this road and that the Town Planner be included in discussions of the special plan. COUNCIL'S DECISION (12/4/77): 68 ADOPTED. t. Creagh/Hoy) PAGE 12

The 1st Bayview Sea Scouts Group are one of the largest scout groups in our Region.

Having the title "Sea Scouts" means the 1st Bayview Group have leaders qualified in water activities, and have all the appropriate water craft in-house; Canoes, Kayaks, Sailing boats, Wind Surfers, SUP, power boats, and a Yacht. 

They also have all the gear and qualifications for the more traditional scouting adventurous activities; Camping, Bushwalking, anything and everything to do with cubs and scouts.

The club then, as now, honours its beginnings as a place to learn how to be safe on the water and have fun:

BUSINESS WITHOUT NOTICE - INTRODUCED BY THE PRESIDENT SCOUT ASSOCIATION, MANLY WARRINGAH AREA, letter dated 7.12.1974 requesting permission to hold its Scouts Regatta at Bayview Scout Headquarters on 25/27th January, 1975 with events being held on Pittwater; seeking permission to use (a) area adjacent to the Scout Hall for boat storage, boat trailer and car parking free of charge; (b) use of Pittwater Quay's area for camping up to 400 scouts; (c) provision of temporary toilet and garbage facilities. 

Council Resolved - (a) That approval be granted to conduct the Regatta, subject to the Association obtaining the concurrence of Pittwater Quay Pty. Ltd. to use the area under its control; (b) That $550 be voted under Section 504 for the provision of toilet and water supply facilities and sanitary service and that the Association liaise with the Parks and Reserves Engineer and the Controller of Cleansing on this matter. (Crs. Huntingdon/Sainsbery)

1st Bayview Sea Scout Group provides fun youth development activities, building resilience and confidence for ages 5 to 17.

The Group runs weekly meetings during school terms, plus many weekend and holiday events for our youth members, and sometimes the whole family.

Find out more at: https://www.1st-bayview.group.scoutsnsw.com.au/home  

The 1st Bayview Sea Scouts in 2012:


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Bayview Sea Cubs and Scouts muster for 2023 Anzac Day March and Service at Avalon Beach RSL Cenotaph in Dunbar Park

 

Winnererremy Bay: Angus Gordon - Sequel To 'Dorothy Hawkins' Film

A follow-on from John Illingsworth's film about  Dorothy Hawkins -  Dorothy Hawkins' family, father Joseph Homer, ran a dairy near Winnererremy Bay at Mona Vale from 1936.

John states in the information listed for this film:

Angus Gordon was General Manager of breakaway Pittwater Council from 1996 to 2005. He turned the new council around. Central was the successful development of Winnererremy Bay into both residential area and beautiful public park, a work almost of genius given that Warringah Council had botched the initial public land resumption in favour of a dodgy commercial development focussed on a 'boatel' and marina development. When that failed the NSW State Government prepared a residential development of up to 300 blocks. Resident opposition and some clever footwork by the new Council instead produced a public good. Lightly edited, this film offers rare insight into processes that govern us that are more usually obscure to the general public.

Bayview Sea Scouts Hall: Some History - threads collected and collated and coloured photos by A J Guesdon, 2012 to 2024.


Bayview Wharf, 1900. Photos courtesy NSW Records and Archives