HISTORY AND HERITAGE TAKEN AWAY BY COUNCIL IN PAST DECADE/YEAR

The past year 2019 has been a bad one for anything of historical interest in our area.   We lost the special architectural building on South Road to Bunnings.  Not one piece kept. 

Back part showing the architectural curves of the Bridgestone Building.  Nothing else like this building in the southern hemisphere. Now nothing.


During the 1950s there was a boom in companies and industries coming to Edwardstown and setting up their businesses.   They needed workers close by, so SAHT built streets of homes for workers.  Homes for  those men and women who had jobs but not enough money to buy their own homes.   Decent hard working families, many of whom raised children and contributed much to the area and the State. 

With the many workers, bus routes were set up to assist them to get to work and then  home, to get to the station and to the main road.   With these came bus seats - benches, where tired workers could wait for transport to and from work.






There were a number of these seats  around the streets, but had all remained in fairly good condition after more than 50 to 60 years.  A couple which were damaged  were reported to the council so they could be repaired.  No, council doesn't repair anything like that in Edwardstown - they simply came along and took them out and with the usual - 'they can't be fixed' or 'the engineers feel they should be got rid of, not safe" -   the latter is such a well used phrase with this council.  The answer to anything.  No checking if it was historical - don't think that even applies to our area.

Funnily enough, not only did they take away the couple of seats which had been damaged due to the tree roots undermining the brick footpath beneath the seats.  Oh, the sides of the seats were fully ok - the cement type. Just old and uncleaned.  Of course the slabs of wood seating needed replacement or fixing but the council  cannot do that.  The other seats were in a good condition.  I know - I have been using them for years, especially when on long walks.    Then they even pulled up an aluminium seat which was reported for historical reference only  - reason supposedly another 'engineer' saying it was absolutely no good.  Funny thing is that over the past 6 months I had seen a  people using it - yes, actually sitting on it and they didn't have any problems.  In fact the residents of the area were expecting it back - they thought it had been taken out while the footpath was being fixed.

All the seating - similar type as from similar period of time - Wrought iron ends with wooden benches.  At the oval - they were all pulled out, and many residents were annoyed and angry that the seats were just chucked out.  I saw them,  photographed them and many could have been re-used safely .  I would have taken one, as would other members of the public - something to remember their weekly footie matches or cricket games.    But when questioned, it was down to 'they cannot be used - engineers say - ' all excuses, then they very quickly  disappeared  - after sitting in the grounds for months.



 That is a council fun note.  Nothing happens until someone brings it out in open, like the above mentioned footie seats - boy - then they react and so quickly one's head can turn.     

Excuses they make are great - best one was a garden - new plants put in one day and next day all over the place, and someone picking the best lot up and driving away with them. They were not replanted!   So new ones put in.  Money wasted.   I remember going around and replanting the remaining plants in the ground - with other residents - properly.   Not just sitting in a hole to be blown away or picked up so easily by kids or other people. Most plants blew away, died, or were taken - because they were not planted properly. 

Along Cross Rd between South and Marion Road, around 2000, there was a ceremony for the 'Boulevard'   At each bus stop a new and specially designed bus shelter, each having a plaque attached giving the history were built.  A couple of specially marked bus seats further down.   When I found these, they were in a dirty condition.  None of the shelters had been cared for.  Painting them looked so haphazard, that it included spray painting the footpath and anything around, not fixing the once glass windows or caring for the 'rusted bits'.  Even spray painting over some or all of the plaques with green paint - then not cleaning them.   So I began to clean them, but was having difficulty due to arthritis.   So just casually asked what  could be done.  Would someone from council give them a clean.  Well, that was a stupid thing for me to do. Have a great photo of one of the so called cleaning jobs. Told that it was not council, but a graffitti artist or such!!!!

So now, what is going to happen? - the engineer says they will all be taken down and the plaques possibly going to Heritage whom I believe have very limited space  for historical items and not from their area.  Told, it was only a couple of decades ago so not of historical interest! 

Also told, if there had been a committee for years like they have at Marion etc then maybe things could be kept or at least kept clean and looked after.  Joke I think.

No one had really had any idea of the plaques around the suburbs here but the Heritage centre would love to have all the information.    Cleaning them was a bit of a farcical attempt by the council.  The small plaques on plinths need regular and continuous work on them to get them into an acceptable condition.   Maybe if there is a volunteer who is interested in them could 'take them over' in a volunteer way to learn how to clean them properly and indeed paint and repair the plinths in a decent fashion. Not a council worker.

Other plaques I have information on, have  not been cared for and indeed it depends where they are and what property they are on.  Even those plaques which have been taken away from their original homes are not accepted anywhere in the council. They don't seem to have any ability to bend from their so called rigid rules of engagement!!!!!

Each thing is attached to different departments.  We just can't get one person or one dept to care for us here.

Homes gone,



 buildings gone, businesses gone, churches gone, rose garden gone,





 railway station buildings gone, air strip gone, photographs and memorabillia gone.     More to come or should I say more on what has been taken away.



History is what has been written - history is what has been, for whatever time period - whether mid century homes,  100 years plus buildings, people and their achievements, of just people living.   Planting trees, removing trees.
'
'Renewing' Edwardstown or whatever the word I want is,  with incorrect information? Can't even get that righted.  Why don't they want to know the true facts?
All I can hope for is that someone else will want to 'save' the history of their Edwardstown, Ascot Park and South Plympton streets, trees, houses and the couple of community areas.

FLYING AND EDWARDSTOWN

This weekend there is an air show at Edinburgh. ( I did rookie training there for WRAAF course).    

It got me thinking of Edwardstown area and flying.   We should be celebrating Mr Wilkins and his airstrip and hangar - for him and others interested and involved in the new 'Airplane'.  At one stage this area was also in the running for the building of the first Adelaide Airport.   This was in Edwardstown, but the area was then called Ackland Gardens -after the family who had owned the land on South Rd from Daws Rd.(Sweetmans Rd).

 Wilkins was not only a pilot and mechanic but also one of the first aerial photographers in South Australia.  He flew all around the State in his bi-plane taking thousands of photos, of land and houses, often landing nearby to sell the pictures to the property owners.   He built his own gyrocopter when flight was in its infancy and anyone who could, was out to build and fly the best, and then there were races galore around the world.

In January of 1935, Arthur Wilkins flew across Edwardstown and landed on his own field.  Trouble was, that people had seen the bi-plane  just 'disappear' behind some trees on the land, and so an alarm was put out that the plane had crashed.  Calling the Edwardstown police was no help, as there was no answer at the station - the policeman had already gone to the scene.   The crowd which had raced to the scene drifted away when they saw all was well.

 Arthur Wilkins airstrip and hanger was open to other pilots and planes.  Other pilots used the airfield, such as  in 1935 a gentleman called Gatenby was at the Wilkins airfield with his gyrocopter  taking  the public up for a ride for a fee.  During the depression many pilots worked all over the country taking people up in the air as they tried to make enough money to keep flying.

One curious bit of history is around the Wilkins name, as there was a man called Sir George Hubert Wilkins who was born in South Australia, whereas Arthur was born in UK.   George was famous for his aviation skills, the Antarctic aerodrome, and he also was a pioneer in  aerial photography.  I think they are related, but still trying to prove it.

The other pilot, I think about often,  is a young British born lad called William  (Bill) Millington who lived in Stanton St Edwardstown with his parents and sisters.   The family had come to South Australia  in 1926 for better health but when WW 2 began, Bill  went back to England and enlisted in the RAF - 79th Squadron.   This young man was one of the 'few'  He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in October 1940 for his heroism when he was wounded in a previous flight but managed to land his plane away from people and villages. He was hurt badly by the fire but when recovered went back to his squadron.

 He flew in the Battle of Britain - so young - and was killed in action August 1940.   A real hero.  His parents and sisters staying in Edwardstown.
There is more of his ' story on a number of sites.  This one is the Imperial War Museum in UK
https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/10-inspiring-stories-of-bravery-during-the-battle-of-britain

The third 'flying' anecdote is also connected to the Second World War.  A lady I became very good friends with, lived in Oval Avenue, Edwardstown.   Her name was Mrs Laura Reid. What a wonderful and dry sense of humour she had.  And a lovely singing voice, when we all sang while riding the 190 buses to and from Unley. Such a sociable time - riding the buses - people spoke to one another, got to know one another and the bus drivers too.

Laura Elizabeth Reid was born in Scotland and met her husband there during WW2.  They married in Sep 1942   - Her husband   Alexander was a Corporal in the RAAF who enlisted in Jun 1940 as a rigger. He became an Air Gunner and part of a flight crew June 1941 to August 1942.  When Cpl Reid was medically discharged, he and his 'War Bride' came home to Australia.   They lived in Edwardstown together with their child until he died.  Laura moved into a retirement village and passed away in 2010.

SPORT

This is just the beginning - have a few more people to add here - but they will be people who may not be remembered as they should.

SPORT

The beginning of the Edwardstown Soldiers Memorial Grounds was to honour those who had served overseas, those who had died and those who stayed home.
Life was different then.  Home was family.   Churches were a strong base for religion and social life.  Neighbours knew each other much more than today, and often helped those in need, whether next door or miles away.   Physical activity was a way of life as there was no technology with robots and smart phones.  Women washed and ironed by hand.  Men walked to work each day - often miles away, and much of the work was physical.    Visiting was so often done via feet moving on rough ground.  Few cars and if one was lucky enough to own one, then most would 'share'.  Sons did not buy their own car for years - they had to share Dad's car.  Friends would join together to go out in the car of one of the group.

Children were very physical, in that they walked to school.  They walked and played after school. Holidays were physical, walking, running, jumping, climbing, digging, investigating. Bike riding to school for those lucky to afford a bicycle.  Some country children even had horses to ride to school, or were taken in a buggy for long distances, but there were many times they just had to walk. 

Sport was good for children and schools encouraged it.   Churches had their own teams, as did council areas, gardening groups, businesses, small towns.   It was fun, it taught sportsmanship and rules. Respect was so there.   Gave many a young boy a chance to become a sportsperson in higher grades - where they could hope to join a team for their State or play in an Australian team. Maybe even go overseas or be a member of an Olympic team.     Those who went on to high education still had choices of team to play for, while those who left to work, would join their workmates in that team.

This shows the importance society made of exercise and teams, and a place for all to join in - either in a casual manner, or playing for a chance to become the best in their field.       Money was not the be all or end all. 

The idea of a sports ground was for all - a safe place for all.  Of course, the sport part was mainly for the males.    Females did play organised basketball (today called netball) hockey and a little cricket - I played electric light cricket in the South Parklands.   But sport then was anything physical.  The sport of going barefoot in a creek catching tadpoles to put into jars and watch them grow.  SPORT was not as constricted in its meaning as it is today. Today it is money, fame and winning, winning, winning and MONEY.
     I enjoyed sports day and running the egg and spoon race!!  But the three legged race was the best!!

During research there have been a number of sport people of whom I knew nothing. 
One in particular.


MICHAEL AH MATT
FIRST INDIGENOUS  AUSTRALIAN  
to represent Australia at an Olympic Games in 1964



Michael was born in Queensland in 1942 and represented Australia in the National Championships in the  Northern Territory in 1959 in basketball.  He moved to South Australia to play with the South Adelaide Panthers.   Michael was tall and extremely athletic - a very exciting player on the court. 

"Michael was a tremendous basketball player with freakish and uncanny dribbling and passing skills.  He was also renowned for his spinning backboard shots which seemed to come out of nowhere.  An enthusiastic supporter of the National Aboriginal Sports Foundations, Michael's skills and flair for the game would inspire future champions such as Danny Morseu and indirectly Patrick Mills and Nathan Jawai.  Tragically Michael Ahmatt died of a heart atta k in 1984".  He was only 42 years of age.https://australia.basketball/blog/hall_of_fame/michael-ahmatt-dec

The Ah Matt family have continued on with his children and grandchildren playing basketball.

Michael Ah Matt was inducted into the Aboriginal and Islander Sports Hall of Fame; and in 2010  was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame.

There was another indigenous basketball player and 2 indigenous boxers in the same Olympic games, however the fame of being the 'first' came down to who went on the court first, and that of course came down to Michael Ah Matt.


 I have been told there is some recognition at Marion but nothing in Edwardstown.  NOTHING.    Michael Ah Mat.
His home was in Edwardstown (now South Plympton) and his wife still lives there. She is continuously being asked to talk about her husband, all over the world, but not in Edwardstown.    Not a plaque - nothing.   No street name, no room at the oval, nothing.  Not even a park bench!

It is Edwardstown's history, so it has been neglected and ignored.  Just think of what it could do to the indigenous young in this area in sports, in particular, if they knew of and could see this man's story and photo.   

FATHER AND SON

One man I discovered  when I was writing up about WW1.
JOSEPH JAMES CHURCHETT.     Born 1894 In Adelaide to Joseph James and  Sarah Ann nee Kirkwood.  Played senior football in Kapunda when he was only 16.

While in the Army in France, he was chosen in the AIF team in the inter-Allied contests held in England and France in 1917.   In Aussie Rules for the 27th Batt (they won) he was a wing man.  Running he was extremely good at, and won the 100 and 200 yard foot races for the AIF team.   Winning two silver medals in the games.

When he returned home to Australia, Joe Churchett  moved to work with the Irrigation Commission in Barmera, where he formed the Barmera football club.
Moving to 14 Towers Tce, Edwardstown in 1925.  In an interview with the 'News" Adelaide 13.6.1952 p13, Mr Churchett said his hobby was being the secretary of the Edwardstown RSL sub-branch which he held for 20 years.

The Churchett home at 14 Towers Tce Edwardstown is still there.

Joe and his wife had a son a year after they came to Edwardstown.

COLIN JAMES CHURCHETT was born Jan 30, 1926 in Adelaide and died the 5th February, 2012 in Glenelg.

He probably began his sporting career as many of the young boys around the area did - playing in empty lots next door and across the road. On the dirt roads around the area and over at the Memorial Grounds.   A number of these boys grew up together, played together and joined senior football teams together.  They walked to training together and a lady I met one day, told me of the friendship of the lads in the area around Towers Tce, Thomas St and many other places around the area - how they would meet after school and school holidays to play 'footie' and cricket.

However, at first, Colin proved to be an excellent tennis player, and his father mentioned in the above interview, that he had hoped after his son had twice won the State Tennis Championship, would continue on with a tennis career.  As a cricketer Colin was a gifted player. While at  Adelaide high school, Colin played football with other lads who also became household names, like Bob Hank.  Now that is a name I remember.
Eventually Colin chose football and cricket over tennis but football would be his greatest achievement playing over 1000 games for the SANFL.    There are many reasons why this man should be remembered for his skill, his records, his abilities and if anyone reading this is interested, you will be able to find more information on the internet.   He played both his cricket and football for Glenelg.

Not only was Colin Churchett a hero on and off the football field, but he also served his country well in World War 2.   He joined the Australian Navy in 1944 at age  18 and served on the Hobart, and was in Japan for the surrender and saw first hand the devastating results of the atomic bombs.

Just recently talking with Mr R Armanini who remembers well playing at Edwardstown and knowing Colin and others of this area playing with him.


STRAPPS BOYS

The Strapps family lived around Sth Plympton, Ascot Park and Edwardstown.
The boys were involved in cricket tennis and football.
I met Mr Ron B Strapps at  his home and he told me stories of the family and how long they have been around. 

He himself was involved with sport at Edwardstown school and was chosen for SA Schoolboys Carnival in Tasmania in 1950.

 He was following in his brothers' footsteps as his elder brother Colin played three sports.  Colin - at 9 years of age,  excelled in cricket, and at 13  was playing  for his school on Fridays, then  played with the Mid Southern Association with the adult men's team on Saturdays.  He was called a brilliant all rounder.    Both Colin and his brother William were well respected and very good players for Glenelg.



The Strapps family have been part of our area's history in Edwardstown, South Plympton and Ascot Park since the early years, and still live in the area.

THE BUGG FAMILY

R.J. AND E. BUGG NEW PLAYERS FOR SOUTH IN 1939  

On the Edwardstown Memorial Board at the Edwardstown Oval the names of 3 or 4 Bugg boys are written up.  More information is in the story of these men has been written up on the WW1 pages.  Families of boys grew up playing football and cricket in their neighbourhoods.  There were plenty of open spaces around Edwardstown Ascot Park, Vermont and Forbes to kick a ball after school or on weekends.    School boys football led to playing for church groups and other organisations, often companies the boys worked for, or for the area eg at Edwardstown Oval for the Edwardstown Clubs.  This would possibly lead to them playing for the team of their area.   All football players had to play for the club of their area.  Something like school areas.   They could eventually play for a Victorian club if they were 'good' enough.     Loyalty to their clubs.  Something different to today.   I don't recall money being part of the package of sport. 
Play for the team Dad played for, or barracked for.  Families would stay with the one club forever.   My grandfather was a Norwood supporter from when he was a child.

FORMER SPORTS PERSONALITIES.


EDWARDS Peter George    Cpl KIA in Belgium,7th  October 1917.  There is no known grave.
His parents were Thomas J and Mary Ann Edwards of 'Crystal Brook House' Clarence Park. His brother Gilbert  served as a Company Sgt/Major in the 27th. He returned home.

Peter Edwards was a noted player for Sturt in 1911 and all reports in his obits say how 'clean' a sportsman he was, and he had 'sterling qualities'.   He was well liked and well respected.

The article comes from Jun 24 1915 The Express and Telegraph Newspaper p8 from Trove.

In many obits in the papers at the time of his death, this young man was said to be a young man of promise, who was a 'decent bloke'  in all aspects of his life. The article says that when his parents were to move from the Sturt district, Peter was going to retire as he did not want to play against his mates!    He lived at Edwardstown and rode his bicycle to practice whatever the weather.  Reminds me of the 50s and early 60s when I knew many of the Sturt players of the day, and how they all would work during the day and get to practice in the evening - in 'the days before cars'.  Few had cars so players went on foot, by bike, bus and train - even hitching rides.


other footballers.  friend around the corner william st

rugby
COURSING
BOWLING CLUB

CRICKET CLUB

Types of other sports in earlier times.

MARION COUNCIL

The council for the Edwardstown, South Plympton, Glandore and Ascot Park is the City of Marion.
The offices are situated on Sturt Road, Marion, up the road from the Marion Shopping Centre.

Marion has, to me, always been preoccupied with the Marion district and a few  people who lived there in years gone by.     They are proud of the things they have spent lots of money on, such as the Aquatic centre and other buildings.  A wonderful local historian spent decades trying to get a history centre in the Marion area.  I think Marion council may have been the last council to have such a place. Finally a few years ago the Heritage Centre opened. Most of the other councils who have a history centre are run with a council employee 'in charge' while the day to day happenings are dealt with by wonderful and knowledgeable volunteers.    Marion's heritage centre has a different slant on the way things go.   Similar to the council.     Before the centre was obtained there were a few historical groups and they have done some wonderful work around their area.  Still do, and are supported by the Heritage Centre and Council.     However, very little, if any had been done for many other suburbs within the council area and in particular our area. 

In fact, looking at records, one can see that there was always a problem between the Marion council and the suburbs such as Edwardstown.  I wonder if this all stems from the fact that Edwardstown and surrounds actually wanted to be a council/city area in the early 1900s, but somehow it never eventuated.  Also this area was partly under Mitcham council,  Brighton council and Marion council.  Edwardstown  was fairly settled before Marion became the 'council' area.


Edwardstown is a wonderful place, but for so long now it has been left in a corner to deteriorate and forgotten.   It also seems that the council don't want to change anything here, even though times and people have.     Earlier this morning I received a phone call from a person who works at the council about an issue that has been reported a couple of times and treated with what has seemed to be disdain.  Yes, I do call the council, sometimes on my own account, but mostly because someone else needs help or has asked me to call.     However the past few contacts either via phone or email have been quite contemptuous - well that is how I feel anyway.   The caller this morning spoke to me like I was an annoying child who knew nothing and was just causing trouble.   Also I felt that because I am a renter and had requested help regarding a neighbour who was an owner, I was not competent to see the whole picture.

Today (2017)  I rang the council wishing to speak to someone other than 'customer service' - someone with knowledge about a certain subject.  Three phone calls and 5 hours later I was finally put on to the man I had wished to speak, and he understood what I was saying and hopefully tomorrow someone will call on his behalf to help solve the problem.   First person on phones was ... - polite and friendly who said someone would call back.   That was around 10.30am.   Around 1pm I rang again and spoke to  .. who also said someone would call back.   Each time I ring the person who answers call wants to go over the whole question of why I want to speak to someone other than them.  It is like a gestapo inquisition.  Last call - 5 hours later was a very bad connection at first - often is with this female.  ...-  rude, abrupt, unfriendly, unhelpful and painful to try to talk to or with.  I do prefer to tape any calls made.

(2019)  Since writing the above, I believe the City of Marion Council has greatly improved especially in the customer service area. I find that the majority of people are friendly, and do care about their residents.    They have made great leaps forward in trying to fix problems such as bad footpaths, and listen to the needs of the people, especially for the disabled.   Getting much better, but still needs some work at times especially as technology has moved so quickly to assist the disabled and elderly.   My biggest annoyance is how these days, and this affects so many areas in communication - talking over and listening skills.    So many rules and regulations and once someone begins their spiel, they can't seem to stop and listen.

Our footpaths and the ramps from them are being fixed much quicker than before.  And except for building sites which Marion won't address,  it has become so much better for those in mobility vehicles, especially for those in wheelchairs, who were previously 'forced' to go on the road.     

The council has good bus services to come and go from shopping centres and activity groups. 

The parks and reserves have either been much improved, new ones built or on a list to fix.     There is now a specific park for the disabled, and also a part park which has been made for dogs.

There were two wonderful councillors who really cared and tried to get improvements.  But one has left due to work so will have wait and hope the next one will also be gung ho for the area and not like one we had a few years back.

Trees and greenery - I would not say the council is on a good wicket with this.

There are good libraries and community centres.  The new Edwardstown oval complex is great for sport.

ASCOT PARK

Ascot Park is the southern part of our Woodlands Ward and has its own history and peculiarities.  It also did not start off as it is now.  The first Ascot Park subdivision in 1913 included the land from  Daws/Sweetmans Road, Marion Road, near Charles St  to Allison Avenue.

Edwardstown had already begun to see the land divided up, growing quickly in businesses along South Road, and homes being built for the   the employees needed.  The promise of the Adelaide to Willunga railway coming through  Edwardstown in 1913 saw  large land holders seeing a greater  profit in subdividing and selling, rather than  farming or leasing it.

Ascot Park had some some very interesting owners even before it was named and subdivided. .

In 1909 the land section 87 and 86 was owned by W. and E. Ackland, of Ackland Chaff Mills fame and they sold it whole to a Mr Rounsevell.   This gentleman was very wealthy, well known, connected to the 'best of high society' in Adelaide,  and a member of Parliament in South Australia.   He had bought large tracts of land, and had many interests in farming land throughout the State.    On Marion Rd, in what is now South Plympton, he had a large Hereford breeding farm.  He was connected with Mr Pine, whose land was bought by Mrs Emma Johns, an interesting dairy farmer who also bred cattle on this land in the 1920s and 1930s.    Mr Rounsevell leased out part of the land to E. Ryan and sons.  After the sale, this lease became a well publicised court case to work out who owned what and when. The case eventually went to the High Court of Australia.   The Ryans lost the case, their lease and their farming land.

Within a couple of years the land had been sold onto Mr R V Wilson who also was a man of means, with many interests in South Australia, and also a member of Parliament.   He became Sir Reginald Wilson in January 1926.   This gentleman named the area Ascot Park after Ascot in England, and believed the name would create a similar type of area for people in South Australia - for a 'similar type' of people like in England.   On his advertisements regarding the auction of the land, he also asked for someone to tender for the building of the railway, which he had included in the plans, as well as a railway station.

The latter caused many a letter to the newspapers as people protested at the site.  They all mentioned the lack of road or track from either Sweetmans (Daws) Rd or Marion Road.  They told of the flooding problems and of the many drains cut in an effort to curb the bad flooding of that particular area.     Wilson, however, was not a man to bend,  so the station was built exactly where he had chosen..  The Railway Station was opened on what was now called the Brighton line, on the 7th April, 1914.

For the building of the railway, he managed to get Mr Joseph Timms to take on the contract, and on the day of the auction, Timms brought the first train out to Ascot Park Railway Station himself.   Then proceeded to buy over 50 lots..     Joseph  Timms was himself a very wealthy man and well known as the man who entered a partnership with Henry Teasdale Smith - they won many contracts to build rail lines in Australia, including the line from Adelaide to Willunga.

The auction sale day was very successful, especially with the men mentioned involved and soon the farmland became smaller blocks, with the plans also including a number of small parks throughout the 'village'.   479 allotments were up for sale in 1912 but the sale did not eventuate until 1913,  after the rail line was down and the land around was drained.

The Edwardstown Soldiers Memorial Recreational Grounds were mentioned in the sale as being a big attraction for those wanting to buy in the area.

Two Churches are in the area.  24 Fifth Avenue, has the Ascot Uniting Community Church and New Apostolic Church is at 39 Wolseley Terrace.

There was a Catholic church and school in Wood Street which was built to catch the 'overflow' of the time After World War 2 there was the 'Baby Boom Period". This plus the huge  influx of migrants created a need for more churches and govt buildings such as schools to  be built. 
The Wood St premises were demolished a few years ago, and replaced with a row of 2 storey box like structures.

 The land from Allison to Wood was another sale.     The shopping centre on the block on Marion Road between Wood and Clifford Sts was built on the site of some old shops.    The style of the chemist shop on Cnr of Wood and Marion Rd is a lovely and honest art deco revival style of the 1950s.  Beautiful curved windows and the house attached at back with its part flat roof.

Part of the plans for Ascot Park were a number of small parks.  Two survive.  First Avenue in 2019 has been redone and is disabled friendly.

The second park is fairly new as it is on the land which was part of the 6th Avenue Scout group. 

At one time there was a piece of land in Nelson/Wood St area which was used by soccer players until they were banned for not wearing shirts!!!   It seems that some migrants became excited during the games, or hot, and didn't think anything of shedding their shirts.  Much like the bricklayers of the day.  But neighbours disapproved.  Those were the times!     Even some games were not allowed to be played on Sundays. 

Ascot Park, especially from 1st Avenue to 4th Avenue, has changed so much over the past decades as the older homes are quickly disappearing and being replaced with flats, units and box like 'houses'.   Along Railway Terrace from Daws Road to 6th Ave housing are disappearing at an alarming rate.   There are still a number of wonderful homes with gardens back and front, some dating from the turn of the century - ie c1900 ,others of the late 50s and early 60s with their unusual architectural shapes and flat roofs.   Some of the Art Deco Revival homes still manage to hang on, although there was one beautiful home which is being re-modelled into what looks like a box structure instead of curves and colour.

One last interesting note - Ascot Park School is not in Ascot Park!

BIRDS OF THE AREA.

Am worried about losing our bird life and other wildlife due to the increasing loss of trees - especially native trees.  Significant trees which are kept until after developers and the like have built - then somehow the 'significant' part  disappears and trees go..  Trees that were well, are now 'sick'.  Or they were safe until the building was erected.  Funny that one - why give permission to build knowing that the tree is/was there?  So many excuses.

 Read in last week's Guardian that the council has big plans to replace or put in new native trees over the next 20 years or so.  Not too much in our area though.  Raglan Avenue in particular. Nothing. The street trees here are full of thorns, and seeds anywhere and everywhere within reach, and they also come up from underground and these are hard to get rid of.  Not good for walkers, joggers, cyclists or residents.  Was informed years ago that it was a former mayor who liked the trees - he had them on his property - yes property not suburbia - and it was because of him the trees were there.  The plants have become pretty feral now and as many people who come and go in the area do not know how invasive the plants are, allow them to grow in their properties.  Of course, this is creating even more of a problem for the future.

This photo is of an empty block of land on Raglan Ave.

A State Bank house was demolished some time ago and as soon as there is empty land, the seedlings come up - from the street trees off Raglan Avenue.    Walk around the neighbourhood and seedlings and trees of this horrid species can be found in places they should not be.

It is a pity that the council has never thought that a major thoroughfare like Raglan Ave is important enough to the council to have decent trees lining the pathways.  But, can't see it happening in my lifetime.

BIRDS

I remember hearing a kookaburra in the big gum tree out the front of my place some years back and it was so wonderful.  Haven't heard that sound around here for decades now.
We have lost a large number of old and young native trees, especially gums which birds love to be in, to roost in, let alone  other native birds and animals who use the holes etc for living areas.

 A lovely lady who works in Edwards Park on South Road encourages more trees and outdoor seating areas, thus giving workers an outdoor environment to enjoy.  She also has arranged for  boxes up high in the trees in the very tall gum trees.  The large gums and other tall trees, plus many other shrubs, bushes and plants throughout the complex and along the railway at the back are a haven for birdlife and other wildlife.

When the magnificent old  trees were removed from alongside the railway line - a lot of these were due to the electrification of the railway. Plainly and simply - get rid of the trees as - well - there could be problems to the wonderful electric trains!!    Our government didn't need to worry about any problems that could have been caused by the trees -as the trains still stop often.  Now in 2019 most of the trees along Railway Terrace have gone or will be gone this year as the cyclists get their new bike lanes.  To be honest, it is a dire direction we are going in - not only to lose all the benefits trees bring to the world for humans, but for wild life it is a step to extinction for some creatures.

2009

 These two pics show the difference in tree line - esp in distance.

 2016

Density living - all the 3-4 square dreary coloured boxes where there once was a  single house and land.  When first built and sold there are the obligatory  plants out front - no back or side yards.  However, it seems that these units 'grow' vehicles not plants. Cars which are never put into the garages and cars that are too long for the driveways. No trees as there is so little room to grow and gardens mean work!

At the moment I have two seed bowls out the back and the small birds are coming in and staying long enough for me to see and hopefully soon, to photograph.   Yes, some are sparrows but there appears to be a couple of other groups coming in as well.   



One of the largest group are the rainbow lorikeets, especially in the bottle brush tree in my front garden.  They are noisy and sociable and oh so colourful and cheerful.  When they move on to another tree in the area, they still can be heard chattering and chasing and fighting.

The last year there were not too many of these black birds in my home area, but this one was showing 'he' was still important!.  Very noisily too!

Believe this is an Eastern Rosella with the red head and bib and blueish back feathers. They seem to be the birds who make some sort of ringing noise - like a phone.  Inner tail feathers appear a pale blue. I love watching them when one will sing loudly while shaking the tail from side to side.

Funny about the honey eater in picture.  Normally they dive and fly around so quickly. This one was on the Buddleia   bush  a foot or two away from where I was seated, and I quietly asked the bird to stay still, so I could photograph it on the flower, and to my delight it did. Hence the above.  There seem to be two different sizes of this group and I still am waiting to get photos.

Below is a smaller and mainly green musk parrot. This has a red 'mask' across the head.  It also sings like a phone to my ears. Also at times, there may be a Common and/or Adelaide Rosellas.  The hardest ones to find or see are the all green parrots. They also seem to sense I want to take a photo, so make it as difficult for me as they can!!!
Find the bird in the bottle tree below!

Of course there are the pigeons, the one below with the great head is much better a companion than the common pigeon to my mind.  Prefer the 'woop woop' sound.

Below is one of the larger and louder wattle birds that come around with the bottle brush flowering. As with the smaller yellow and black honey eaters, I think there may be two sizes of the wattle birds as well.  Must keep watching.

The shrike loves to just walk around and is not as frightened as many other birds.

Naturally with a garden, comes the family of magpies.    This is a feeding group from a couple of years ago.  The family that comes now has a comedic 'child'.    One morning 'he' was trying to pull up a small mushroom when it popped out and he landed on his back with the mushroom clasped in his paws on his chest.   He was stunned.     Then as he has gotten older, I watch him eat by himself, but as soon as he sees a parent, he squats down into the feeding position in the nest, and squawks loudly.  When the parent moves off - up he gets and wanders around for something else.  One morning he watched his parent, then moved off, got a small leaf and began scraping it on the driveway as the parent had done to the food.   Learning!

A pigeon who insisted on driving me crazy with the mating calls day in day out.     

Other birds are the miner bird, the galah, the white cockatoo, the black cockatoo with yellow tail, budgies, willie wagtail and blackbirds.  Since first writing this the miner birds have become a pest -  nuisance. Trying to get rid of all other birds.  Dive bombing any bird they see, to try and force them away  from water or food, or simply to push them out of the area.  When someone tries to get rid of them, they become very hostile and squawk so loudly.   This awful behaviour has seen a decline in a few of the species in my area, and this combined with the council pulling up mature trees that birds have been living and eating in is worrying.  New planting of trees is wonderful I guess, but it does take years for trees to grow.   

This stick insect was very thirsty and hung around until I could let the tap drip a bit.

This poor little one really needed  a drink - the previous neighbour used to leave it dripping, but the birds now know to go elsewhere.

These guys came out to see what was going on when I stopped by.  Had seen them a week or so earlier when they seemed to be looking around for some place to live.    Now they sometimes come out  - if they are home when I call out to them.

There are other birds and animals that I just don't see or hear, so there is much to look forward to.

The skinks are sweet, and the blue tongue lizards are gorgeous. One day walking along with my old dog, he got a scare.  A pair of blue tongues had been sun baking and decided to cross the footpath right in front of the dog.  As his sight is not that good these days, dog smelt but did not see them until they were 'racing' away from him.   

Don't like the rats and mice but they are everywhere in the world.    Feral cats are a bit of a nuisance, but with the built up areas, I feel that the problem may become less especially if all councils legislate cats to stay indoors.          

The delicate money spiders and large huntsman are great to have around.  Don't like the red backs and the white tailed spiders.   I think my favourite guest was the stick insect which I found on the tap, trying to get water, one very hot day.     See above.

Have been trying to find out more of the different small brown birds which fly around in flocks, diving and dancing from heights to just above the ground. Believe some are sparrows, but there seems to be some finches and others.  These birds are so tiny and very fast.