Sunday, 7th May is Open Day at the Farm and celebrates the Australian Heritage Festival; themed – Shared Stories.
A new publication – Bella Vista Farm Stories will be launched on the day, compiled and written over months of diligent research by Carolyn Gould, Sharon Rawstron and Mark Pearce, members of the Friends of Bella Vista Farm.
The stories delve into the Farm’s early past, the narrative of its people, how families lived, their impact on the environment and landscape and agricultural development over the ensuing years. Nine individual folios encapsulate this history. Visitors can purchase them either separately or as a complete work in an attractive folder.
The project was supported by Create NSW’s Cultural Program; an exclusive funding program administered by The Royal Australian Historical Society on behalf of the NSW government. The Friends of Bella Vista Farm are delighted to have received a Cultural Grant from RAHS enabling the production of the publication.
The usual delights are there to enjoy as well – tours of the house (a gold donation), Devonshire Teas accompanied to the music of the Hills Shire Symphony Orchestra ensembles set in the charming grounds of the homestead. If your fancy is a delicious sausage sizzle with onions and home-made chilli jam, that too can be purchased for a small price. The popular and extensive Trash and Treasure stall will be there for you to find some real treasures. Plants to buy, vintage lingerie, wool processing from the sheep’s back to knitted products – “The Long Yarn” are on display and for the children, heritage games, flower posy-making and story writing.
All donations go directly to support the restoration of the grounds and buildings. You will be well rewarded when you spend a day at Bella Vista Farm. Hours are from 0900 – 1500 (extended by one hour) at the corner of Elizabeth Macarthur Drive and Norwest Boulevard, Bella Vista. Public transport is nearby with Buses – 664, 665, 730; Metro or Train.
If you can’t make our next Open Day, the farmhouse is open the first Sunday of each month from 0900 – 1400 (excluding January). Check on the Hills Shire Council website for details – www. thehills.nsw.gov.au
