The best people to share their
recollections of Bracken Ridge come from those who were the early
residents. Probably now referred to as
the "Old Timers".
Doug and Jan Evans
bought their first block of land in 1970. .............
Jan
and I bought our land at the end of Tulee Street (no Woorak Street in those
days) in June '70 for the princely sum of $2,850 after discount for cash. The
Willmore and Randell office was located in Tarwarri Street, second on the right
going up the hill at the back of the Halls house. We built and moved in
December 1970.
I can remember assisting the milkman (home
delivery) on quite a few occasions at the end of Tulee Street where a storm
water pipe ended to flow down what is now Woorak Street. There were still
Potato and Strawberry farms surrounding the area. The top of the hill was farm.
Wendy
and Rod Lamprecht lived on the Cnr of Tulee and Tallara Streets (now live Cnr
Child's and Denham Streets) and the Lilleys lived on Tallara Street looking
down Tulee Street. His parents owned a drink factory in Sandgate (I think). The
'plastic' house on the Cnr of Tallara and Waruda Streets was built about 4
years later.
Don
and Jan McWatters built next to us at 4 Tulee Street (now living on the Gold
Coast). Don was Australian Hockey coach. The Fings built at 3 Tulee Street and
later moved back to Bevington Street, Sandgate into Elizabeth mother's house.
Jan used to shop at the Cut Price Store in the
Barrett Street shops and wondered how we were going to manage when the weekly
shopping went to $25.
We later bought land in Tomah Road when
Cambridge Credit went into liquidation for $15,250. Dick Crone was the
principal at the Bracken Ridge primary school and also Zone Chairman for Lions.
Invitations were issued to various people to a meeting about Lions and as Don
McWatters could not attend, he gave me the invitation.
The
District Governor then was Phil Mitchell who worked at Snows Service Station in
Lawnton who was the Ford dealer. Phil now lives in Taree after moving from
Bokarina on the Sunshine Coast. The meeting was supposed to be only an
information session, however we formed the Club that night with 32 members in
November 1978.
John
Roberts was elected as charter President, Tony Emms was elected Secretary
(later owned the Ampol Service Station now Caltex) and Jeff Page was Treasurer.
They each filled their positions for 18 months. The Club held its charter night
in February, 1979 at the then Lions Hall in Lawnton.
The
following February, the Lioness Club was organised with Denise Roberts as
President. Jeff Page was elected President of the Lions Club for '79 - 80 and I
was President '80 - '81 with Jan as President of the Lioness Club. The Clubs in
those days were really grass roots conducting many hands on projects including
maintaining a much smaller McPherson park which was located at the rear of the
now Barrett Street Shops and supporting a number of families from the Housing
Commission area.
During
my year as President, we installed playground equipment in the park at the Cnr of
Denham and Barrett streets, with 693 4KQ in attendance for its opening. I am
sure Jeff Page would have stories from his term as President.
We
used to meet for our twice monthly dinner meetings at the Tavern then owned by
Bob and Laurel Hagan (football fame and brother of Michael Hagan) We supported
many Lions projects including Australian and International projects and of
course, Camp Duckadang and many times conducted bucket collections for national
and international disasters.
When
a severe hailstorm hit the Sandgate/Brighton area in the early '70's, members
could be seen up on roofs fixing tarps in place. The Lions and Lioness Clubs
worked very closely together and supported each other tremendously when either
Clubs had projects on. One of our joint fund raising projects was at the Big
Valley Bingo which just about ruined the Lions Club as money was too easy.
Another joint project was delivering telephone
directories around Bracken Ridge. I can remember driving the streets in our red
Falcon Wagon with a huge Lions Christmas Cake on top, dressed in Santa uniform,
to sell Lions Christmas Cakes and of course we had the weekly meat tray raffle
down at the Gawain Road shops supported by the then butcher who was a member of
Bracken Ridge-Bald Hills Lions Club.
Most
members had small families and members would socialise with picnics etc and
children were most likely taken on projects. The Lions Club enjoyed an annual
cricket match with the Lions Club of Boondall and our Tail Twister at the time,
Bob Muller, always presented a number of 'trophies' following those matches. (
I can remember receiving a net because I dropped a catch). Those were the days!
For me that released a string of other memories, let's hope they
become memory joggers for you as well.
John Roberts and Denise went to Ascot School when I
did. Denise was a hockey guru. They had one son, and John died fairly young. We
were members of Mayne Football Club, John played in the 60's. Bob Muller and
Jan, she was a teacher. at Bracken Ridge School. I think Tony and Wendy Emms
moved to the Coast. I remember selling his home to an investor. Garth and
Pattie Davies had the PO in Gawain Rd. It is our memories that make up the
years post 1960 as the newspaper archives end then.
Doug then had some more:
Garth and Pattie Davies. Kruger was the dentist at
Barrett Street shops. Peter McGrath and Elizabeth Marsh were the doctors at
Gawain Road with Di Spink the receptionist being a charter member of the
Lioness Club as her husband John was a charter member of the Lions Club. John
was a radiograph at RBH when Jan was nursing.
Percy Adams
was the ANZ bank Manager and my niece, Rhonda Evans was a teller along with
Bruce Sullivan, whom we caught up with a couple of years ago. Bruce is now a
motivational speaker on the International circuit and has published a number of
books. Kathy Churchward a charter member of the Lioness Club owned a fabric
shop in Gawain Road, and of course Demetrius Pouflos owned the fruit shop,
although he was not a charter member. Hill was the pharmacist in Gawain Road
and our very first Miss Personality entrant, Judy Sullivan was an assistant
there. We raised over $15,000 dollars, Kevin Huntley
was my Chair for that year. Judy did a great impersonation of Frank Spencer and
used to have everyone rolling in the aisles at functions.
Some more of mine:
Memory joggers! Kerry Curtin was the Dr in Barrett
Street, Alan Hartland the Chemist, he and I were part of the shopkeepers
committee. My memories of 1974 are of a suburb of nappies flapping in the
breeze, as we all had chain wire fences, and pregnant ladies. As I had a
children's wear shop nearly every mother came for a chat to see another
pregnant lady serve them! Peter McGrath opened in Barrett St, and then retired to breed his Labradors
in the Pine Shire, Kerry Curtin succeeded him.
What an absolutely fabulous doctor he was.
His help and assistance to this 5 month pregnant
patient at the sad time in 1979, was much appreciated.
Melinda O'Brien, another who worked for the kindy,
Marcia and Vince Caruso, Wendy Turnbull's sister in the second house in Tallara
St, Doug Anderson about the 3rd house was in the Sandgate Fire Brigade, his
brother (Don?) worked at Bayards in Sandgate. John Anderson was our preferred
plumber in the business for many years.. Denise and Ron Howarth, were the
preferred Pest controllers. Emily Tong our inspections officer lived in Walu
Street, and she knew every one!
And more from Doug
The Milfords lived about the 4th or 5th house up
Tallara on the left, both Glenys and Wally were Charter members.. Denise and
Ron Howarth built on the block of land behind us when we lived in Tomah Road.
We cursed because their block was where we used to play cricket during family
get togethers. Barry Henningsen built our Tomah Road house and of course they
now live in the Enbrook Estate . Alan Callaghan who was a builder and lived in
Darragh Street was a charter member and the Amy and Ray Holz were charter
members and lived down on the Cnr of Quinlan and Schaeffe streets. Norm Johnson
built two doors from us in Woorak Street and of course grew up in the suburb as
his father was Don. Norm and wife, Rhonda live up the Sunshine Coast. Rick
and Joy Grainger were charter members of both Clubs and lived in Gawain Road
opposite the shops as did Dick and Eva Crone. Bob and Jan Muller lived in
Pellinore Road.
Gail Irving's Memories
"You are welcome to use some or all of this if
you want, however, if it is not suitable that is fine too. Chris and I built
our first home in Buckra St, Bracken Ridge in 1972 and then built again in
Bronwyn St in Brisbane Expo year - I think that was in 1988 (not sure, but it
was definitely Expo year). Bracken Ridge resembled a chess board - families did
not move out they just moved to another street. I was Lioness Club president
for a term and enjoyed having a community portfolio in another year.
I remember
instigating Safety House program for the area and also a Cancer in Women Forum
which was presented at the library as well as many other functions and events
combined with the Lions Club.
Our two daughters attended Bracken Ridge
Kindergarten and then Bracken Ridge State School. The principal for part of
that time was Mr Jim Dionysius. They both attended the Bracken Ridge Physical
Culture Club and Karla attended Bracken Ridge Dance School.
It was a
growing suburb but our girls were able to fill their leisure time by attending
activities within the area. Bracken Ridge was a great suburb in which to raise
a family as it had a country feel about it and lots of community spirit"
There are countless other people who contributed in
so many ways. Vivian and Rod Tabberet
were also some names associated with those early days.
Well summed up by Gail, as her thoughts about those
early days probably mirror all of us "oldies".
The Lions Club though has for the past 20 years been
almost the "hub" of community activities.
Their work in the community should be widely
acknowledged. Their project to construct
a steam railway in Mc Pherson Park was an amazing achievement.
It was my honour and privilege to become the
"first" female member of the Bracken Ridge Central Lions Club.
Then
Jeanette Mitchell who still lives in Wobur Street in the original home, was
able to fill in some missing blanks.
Clive
Mitchell was a house painter, and both Clive and Jeanette have devoted their
time to the Bracken Ridge Central Lions Club and the Bracken Ridge Lioness
Club.
"Bracken
Ridge as we knew it was expanding from 1970 onwards with the area above the
school, west of Warrimoo and Waruda Streets being subdivided by Barclay
Developments and sold by agents Willmore and Randall.
There
already was a smaller shopping centre at Gawain Road. A parcel of land bounded
by Denham, Barrett and Medika Streets was vacant. In 1971 all land owners were
asked to participate in voting Yes or No for a tavern on the Denham Street
corner.
The
carrot was - if a Yes vote for the tavern, a shopping centre would be built in
Barrett Street as well, and if a No vote, the tavern and shops would not
proceed. Many young families were not particularly interested in the tavern but
the lure of brand new shops in the area was appealing so the tavern received
the vote and it opened in 1974 with the shops to follow.
There
was a vacant parcel of land where Woolworths currently stands. The corner block
on Barrett and Medika Streets saw an Ampol garage erected with full driveway
service.
This
Barrett Street area was well patronized with a supermarket, bank, doctor,
pharmacy, butcher, dentist, hairdresser etc. tavern and service station. These
shops certainly took business away from Sandgate, the nearest large commercial
area."
Jeanette
Mitchell
Bracken
Ridge
EARLY
MEMORIES OF BRACKEN RIDGE
It was a hot,
steamy afternoon in November, 1969. Doug
and I were going for a drive to Redcliffe.
We decided to turn left at the roundabout to see the land that Wilmore
and Randall was advertising. We had
never been to Bracken Ridge before.
Near the
Bracken Ridge State School was developed, but as we travelled up Tallara Street
to the real estate office in Tarwarri Street, we realized that the land marked
out into allotments with dirt tracks going through it had previously been farm land (pineapple
farms). That was the first attraction - good soil, lovely rich red soil. We
walked up the street and could not believe the view. Moreton Island and North Stradbroke were very
clear. Also the breeze was
magnificent. These were the three
criteria for a block on which to build - good soil, view and breezes. We only had $5 with us and that was
sufficient for a deposit on the land which was $4500.
We were not
able to build until the land was registered. Roads had to be completed and services
installed. I’ll never forget when those
awful telegraph poles appeared. They
were not even straight and marred the landscape. I believe this was the last estate to have
above-ground electricity.
We moved into
our home in February, 1972, the weekend of a cyclone. Trying to save money, we did not have car
tracks. The red dirt was transferred
from the tyres to the cement under the house.
That beautiful red soil that we so craved stained the concrete and the
evidence is still there.
Laying turf was
another chore. Again, to save money, we
cut the turf into rectangular pieces and left a gap between each piece. Early in the morning, after our marathon
efforts, a munching noise could be heard.
A herd of cows was in the front yard having an effortless breakfast as
the turfs were lifted into their mouths- a tasty morsel and no effort on the
cow’s part.
There were many
young families in the area and we had a lot in common. Playgroups were formed and were held in
homes. Some of these friendships have
remained till today.
A move was made
to establish a kindergarten in Barrett Street.
The early days meant much fund raising with pie drives, lamington drives
and fetes etc. Potting plants in tins
was a common occurrence. Time and
effort was what was needed. We all had a
lot of fun working together.
The Bracken
Ridge State School had been established many years before and had a huge
population up until Norris Road State School opened in 1977. There were eight Year One classes in 1976 and
five in 1977. Many families were
involved in the Bracken Ridge State School Swimming Club which commenced in
1981. The school pool was a huge asset for the community.
Churches were
being established. The Bracken Ridge
Uniting Church, of which I am a member, met on 13th March, 1977 in
the staff room of the administration block of the Bracken Ridge State School. Later, worship services were moved to the
school library, although bookshelves often had to be moved and replaced. An old pedal organ was purchased which the
school allowed to be stored in the library. Family gatherings, Ladies’ Fellowship and
Youth Groups met in private homes. A very large Sunday School met in the Pre School. Accommodation of numbers attending soon
became a problem. Property became
available through special consideration by the Jesse Gaskell family. An old house and land on the corner of
Pellinore Road and Bracken Street was purchased from the Gaskell family for
$15000. The Jesse Gaskell farm had
previously been subdivided and the Synod had purchased two other blocks
adjacent to the corner site at a special price for a future church. These were sold to Sandgate Parish for a
Bracken Ridge building, making the all up cost of land purchase $21000.
The old house was used by youth groups until
it was sold in July 1980 for $1500 when it was removed.
A grant of $15000 was received from the State Government towards the
cost of erecting a building which would also function as a Community Centre. The building was constructed to just beyond
“lock up” stage by the contractor and everything else by voluntary labour. All the painting, electrical work,
landscaping and external concreting were done by voluntary labour. Over 1200 voluntary hours went into the
building for Saturday working bees alone.
On 7 November, 1981 the building was opened and dedicated by Rev.
D.J.Brandon. The first service was held
the following day led be Rev. Ted Hutton.
We have been in
our home for 44 years and have never regretted the move to use that $5 for a
deposit on the land in Tarwarri Street.
When I see the fern coming through the cracks in the brick retaining
wall, I think about the land a long time ago, even before the pineapple
farms. Bracken Ridge has grown and developed
and is still one of the best places in Brisbane to live.
Marilyn
Linnett.
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