I have forwarded a copy of an email that was sent to me about the Castlereagh Celebrations from the Nepean District Historical Society. Those people whose ancestors were pioneers of the Castlereagh area may find the section at the end of particular interest. Danielle Bi-Centenary of European Settlement Penrith 1803-2003 Celebrations 29th March - 6th April An update on some of the events to be held in Penrith to celebrate 200 years of European settlement in our district. Saturday 29th March * Conference 'Bicentenary of European Settlement' presented by Penrith City Library, Nepean Room, Civic Centre, Penrith. 9am. Cost $30 or $25 concession includes lunch, morning and afternoon teas. Excellent speakers, book sales. Contact Danielle Embleton 4732 7859 email daniellee@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au Bookings essential Friday 4th April * Penrith City Council Reception - by Invitation * Launch of book on original Grantees - Nepean District Archaeology Group. For information contact George Gyford 4731 6397. This book will be on sale all week-end * Entertainment by The Acting Factory Saturday 5th April * Community Day at International Regatta Centre, Castlereagh Road, Penrith. * Enter by Gate B (There will be a sign)- entry free. Turn right and follow directions * Stalls set up from 7.30 * Open for public 9.00 * Ample parking * Vintage cars / car clubs special parking area. * Marquee with limited seating . If possible provide your own seats. * 10.00 -12.30 Peal of Bells by The Upper Room bellringers, Uniting Church, Castlereagh You are invited to visit the Church and cemetery but do not disturb the Bellringers. * Canoe events on the International Rowing Course. * 10.00 Music by Penrith City Concert Band. * 10.30 Heritage dancers * 11.00 Official welcome by Mayor of Penrith Cr G Davies * Unveiling plaque to pioneers Launching book on the Grantees written by Nepean District Archaeology Group.. Enquiries G Gyford 47313967 * Recognition of pioneer family descendants who are present. * Penrith City Concert Band music of the era * Lunch * 1.00 -1.30 Kindalin Christian School * 1.30 - 2.00 Castlereagh School of Ballet * 2.00-2.30 Castlereagh Public School * Don Holley, 'convict minstrel' will stroll through the crowd during the day, entertaining with Australian songs. * Castlereagh pioneer families are bringing photographic /family history displays - please provide your own table/board if possible If you are setting up a table let me know the size so I can reserve a space for you. * Power Point Presentation by Rope Pulley Family in Marquee 2.30 * Tours of McCarthy's Cemetery 1.00-3.30 Bookings taken on day at Information table * Visitors book available - please sign it as a memento of the occasion * Many Castlereagh descendants are coming. If you can wear a name tag of the family name, you will possibly meet other members of that family. E.g. COLLESS FAMILY * Entertainment throughout the day * Barbeque by Castlereagh Bush Fire Brigade * Tea/sandwiches etc by Regatta Centre restaurant. * Meals can also be obtained from the restaurant * First Aid tent on the ground all day. Sunday 6th April - Church Services and tour of the district * Anglican Church - Christ Church, Church Lane Castlereagh Family service 8.00 enquiries Mrs Stinson * Uniting Church - Castlereagh Road service 2.30 followed by afternoon tea. Enquiries J Stephens 47210550 (evening) * Bus Tour Cranebrook Castlereagh - Leaving Council Chambers Penrith 11.0 Booking essential as only 60 can be accommodated. Cost $15 Picnic lunch at 'Minchin Gardens' Tea and coffee provided. BYO lunch. Booking with payment must be made by 18th March. Please make cheques out to Lorna Parr or Nepean Heritage Tours as I have the insurance for tours. Enquires Lorna Parr Ph/fax 4777 4459 email lornaparr@yahoo.com.au The Committee wishes to thank Penrith City Council, owners of 'Combewood', International Regatta Centre, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, Penrith City Band, Heritage Dancers, Castlereagh Bush Fire Brigade, Environmental Education Centre and all those families and friends who have made this day a success. Note to Old Castlereagh Families Twenty five native trees (with plaque attached) have been donated to us to plant on the day at the old Upper Castlereagh School to recognise the efforts of early pioneers. If you would like to nominate your Castlereagh Pioneer family please fill in the attached and return to Lorna Parr 63 Taylor Road, Cranebrook 2749 as soon as possible. Note. We only have 25 trees so the committee will review the nominations to cover the Castlereagh area as widely as possible. Only one person can plant the tree so someone must be nominated by you. Your name Address and phone number Ancestor family Person nominated to plant tree Other information if you think necessary The information contained in this e-mail message may be confidential information and may also be the subject of legal professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure or copying of this document is unauthorised. If you have received this message in error, please advise the sender immediately. Scanned by PeNiCillin http://safe-t-net.pnc.com.au/