On Saturday, my talk on Moorefield Racecourse, Kogarah 1888-1951 went ahead, along with Olga Sedneva’s talk on Tempe House. Olga’s talk was titled “Tempe House after Spark- from Retreat to Training Centre.”
One elderly lady on Sunday told me, that she could remember the first race meeting at Moorefield Racecourse, after World War 2 had ended in 1945. She had lived in Rockdale, and told me that there were many people walking from Rockdale Station to Moorefield Racecourse.
On Sunday, a much larger crowd was in attendance at Tempe House. At mid -day, The Sing Your Heart Out Choir performed for half an hour. This choir is community based, and is located in Bexley North. It is capably led by Christina Mimmocchi.
They sang Round and Round (anon); Ah Poor Bird (anon) ; Lay Fallow( Michael Kennedy) ; Tumbalalaika (anon); Hymn for the Russian Earth (anon); Barani ( Christina Mimmocchi ); Hiunda (anon); On The Night Train ( Henry Lawson / Abe Monsburgh); Spread a Little Happiness ( Vivian Ellis / Clifford Grey).
The Choir had an exquisite location, the Chapel, in which to perform. The audience very much enjoyed the performance, and showed their appreciation with warm applause.
Wesley Fairhall and Laurice Bondfield led tours of Tempe House. And Wesley Fairhall also gave a talk on Lydham Hall in Bexley, a property which has been owned by Bayside Council for 50 years. Jazz was held on the front lawn of Tempe House at 3pm; The Honeymakers Big Band rounded off the weekend with people dancing to keep warm!
Don Kibble from St George Art Society brought his sketch book on Sunday, and happily sketched Tempe House.
Kogarah Historical Society representatives and Anne Field shared a table on Sunday. Kogarah Historical Society sold their publications, and Anne sold her Moorefield Racecourse Kogarah (1888-1951) book. Olga also had her books: Tempe, the Place of Inspiration and Lydham Hall, Bricks and Mortar which was co –authored by Olga Sedneva, Anne Field and Wesley Fairhall, for sale.
The Baulkham Hills Bus Trip Group visited Tempe House on Monday May 17 2021. This was the first privately booked guided tour. Tempe House is open for social groups and school groups.
A special thanks to Olga, a volunteer who organised the weekend to acknowledge Heritage Month. The next Open Days are to be held at Tempe House on September 5 and December 5 2021. Arts and craft displays, musical performances, lectures and tours will take place.
Discovery Point Co-Op Pty Ltd look after the historic buildings and the grounds . They support Open Days 4 times a year.
Anne Field ko77582@bigpond.net.au
May 17 2021
