The easing of restrictions means that we will be able to hold our bushwalk at Cranstons Road on Saturday 23 October. The wet weather this week has prevented me from going to check the walk out so I can't tell you what to expect flower wise. The walk starts on a level fire trail. After awhile it becomes quite steep, We may not get to this point as our progress seems to be quite slow if there is a lot to look at. However, those who wish to continue will be able to do so whilst the rest of the group can retrace their steps and walk towards us as we come puffing up the hill.

The current restrictions mean that everyone will have to sign in using our QR code. If you don't have a phone capable of doing this you will be able to physically sign in but please use the QR code if you can because all the ones who sign in have to be entered manually on the Service NSW website.

We also can only welcome those who have been double vaccinated. You will need to show evidence of this when you register for the walk - either on your phone or a hard copy.

The limit for outdoor activities is now 30 so there is no need to register with me beforehand. I will be astonished and delighted if more than 30 turn up. It would be a record for us.

The meeting place is the fire trail at the end of Cranston's Road Middle Dural. We will start walking at 2 pm.

If it rains (haven't we had enough?) I will send an email out to the membership on the Saturday morning.

Jennifer Farrer
Secretary

Email:  apsparrahills@gmail.com

Group meeting with speaker:  Malcolm Johnston “Cattai Creek from the source to the Hawkesbury”

We should have no difficulty holding a meeting by late November. It will be wonderful to see everybody after such a long time of restrictions.

We have a very interesting guest speaker for this meeting. Mal Johnston and his wife Jenny are well known in this area. Both have lived in the Annangrove all their lives, and they ran a native plant nursery, Annangrove Grevilleas, for many years. They now have a spectacular garden, Boongala Gardens, which they open to the public at times.

Mal on Cattai Creek at Wrights Road

Mal on Cattai Creek-downstream of Murphy's Bridge

A few years ago, Mal undertook a canoe trip of around 30Km, down Cattai Creek from Castle Hill to where it joins the Hawkesbury River at Cattai National Park. As well as extensive knowledge of the flora he past, Mal is also very knowledgeable about early Australian colonial history, and the uses of the flora by the local indigenous population at that time. His talk is bound to cover all these facets as well as the difficulties of the trip in his talk. 

Our meeting will be at 2pm, 27th November, in Gumnut Hall, Gumnut Place, Cherrybrook. Visitors are very welcome. There will be an afternoon tea at the end of the meeting. 

In accordance with Covid regulations, all attendees will have to show evidence of completed, double-dose vaccination against Covid, and be willing to wear a mask whenever on this property. This hall is a community preschool on weekdays, and we must ensure that we are no danger to the little children who attend. The hall may have a restriction in the maximum number of people present at one time, under Covid regulations.  If you wish to attend, please phone Jennifer to book your place.
                                                                             Pip Gibian   

For further information phone Jennifer on 0407 456 577

Location of Gumnut Hall