[from EDHS Newsletter No. 65, March, 1989:] ELTHAM HERITAGE WALK The Society's contribution to Heritage Week this year will be a guided walk around Eltham featuring a number of buildings and locations of historical and environmental interest. Three dates are listed as official Heritage Week events, Sundays 16th and 23rd April and Saturday 22nd. In addition, there will be a walk on Saturday 15th for Society Members. All walks will start at 1:00 p.m. in Panther Place near Shillinglaw Cottage. Each will take about four hours and the distance is about 5km. Old photos of locations visited will be available for viewing.Colour photographheritage excursion, activities, main road, police residence

[from EDHS Newsletter No. 65, March, 1989:] ELTHAM HERITAGE WALK The Society's contribution to Heritage Week this year will be a guided walk around Eltham featuring a number of buildings and locations of historical and environmental interest. Three dates are listed as official Heritage Week events, Sundays 16th and 23rd April and Saturday 22nd. In addition, there will be a walk on Saturday 15th for Society Members. All walks will start at 1:00 p.m. in Panther Place near Shillinglaw Cottage. Each will take about four hours and the distance is about 5km. Old photos of locations visited will be available for viewing.Colour photographheritage excursion, activities, eltham courthouse, opal smith, sue law

[from EDHS Newsletter No. 65, March, 1989:] ELTHAM HERITAGE WALK The Society's contribution to Heritage Week this year will be a guided walk around Eltham featuring a number of buildings and locations of historical and environmental interest. Three dates are listed as official Heritage Week events, Sundays 16th and 23rd April and Saturday 22nd. In addition, there will be a walk on Saturday 15th for Society Members. All walks will start at 1:00 p.m. in Panther Place near Shillinglaw Cottage. Each will take about four hours and the distance is about 5km. Old photos of locations visited will be available for viewing.Colour photographheritage excursion, activities, eltham, jarrold cottage, main road

[from EDHS Newsletter No. 65, March, 1989:] ELTHAM HERITAGE WALK The Society's contribution to Heritage Week this year will be a guided walk around Eltham featuring a number of buildings and locations of historical and environmental interest. Three dates are listed as official Heritage Week events, Sundays 16th and 23rd April and Saturday 22nd. In addition, there will be a walk on Saturday 15th for Society Members. All walks will start at 1:00 p.m. in Panther Place near Shillinglaw Cottage. Each will take about four hours and the distance is about 5km. Old photos of locations visited will be available for viewing.Colour photographheritage excursion, activities, montsalvat

[from EDHS Newsletter No. 65, March, 1989:] ELTHAM HERITAGE WALK The Society's contribution to Heritage Week this year will be a guided walk around Eltham featuring a number of buildings and locations of historical and environmental interest. Three dates are listed as official Heritage Week events, Sundays 16th and 23rd April and Saturday 22nd. In addition, there will be a walk on Saturday 15th for Society Members. All walks will start at 1:00 p.m. in Panther Place near Shillinglaw Cottage. Each will take about four hours and the distance is about 5km. Old photos of locations visited will be available for viewing.Colour photographeltham rsl sub-branch, main road

[from EDHS Newsletter No. 65, March, 1989:] ELTHAM HERITAGE WALK The Society's contribution to Heritage Week this year will be a guided walk around Eltham featuring a number of buildings and locations of historical and environmental interest. Three dates are listed as official Heritage Week events, Sundays 16th and 23rd April and Saturday 22nd. In addition, there will be a walk on Saturday 15th for Society Members. All walks will start at 1:00 p.m. in Panther Place near Shillinglaw Cottage. Each will take about four hours and the distance is about 5km. Old photos of locations visited will be available for viewing.Colour photographjohn street, main road, uniting church

Harry Gillham, President and EDHS and Convenor of the Nillumbik Shire Council's Advisory Committee for the War memorial at Kangaroo Ground was for some years working on the refurbishment of the Tower of Rememberance and the surrounding park. The Committee decided to produce plaques to commemorate the armed conflicts in Korea, Malaysia, Borneo and Vietnam. The plaques were funded by public donations and cost $10,000. The community donated via donation boxes placed at Eltham Library. NL 140 Sept 2001 Governor John landy and other digniaries attended the event where the Governor unveiled the plaque which was attached to the historical tower in November 2001. Colour photographkangaroo ground, war memorial tower, plaques

Published in the Diamond Creek Basin Study, 1980 and identified at Diamond Creek, locality not identified, 1934. The location is actually looking south across the Diamond Creek towards Falkiner Street, beside the Main Road bridge at Eltham South from what is now part of Wingrove Park opposite Antoinette Boulevard. The bridge railing is just visible to the left of image. The large leaning Manna Gum beside the bridge still stands in 2021 alongside the Diamond Creek trail. In 1934 extensive flooding of the Yarra River and Diamond Creek set new records for flood plain level (Eltham Chronology, EDHS)Black and white photographCopied by Hugh Fisher, Photographer, 6 York Street Eltham A1678B Floods- Eltham - 1934floods, yarra river, eltham, flooding, diamond creek, flood

Barbara Seidel of Eltham has provided a copy of a photo of a group known as the "Eltham Campers" which included some of her relatives. Jock Read and Garnie Burges remember this group from the 1920's. They used to camp on the old pound site at Eltham Lower Park. They met in North Fitzroy and every A.N.A. weekend they cam to Eltham to camp. They had big tents and set up a stage on backs of their wagons or lorries. A concert was held on the Sunday night for local people to attend. They had very good artists including a pianist, violinist, flautist and banjo player. - EDHS Newsletter No. 83, March 1992Colour photograph copy of original showing a camping group at Eltham known as the Eltham Camperscamps, campers, eltham, groups, eltham campers, eltham lower park, eltham pound, concert

L-R: Doug Orford, Russell Yeoman [from EDHS Newsletter No. 65, March, 1989:] ELTHAM HERITAGE WALK The Society's contribution to Heritage Week this year will be a guided walk around Eltham featuring a number of buildings and locations of historical and environmental interest. Three dates are listed as official Heritage Week events, Sundays 16th and 23rd April and Saturday 22nd. In addition, there will be a walk on Saturday 15th for Society Members. All walks will start at 1:00 p.m. in Panther Place near Shillinglaw Cottage. Each will take about four hours and the distance is about 5km. Old photos of locations visited will be available for viewing.Colour photographheritage excursion, activities, doug orford, russell yeoman, eltham courthouse

Wilks Creek Bridge was built in 1870. It was last used for heavy vehicle traffic in 1980 and left to decay until it was demolished in 2008. The last remnants of the timber structure were destroyed in the Black Saturday bushfire of 7 February 2009. [from EDHS Newsletter No. 93, November 1993:] OTHER NEWS A small group of members represented the Society at the opening of the picnic ground at the historic Wilks Creek Bridge at Marysville. The event included the launching of a booklet by our friend Ann Thomas on the history of the bridge which was located on the old Yarra Track coaching route between Eltham and Woods Point. Ann has donated a copy of the booklet to our Society.Two colour photographsactivities, marysville, wilks creek bridge

Farmhouse built in the late 1800s by the Crozier Family. Subsequently owned by the Hill Family. Purchased in the early 1960s and by 1965 the property was owned by the Shire of Eltham. Employees of the Shire lived in the house. In 2006 the Shire of Nillumbik demolished the house which had been subject to extensive vandalism. In accordance with heritage advicde and a permit condition a sign was placed on the site outlining the history of the building. This was installed and remained in place till about 2016 when it was removed. The lands adjoins Alistair Knox Park. By 2010 the Eltham Skate Park was developed. In 2022 a major renovation and extension took place. Sources: EDHS Newsletter No 171 November 2006 and Google Street View. Digital file only; created from original colour positive slide transparencyeltham, streets, houses, susan street, alistair knox park, eltham skate park, russell yeoman collection, fc holden sedan

Contents: • How We Remember by Jim Connor • Our Next Meeting – Our Christmas Function, 7.30pm Wednesday 14th December 2022 • Victorian Collections Cataloguing Award, Volunteer-run organisations • Eltham – The DIY Years by Diana Bassett-Smith • Eltham Railway Line (The Argus, December 12, 1911) • Railway Trestle Bridge, Eltham (EDHS Newsletter November 1978) • Court Jottings; “A Good Carver” (The Advertiser, Friday, July 8, 1932) • Eltham Races (The Argus, December 15, 1855) • Horse Racing in Eltham • Eltham Cemetery Stories by Liz Pidgeon o Harriet Agrita Falkiner, 1848-1923, Eltham Pioneer The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to members (Digital and A4 photocopy)newsletter, eltham district historical society

The collection has been catalogued into a number of Series. The main series are Series 1: Main Photographic Series; Series 2: Main Transparency Series; and Series 3: Brochures and Published materials. Every Item in each of these major Series has been individually catalogued on a spreadsheet, one spreadsheet per Series. A further 70 Series have been created to catalogue smaller, discrete collections of photographs and negatives and other memorabilia including registers, published materials and objects. The completion of its transfer to the Society was noted in Newsletter No. 159 November 2004. Generally memorabilia items classified as part of Council 's art collection and negatives of historical photographs have been retained by the Council. The items now stored at our Local History Centre are quite diverse. They include many photographs of Council activities, Councillors and Council staff. There are Council brochures, calendars and other publications. All of these items are catalogued and stored in quality archival boxes. Also included is a large collection of old Council registers such as letter books, contract registers, cash books, etc. Many of these are large leather bound volumes, more of interest for their appearance than for their content. The first meeting of the Memorabilia Reference Group was held December 5, 1996. The aim of the group was to facilitate all actions required for the safekeeping of the Shire of Eltham memorabilia. The members of the group were Harry Gilham President of the Eltham District Historical Society (EDHS), Russell Yeoman EDHS Secretary and Chris Marks Curator of Collections at NSC.shire of eltham archives, series listing, memorabilia reference group

1. Photo reprint of Auction sale brochure, 10 July 1993 2. A4 photo reprint of four photos (3 x B&W of the house when purchased by Pam Robinson and 1 x clr of Pat Begg at work on extension) 3. A4 photo reprint of four clr photos of Pat Begg at work on extension Items 1-3 donated by Pam Robinson August 2021 via Wendy Wilson in support for a Newsletter article "Eltham Insights" by Pam Robinson published in the EDHS newsletter No 260, October 2021. Also Newsletter No. 265 August 2022 "Harcourt Hill" by Carlotta Quinlan features Rocknall and one of Pam Robison's photos.eltham, 25 diamond street, auction sale, j.m. harcourt design, neville emerson real estate, pam robinson, pat begg, rocknall

L to R:- Back Row (standing): - , - , - , Les Warren, ? Ware, Michael Oldfield, Robert Sear, Geoffrey Jones; Middle Row (standing): - , - , - , ? Connevere, - , - , -, - ; Middle Row (seated): - , Barry Moar, - , - , - , Gail Pike, - , - , ? Bradbury, - , David Stokes, Alan Pittman; Front Row (seated): Neil Twyford, - . Digital copy scanned by EDHS from an original held by Barry Moar, of Greensborough, Vic, 17 Jul 2017. Keith and brother Barry Moar moved to Eltham in March 1944 where they attended the State School (elder brother Keith from 1949) in Dalton Street. They lived at 11 York Street in a house rented from Ernie Andrew at a cost of £2/week.Digital copy of black and white photographeltham state school, state school no. 209, 1955, grade v, bradbury, connevere, ware, alan pittman, barry moar, david stokes, gail pike, geoffrey jones, les warren, michael oldfield, neil twyford, robert sear, barry moar collection

Eltham Courthouse Officially Reopened (Jim Connor, EDHS Newsletter No. 263 April 2022) In the Conservation Management Plan prepared in 2006 for the Eltham Justice Precinct there is mention that more than 350 court houses have been built by the Public Works Department since 1856, when the Department was established. It also states Eltham was in an early group of 'Victorian Free Classical' structures, featuring a projecting entry porch and gabled roof. Characteristically, this group shares a simple, rectangular shape, central placement of the court room with smaller-scale offices set back at the sides or rear of the court room, arched openings, and decorative string courses. The Statement of Significance listed in the Victorian Heritage Register states: ‘The Eltham Court House dates from the time when the town was largely self-contained. It was initiated in response to itinerant gold prospectors who turned to crime when their quest was unsuccessful. This type of localised solution is characteristic of the self reliance preserved in Eltham today. The court house is an important symbol of the spirit which makes Eltham distinctive as a community.’ It also states: ‘The Eltham Court House, built in 1860, is one of only two intact examples in the state of this simple design with projecting entry.’ So with this background it is most appropriate this valued historic building has recently been the subject of a total restoration, as detailed in previous newsletters. This was a major project undertaken by Nillumbik Shire Council. At a small function in the Eltham Courthouse, on 23rd March 2022, Nillumbik Shire Council Mayor Fran Eyre declared the fully restored building officially reopened. In doing so the Mayor spoke about the earlier law and order function of the court and the importance of this building to the Eltham community. Wingrove Ward Councillor Geoff Paine then highlighted the importance of historical societies and groups within the shire and their valued activities in recording and preserving their local history. EDHS president Jim Connor thanked everyone involved with the project and provided an overview of the history of the courthouse. Michael Ioannides, Council’s project manager, spoke about how the restoration process proceeded and those involved in undertaking the works required. Cr. Natalie Duffy, various council officers, EDHS executive committee members, as well as representatives of the head contractor Ducon Building Services and the heritage advisors, RBA architects and Conservation Consultants, were also in attendance, as was a representative of Nillumbik U3A. After the formal part there was some light hearted interpretation of how past legal proceedings may, or may not have, occurred within this courthouse, before some refreshments were shared in the former second courthouse at the rear, which is now utilised by Nillumbik U3A. This was a successful celebration of a very worthwhile project.Born digital image (38)conservation consultants, cr. geoff paine, cr. natalie duffy, ducon building services, eltham courthouse, eltham district historical society, eltham justice precinct, jim connor, mayor cr. fran eyre, michael ioannides, nillumbik shire council, nillumbik u3a, opening ceremony, rba architects, restoration project

"The house (centre) at North Eltham in which Mr. and Mrs. William Frizell, an elderly couple, were marooned by flood waters. When this photograph was taken late yesterday afternoon the couple were still inside the house, and through a ventilator they had stuck a red flag which they waved from time to time. The house on the left belongs to Mr. Leads, who also was marooned." - The Argus 1 December 1934. John William Frizell, painter and his wife Sarah Jane are registered at Glen Park, Eltham in the 1924 Electorial Roll This was most probably the Diamond Creek in flood. In 1934 extensive flooding of the Yarra River and Diamond Creek sets new records for flood plain level (via Chronology of Eltham, EDHS) flood, frizell, leads, argus, glen park, eltham north, flooding, marooned, diamond creek

[from EDHS Newsletter No. 39, November 1984:] MALDON TRIP A bus load of members and friends travelled to Maldon on 28th October. This proved to be a long but enjoyable day. Peter Bassett-Smith provided an interesting commentary on points of interest along the way. At Maldon local resident, Mrs Frances Gray, guided the bus around the many interesting features and entertained members with her lively and knowledgeable comments. Because our usual driver, Bruce Ness, was recovering from an illness, Mees Bus Lines provided a replacement driver at the cost of the company. Mees have provided us with excellent service over a number of years, but this action goes well beyond what could be reasonably expected, and is very much appreciated. Colour photographactivities, maldon

L-R: Phyllis McDonald, Dolly Smith, Russell Yeoman, Joyce McMahon, Opal Smith, Brian Smith, Lu Robertson, Jack Shallard [from EDHS Newsletter No. 65, March, 1989:] ELTHAM HERITAGE WALK The Society's contribution to Heritage Week this year will be a guided walk around Eltham featuring a number of buildings and locations of historical and environmental interest. Three dates are listed as official Heritage Week events, Sundays 16th and 23rd April and Saturday 22nd. In addition, there will be a walk on Saturday 15th for Society Members. All walks will start at 1:00 p.m. in Panther Place near Shillinglaw Cottage. Each will take about four hours and the distance is about 5km. Old photos of locations visited will be available for viewing.Colour photographheritage excursion, main road, eltham, 150th anniversary monument, 20th anniversary, activities, eltham community centre, pitt street, plaques, time capsule

Rededication of Memorial Tower on its 75th anniversary to those who served in Armed Conflicts between 1948 and 1972. Harry Gillham, President and EDHS and Convenor of the Nillumbik Shire Council's Advisory Committee for the War memorial at Kangaroo Ground was for some years working on the refurbishment of the Tower of Rememberance and the surrounding park. The Committee decided to produce plaques to commemorate the armed conflicts in Korea, Malaysia, Borneo and Vietnam. The plaques were funded by public donations and cost $10,000. The community donated via donation boxes placed at Eltham Library. NL 140 Sept 2001 Governor John landy and other digniaries attended the event for the unveiling of the plaque. Gov Landy unveiled the plaque which was attached to the historical tower in November 2001. Colour photographkangaroo ground, war memorial tower, rededication ceremony, governor of victoria, john landy, harry gilham

Located in the collection of Eltham District Historical Society, this envelope contains four sepia prints ranging in dates from 1923 to 1956. The envelope is postmarked 24 Apr 1958 and on the reverse is noted "Accepted 30/4/58". On the face is witten in pencil "Try 18" being No. 18 Russell Crescent, Fitzroy North. Also noted in blue ink "Mother Louie (or Louise) Down - Sister Hilda". The wedding photo is unidentified except for the date 22 May 1956. It was taken by The Lock wood Studios. Other photos are described on their reverse sides as: "Olive McKay, Mr Pinkerton and self" "Uncle Donald and Aunt Florrie, July 1923" "Jessfield, May 12th, 1928" It is not known why they are held by EDHS or the significance/relationship of the people to the Eltham district. Any information pertaining to these people is welcomed.olive mckay, mr. pinkerton, miss o. down, louise down, hilda down

Located in the collection of Eltham District Historical Society, this envelope contains four sepia prints ranging in dates from 1923 to 1956. The envelope is postmarked 24 Apr 1958 and on the reverse is noted "Accepted 30/4/58". On the face is witten in pencil "Try 18" being No. 18 Russell Crescent, Fitzroy North. Also noted in blue ink "Mother Louie (or Louise) Down - Sister Hilda". The wedding photo is unidentified except for the date 22 May 1956. It was taken by The Lock wood Studios. Other photos are described on their reverse sides as: "Olive McKay, Mr Pinkerton and self" "Uncle Donald and Aunt Florrie, July 1923" "Jessfield, May 12th, 1928" It is not known why they are held by EDHS or the significance/relationship of the people to the Eltham district. Any information pertaining to these people is welcomed.olive mckay, mr. pinkerton, miss o. down, louise down, hilda down

Located in the collection of Eltham District Historical Society, this envelope contains four sepia prints ranging in dates from 1923 to 1956. The envelope is postmarked 24 Apr 1958 and on the reverse is noted "Accepted 30/4/58". On the face is witten in pencil "Try 18" being No. 18 Russell Crescent, Fitzroy North. Also noted in blue ink "Mother Louie (or Louise) Down - Sister Hilda". The wedding photo is unidentified except for the date 22 May 1956. It was taken by The Lock wood Studios. Other photos are described on their reverse sides as: "Olive McKay, Mr Pinkerton and self" "Uncle Donald and Aunt Florrie, July 1923" "Jessfield, May 12th, 1928" It is not known why they are held by EDHS or the significance/relationship of the people to the Eltham district. Any information pertaining to these people is welcomed.olive mckay, mr. pinkerton, miss o. down, louise down, hilda down

Located in the collection of Eltham District Historical Society, this envelope contains four sepia prints ranging in dates from 1923 to 1956. The envelope is postmarked 24 Apr 1958 and on the reverse is noted "Accepted 30/4/58". On the face is witten in pencil "Try 18" being No. 18 Russell Crescent, Fitzroy North. Also noted in blue ink "Mother Louie (or Louise) Down - Sister Hilda". The wedding photo is unidentified except for the date 22 May 1956. It was taken by The Lock wood Studios. Other photos are described on their reverse sides as: "Olive McKay, Mr Pinkerton and self" "Uncle Donald and Aunt Florrie, July 1923" "Jessfield, May 12th, 1928" It is not known why they are held by EDHS or the significance/relationship of the people to the Eltham district. Any information pertaining to these people is welcomed.olive mckay, mr. pinkerton, miss o. down, louise down, hilda down

Located in the collection of Eltham District Historical Society, this envelope contains four sepia prints ranging in dates from 1923 to 1956. The envelope is postmarked 24 Apr 1958 and on the reverse is noted "Accepted 30/4/58". On the face is witten in pencil "Try 18" being No. 18 Russell Crescent, Fitzroy North. Also noted in blue ink "Mother Louie (or Louise) Down - Sister Hilda". The wedding photo is unidentified except for the date 22 May 1956. It was taken by The Lock wood Studios. Other photos are described on their reverse sides as: "Olive McKay, Mr Pinkerton and self" "Uncle Donald and Aunt Florrie, July 1923" "Jessfield, May 12th, 1928" It is not known why they are held by EDHS or the significance/relationship of the people to the Eltham district. Any information pertaining to these people is welcomed.olive mckay, mr. pinkerton, miss o. down, louise down, hilda down

Contents: • The Times They Are a Changin by Jim Connor • 11th October Meeting – A 50th Anniversary Panel of EDHS Members • Heritage Excursion – Saturday 4th November - Shillinglaw Farm Walk • The Easter Rooster Lunch by Ann Constable (Vaughan Johnson) • Vale – Don Kinsey AM by Jim Connor • Eltham District Historical Society by Jim Connor • Peter and Diana Bassett-Smith • Commemorative Service at St Margaret’s Church, Eltham by Kathleen Toal • Eltham in Victorian Railways Weekly Notices by Richard Pinn • Wellers Hotel of Kangaroo Ground – Part 2 by Jim Allen • Monash Bridge at Hurstbridge – 100 years old in 2017 by Pam Lawson • Our Eltham – Artistic Recollections by Jim Connor • Eltham and District Community Bank • Our Sponsors • Contacts for the Eltham District Historical Society The Shire of Eltham Historical Society was formed in October 1967. The first newsletter of the Society was issued May 1978 and has been published continuously ever since on a bi-monthly basis. With the cessation of the Shire of Eltham in late 1994, the Society's name was revised to Eltham District Historical Society and this name first appeared with issue No. 103, July 1995. The collection of the Society's newsletters provides a valuable resource on the history of the Society's activities, office bearers and committee members, guest speakers and subjects of historical interest pertinent to the former Shire of Eltham and the Eltham District.A4 newsletter distributed to membersnewsletter, eltham district historical society, shire of eltham historical society

from EDHS Newsletter No. 122, September 1998 - There is a new display in our local history cabinet in the Eltham Library. This time we have used our growing collection of material on Eltham, England. It includes the painting by Lionel Backhurst presented to us on behalf of Eltham Society by Clifford Crate. The booklet on the Eltham town sign that Clifford also brought is in loose leaf format so we have been able to include the whole of that which really presents an excellent summary of the important historic buildings of Eltham. Also on display is another painting by Lionel which was presented to Russell and Marion Yeoman. (Much of this material was presented to the Society during a visit by Margaret Taylor and Clifford Crate of the Eltham Society during Christmas/New Year 1997/98.)Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 7 stripsKodak Gold 200-6activities, art, clifford crate, displays, eltham library, eltham society (london), lionel backhurst, local history, margaret taylor

Rob Roy-EDHS visit 12 May 2016 On 12th May 2016 some members of the Eltham District Historical Society and others were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit and explore the Rob Roy Hillclimb in Clintons Road, Christmas Hills. This followed an invitation from Don Kinsey and Wayne Ruston, members of the MG Car Club, which operates Rob Roy. At the time, both men were actively involved in the running of the meetings there, Don, an EDHS member, as a course commentator, with a wide range of motorsport experiences, and Wayne as the main organiser of the meetings. Don Kinsey welcomed the group and spoke about the historical background of the property and the hillclimb, then led those interested around the site and up the hillclimb track, stopping at spots along the way to provide additional information. Everyone enjoyed their experiences, including inspecting Wayne Ruston’s MGBV8. The Rob Roy Hill Climb originated in 1935 on the property of former Heidelberg Mayor, William Clinton, where he reared the Rob Roy breed of miniature ponies. He established Pleasure Grounds on part of the property attracting groups of Sunday visitors from Melbourne's inner suburbs. Visitors enjoyed a picnic area, pony rides, a dance hall and a tap room. Young men would ride their BSA or Harley Davidson motorcycles to the property which led to regular club-organised hillclimb meetings between 1930 and 1936. In 1935 Clinton offered the use of his property to the Light Car Club of Australia for their hillclimbs. The track was sealed that same year and the hillclimb at Clintons Road was one of only three specially designed bitumen surface hillclimbs in the world, the others being Shelsey Walsh and Prescott Hillclimbs in the UK. The first Light Car Club of Australia hillclimb was held at Rob Roy in February 1937.jim connor collection, 2016-05-12, activities, christmas hills, clintons road, heritage excursion, rob roy hill climb, eltham district historical society

Rob Roy-EDHS visit 12 May 2016 On 12th May 2016 some members of the Eltham District Historical Society and others were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit and explore the Rob Roy Hillclimb in Clintons Road, Christmas Hills. This followed an invitation from Don Kinsey and Wayne Ruston, members of the MG Car Club, which operates Rob Roy. At the time, both men were actively involved in the running of the meetings there, Don, an EDHS member, as a course commentator, with a wide range of motorsport experiences, and Wayne as the main organiser of the meetings. Don Kinsey welcomed the group and spoke about the historical background of the property and the hillclimb, then led those interested around the site and up the hillclimb track, stopping at spots along the way to provide additional information. Everyone enjoyed their experiences, including inspecting Wayne Ruston’s MGBV8. The Rob Roy Hill Climb originated in 1935 on the property of former Heidelberg Mayor, William Clinton, where he reared the Rob Roy breed of miniature ponies. He established Pleasure Grounds on part of the property attracting groups of Sunday visitors from Melbourne's inner suburbs. Visitors enjoyed a picnic area, pony rides, a dance hall and a tap room. Young men would ride their BSA or Harley Davidson motorcycles to the property which led to regular club-organised hillclimb meetings between 1930 and 1936. In 1935 Clinton offered the use of his property to the Light Car Club of Australia for their hillclimbs. The track was sealed that same year and the hillclimb at Clintons Road was one of only three specially designed bitumen surface hillclimbs in the world, the others being Shelsey Walsh and Prescott Hillclimbs in the UK. The first Light Car Club of Australia hillclimb was held at Rob Roy in February 1937.activities, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, fay bridge collection, 2016-05-12, christmas hills, clintons road, rob roy hill climb