Retford Park is a place of great heritage significance. Its European history extends back to grants of land promised to Edward Riley senior by Governor Macquarie in 1821. The house, built in 1887 by Samuel Hordern and his wife Jane, is a grand, rendered brick, Italianate style residence. In 1964 James Fairfax AC bought the property and started to turn it from an agricultural property into a gentleman’s residence. James Fairfax always believed that Retford Park should be preserved for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations, particularly those of the local district. On 19th April 2016 and in fulfilment of his ambition, Mr Fairfax gifted his historic Retford Park home to the National Trust of Australia (NSW).
As our coach ventures up the driveway, this grand Victorian Italianate homestead will appear from a towering arboretum of a magnificent collection of evergreen and deciduous trees. The gardens will take your breath away!
Lunch will be at Ngununggula Southern Highlands’ Regional Gallery. Artist Ben Quilty has been a driving force in opening this world class gallery in what was the former Dairy and Veterinary Clinic at Retford Park. The name Ngununggula means ‘Belonging’ in the traditional language of the Gundungurra First Nations people. The name was gifted by elder, Aunty Velma Mulcahy.
Our Itinerary (times are approximate)
- 9.00am: Depart Western Concourse Central Railway Coach Bay.
- 11.00am: Arrive Retford Park.
- 11.00am- 11.30am: Morning Tea Coffee /Tea Station, plus an extra surprise from Alison and Kay!
- 11.30am -12.30pm: Guided House Tour
- 12.45pm: Weather permitting stroll through Retford Park to Ngununggula Regional Gallery for lunch at ‘Hearth by Moonacres’ Café or alternatively all aboard our coach to Hearth Café.
- 1.00pm: Two Course Lunch with cultured butter and sourdough; sparkling or still water followed by tea /coffee. Ingredients are sourced from Moonacres Farm.
- 2.00pm – 3.20pm time at leisure: Either remain at the Regional Gallery to explore and view the current exhibition or alternatively return to Retford House for a self- guided garden tour.
- 3.30pm: All aboard – homeward bound to arrive at Central at approximately 5.30pm.
DATE: Tuesday 15 November 2022
TIME: 8.50am – 5.30pm (appr0ximately)
MEET: Upper Western Concourse Coach Departures, Pitt Street Level, Central Station. All aboard by 9.00am. Full details and map will be provided to those members attending.
VENUE Retford House, 1325 Old South Road, Bowral NSW
COST: $100.00 (all inclusive) i.e. Coach Travel; Morning Tea; House Tour; Lunch and Self- guided Regional Gallery/ Garden Tour.
No refunds after 4 November unless your place can be filled from the Waitlist.
RSVP TO: Kay Nicholas no later than Friday 4 November 2022.
Email: [email protected] with your name and mobile phone number. We will endeavour to confirm your place within 24 hours. If you have not heard back, please SMS Kay Nicholas on 0438 469 044.
NOTE: It is advisable to RSVP early as this event has a maximum of 40 members. When the event is full we will go to ‘Waitlist’. DO NOT PAY FOR THIS EVENT UNTIL YOUR PLACE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:)
Payment Option 1 (Preferred): By Credit Card through the Payments section of the website
Payment Option 2: Online (direct deposit) into the SWIC bank account
Account Name: SWIC Inc.
BSB No: 112-879
Account No: 431-019-281
Description: A&C Retford + your initial and surname
TRANSPORT: VIP Coaches Luxury 48-seater coach (NSW Government Accredited).