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After Girl Guides NSW & ACT acquired the property in 1971, Mrs Jean Beard, the State Camping Adviser at the time, along with 14 ladies, set about to make necessary adjustments, dividing the house into dormitories and converting the garage into a small self contained flat, now called the Northern Room. The stock holding paddock was turned into a sportsfield/carpark and the equipment shed was fitted out with shelves to keep camping equipment safe. Paddocks were divided into suitably sized camping areas, enclosed fireplaces were built and water was piped to all sites. In October 1971 "Tara" was opened officially by our State President Lady Cutler, in the presence of our State Commissioner, Lady Wyndham. Tara was the name of the original owner's daughter and it seemed fitting to keep some history in the name of the property. The paddocks were bare and cleared for stock so the guides and brownies had a tree planting day shortly after the opening, and planted 2000 trees. In 1972 a delightful outdoor chapel was built on the boundary bordering the permanent creek. The Pioneer Guides were very active in this project, and it was called the "Nella Levy Chapel" to commemorate the First Guider in New South Wales. Two horses and a
donkey named "Annabel" were donated to the Association and were ridden for
several years by delighted children. "Princess" and "Prince" were stars of
the camping program in many Packs. Quite often the caretaker was prevailed upon to
tow a trailer full of Brownies round the property behind the tractor. |
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