Tree planting honours fallen
Soon after the end of 'The Great War', trees were planted in Railway Street, Woy Woy - each tree in memory of a soldier who lost his life.
Over the years, the trees had deteriorated and Erina Shire Council announced plans for their removal in 1926.
A petition of 300 signatures was raised protesting at the 'sacrilege'.
George Fletcher, Erina Shire employee, wrote to The Gosford Times defending the Council's action, and made the following suggestion: "We have a beautifully situated little park right at the waterfront, and where the splendid memorial now stands.
"Why not plant new trees next Anzac Day, and thus concentrate the whole of Woy Woy's effort in the one beautiful spot, and call it 'The Woy Woy Memorial Park'?
"There is good soil available and if a few loads were carted for each tree and allowed to remain for a while before Anzac Day to sweeten up, and a tree for each of the lads planted there, which would live for ages, it would surely be better than having a few straggly ones in a busy thoroughfare.
"We would have the prettiest Memorial Park in the State, with the memorial, and flower beds interspersed, and the lovely waterfront right at hand." [The Gosford Times: January 14, 1926]
Mr Fletcher was right.
With the help of much volunteer labour, and assistance from the soon-to-be-formed Woy Woy Shire Council, the Woy Woy Memorial Park was officially dedicated by Sir Philip Game, Governor of New South Wales on October 19, 1932.
Years later, the trees planted in memory of 'the lads' have grown to be magnificent specimens, and the park is one of the 'prettiest Memorial Parks in the State'.
Designed by Mr lH Webber, Woy Woy Shire Council Engineer, the Memorial Park is laid out in the form of a huge Australian flag, about 400 feet long and 130 feet wide.
The Union Jack is defined by red gravel paths and by red flower beds; the seven stars are flower beds edged with stone.
Superimposed on the Union Jack is a raised Victoria Cross, upon which stands the Memorial obelisk.
Joan Fenton