Association raises $45,000 for pool

The Pearl Beach Progress Association has raised $45,000, more than halfway to its target, just seven months into its campaign to save Pearl Beach Rock Pool.

Work to restore the 80-year-old heritage-listed landmark is expected to cost up to $250,000.

However, the association has been told that, if the local community can raise $80,000, Gosford Council will contribute to the project's completion.

Association publicity officer Ms Lynne Lillico said this was an amazing result and memorable milestone for the Pearl Beach community.

"We are now more than half way into reaching our target amount," Ms Lillico said.

"With many more fundraising events planned for the rest of the year and with the generosity and support of Pearl Beach residents and wider community we should be able to reach our $80,000 goal."

Ms Lillico said the recent success of last month's wine tasting day and collectables appraisal event enabled the association to pass the $40,000 half way mark comfortably.

"The Pearl Beach Ocean Rock Pool fundraising barometer hit $45,000 following two extremely successful events attracting large crowds during July," Ms Lillico said.

"Visitors from near and far supported these unique activities commencing on July 18, when Wollombi Wines returned to Pearl Beach bringing with them a range of gourmet Hunter Valley products.

"With their return visit to Pearl Beach, Wollombi Wines owners Peter and Allyson Hoft entertained and informed visitors gathered around their tasting table enjoying and purchasing from a variety of boutique wines being offered.

"Hunter Valley producers participating for the first time were extremely enthusiastic about the day and commented that they enjoyed meeting and chatting with visitors to their stands and all confirmed that would love to return next time we hold a wine and food fair."

Ms Lillico said the Collectables Appraisal Day also proved to be extremely successful for the fundraising campaign.

"Crowds gathered early with small and large packages to find out What It's Worth on July 26," Ms Lillico said.

"The Sydney experts were kept busy dealing with a variety of items brought along including ceramics, jewellery, silver, art, watches and clocks as well as other collectables."

Event organiser Bill Blinco said there were a number of unique and unusual family treasures presented and among which stood out.

These included a French flappers dress, Morse Code machine thought to have been used on the Kakoda Trail during World War II, a Donald Bradman cricket bat and a St Andrews wooden golf club from the early 20th century as well as interesting and valuable pieces of silver.

Press release, 6 Aug 2009 Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association