Dipping a toe into the water at Bushy Park

I LOVE driving in to Bushy Park (and Glenora :-) This agricultural district is one of the Derwent Valley's real gems. At this time of year, the hops are half-way up the strings, and the raspberries are being picked. Christmas must be around the corner. The purpose of the trip was to attend my first meeting of the Bushy Park Swimming Pool Committee. Because this committee's meetings clash with the council's "workshops" councillors have been reluctant to put up their hand, instead opting for a rotational roster of sorts. It was my pleasure to volunteer for this committee and if it means missing workshops, so be it.

The Bushy Park Swimming Pool (it's actually located at Glenora but who's arguing?) was built in the late 1950s as the district's war memorial. As well as providing welcome summer recreation and relief, the facility has a comfortable hall which hosts the local Anzac Day observances.

The facility is managed by a dedicated local committee, under the auspices of the Derwent Valley Council. I was already aware of the committee's great work and this was reinforced when deputy general manager (and fellow committee member) Robert McCrossen gave me a tour just prior to the meeting. This is a facility the district, and our whole municipality, can be proud of. Set in a scenic location, surrounded by lush lawns and under the shade of well-established trees, it is the ideal place for a swim.

After the meeting I enjoyed a Christmas drink with the committee and was brought up-to-date on local issues. The discussion reminded me that we are a close-nit community - especially when I was asked for my opinion on New Norfolk's famous planter pots. My position on that subject remains unchanged. The existing pots are dangerous and should be removed. I'll have more to say on that at the next council meeting on December 15. Why don't you come along?

Congratulations to committee president Janice Gittus and her team. I am really looking forward to working with this group and helping it to achieve its aims.