It has been six months since the National Trust of Australia (NSW) has taken over the management of Retford Park which was built by Samuel Hordern in 1887 and later purchased by James Fairfax AC in 1964 who transformed the property into a gentleman’s residence. 

Mr Fairfax gifted the Bowral property to the National Trust of Australia (NSW) on April 19, 2016 to be preserved for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.

Small events have been held over the past few months so the community could enjoy the property as Mr Fairfax intended.

Manger Scott Pollock said he was pleased with the response.

“I’ve been doing events for a long time and I have to say when we did the art and culture tours of Retford Park, the response was amazing. Not only was it sold out, but I got so many emails expressing how impressed they were with the tourism” he said. 

“John Mulholland, the [former] manager was brilliant and people just loved being able to see inside the house. It really is quite amazing.”

The tours will be held again in March due to the overwhelming response.

Music in the Pool House will be set in the Guilford Bell designed pool house.

A string quartet will use the building as a stage while the community pull up a bean bag or chair to enjoy a lazy afternoon of music with a picnic. 

However, there are still hurdles to overcome.

One of the main elements that make the park so successful is its loyal band of volunteers.

But with only 25 volunteers, the pressure is on to find more to help keep the property open to the community.

To become a volunteer, contact  Scott Pollock on 0418 720 066.