History of Heathfield Oval

Printed copies are available for $25. To order, email Chris Chardon at braesid2@gmail.com

In this informative document Chris Chardon displays the historian’s craft – the detailed work and the range of sources which provide some answers to challenging questions.

Chris has a lifetime’s knowledge of the district gathered from birth to the present. He has a unique understanding of the social, economic and sporting systems at play and a determination to ‘uncover, publish and preserve’ the stories behind the many places which have served the locals so well over time.

AUTHOR’S NOTES

The area bounded by Longwood, Heathfield and Hender Roads has for many years been known as Hender Reserve. Originally the area consisted of an irregularly shaped 62 acres bounded by Longwood and Heathfield Roads at one end up to the intersection of Rossiter and Longwood Roads. In more recent years the area we now know as Hender Reserve has expanded to include land between Hender Road and the railway line.

I have been aware of events held at the reserve. Over several years and many visits (the first in 1996) I met with Stan and Barbara Evans. I was interested in learning about the history of Heathfield and who better to ask. I have learnt quite a lot about Heathfield but my interest in the Hender Reserve emerged – I will document what I learnt about Heathfield at another time.

Stan and Barbara had in their possession the hard covered, very well kept and detailed minute book of the Heathfield Community Club – later the United Sports Club. This resource was invaluable in my research.
I found the history of the reserve and all that has happened on the sixty two acres over approximately 140 years fascinating and felt it needed to be documented. I trust who ever reads this booklet will understand my fascination.

I sincerely thank Stan and Barbara Evans for their time, patience and information. I also acknowledge the resources of the Mount Lofty Districts Historical Society Inc. and the on-line newspaper resource of the National Library, Trove.

I am grateful for the advice and encouragement afforded to me by the President of the Mount Lofty Districts Historical Society, Ann Herraman and John McGregor for his detailed editing and writing advice.

I thank Ian Deans for his contribution, particularly with regards information about the construction of the change-rooms and social clubrooms we use today.

Chris Chardon
December 2016