NEWCASTLE (NSW)
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1860 circa - BULL'S GARDEN
Around 1860 Edmund and Frances Bull bought 60 acres at the present Whitebridge, They established a large and exotic garden complex with rockeries and waterfalls, it even had its own small coal mine.
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1904 - BULL'S GARDEN
In 1904 after the death of his parents Sid Bull gave free entry to the gardens, it became a popular tourist attraction with flowers, fruit and vegetables all for sale as well as providing meals and refreshments.
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1913 - BULL'S GARDEN HILLCLIMB
The first recorded hill climb was to be held at Bull's Garden by the Great Northern Motor Club in 1913 for motorcycles but was changed to Charlestown when the first location was found to be too rough.
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1914 - BULL'S GARDEN HILLCLIMB
There was a car hill climb there in 1914 held by the Newcastle Automobile Club, Below is the only photo that has come to light for this location as a hill climb, The event was held over 440 yards.
It appears that the events may have been held on the road within the gardens. A 1944 airiel photo shows a track running uphill past the house on the property.
The other alternative was a hill on the public public road but it appears that the first option would have been the location.
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1917 - BULL'S GARDEN HILLCLIMB 31st March 1917 |
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1918 - BULL'S GARDEN HILLCLIMB December 1918The motor cycle and sidecar events were often held over a 300 yard course.
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1923 - BULL'S GARDEN HILLCLIMB November 1923 |
HAMILTON M.C. CLUB---------------------Fast Hill ClimbThe Hamilton Motor Cycle Club held a fast hill-climb at Bulls Gardens on Saturday, The condition of the hill were preety bad.Results: R Smith Excelsior 1st W Turner HD 2nd W Crampton Norton 3rd.W Turner secured fastest time.Other starters were W Cogan IL Bailey A Eyre F Wells L Petersen.--------------------- |
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1930 - BULL'S GARDEN HILLCLIMB January 1930
sorry about the quality of the print but we are looking for a better copy.
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1932 - BULL'S GARDEN HILLCLIMB September 1932 |
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1936 - BULL'S GARDEN HILLCLIMB 14th November 1936This to date is the last recorded meeting at Bulls Garden.
However events for motor cycles and cars were regularly held there up to and including 1936.
The Bulls Gardens property were on sold in 1937.
The road passing the property is still called Bulls Garden Road.
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(Research and editorials John Campbell)
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2006 - BULL'S GARDEN HILLCLIMB LOCATION
