Sunday 18 March 2012

Happy 80th Birthday Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge


Tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of the Sydney Harbour Bridge opening to traffic on 19 March 1932. The Roads and Maritime Services is hosting a community day to celebrate the Bridge turning 80, today  Sunday 18 March 2012 at Bradfield Park, Milsons Point. This is a day early so that people can join in if they are working on Monday.

 
Apparently in the year the Sydney Harbour Bridge Opened there were a lot of babies named Archie and Bridget. 

The celebrations for the bridge's 80th anniversary will include a focus on our seniors especially those born in 1932 and those who may have a connection with the bridge.

Community Walk at Opening in 1932
Seniors and families why not join us in Bradfield Park for a vintage picnic under the bridge?

The day will have a 1930s vintage theme from 9.30am through to 2pm.  So bring the family, a picnic lunch and enjoy a day in the park. The Sydney Harbour Bridge will remain open to traffic, with no scheduled closures.

 

Around 14,000 workers played a role in erecting the bridge, which is now being crossed by 160,000 vehicles every weekday.

Building Sydney Harbour Bridge
Dr Bradfield who was responsible for the bridge’s general design, championed its development and oversaw its construction.

His oldest grandson Peter Bradfield described him as a “visionary” who devoted 30 years of his working life to the project. “From the time he arrived in Sydney (from Queensland) at the turn of the 20th century he was totally committed to getting the bridge built,” he said. “Family folklore has it that the first time he walked around Sydney Harbour along the Kirribilli foreshore with his wife Edith he said to her that he was going to build a bridge across the water.” Mr Bradfield said the “people’s bridge” was a “testament” to all who worked on it.

Activities on the day will include:
  • Morning tea for seniors (RSVPs essential - please call 1800 822 486)
    Sydney Harbour Bridge - toll
  • Vintage fashion shows
  • Big band
  • Vintage vehicles display
  • History display
  • Family activities
  • Face painting
  • Balloons
  • Food and drink stalls 

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