The Friends of Taylor Park arose from 2 people having a chat over a cuppa one day,

Margaret Van Rompaey and Linda Backus. They discussed how they enjoyed and valued the park with its, diversity of plant and animal life and open space. Margaret was a retired teacher and a specialist in fungi, and could easily recognise other native and non native plants. Linda enjoyed the animal and bird species and would often wander through the park in the evening seeking out the tawny frogmouths, and other creatures.

Discussion emerged about how they could care for the park and safeguard its future. It was decided to call a public meeting. As a result approximately 50 people met and Friends of Taylor Park was established on the 21st July 1989, with Margaret Van Rompaey as President and Linda Backus as Secretary. In the early days the group had many members, but usually it was small groups of 8 or 9 who meet monthly.

Some of the members in those early days included : Dr Erina Batt, Ian and Betty Beaton, Lesley McQuinn, Jo & Kate Sweeney, Spencer Leighton, S.J. Spittle, A.J. Walker , Gail & Harvey Price.

In 1995 Ian Beaton took over as president and with the assistance of his wife Betty and fellow member Peter Doyle, they kept the group going for the next 24 years. Unfortunately in 2019 Ian had to retire due to ill health.

Ian and Betty Beaton were members from the first meeting in July 1989 until Ian’s retirement in August 2019. Their efforts over the 30 years were invaluable in protecting the park and ensuring the survival of Friends of Taylor Park.