Wednesday 10 November 2010

Trumped by eternity


Deep within the hollow at the rear of Edgecliff railway station, nestles this cricket oval, Trumper Park. It is part of an old creek bed draining Bellevue Hill to the east down into Rushcutter Bay which is part of Sydney Harbour.


Victor Trumper was a whirlwind of a batsmen who played for the local Paddington team and, having a modicum of ability caught the eye of the Australian selectors. He played at that level from 1899 - 1914, dying in 1915 aged 37 from Bright's disease, a disease of the kidneys.

This is a sad and run down memorial hidden away from prying eyes.

12 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

Sad for an athlete to die so young, Julie. Sadder still, the park built in his memory is now fading from the memory of others.
-- K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Claudya Martinez said...

Poor guy, poor sad run down memorial.

Jim said...

I didn't know that park was there.

brattcat said...

But is that one of your beautiful jacaranda trees?

Jayne said...

He was, and still is, a massive legend in cricket, pity they haven't done more for the park but it is a lovely little space :)

Julie said...

Yes, I tried really hard to get the jacaranda in, too, BC.

Yes, Jayne, I agree that it is a lovely little space. I am going to explore further up that valley. It takes in a number of parks, not virgin bushland, being totally sullied by lots of exotics, but it will do.

diane b said...

Well now you have brought it out for the whole world to see. Good for you. Interesting bit of history.

magiceye said...

sad but nice of you to remember him here..

Joan Elizabeth said...

Another little historic gem polished up by you.

Cloudy said...

Well, someone people must die so young, and other can be over 100 years. That's life...

Servus and so long
Kvelli

Peter said...

One of Australia's finest athletes. Well written.

Stafford Ray said...

Yes, his name was mentioned by my dad many times and I do remember important games being played at Trumper Park but not for some time.
Probably a few developers eyeing it off by now!!!