MEDIA ALERT
19 July 2010
End of an Era for West Hobart Community
Thursday, 22 July will be the end of a special era for the West Hobart and Mount Stuart communities. After 38 years dedicated service, Bill Bostock and his staff at BP West Hobart will hang up the petrol pump for the very last time. To mark the occasion and to pay tribute to a man who has become a local “icon”, customers (past and present), neighbours and friends are invited to join in a special Community Farewell.
At 7pm, Bill Bostock, his family and long-time employee, Stephen Forster, will be escorted in style – in a stretch limousine (shhh, this is a secret) – from BP West Hobart, past a Guard of Honour on his way to the Queens Head Cafe and Bar where a special Community Farewell and presentation by Lord Mayor Rob Valentine will be held.
Hundreds of well-wishers are expected to line Arthur Street for the Guard of Honour, holding sparklers and clapping, waving and cheering as Bill passes, including members of the Lansdowne Primary School community. This historic occasion will present a special photo opportunity for the media.
From 7.15pm, a Community Farewell will follow at the Queens Head Cafe and Bar where Hobart Lord Mayor, Ald Rob Valentine will make a presentation to Bill on behalf of the community and local businesses. His presentation will be followed by a message from Premier David Bartlett, a few words from long-time customer Ald Darlene Haig, and Lansdowne Primary School Principal, Peter Marmion.
In contemplating his years at the BP site, Bill Bostock said, “For me it’s been a life that’s been so good – I love going to work, I love what I do and I love the people. The customers make it so easy to be nice.”
Bill has loyal customers who travel to BP West Hobart from as far afield as Geilston Bay, Dodges Ferry and Cygnet each week to buy their petrol. Other customers never fail to send cards and flowers at Christmas time. “I feel very saddened about having to close the service station and seeing the end of an era, and will miss the customers very much,” Bill said.
Members of the media are invited to attend, or to arrange an interview, or photographic opportunity.
WHAT: Guard of Honour and Community Farewell for Bill Bostock
WHEN/WHERE: 7.00pm – Guard of Honour (commencing at BP West Hobart)
Well-wishers are encouraged to stand on the north-western side of Arthur Street (between Hill and Mary Streets)
7.15pm – Community Farewell and Presentation by Lord Mayor Rob Valentine
Queens Head Cafe and Bar, 400 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart
For media interviews, please contact Bill Bostock on 0418 149 856, or 6234 7990.
FAREWELL BILL BOSTOCK – by Jacinta Lang
On 22 July, West Hobart residents paid tribute to local icon, Bill Bostock, as he closed BP West Hobart, on the corner of Hill and Arthur Streets, after 37 years. In that time, Bill and his long-time employee, Steve Foster, have become a much loved and valued part of the community.
At 7pm, members of the Lansdowne School Community gathered with hundreds of local residents along Arthur Street ready for the Guard of Honour. Bill, his family and Stephen were chauffeured in style in a stretch limousine past the crowd who were waving sparklers, and clapping and cheering them on. A special celebration followed at the Queens Head Cafe & Bar. Lord Mayor Rob Valentine presented Bill with a framed photo of the BP site, along with gifts donated by local businesses. His presentation was followed by a message from former Premier David Bartlett and moving speeches by Alderman Darlene Haigh and Peter Marmion.
Bill will be fondly remembered by many students at Lansdowne Crescent Primary as “the lollypop man” as he was always quick to offer a lollypops to kids as they waited for mum or dad to fill their car up with petrol. He was also happy to assist children to cross the road on their way to school and never failed to offer a friendly wave and smile. In contemplating his years at the BP site, Bill said, “For me it’s been a life that’s been so good – I have loved going to work and I love the people. The customers have made it so easy to be nice and I will miss them very much.”
Bill has many happy memories whilst pumping petrol at BP West Hobart. The best thing was meeting his wife, Sue, on the driveway. She was a customer and one day, Bill finally plucked up the courage to ask her out. Bill and Steve also enjoyed a good joke. On one occasion, Bill found the till draw full of crabs. He has also found his sandwiches filled with cardboard and spiders! Over the years, Bill has accrued a large collection of sunglasses, watches and credit cards. These items were left at the service station as collateral for unpaid petrol.
Bill and Steve will be sorely missed by residents. We thank them for their contribution to the West Hobart community and wish them all the very best for the future.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=148333915180920
Bill Bostock speaks at West Hobart Neighbourhood Watch meeting 11 Aug 2010
Farewell at Queen’s Head with Lord Mayor
Southern Cross TV News coverage (media clip)
Before BP
My grandfather (Tasman Hobart Harvey) owned the house on the corner of Hill & Arthur Streets, and my father and his 5 sisters were brought up there, then my mother and father took me back there to live when I was born in 1948.<!–Robyne Ridgeway –>
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