Pearl Beach is grieving one of its most loved sons, following the death of long-time resident Bill Abbott on March 12.
Abbott moved to Pearl Beach more than 50 years ago with his mother Dorothy Hart.
They quickly embraced the natural heritage of the village which has inspired many artists, musicians, poets and writers, becoming involved in community activities to raise much needed funds toward the upkeep of the Pearl Beach Native Arboretum with a table of donated books outside the Pearl Beach shop.
Once the Arboretum received a bequest they continued the concept by moving their book sale into the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall and the Easter Saturday Book Fair was launched.
Dorothy Hart became a member of the Pearl Beach Progress Association executive and acted as the Publicity Officer.
An association spokesperson said mother and son were always available to assist with events and sell raffle tickets at the cafe.
“When Dorothy passed away Bill continued managing the Easter Saturday Book Fair with proceeds toward the Memorial Hall upkeep and repairs until he decided to retire,” the spokesperson said.
“Bill was a passionate cruise passenger and over the years sailed on most of the Cunard ships as well as many others.
“He continued coming to Pearl Beach every weekend keeping a fairly low profile.
“It is appropriate that Bill passed away disembarking from a recent cruise.
“In recent years the book fair has been managed by other book lovers and more recently Alison Phillips has taken over the reins.
“The book fair remains the largest single fundraising activity undertaken by the Pearl Beach Progress Association with significant proceeds from book sales, plus back deck cafe, collectables, cakes and jams, a raffle and the Made by Locals stall toward the memorial hall maintenance and upkeep.
“The community continue to support this amazing initiative and in recent years the introduction of a summer reading sale has also become an annual fundraising event.”
The book fair, now in its 47th year, will be held at the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall on Saturday, March 30, from 9am until 5pm.