Bennett Road Public School is situated on the corner of Bennett and Desborough Roads, Colyton and takes its name from Bennett Road. This main road runs from the Great Western Highway across the M4 to St Clair and was named after the Bennett family who were well-known coach and wagon builders in St Marys for 96 years. James William Bennett built Bronte, on the corner of King and Gidley Streets, as well as cottages in Gidley Street. James William Bennett also conducted The Volunteer Hotel, which in later years has been known as the Park View, Wagon Wheel and The Brew House.
In 1999, six students in 6B prepared a display about the Bennett family for St Mary Magdalene Church Summer Fair. More information was added in 2006. This report is taken from that research and we owe thanks to many community organisations, two members of the Bennett family, Penrith Regional Library and some school families for supplying us with information.
During the research, the students found an interesting link between our school, the display being prepared and the Bennett family. When the school was opened in 1961, it was dedicated by the Rector of St Mary Magdalene Church, Rev E.J. Storey. This is the church for which the display was being made. Also, some members of the Bennett family are buried in the cemetery at that Anglican Church.
