Norfolk Island Trip 2002
In preparation for the trip I prepared a folder with information in it and I will try to include as much of that information as I can here for everyone to read.
Welcome letter.
Dear Lucas Family Members and Friends (for this week you are part of our special family)
On behalf of myself, my daughter Kerry and cousin Janice, We would like to welcome you all here to Norfolk Island. How fantastic it is to be here with you all. For almost a year now we have been planning this trip and finally here we are at the start of our wonderful week together. I am sure that as the week goes by we will all form lasting friendships and we will leave here with our lives greatly enriched by this very special time we will be sharing together. Please make sure you spend time with different people at each meal time and get to know each other. We are here at your service and if we can assist you in any way please do not hesitate to call on us at any time. If you have any special requests please make them known so that we can do our best to ensure your week is a very memorable one.
We will be taking photo's and recording who we are photographing so that we will be able to print a small magazine in the coming months, so no hiding and saying I don't like getting my photo taken (because I don't either)
We have some special things planned for you all and I encourage you all to get involved as much as possible. As you are all aware our purpose for being here is the dedication of the Plaques, and the presentation of the book to the Museum. It is so thrilling that we have representatives from all branches of the family (and every State and the Capital of Australia as well as Family from New Zealand) and you will be able to recognize other family members of your branch by the colour on your name badges.
If your health allows, I would encourage you to explore this beautiful rugged place and try to imagine what it was like 214 years ago when Nathaniel and Olivia landed here. There are several free times for you to go for a drive or a walk or shop till you drop, so take advantage of these times or just rest up ready for our next scheduled event. Please enjoy your stay and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you over the next few days.
Thank you for coming and making this a very special event in our lives. I firmly believe that our greatest asset in life is Family and each and every member of that family complements and enriches the lives of the other members of the family regardless of how close or distant that relationship is.
I pray God will Bless you all as we share this special time together.
Just a little information on Norfolk Island and it's different settlement periods.
Norfolk Island and its Three Settlements.
Norfolk Island was first settled in 1788, at the same time as Sydney, New South Wales. During this period until 1814 parts of the island were cleared of the dense rain forest, enabling a population of over 1,000 people to live there. From 1806 onwards the population was steadily withdrawn to Van Diemen’s Land or to New South Wales, and the island was abandoned in 1814.
The Second Settlement was established between 1825 – 55 as a penal colony for convicts from New South Wales. No private settlers were allowed on the island during this period, and the land was worked by convict labour. In 1847, under pressures of penal reform, the British Government closed the colony and gradual withdrawal took place until 1855.
The Third Settlement was established by the Pitcairn Islanders. Following the Mutiny on the “Bounty” in 1789, the mutineers had made Pitcairn Island their home. By 1820, Pitcairn’s resources were no longer able to support the increasing population and it was suggested that Norfolk Island would make a suitable home. After abortive attempts to immigrate to Tahiti in 1831, the entire community of 194 persons settled on Norfolk Island in 1856. In 1896 the island was made a dependency of New South Wales, and in 1914, under the Norfolk Island Act, it became an external territory of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Today, Norfolk Island is a growing tourist resort. The population consists of permanent residents and tourists from many Nations but mostly from Australia and New Zealand because of it close proximity. Norfolk Island is a duty free port with numerous hotels and motels and has regular air services to the mainland and New Zealand. It's climate, scenery and historical precincts make it a popular resort amongst the Pacific Islands.
Saturday March 2nd 2002.
I hope at some stage to include photo's but at present download time is too slow if photo's are included.
We will be printing a colour magazine of the trip so if you are interested please contact me by phone, E-mail or snail mail. It will be available at cost + postage which is now confirmed at $5.00 per copy pre paid and we need to have an order for 1,000 to get them at that price. I can guarantee that they will be excellent quality, full colour and 20 pages. This is not much more than a card and I would like to encourage you all that this magazine would make a perfect gift for all family members to have as a keepsake for historical purposes. Many of our photo's will be featured in this magazine. We hope to get this in to print by early June 2002 so please get your orders in as soon as possible.
June Dark
35 Tytherleigh Road
Palmwoods
4555
Phone 07 5445 0890
jdark@linkt.com.au
Up - date. I have spoken to the Publisher of the Magazine and all is going ahead so it will be head down and fingers to the keyboard for the next few weeks as I am preparing as much as possible to help keep costs down. One of our local printers GT Print (they do all the printing for Australia's Zoo, (Steve Erwin) will be doing the job for us and I am sure they will do an excellent job. August 7th 2002.
This report applies to the group travelling from Brisbane to Norfolk Island. (I would appreciate it if the other groups would contact me with a short story of their travel from their capital city to Norfolk Island).
The various family members met at Brisbane Airport in the queue waiting to book in, we had been taken to the airport by my brother and Janice Hovey's brother who promised he would go home and put up a photo of us and throw darts at it all week as he was jealous of the wonderful time we were about to have. We boarded Air Nauru Boeing 737 leaving Brisbane at 2.30pm, the Captain welcomed the members of the Lucas - Gascoigne Family travelling to Norfolk Island for a Family Reunion. We arrived Norfolk Island (their time) at 5.45pm.
Flying into Norfolk the excitement rose as we caught our first glimpse of Norfolk Island and in particular Anson Bay. We were met at the airport by Mike Perkins (our Commandant) for the next week, Lee and the girls from the Travel Centre. Upon arrival we were given a welcome certificate and bag of goodies including a teaspoon with our Logo on it. The two children travelling with us received a ruler much to their delight.
We were transported to our motel the Hibiscus Aloha where we quickly left our things and drove down to Seaworld Restaurant to catch up with the family members who had flown in from Sydney earlier in the day. Because of the size of our group and our late arrival, dinner was in two sittings. We wanted to distribute the folders as quickly as we could so Kerry read out the names and Krisy and Ryan handed them out. Dinner was very enjoyable especially with the lovely company and the chatter was flowing freely. Someone suggested we not only inherited the Haemochromatosis gene but the chatting gene as well. The friendly chatter was music to my ears as no matter how much you plan a trip like that it is still up to those participating, and all was going very well. I was overawed with the reception when I arrived, the very warm welcome by family members was very reassuring that the week would go well. Young Ryan made his first friend and they became buddies for the next week. Sue noticed Ryan was struggling to stay awake and was very bored waiting for his meal and showed him how to make bunny ears out of a serviette (it could also be a bra as well and being the typical male Ryan thought that was Cool !
We arrived back at our motel quite late with two very tired children and adults as well, looking forward very much to tomorrow and the week ahead.
Sunday March 3rd 2002.
The weather was perfect, I personally went for a very early morning walk and explored the town. Did a little window shopping which is the best kind of shopping in my mind. We were booked into the early breakfast which was 7 am. There were times when this early breakfast would prove a bit of a problem with the children especially with the late nights. Breakfast was in two sittings each day (7am. & 8am.) to cater for our large group. Every day there was a great choice of cereals, prunes or fruit of some sort, cooked breakfast such as bacon and eggs, savoury mince, tomatoes, sausages, scrambled eggs, juice, tea and coffee and according to Ryan, just the coolest toaster you have ever seen.
I am not sure what some of the others got up to but I believe half of the group went on the Half-Day Tour of the island in the morning and the other half in the afternoon. This tour of the island is to orientate newcomers with the island so that you can then explore the island in your leisure time. We were on the afternoon group so we headed off to Cascade Wharf to check and see if there was a boat in, not finding one we then checked out Kingston Jetty as we did not want to miss out on seeing a boat if there was one. It is quite an experience (I have been told) to watch the unloading of the boats, unfortunately the times I have been on the island I have just missed out.
Because of the reefs close to the shore and unsuitable landing places the large ships anchor off shore and small boats called lighter boats go out and pick up the goods and they are then lifted off the lighter boats by the cranes on the wharf's. There are some funny stories about the unloading of goods, it is said that the island people did not want poker machines on the island and each time they arrived on the ship (twice I believe) they had an unfortunate accident and dropped them in the water, after that they gave up trying to land them on the island. I feel certain that the locals are far better off without them.
We left at 1pm. on our half day tour with Steve as driver. Steve had been a high school teacher in our area here on the Sunshine Coast and he was the person who started the surfing program in the schools. I had met Steve last year on Norfolk and was amazed to think he remembered me and welcomed me with a hugh hug and kiss. With the large amount of tourists visiting the island this came as a surprise. Steve in my opinion is an excellent tour operator and embraces all he does with enthusiasm, he visited Norfolk several years ago and as he said, if you stay more than a week the island will wrap it's arms around you and never let you go.
Throughout the trip he gave us plenty of facts and figures --- the island gets about 40,000 tourists annually, with 1800 normal population, island is 8klm x 5klm and is 3860 hectares, with 15% being National Park. The airstrip is 2000m long, Mt. Pitt is 316m high, climate ranges from 12 degrees minimum to a maximum of around 26 degrees. There are no pensions, no income tax, registration on vehicles is $95.00 per annum, the speed limit is 50 klms per hour, cement costs $260 per cubic metre, electricity is 34 cents per kilowatt, phone calls on the island are free and it is the only place in the world where your nick name is in the phone book as well as your given name.
The local council workers have 4 legs and keep the grass on the side of the road well mown, the cows are registered and each person in a family is permitted a certain amount of cows to roam free on the island provided they are registered and they are subject to stock count and inspection. Whatever you do while on Norfolk do not hit a cow as it could cost thousands, all animals on Norfolk have right of way and this rule must be abided by at all times. The first stop on the tour was St. Barnabas Chapel and we were shown the various features inside, the Rose Window on the West Wall, and the organ arrived from the UK in 1876 and was installed by August 1880. The names of the five martyrs are near the front door, the ceiling resembles the hull of an upturned boat, and the acoustics are unbelievable. We toured the grave yard which in itself is fascinating as some of the headstones face a different way to others, it depended on which part of the world you came from. Krisy was given the privilege of ringing the bell which had a very mellow tone, we were also fascinated by the huge fig tree which is in the grounds of the chapel.
Back on the bus, Steve explained about the Kentia Palms being called the superanuation tree as the seed from the tree is very valuable. The Kentia industry is huge and the plants are grown from the seed (they actually live off the seed for about 18 months and would grow even if they were not planted in potting mix). They are sold by the thousands to the Northern Hemisphere Countries, where the Dutch in particular manipulate them to change the colour to a lighter green and use them for indoor plants. We passed Colleen Mc Culloughs place - her husband Rick Robinson grows Kentia Palms, Colleen is a recluse with about 14 staff and it is said she writes all night and sleeps during the day, it certainly works for her as she is a millionaire and is very generous with the locals and has been known to deposit money into accounts when she hears of a need. If you have not read "Morgans Run" please make sure you do as Nathaniel and Olivia are spoken about quite a few times in the latter third of the book.
Steve then showed us the beautiful little turn sitting on the branch, the mother bird lays her egg on the branch (no nest) and sits on the egg and when it hatches the baby bird just sits there for 16 weeks, when it is time to return to the Northern Hemisphere (China or around there) the mother bird encourages the baby to fly around a few times to gain strength and after a few flights they leave on their long journey only to return to the same tree next year and they mate for life. Steve then explained about the Strangler Fig (Banyan Tree) which grows near the airport and this tree alone covers two thirds of an acre.
We then drove on down to Watermill Valley and saw the dam (which was dry last year, it had been drained for repairs) past the 100 trees planted in honour of a local who turned 100 years, past the prison walls, saw Phillip Island which is 7klms away and also Nepean Island which is smaller and closer to the mainland. We went past the school (324 students), and were told there are more cars on the island than people (not too many in fantastic condition I might add). We visited the Pottery, brought bananas for 10 cents each and enjoyed them (not as good as Lady Fingers). Continued on our trip stopping at the Homestead for afternoon tea which was tea and coffee and delicious cake. Sat out in the garden and the kids loved patting tripod, the 3 legged dog. We thoroughly enjoyed the Half Day Tour and thanked Steve very much for being an excellent and informative driver.
Sunday night we drove down to the Marquee which had been erected within the ruins of the Second Settlement, met and welcomed the newcomers who had just flown in from Melbourne and also the people from the First Fleeters Group. We handed out the rest of the folders and enjoyed more chatting and getting to know each other over a very lovely meal. During the night Warwick Grace read his poems and Ken McCubbin spoke about the Lucas-Gascoigne Family, Ian Blair spoke about the Logo and it's meaning and the Banner was unveiled, and Paul Bonner Jones entertained during these events. Greg Lucas also spoke about Nathaniel and Olivia and the part they played in the First Settlement. Many photo's were taken with the banner and also in family groups afterwards. A wonderful night was had by all and the islanders certainly did an excellent job in catering for us.
These are the two poems read by Warwick Grace.
Norfolk Island and it's Pines
Green, so dark green - a silhouette unique,
Serrated, tall and tapered, up to a steepled cross;
Cloaking, so close, over ancient lava loam
On craggy Pitt's peak and soft-shelving slopes.
Nurtured by storms, by the sun and soil --
Generations sprouted in splendid inattention --
Sharing their space with gannets and with turns,
Peace's paradise -- no serpent to encroach.
Thick were the timbers -- with little sign to show
That here, over time, traced a human habitat
Boughs once unbroken by anything but storm,
Home for the parrot, the petrel and the bat.
Trunks once envisaged for masts and their spars,
A timber more suited for commoner chores,
Rearing, till felled, round the rim of the region,
Waiting, if sighing, till sailors should come.
Scores sacrificed when the convicts and carers
First settled, assembling their shelters and stores.
Reprieved when crags were carved, or clay kilned,
To stand in their stead for both dungeon and mansion.
Sighing and soughing with whip of the wind --
So mild the resemblance to deeds later done --
When many, convicted, were cruelly scourged --
Beaten and broken - less value than logs?
One tree by legend was lair of a convict,
Two by disaster the death of twin girls.
Mary and Sarah - alone of clan Lucas,
Rest in the soil, near the site they were born.
Many such pines sheltered children of Pitcairn,
And curved as the cover of lighter and launch.
Still settled so stately in vale and on vertex,
Servant and symbol, the gift of our God.
Such pines now abound on boulevards far,
Transplanted o'er years by cool civic choice,
Gracing the bays, and bluffs of their headlands --
Thriving in brisk-blowing, salt-laden spray.
Such is the theme of this song of the pine,
For long isolated from monarchs and men.
Monarchs themselves till humbled to duty --
And yet yielding none of their dignity then.
Warwick Grace January 2002
A Poem of Convicts, Courage -- and Norfolk Island.
I wonder today if you've pondered upon
The trials of a past and sad generation,
That -- currently scorned by politics whim --
Is honoured by many that sprang from their seed.
Prisoned for plunder -- when baubles might lure;
Shanghaied for service -- perhaps out of meanness,
Taken for tasks that were skilled -- for the crown.
Perhaps you've considered the equity part?
From despotic judge, to hulks drunken surgeon!
Their judgment first death -- then kindly commuted --
To suffer a doom of distance -- transported...
Far from their cottage so modest, yet homely;
Far from their kin if poor, yet familiar;
Far from the snow and the soft-wooded greenness,
Far from the hedgerows and thatch-browned old town.
Maybe you've thought upon the deep stresses
Of chains, or of lash, or of dark, crowded dungeon;
Of rolling and heaving upon sea-swelling --
Through long nights and days in a hell so intruding.
Out in the storm with the waves so high-crested,
Deep in the troughs as the crest curled above;
Down in the doldrums -- so still and so sweating,
Deep under deck when the sun sank low down.
I wonder, I wonder, have you thought of Lucas,
Of Williams, McLellan, of King and Gascoigne,
Of carpenters, surgeons, seamstresses, children,
Of rascals and godly folk -- women and men !
Far, far away to a shore uninviting,
Far, far away to a an alien land,
Far, far away to a hardwood-bush torment,
Far, far away from the faces they'd known.
Far, farther still from the haunts of all neighbours,
Far, farther still to a place of tall pines --
Rising like Eden, from out of the ocean,
Haven for them then -- hell later for some.
Planning of masts from towering pine trees,
Scheming for sails from lavish-spread flax,
They left, and a harsher command was to follow --
Till the Island was cleared -- for the Pitcairner crew.
Let us remember them, cherish their story --
Though nought may remain but some long-graven stone,
Their island still home to a bountiful culture --
Which now shares their history, and honours their name.
Warwick Grace October 2001
This is a description of the Lucas Gascoigne Logo and the reason why the elements of the design were
chosen.
The Lucas Gascoigne Logo.
This Logo was designed in 2001 by June Dark in consultation with fellow descendants of Nathaniel and Olivia.The elements in the design all represent Olivia and Nathaniel's lives. book. Certain elements of the design on the front of the previous book "Nathaniel and Olivia" were retained as it was not the desire to change but enhance the previous design.
The ship obviously represents the way they arrived here, and also that he was a skilled ship frame builder and the Family owned boats.
The mallet and chisel are tools of trade for a carpenter and builder.
The windmill is symbolic of the mills Nathaniel built, both on Norfolk and in Australia. He built the first Post Type Mill in Australia, and is known as Australia's first Miller.
The brick wall represents the Foundation Stones of the buildings he built and also the founding of our Family and the development of our Nation.
Surrounding these elements is a ball and chain representing the fact they were convicts. The rope connected to the chain also represents their shipping business.
The outer circle represents the encircled family being held together by strong family bonds.
The wheat represents the fact they had mills and also farmed and grew crops.
The Motto
"BUILDERS OF A NATION"
was chosen because Nathaniel and many of his sons and descendants
were builders and they certainly went on to build Australia's largest family,
who with pride in their ancestors became a
"NATION WITHIN A NATION"
This is the family Logo and it can be used for letterheads, envelopes etc.
Our Banner is something we can be very proud of as it represents our Family, and we displayed it with pride wherever we went on Norfolk Island.
I can't help but wonder just what Nathaniel and Olivia would think, if they saw us together on Norfolk Island, celebrating their lives. Two humble people who struggled with the difficulties of life (as we often still do today) but they managed to overcome whatever obstacles were in their path. We their descendants need to acknowledge our past and stand tall and proud of the Family we have become.
Never before in the history of the world have we needed to belong to family as much as we do at this present time. I fell very blessed that we know our heritage and it says here on this Web Site, History is the dead record of what people or Nations did but Heritage is a living thing, it is something of value passed down from generation to generation.
Please ensure that you pass on any information to your descendants and write your family story for them to read and reflect on in later years.
I would like to add here that anyone requiring the Banner for special functions please just contact me and I will make sure you have it by your required date.
Monday 4th March 2002.
Breakfast once again was very nice and it was a good time to get to know each other. We set off to Kingston where we would join up together in our cars for a Tag-along-tour. Because of the size of our group we were split into two groups the red and the green groups. Again our heads were swimming with lots of facts and figures, Kingston Pier built in 1847; during WW2, the Americans drove in the steel piles as the barges were damaging the stonework, we then inspected the bottom floor of the Commissariat Store built in 1835 and it took 7 months to build and used 35,000 hand made 2 inch nails which were made in the forgery, the area we were in was the butchery. In 1961 an earthquake damaged the place and a large crack can be seen as a result of this. Originally they tried to make bricks on the island and that was unsuccessful, it was then they turned to timber which did not last too well unless treated, they then turned to stone which was superior and has lasted until now. There was a drawing on the wall, of the Settlement in 1855 and also a drawing of Government House in 1804.
The pine knots from the Norfolk Pine last for 100 years and it was these knots that they used to burn for torches when they plundered the Petrel (the bird of providence ) in the early Settlement. There was a beam in the store that was 75 feet long and it was hand cut by the sawyers, it must have been incredibly heavy to work with - the term top-dog and under-dog originated from the sawyers and their position on the saw. The top-dog needed a very straight eye (the role of the sawyer is well explained in Morgans Run). Every article in the early settlement was branded with the broad arrow, this was the mark of the King at the time.
We then visited No 10 Quality Row, the house was built in 1844 as a military house for the Second Settlement, this particular style of house being for second class citizens. It was built for the Foreman of Works, with 1830's furniture and used till 1987. We then returned to the boat shed at Kinsgston where we had a lovely morning tea again with delicious cake. Following morning tea Bill Fletcher spoke and Janice Hovey read a poem and a copy of "A NATION WITHIN A NATION" was presented to Mr Nigel Erskine the Curator of the Museum. Photos were taken with a representative of each branch of the family that were involved in the presentation. After this we swapped guides and headed off on the second part of the Tag-along-tour.
This is the speech Bill Fletcher made at the presentation of the book to the Curator of the Museum.
Nigel Erskine, curator of Museums, Islanders and descendants of Nathaniel and Olivia
In this day and age we hear a great deal about stress and anxiety. Throughout 1999 millions of people throughout the world became very stressed as to what would happen when the year 2000 arrived. Y2K bugs, aircraft crashing, and ATM’s failing to work were just some of the things that caused this unnecessary tension. Talking to you today, a group of virtual strangers, although related, is stressful to me.
However, I don't believe any of this can compare to that suffered by Nathaniel Lucas and Olivia Gascoigne as they were incarcerated in fetid goals, placed on board a stinking ship and moved to the other end of the earth. Its hard to believe today that crimes of theft and armed robbery deserved such punishment, but 200 years ago it was common.
I sometimes think that society has not changed very much when, up until a few months ago, people were gaoled in the Northern Territory for three months for the theft of a packet of biscuits. Fortunately, a change of government quickly abolished those laws.
Some years ago, I spent 64 days at sea on a trawler. It was roughly half the length of the Scarborough on which Nathaniel spent a year travelling to Botany Bay. We only had a crew of six but there were times that another one hundred feet of trawler would have been wonderful just to get away from everyone. What must conditions have been like with 205 convicts, 34 soldiers and crew onboard plus stores for several years. I shudder to think. I had air-conditioning, ample supplies of fresh and frozen food, and full headroom.
Below decks Scarborough only had four and half feet of headroom (that's about 123 centimetres) which would have made moving around very difficult and probably almost impossible when all convicts were confined below.
I only experienced 5 days of Roaring Forties type weather, but even in a modern trawler it meant no hot food or drinks for that period because it was just too dangerous. Wooden ships leak in a seaway and the convicts must have been continuously cold, wet and hungry in the weeks it took to sail from Cape Town to Botany Bay. At least I was dry, and could have a hot shower anytime I liked.
Their arrival at Botany Bay and subsequent move to Sydney Cove must have been a relief, even if the rumoured land of milk and honey was not apparent to them.
Within days of arrival, it was announced that a party would leave almost immediately to establish a colony at Norfolk Island. According to the Judge Advocate of the colony, David Collins, most of the 22 people in the party were volunteers. What must conditions have been like for them to have opted for another sea voyage and even greater isolation on an island in the Pacific. We can but wonder?
If we can take the descriptions in Colleen McCullough’s book “Morgan’s Run” as an indicator, they probably made a wise decision. Whilst there were food shortages, the soil was fertile and food could be grown or caught, although not always in sufficient quantities. They certainly appear to have been better off than their counterparts left behind in Sydney Town.
From those humble beginnings, the Lucas family and their descendants have played their part in the development of Australia and undoubtedly will continue to do so.
Like Australia, the family embraces the multicultural nature of our society.
Would Nathaniel and Olivia be surprised? I tend to think not.
Over an eighty year period, there were around 160 thousand people transported to Australia. While the first fleeters were mainly English and Welsh, there were also some Irish who were living in England at the time of their conviction and subsequent transportation. The Scots generally came much later as did the large numbers of Irish; many transported directly from Ireland. There were also 800 Africans from both sides of the North Atlantic, the Cape colony, St Helena and Mauritius and there were also convicts from Poland, America, France, Spain, Sicily, Germany and Prussia
By the time Nathaniel and Olivia returned to Sydney from Norfolk Island, Asian faces were also a common sight on the streets of the now increasingly busy seaport. Three of the First Fleet transports went to Canton to pick up cargo for Britain and this practice continued. Necessity opened trade with other ports and many ships picked up Malay cooks and seamen.
I am proud to be a member of the Lucas family. My immediate link comes through my mothers the family – Williams – who settled in Tasmania in the 1840’s, having migrated as assisted immigrants
To conclude, I would like to congratulate Peter McKay on the tremendous effort he has put into producing Nation within a Nation and to all those who contributed information. Peter was able to draw on an earlier work by Rhonda Kroehnert and Betty Taber, which was published in 1988, together with a number of other genealogical works including one compiled by my uncle Rod, or to give him his fill name – Roderick Lucas Williams.
I sincerely hope that Peter or someone else will continue the work and fill in the missing information and continue with the next generation. Maybe we will see a third edition of the family tree published in the years to come.
I hope the Museum will find the volume of interest and assistance in tracing the lives of two of the twenty two people who set foot on Norfolk Island for the first time two hundred and fourteen years ago, to establish the first of the Islands three settlements.
I am extremely proud to stand here today representing the descendants of Nathaniel and Olivia’s sixth child, also called Olivia. Long gone are the days when our convict past was hidden. The fact we are all here today, is testament to that.
Inside the book we presented to the Museum we placed the list of names of the family members who so kindly donated to the memorial plaques. Also the following inscription was placed in the front of the book.
Our Gift To The People Of Norfolk Island.
Inside the front cover of the book the following inscription was written.
This copy of "A NATION WITHIN A NATION" was presented to the Museum on the 4th March 2002 by the descendants of Nathaniel Lucas and Olivia Gascoigne.
Nathaniel Lucas and Olivia Gascoigne arrived on Norfolk Island aboard the First Fleet "Supply" on the 6th March 1788. We their descendants are extremely proud of them. Nathaniel and Olivia having made the most of a very difficult situation, raised their family in an honourable and Godly manner. Nathaniel was appointed Superintendent of Carpenters on the Island and contributed to the Colony in many and various ways.
They were the foundation of what is now "Australia's Largest Family" and it is with pride we honour them by presenting this copy of "A NATION WITHIN A NATION" to the Museum, for the people of Norfolk Island.
We have come here to your beautiful island to celebrate the lives of Nathaniel and Olivia and to dedicate a seat in their honour, Mary and Sarah (twin daughters of Nathaniel and Olivia) were accidentally killed on the island, and a Memorial Plaque will be dedicated by their descendants in a Ceremony on Foundation Day, 6th March 2002.
Opposite are listed the family members who so generously donated to the Memorial Plaque Fund, and made these Memorials possible. Nathaniel and Olivia were truly "BUILDERS OF A NATION"
On the opposite page inside the front cover of the book the names of the family who donated were listed.
A poem called Nathaniel and Olivia was read by Janice Hovey a descendant of The 8th child James.
Nathaniel and Olivia.
They came from a land far, far away
They wore a badge of shame, some would say.
Sent to this land to make it home
What lay ahead was quite unknown.
They sowed the seed, and planted crops
The grubs they came, devoured the lot.
They built a home and children raised
Along with crops of wheat, and maize.
The land was harsh and unforgiving
Eleven children, nine still living.
Twin girls killed by a falling tree
How they coped is hard to see.
Although they found it very hard
And their lives were deeply scared
They had no choice they carried on
Until they left their island home.
Once more they sailed across the sea
But by this time, they were free.
It was to Sydney they returned,
And for a while, there sojourned.
Two more children there were born
But was not long before they'd morn,
The death of their beloved father
Oh how hard it was for mother.
She quickly tidied up loose ends
Sold up all and sailed again,
To try to make a better life
One without, all the strife.
I think that if she saw us now
She would be so very proud,
Of the family we've become
And one day she'll say welcome home.
June Dark January 2002
We then set off to the Arthur's Vale area where were given plans as to what it would have been like in Olivia and Nathaniel's time. Walked on Nathaniel and Olivia's Lot 33 and saw where they believe the house would have been when the twins were killed. There was a fair amount of discussion as to whether the twins would have been buried on the block or in the cemetery. (I personally believe it would have been on the land) but I could be wrong in this. We then visited the Maritime Museum and saw the artefacts from the Sirius (built in 1780) found it very interesting and even now they are still diving on the wreck to gain more knowledge. We really appreciated the effort the Museum and it's staff went to, making our tour very informative and enjoyable. We filled in the afternoon by doing some sight-seeing.
Monday evening we were again broken into two groups half having dinner at Barney Duffy's and the other half at the Homestead. I will report on the dinner at the Homestead and try and find someone who will fill me in on the dinner at Barneys. We arrived to find the round tables elegantly set for groups of about 8-10, and at our table were Kevin and Marie Meers, Peter and Tricia Meers, Pat Meers, Janice Hovey, Kerry, Ryan and Krisy Paulsen and myself. We were given a nice glass of wine or juice on arrival along with nibbles which Krisy and Ryan proudly helped pass around as the restaurant was short staffed. The meal was very enjoyable and the company at our table first class. I appreciated the smaller group around the table as it gave us the opportunity to have a little more personal conversation. We arrived back at the motel around 10pm.
A couple of people that went to Baney Duffy's have told me the meal was very good and the company excellent and a good time was had by all.
Tuesday 5th March 2002.
Weather was a little cloudy, once again enjoyed a lovely breakfast and tried to sit with different people. We had a free morning so we decided to go driving and Marguerite and Lorna followed along in their car. First up we went ot Captain Cook's Lookout, then off to Duncombe Bay, Point Howe near the Shooting Club premises.
Walked down a hill to get a better view of the coastal scenery but coming back up was something else. Arrived at the top again huffing and puffing like a steam engine, back in the car and then to the Telecommunications Centre where a little graffiti took place, a certain member of our party discovered that Tassie was missing off the map and produced a highlighter and another partner in crime drew Tassie on to the map. Drove back to have another look at Anson Bay (we wanted to walk down to it but ran out of time). Arrived back at the motel and it was time to dress in our period costumes for the dinner at John Forresters, at Forrester Court.
John is a descendant of First Settlement people. John generously opens his home as a fund raiser only on Foundation Day and we were very privileged to have been given the opportunity to enter his magnificent home and gaze in awe of the exquisite needle craft created by his wife (now deceased). John also took me upstairs to see his train set which would have been every man or little boys dream. This train set ran 20 trains at the same time and was simply stunning. John Forrester is a millionaire (Forrester Kurts Construction) but the kindest, gentlest man, who was deeply in love with his wife and still misses her immensely 6 years after her death. What impressed me most about this gentleman was that a child's drawing held pride of place in his home and meant just as much to him as all his expensive possessions.
A delicious lunch was provided by the Rotary Club and the funds raised going to local charities. Mr. Tony Messner and his wife were invited guests along with the girls from the Travel Centre and the First Fleeters Group. Paul Bonner Jones again entertained us, and the views from Forrester Court were stunning, but definitely no sleep walking. Following our sumptuous lunch an official photographer took photos of the full group and then descendants only and followed up with the branch photos. The bus took us back to the motel and Janice and I had afternoon tea with Herb and Cate Moffatt and Maureen and Fred Rodda joined us there, it was a lovely time together. We got so carried away chatting and getting to know each other we forgot we had to be out fairly early and so it was a bit of a rush to be ready for the bus again.
Bus picked us up and took us to Puppy's Point for the Fish Fry and to watch the sunset over the ocean, which was rather special for us East Coast dwellers. The fish was delicious and plentiful along with salads and coconut pie for dessert. With full tummies we sat and watched the sunset which at the time we thought was not that special because of the weather but on seeing the photo's I changed my mind. We were taken home again around 7pm and it was then on to another bus to "Wonderland by Night" which was a truly unique experience and an excellent show. Archie, recites his poetry (he has a style all his own) as you walk around paths that are lit up, and come across scenes in the bush (Diorama) where you stop and listen to Archie's poems. We had supper (tea and fruit cake) in the shed which again was quite unique. We arrived home around 10pm, weary after another very busy day but looking forward to what tomorrow held in store for us all. The other group had a real party in the shed with Archie playing the piano and they were all involved in a sing-along, this was on the following night.
During the night one of our group was taken very ill and admitted to hospital for a couple of days and sadly Jean missed out on some of the main events but I am sure she will catch up when she gets to see the video. She fully recovered and joined in the rest of the trip which we were all very pleased about.
Wednesday 6th March 2002 "FOUNDATION DAY"
Breakfast once again was very enjoyable and everyone chatted away freely. Following breakfast we had a little free time until we were collected from our various places of accommodation to be taken to Kingston for the Foundation Day Celebrations. Unfortunately this year the full re-enactment could not take place due to the Public Liability problems with the Insurance Companies.
We arrived down at Kingston and the weather was beautiful, the first ceremony being the raising of the flag. It was nice to see they used a tree branch for the flagpole and ropes which very much added to the authenticity of the era, after all it was depicting 1788. Following a short speech and the flag raising a sumptuous luncheon was served on the lawn at Kingston. We were entertained with appropriate music and joined by distinguished guests. Following the luncheon some of our group were really getting involved and having a very enjoyable time dancing to the music provided while others enjoyed a chat or a bit of R & R on the grass. The gentleman from the paper took some photo's to be used on the front page of the Norfolk Islander and did a quick interview to gather a little information about our purpose for being on Norfolk at this particular time.
After lunch it was back on the bus and off to Emily Bay for the Memorial Ceremony and the unveiling of the plaque to Mary and Sarah. Some of our group thought they would miss out as their bus driver drove them back to the town and being Lucas-Gascoigne descendants dug in their heels and refused to get off the bus and insisted very strongly in being taken back to Emily Bay for the ceremony. They arrived back in time much to their relief. It was a case of lack of communication between the bus company and it's driver.
MARY AND SARAH.
17th August 1790 - 14th August 1792 Norfolk Island.
Mary and Sarah, Two precious little girls who came into this world together and like most twins probably had a very special bond with each other. Two short years, lives tragically cut short, innocent children in a harsh environment.
We find it difficult to recover from the loss of a loved one, especially a child. Even though it was 210 years ago Nathaniel and Olivia were no different than we are. The incredible grief they must have felt is portrayed in the letter home to his father in England, and whether it was written by Nathaniel or Olivia really doesn't matter as it shows that even in 1796, 4 years after their death they were still grieving for their little girls.
In this day and age we have counsellors and people to help us through difficult times, but cast your thoughts back to 1792 and try to imagine what things would have been like back then. What incredible tenacity they had to live through these difficult times and overcome the hardships they faced. Australia is the Great Nation it is today because of the people like our ancestors Nathaniel and Olivia.
Mary and Sarah parted this life as not much more than babies but they are to us (their family) two very special little girls, and they are the reason we are gathered here today to celebrate their lives and unveil this Memorial to them.
Mike Perkins invited Ian Blair to come forward and say a few words. This is the speech Ian made.
The First Settlement Cemetery was roughly in the area near the small stone bridge and tall pines at Emily Bay. It is believed that more than one hundred people were buried there prior to 1814 when the settlement closed down. Though there are some very early gravestones in the present Kingston Cemetery it is not known whether there was a cemetery there in the First Settlement as well as the one at Emily Bay, or if the gravestones were moved there soon after 1825.
Our family was granted permission to place the plaque for the twins down at Emily Bay and I personally think this is the most beautiful and perfect spot on the island.
Also at Emily Bay is a plaque placed there by The Descendants of Convicts Group and the inscription says.
This tree was planted to commemorate the visit to Norfolk Island by The Descendants of Convicts' Group and the memory of it's members' convict ancestors who were transported to this island. June 1998.
Memorial Dedication Introduction by Ian C.Blair. Descendant of Child 8 James.
I welcome you all again this afternoon at this beautiful setting at Emily Bay (The site of the old cemetery).
I challenge each of you for a moment to think of why you are here. I can't say why you are here but I can give you a little insight as to why I am here and I am thinking that this may relate as to why you are here.
Firstly I know that quite a few of you that I have spoken to have travelled quite extensively around the world and so have I. I have never travelled to Norfolk Island and I guess that up until 12 months ago Norfolk Island would never have been on my agenda for travel. I don't think I would have thought about coming to Norfolk Island, and then this opportunity came up when the book on the family was being published.
I must admit I didn't realize that I was a member of this family until about 5 or 6 years ago when I discovered the connection. When Peter McKay was publishing his book I had to send quite a few e-mail letters to prove that I was a member because one line was not included. For me this was an ideal opportunity to travel to a place I have never been with a large group of people who shared the same interest.
You are all here because you share that interest. You are related to Nathaniel Lucas and Olivia Gascoigne and you are all interested in and proud of that relationship and have followed it up by making the effort to be here.
Secondly, I have come, not only to enjoy the meeting and mixing with people, and I know a lot of people have met very close members of their immediate family they have never met before. There is also the little formal aspects of the events that are happening this afternoon and are going to happen later on this afternoon and what will happen tomorrow. This is a great opportunity to be involved first hand.
I would like to think that the lives of Mary and Sarah have meant one thing. Here 214 years later these girls have prompted us to come here. Our major function here today is to commemorate their lives and to leave a lasting memorial to them. By doing this we leave a record so that in the future when any of the descendants, or anyone connected with or not connected with our family will realize that there were twins born on this island and destined not to leave.
Pat Cannard a descendant of child 7 John, read her poem called Mary and Sarah Lucas.
MARY AND SARAH LUCAS
Tongues of flame licked up the trunk of tree,
Hungry for the taste of rich, fresh pine;
Higher and higher they climbed greedily,
Fabulous feast at which to dine.
Inside the cottage children played
Whilst mother tended to the chores;
Clearing the land for crops to grow
Was father's business out of doors.
The smell of burning pine seeped in,
Permeating rooms with sweet fragrance,
But soon the fires appetite abated
And flames had ceased their ruinous dance.
And then the spirit of the tree arose,
Took vengeance on the man who dared
To sentence it to death that day,
Sweet revenge on those for whom he cared.
Its body crumpled, crashed to earth,
But not where it was meant to be
And house and family bore the brunt
Of blackened relic of a once proud tree.
Mother gathered up her little son
And with his sister Ann they ran outside,
But not before she suffered injury
Which stayed with her until the day she died.
Twin baby girls, apple of their fathers eye
Perished as the tree came tumbling down,
Together in death as when new born,
Adorned angelically with heavenly crown.
Mary and Sarah we dedicate to you today
This plaque which marks your last abode
And pray that you will welcome us with open arms
When our last breath is spent on earths long winding road.
Pat Cannard. 2002.
John Meers then invited Dr John Duke to come forward and bless the plaque.
The plaque was then unveiled by the following people.
Child 1 Wendy Philbey
Child 4 Gregg Lucas
Child 6 Rhonda Mackie
Child 7 Pamela Grace
Child 8 Ian Blair
Child 9 Nancy Gibson
Child 10 Gwen Chapman
Child 11 Kathleen Brooks
Child 12 Pauleen Groom
Child 13 Wendy Poyner
Krisy then sang Amazing Grace with a couple of added verses written for the occasion by Warwick Grace. Considering Krisy had no music and was very nervous she did an excellent job, this had been something Krisy had asked if she could do when she first heard she was going to Norfolk Island with us. I feel sure it will be a cherished memory for her in years to come especially as she developes her singing ability.
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Amazing grace, that through the years
Sustains both bond and free
Through joy and sorrow pain and tears
Our hope is met in thee
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come,
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God's praise,
Than when we'd first begun.
The really beautiful thing about this was that during the last verse every just joined in without anyone saying a word.
This ceremony was very moving and considering the twins had died 210 years ago the emotions of the family members there were very deep, and there were not too many dry eyes either. Paul Bonner Jones later told us that during the Ceremony two little birds had come and sat in the tree above where we were and he felt that it was a very special sign to us all.
Krisy and Ryan placed a bouquet of flowers near the plaque and I think we all felt that this ceremony had been something very special to have been involved in.
Again it was back on the bus (some walked) and back to Kingston Jetty for the dedication of the seat. This memorial was to honour Nathaniel and Olivia, who's lives and dedication to their family have been an inspiration to us all.
The seat had been generously donated by the family members and the position the Administration allowed us to place the seat was just perfect. It is right near where the First Fleet "Supply" landed on the 6th March 1788 and there is a plaque already there with the names of the first 23 people to land on the island. The seat over looks the Kingston Jetty where the ships are unloaded and as the locals and visitors sit on this seat it is my hope that they will take the time to consider the place our ancestors played in their history, and also celebrate the First Settlement period in the islands history.
As we gathered around the seat, Mike Perkins called upon Mr Tony Messner to come forward and say a few words, Tony at this time had not arrived so Paul Bonner Jones filled in the time by singing a song he had written about the arrival of the First Fleet. Margaret Parker welcomed Mr Tony Messner the Administrator and asked if he would accept the seat on behalf of the people of the island. She also asked Dr John Duke to bless the seat and all those that sit on it.
The following representatives were asked to help unveil the plaque that is on the seat.
Child 1. Tom Farmer Child 9. Jean Hingston
Child 4. Gregg Lucas Child 10. Lenore Todd
Child 6. Nancy Allan Child 11. Marjory Sullivan
Child 7. Helen O'Brien Child 12. Pauleen Groom
Child 8. Lorna Paton Child 13. Anita Lucas
After the ceremony was completed many of the family members sat on the seat and had their photo's taken so that they could look back in the years to come and celebrate the fact they were there to share in what was a very memorable moment. I asked our (father) Paul Bouker ( who had entered into the spirit of the period costume by borrowing some garments from both the Anglican and the Roman Catholic Priests, so he was a real mixture but fooled a lot of people including the real man) to say a special blessing on the seat, which Paul did and thoroughly enjoyed doing so.
It was back on the bus again and home for a brief respite, some of the group used the time to do some duty free shopping. We needed to be ready again by 6pm as we were to be taken by bus to Anson Bay for a BBQ, and once again the food was excellent and plentiful. We all relaxed and enjoyed getting to know each other. I spent time talking with the most amazing lady that night. Previously I had not had time to catch up with Kathleen Brooks and had just briefly spoken to her and said hello. I almost choked on my meal when we started talking about our ages, Kathleen I had thought would be in her early 60's but was I in for a surprise when she said she was almost 80, well I can assure you all she is one of the fittest 80 year olds I have ever seen and her mental attitude was an inspiration to all.
We arrived home early, again well fed and spent the night watching a bit of TV and had an early night. We were starting to feel pretty weary and were very glad of a chance to catch up on some rest.
Thursday 7th March 2002 - very cloudy and talk of a cyclone which was quite funny as the same thing had happened when we were on Norfolk Island last year at the same time.
7am breakfast - then off to "A Walk in the Wild" to explore the area and be taken on a guided tour and enjoy a complimentary game of miniature golf and browse the great shop which was brimming with souvenirs, gifts, toys etc. or just relax on the deck overlooking the rain forest. The walk times were staggered as it was necessary to take smaller groups through at a time.
Our group was given exclusive use of the property at this time and following the tree planting ceremony a delicious luncheon of sandwiches, cakes etc. was provided. We all spent lots of time in the shop and I think a few of the group helped the island economy considerably.
The Tree Planting Ceremony was a very emotional experience. Herb Moffatt spoke about Nathaniel and Olivia and of how proud he was to be a descendant of such a man.
This is a copy of the page that was in the folder I prepared for the trip, I have included it for you to look over and give thought to.
Tree Planting.
The tree planting took place at 11 am on the 7th March, 2002 at “A Walk In The Wild”
I am aware that it was a tree that killed the twins but it was no more the tree's fault that it was Nathaniel’s or the wind that blew that day. Nathaniel made his living from trees so therefore it is fitting that we plant one in memory of the twins. It was a very sad and tragic accident and we do not understand why these things happen in life, but I believe that everything has a purpose and we don't have to understand why, we just have to trust. Many years ago a friend of mine lost a little one just a few months younger than Mary and Sarah, and although she was devastated by what happened she now knows that her little baby's death had a purpose and she can accept his death and knows that she will see him again, and like Mary and Sarah he is in a far better place than she could ever have provided for him. I have adapted a verse from a card another friend of mine received when her daughter lost her battle with cancer at the age of 9, and I feel the words are very appropriate.
Two tiny angels lost and lone,
had looked upon a world unknown
and turning, shook their tiny heads,
and to their home they quickly sped
where, climbed upon their Fathers knees
and begged Him listen to their plea’s.
“Oh our Father how can they know,
how we'd longed to stay below
and help them see your Shining Light,
but somehow, things had not worked right,
and we had felt we could not stay
so hurried home without delay.
But our Father, they were sad
For they don't know the joy we've had
So please just show them we're alright
And send your love to hold them tight
And tell them though we're here with you
We love them , they are Family too.
By planting a tree we will create a living, growing memorial to Mary & Sarah and as future generations watch the growth of the tree I pray they will realize that life is precious and each day it should be appreciated and lived to the fullest. There are no guarantees in life that we will have a certain time so just live each day as if it was the last day of you life, holding no bitterness, forgiving others and loving one another especially family and never forget to tell them how important they are to you and how much you appreciate them. Mary & Sarah did not have a long life but look at how many lives have been touched and affected by their deaths. We their family celebrate their lives by planting this tree and placing the memorial plaque here as a witness to others that they are family and have not been forgotten.
Herb Moffatt will plant the tree on behalf of the family and Marguerite Byard will dedicate the plaque and the following people (one from each branch) will place some dirt around the tree and have photo's taken.
Child 1. Jocelyn Cavagna
Child 4. Gregg Lucas
Child 6. Pat Newman
Child 7. Peter Meers
Child 8. Fred Rodda
Child 9. Nancy Gibson
Child 10. Prue Rees was unable to climb down the steep area and Gwen Chapman took her place.
Child 11. Marjory Sullivan
Child 12. Wendy Brown replaced Pauleen Groom.
Child 13. Mary Lucas
I will contact Herb Moffatt to see if he has a copy of his speech, and I will then add it in here.
Marguerite Byard said:-
I count it a privilege to dedicate this tree and plaque to Mary and Sarah on behalf of the family.
In preparing this I have been reminded that out of death, comes life.
A seed planted ------------------------------------------------ a living plant.
2,00 years ago, death on a cross ------------------------ a living Saviour who brings life to us as we trust Him.
A tombstone can signify death ---------------------------- or a living memory of a loved one.
I therefore dedicate this plaque and tree as a living, growing memorial to Mary and Sarah - and as future generations watch it's growth - I pray they will realize that life is precious - to be lived each day to the fullest in appreciation of each other.
Mary and Sarah's lives were short.
We their family today use this occasion to celebrate these lives in this act.
They are our family and have not been forgotten.
Many of the family members spoke afterwards of how they felt regarding the tree planting and what a very special moment it had been to them. It was a Norfolk Island Palm that we planted and I hope that sometime in the future we can return to see the growth of this very special tree.
After our luncheon generously provided by The Travel Centre we went back to our rooms and had the rest of the afternoon free to do whatever we liked. Some headed off on a tour others shopped while others caught up on a little rest as we had been on the go ever since we arrived.
Wednesday Night - Progressive Dinner.
Again because of the size of our group it was necessary to divide us up into smaller groups as this dinner takes you into the private homes of the island people, who's hospitality is first class and the food they serve is first class considering they do not have the variety of fresh fruit and vegetable available that we do. Most of the produce they use they grow in their own yard.
Our group had delicious nibbles with the dynamic Dominique in a beautiful old home with a fabulous old oven and rolling grass that you just wanted to take off your shoes and run barefoot on. From there it was off to Mike Perkin's daughter Sherie's place high above Ball Bay, more talk of the cyclone which was to hit that night. We were treated to a fabulous entree of a fish dish and sat enjoying good conversation till it was time to hop on the bus once again. Mike's dog was a big hit with everyone, it was one of those rollie dogs as I call them.
Main course was at Drill and Kay's place (with Sam, Cody and Tomika) and it was a very tasty roast with vegetables served on huge plates piled full and as you can imagine by this time we were half full already, how we would ever fit in desert was a real worry. I think we should have walked between homes and that way we would have been ready for the next course. Dessert was at Sam and Tracey's along with coffee or tea. I think by this time we rolled on to the bus and we too full to even move. We just wanted to curl up in bed and have a good sleep, bit like the old carpet snake that has just had a feed then goes off to sleep it off.
I am not sure where they went for the nibbles but know that entree was at Tatie and Lorraine Christian's place. This was followed by main course at Taverner's place where Kate Moffatt made friends with a black cat. Back on the bus for them also and off to have dessert at Mitchell Evans' place, where a very special event took place.
Mitchell Evans collects war memorabilia and medals along with signatures of the VC winners, he has a huge table with many signatures on it.
Last year when I was visiting Norfolk Island I spoke to his wife and asked if they had Harry Murray's signature and her eves almost popped out of her head. She asked how I knew about Harry Murray and I explained that he was connected to our branch of the Lucas-Gascoigne family. Harry Murray as he was known (or mad Harry) was one of the worlds most highly decorated soldiers and his story is on this web site and I would encourage you if you have not read it to do so without delay as it is a story every Australian should know. She was very impressed to have some of Harry's family in her home as they were never able to convince Harry to visit Norfolk Island. Harry Murray served in both WW1 and WW2.
Pat Lucas spoke with Mitchell Evans about Harry Murray on this visit to his home and Pat was given the very great honour of singing the table on behalf of the Lucas-Gascoigne Family. Mitchell also owns the land that was Nathaniel's lot 52 which was up towards the centre of the island, he joked and said it was in good hands. Harry Murray was a very humble man who gave all the glory to his men who fought along side him in the war, he turned down a Knighthood as he said I am just an ordinary man who grows wool between wars. He was far from ordinary in fact he was an extraordinary man who accomplished extraordinary things with incredible bravery.
Like our group the reports I heard were that they all rolled on to the bus and rolled off as they were like us too full to move. The Progressive Dinner concept is just a fantastic way to meet the island people and experience some of their island charm and hospitality and also learn from the Pitcairn decendants a little about their family history. Sadly it is not something we could do here as Workplace Health and Safety would not permit it and if they did the Health Department and others would stand in line to sabotage it. Needless to say a fantastic night was had by all and I heard of several who skipped breakfast the next morning.
Progressive Dinner as told by Kate and Herb Moffatt. They were in the other group so I appreciate their report very much.
This turned out to be an occasion of note.
(1) Stop one was the home of the daughter of our great M.C. Mike Perkins (Buffetts house), overlooking Ball Bay. We were made very welcome and there was a lovely atmosphere over nibbles and pre dinner drinks.
(2) Lorraine and Taity Christian's house for fish entree' this was an old island home.
(3) Maureen and Alan Tavener's. Main course was roast beef, a lovely meal with a glass of wine, this was an old island home with lots of island antiques.
(4) Dessert was at the home of Mitchell and Tessa Evans. Superb home above Cascade. Obviously Mitchell and Tessa do lots of prestigious entertainment! Huge seating areas, veranda's, balconies. Inside a Norfolk Pine table to seat an army with writing all over it. These were the signatures of the holders of the V.C. Medal winners, among them that of Nancy Wake (the White Mouse) Mitchell is a collector of medals (he has all Nancy Wakes medals) and he is also a collector of Bounty memorabilia. He sailed on the Bounty replica from England and was in Bounty films. Mitchell told us of his childhood, he drew into his story the First Fleet people and spoke of Nathaniel hard work and that he now owns Nathaniel's lot 52! it is is good hands he joked.
He moved on to talk extensively about Harry Murray the most decorated man in Australia and the Kennedy Murray connection with James the eighth child family through Elizabeth Murray. Pat Lucas had drawn him out on this and Mitchell then surprised us all by requesting Pat sign his table as representative of the eighth child family. What a gesture! We had photos too.
********************
It was predicted that the cyclone would hit the island during the night or early morning and I think it was the quietest nights we had. I lay there thinking this is great we might get an extra couple of days here due to the bad weather but alas it was not to be.
Friday morning 8th March 2002 - weather was windy and cloudy - cyclone was still around.
Breakfast was to have been a self drive to Anson Bay but the venue was altered due to the impending cyclone, which I might add failed to eventuate. Breakfast was re-located to the Church of England Hall at Saint Barnabas's. I was shocked when Mike Perkins presented me with a signed copy of "Morgans Run", I will treasure it forever and I appreciate the friendship I developed with Mike during the planning stages of the trip. I am currently working my way through the book but have to admit I did cheat and found where Nathaniel and Olivia came into it and read the book from there to the end and then went back to the beginning. The book certainly gives you some idea as to what Nathaniel and Olivia might have gone through prior to their arrival on Norfolk Island.
The rest of the day was free time for everyone to do whatever they pleased. We were being hounded by the children to go to Emily Bay for a swim even with the inclement weather around. Well we caved in under pressure and Emily Bay was first place on the list after picking up some morning tea. After the kids finished their swim we decided to go and explore more of the island but this time it was just drive and see what came up.
We headed off to the Music Valley area and Bloody Bridge which has a very interesting story to it and I am not sure if it is true or not. I will try to remember the way it was told to me in 5th grade History which was over 45 years ago so please forgive me if I get it wrong. The story goes like this. The convicts were building the bridge under the supervision of the guards who were often very brutal in their harsh treatment of the convicts and this is the period of the Second Settlement we are speaking of. In this period Norfolk Island was known as the Hell Hole of the Pacific.
The convicts killed one of the guards and concealed his body in the bridge while it was being built. Along came the other guards and asked where the guard was and the convicts said he walked off and did not come back. On checking further they noticed blood running out of part of the bridge and worked out what had happened to their colleague. The convicts were subsequently hanged and hence the bridge got it's name Bloody Bridge.
Where to next? well we decided that we would just drive and see where we finished up down dead end roads and all. The scenery we saw on some of these roads was simply spectacular, and well worth driving down and back the same road. This way we saw much of Norfolk Island that we would not have seen otherwise.
Norm Tricky who owned the glass bottom boat and also a great garden that he opened to the public and served morning and afternoon teas as well as lunch of fish and salads. His garden was really interesting and had been featured in an Australian Lifestyle Magazine.
We all had a lazy afternoon and then prepared for the saddest time of our trip and that was the Farewell Dinner at "The Colonial".
Friday night the 8th March 2002. Farewell Dinner at "The Colonial".
The food once again was excellent and plentiful. Herb Moffatt got up to speak and I thought hang on I don't remember asking him to do that. I was in for the surprise of my life, Herb explained how the trip was thought of and some of the work that went into making it all happen which I might add was such a privelege. He then spoke of having a couple of special gifts for me well was that the understatement.
I was later told that they had passed the hat around and taken up a collection to buy me a gift which was totally un-necessary I might add. Kate Moffatt handed me two parcels beautifully wrapped and I was asked to say a few words. I was totally dumbfounded and at that moment I knew that I was related to the great Harry Murray (one of the worlds most highly decorated soldiers) for more information see this web-site. Harry hated praise and so do I, he did not want any recognition for what he did and neither did I. It was not what I did but everyone that attended the trip that made it work and also the hard work and dedication by The Travel Centre and our Commandant, Mike Perkins.
I opened the gifts for all to see and inside were three fabulous paintings all framed, specially chosen by Herb and Kate for their significance to Norfolk Island. One was Nathaniel and Olivia's Lot 33, one was Government House which was right beside Nathaniel's Lot 33 and also another one of Saint Barnabas's Chapel which is where Mike gave me the copy of Morgans Run and also it is a very special place to me as it was a place where Missionaries were trained. In my family we have several members (Uncle and cousins) who have worked all over the world as Missionaries. These paintings hold pride of place in my office where I spend most nights and it is my special space.
In the other parcel was a magnificent musical carosel with horses on it. The story behind that is that as a child I had seen one in a shop and longed for it but with my father having died when I was 8 there was no money for such a luxury. Over the years I have thought about buying one but there were four children to raise alone and it was one of those things that just never happened. I am so glad that I never brought one for myself as it could never have had the meaning that this one had as it had been given to me by my family, and I will cherish it forever and pass it on to my daughter when my life is over.
Also included in these gifts was a beautiful scenic book of Norfolk Island that was signed by everyone on the trip so that is very special also, as well as a little map of Norfolk Island in timber with the inscription.
Thank you June. Lucas Gascoigne Commemoration Norfolk Island 2002.
After this part of the night was over we decided to invite Sue Lee to say a few words about the trip and what it had meant to her. Sue had come to Norfolk Island with no knowledge of the family history as she was just on the trip to support her sister Debbie, well guess who got bitten by the bug, (yes the genealagy bug bit Sue hard).
I thought if Sue (who did not really want to be there except for a few drinks and a few fags to quote Sue) enjoyed the trip then others would have also. I won't tell you much more at this time but if Sue speech is not on the video then I will give more details later on. Several others got up to speak and I will takes notes from the video and write a full report here in the future. Mike and the Travel Centre were thanked for their excellent service to us all.
Kathleen Murphy also read a poem she had written called.
Sarah and Mary.
Two precious souls lost from sight
But not from the sight of God
Dwelling now in heaven abode
Where angelic feet have trod.
Some day we'll meet you,
How sweet that will be
Though we never knew you before
You will always be part of this family
Belonging forever more.
Fun and games were had by all till quite late in the evening and Sue was responsible for this as well. Many of the family were dancing and those of us just sitting watching were really enjoying our last few minutes together.
This ws the moment on the trip I had been dreading as it was so hard to say farewell to our new family and friends. I am certain that we will meet again sometime in the future. Home to bed around 11.15 pm with two very exhausted children.
Saturday the 9th March 2002.
Weather was perfect and we were all pretty excited because it was the day the Norfolk Islander (the local paper, produced once a week on Saturdays) came out. Our trip was featured on the front page and on several pages inside as well. You will find these articles on the web site under Norfolk Islander 2002. The local paper was produced by Tom (in his 80's ) and his wife and with our extra 150 copies or more I think we really tested their resources but they did an excellent job.
While we were packing a small group of our family decided to check out Nathaniel's Lot 52 which was up near the centre of the island. Mitchell Evans a local owns the block and joked that it is in good hands. Our bus left the Hibiscus for the airport at 10.30 am for our flight out of Norfolk at 12 noon. Mike and the staff of the Travel Centre were on hand once again with a farewell gift for us all, a lovely letter and a pen to remind us of our stay on Norfolk. Once again we flew Air Nauru Air Boeing 737, and landed at Brisbane Airport at 2.15 pm and were through customs by 3.15 pm and it was back where we started from. I was an amazing week in my life and one that I will remember always for the love and friendship that we shared on Norfolk Island 214 years after our ancestors arrived there.
There will be more articles on this trip under the heading of Special Norfolk Stories and Articles.
