In the weeks before
17th Jan - email from Dr Paul Pickering apologising, unable to be our guest speaker on John Putnam Glenister and his past life as a political activist - the member of the Chartist movement for Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. However he did give me resource information to do my "Chartism to Emigration" presentation.
Idea for using my own father as the equivalent to High Wycombe's furniture making Glenister family came when my brothers were cleaning out files at Clipper Plastics getting ready for their retirement. They dumped old files of our father's R&D into my car boot . I decided to scan all the photos and documents - initially just to have a record, then to use it all as a presentation on Tal's Achievements.
Email exchange with Joann and Betty on their arrival in Australia and their tour around the country. Also lots of emails exchanged with Francis over the videos of Andy and Malcolm coming by post. Work was full on for the 2008 CD and index throughout February and March with new updates coming in and more photos to be added. During this time Melbourne was hit by a long heatwave. Adelaide took the record of 15 days over 35º, mostly around 40º.
Audrey Morwick came up Friday 14th to scan photos and put her presentation onto Powerpoint. Worked on Glenister Burials and Historical Sites - to even more significant historic news of the finding of the HMAS Sydney off the Western Australian coast after 66 years. Received two books of excerpts of "Montague's Memories" from Malcolm and memory stick from Francis from the UK. Kirsty and I worked on 2008 handout.
Tues 18th followed the hottest March night on record of 26.9º. During the week more Glenister CD indexing. Picked up CD stickers. Organised Yarra Valley winery tour.
The last week before
Easter Good Friday 21st - much cooler. Ian went to Glenburn. I stayed home to work on CD and watch Malcolm's presentation on Francis's website. Elaine now back from her Tasmanian trip and working on her presentation.
Sat 22nd - lack of rain meant early watering at Croydon then off to Glenburn to water all day up there. Dan, Kirsty and kids came up too. Diana rang from Darwin - flying down overnight to Melbourne. Sun 23rd - Diana arrived 5.25am from Darwin so Gareth did the early morning run to the airport. They were back at Glenburn 7.00am, well in time for Kira and Dylan's Easter egg hunt in the front garden. Joann and Betty also arrived in Melbourne but still with their tour group. Diana and I came home and I worked the rest of the day indexing - till midnight.
Mon 24th grandson Dylan's 3rd birthday -worked on indexing all morning. Ian home from Glenburn early pm. Dylan's family party 3.00 at Kalorama. Back at work on CD all evening until after midnight. Word crashed just after Diana and Ian went to bed but "auto-recover" meant I didn't lose anything... this time! Thunder storms and 9mm very welcome rain!
Tues 25th - a Uni holiday for Ian. Plan to burn CDs was way off - worked on it until after 1.00am. Diana laminated pages for GG displays. Joann rang from the York. Betty still not well. Biggest event... IAN COOKED TEA - he followed instructions very well while I kept working.
Wed 26th - cool and wet. School holidays with Kira and Dylan - Diana entertained by baking yo-yos and shortbreads with two little helpers - she deserved a gold star!. Chaos everywhere when Joann and Betty arrived for lunch. They then headed for Mt Dandenong lookout and a roam around Olinda while I continued indexing. Our crew all came for tea. Various GG phone calls and emails. Finished CD at 11.30pm... finally. Heavy rain and flooding in city.
Thur 27th Francis rang after arriving in Melbourne. I went to meet first cousin Wendy Glenister at Croydon Station after NOT hearing from her - an hour later than expected time of arrival. Searched at station, both sides, and eventually found her 1 1/2 hrs late - country trains had been held up and banked back at Southern Cross Station because of the heavy rains. Ian started burning CDs when he got home.
Dinner at local restaurant with Joann, Betty, Wendy, Francis, Philip and Tricia, Ian and I. Kirsty, Diana and kids worked on handout and name labels back at home - chaos reigned when we returned. While everyone had coffee Ian burned CDs and I started booking up the handouts. Joann and Betty provided Francis with transport from and back to the hotel.
The Glenister Gathering 28-30 March 2008
at York on Lilydale Resort Hotel
Friday 28th. Slight change of plans - Ian took Joann, Betty and Wendy for a "quick drive" to Glenburn. Chaos again here with Diana and I then Kirsty and kids getting everything ready. 12.00 entry to the York was later (we were late and so was Jenni's crew). Had to wait for tables to be brought out to put computers, displays, etc, on. Lunch was ham rolls in Betty's room and out by a very low lake watching the ducks with Kira and Dylan.
Elaine came to help and was a rock! She had borrowed a data processor from work and she worked wonders getting more tables brought out and set up a wonderful display. Philip, Ian and Francis tested out the audio-visual equipment. A call to Diana and Kirsty (already en route) got them to stop for more power leads! They attached name tags to lanyards and put them all in order ready for registration at 5.00pm.
Kira & Diana - Two of the support team!
Friday Evening 28th March
Registrants started drifting in from 5.00, many staying at the York. Diana issued name tags and directed everyone to the conference room.. Plenty of introductions, chat and looking at displays before a brief welcome to everyone followed by a barbecue buffet dinner and pavlova.
Another late night at home reviewing tomorrow's presentations. Message on the answering machine from Andy Glenister in the UK wishing us a successful weekend.
Displays photos of displays taken by Elaine - still to come
Displays
Attendees lists - according to family line and in 2548, also according to which child of John Putnam Glenister each person descended from. Introduced the various members to the gathering
Elaine Craig's 0548 line along the wall and a great collection of photo albums and other memorabilia inc Joseph Barnes, convict transported to Sydney, Norfolk Island and Tasmania, who was a rather naughty fellow!
Martha Amelia (Catterson) Glenister's Diary - copies of original pages and transcripts (Showed the actual diary of Martha Amelia and Riders 1671, the diary of Martha Amelia's grandmother, Mary (Catterson) Chapman - tiny hand stitched books too fragile for handling.
The Putnam Papers - copies of originals and transcripts. These were obtained by Andy and sent to me way back to debunk the family legend that JPG and family were forced to give up their apple orchard for the expansion of the city of London. JPG actually sold the 1 acre of land in 1816 when he was 26 yrs old, to the local Lord of the Manor, Lord Bridgewater, for £250!! No small amount back in those times.
Tal Glenister's first above ground swimming pool. Tal's achievements were expanded in my Presentation on Tal.
Wilfrid Morgan Glenister's WW1 medals, a letter from the front and Will with photo of him with his brother Tal's children Philip, Bronwen and Stephen
SS GREAT BRITAIN and Australian voyages inc Passenger list for William Alfred & family's emigration as researched by Sonia Glenister of Horsham
Old family photo albums of Glenisters and Cattersons - passed down from Frederick and Martha Amelia Glenister
Postcard Collection kept by Aggie Glenister, daughter of Frederick and Martha Amelia
Excerpt books from Montague's Memories, a book being written by Malcolm Glenister on the Hastings Dynasty
A Glanister family history sent by Francis Glenister
Catterson book - another family history spin-off from Frederick Glenister and Martha Amelia Catterson and relevant to all descendants of the Child 14 line
Saturday 29th March
Another cool day. Diana left first to man the registration table from 9.30am and distribute name tags and handouts. It was a meet and greet occasion in the conference room for all the Saturday Only's with all the full weekenders. It was great to see the greetings of family members who had not seen each other for many years. Everyone mixed and chatted around the display tables.
The day flowed well with Ian time master and keeping the computers on track and Philip videoing the proceedings. Francis was a great help on the computer with powerpoint slides. There was only one hiccup when Malcolm's video stopped half way through but the computer experts managed to get it going again.
The Workers Ian & Philip
Program
10.00am Bronwen opened the proceedings by welcoming everyone.Passed on apologies, especially phone message from Andy last night. Introduced the various members of different family lines.
First Presentation Andy Glenister's Video "When Francis visited Andy".
Andy talked of his research, what got him started and the development of the website. Congratulations to Francis and Andy on a great talk. Francis set up a website to view Andy's Presentation and Malcolm's Presentation: "The Hastings Dynasty" - see www.wwst.org/gg2008.html
Second Presentation Francis Glenister "Overview of GG2003 and beyond".
Francis gave an overview of his family ancestry and involvement in family research. His giving Andy missing details lead to his helping Andy run the GG2003. He also highlighted his friendship with Olive May Glenister, an elderly cousin who he visited by chance. Francis also acknowledged those who attended 2003 and now 2008 GGs.
Morning Tea yummy warm muffins
Third Presentation Bronwen Thomas "2548 progress and new CD" - a review of interesting areas of new information since 2003 and the additions to the new CD. In 2548 Child 7.2 Ann Jane Glenister/Ping/Shelton, Child 9.6 ship GREAT BRITAIN, Child 11 Horsham Glenisters and Child14.4 huge blank on Samuel Alfred Glenister now filled out. In 0448 new work on the Hastings Dynasty by Malcolm Glenister and his writing of "Montague's "Memories.
Fourth Presentation Guest presenter Audrey Morwick descended from JPG's Child 13 Eliza (Glenister) Williams whose daughter Amy, Audrey's grandmother was the storyteller in "Grandma's (Amy's) Memories". Audrey told how the record of Amy's Memoirs came about supported with early photographs of the family in the Williamstown area and George Morwick's innovations and sail making business. At the end Audrey showed some of the family jewellery handed down and Pamela Cameron also showed some she had - believed to have come from Eliza.
12.30pm Buffet lunch in the Bellbird Room
Fifth Presentation Bronwen Thomas "Chartism to Emigration" - John Putnam Glenister's involvement in the Chartist movement in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and the possible reason for JPG emigrating to Australia at the time that he did. A lesson in English history was used to explain what led to the Chartist movement and it's lack of success.. This story has been included in the 2nd Edition Glenister CD.
Sixth Presentation Guest Presenter Elaine Craig (0548) - "My Great Great Great Uncle Joseph Barnes - The Convict". Elaine's research has led her to an interesting story written by her cousin John Barnes on the life of convict Joseph Barnes, maker of Love Disks which helped in the search of his place in the family. Joseph was imprisoned 1838-1839 on hulk JUSTITIA, Oct 1839-26 Feb 1840 transported to NSW, from Sydney March 1840 to Norfolk Island, 18 May 1844 to Tasmania then 27 July 1844 he was sentenced to 4 yrs on Norfolk Island. He was described as "Bad Man, illintentioned, dangerous..."
Seventh Presentation Bronwen Thomas "Our Piece of History; Tal's Achievements" - Tal Glenister, father of Bronwen and Philip (video man) made the first above ground swimming pool and developed many other fabricated plastic products, many of which are still made today.
Afternoon tea a selection of pastries and a chase for hot water supplies
Eighth Presentation Video by Guest Presenter Malcolm Glenister "When Francis met Malcolm" on 0448 Family Line and the Founding of the "Hastings Dynasty". Well done both Malcolm and Francis for a great presentation
To view the presentations visit www.wwst.org/gg2008.html
Final Presentation Bronwen Thomas "Burials and Historical Sites" - where John Putnam and Jane Glenister and their children are buried, and historical sites where they and their children lived and worked.
Group Photo Session Prepared for the photo by handing out a numbered sheet of paper to everyone and the stick-on label found behind all name tags then stuck on the back of the sheet. All the dinner only guests made it in time for the photo and Diana handed over to Rachel Moffat to man the registration table and shepherd guests to the conference room. Photographer Phil Eastman and his assistant Liz took large group photos and family and smaller group photos. Liz returned with these around 9.00pm for people to purchase and order.
Gathering Dinner Bellbird Room with Hayley, our waitress and bar person looking after us. 3 courses: Pumpkin Soup, Lamb Shanks or Barramundi and Cheese platter or pear cheesecake. Between main course and dessert Bronwen ran a short Trivia Quiz on aspects taken from various presentations. Near the end of the evening Bronwen was presented with a beautiful arrangement of flowers by Francis. It had been a hectic day but the feedback was all positive and very satisfying. Even the sceptical younger generation of Thomas's, said they were surprised and interested by the stories they had heard during the day. It wasn't as bad as they thought it would be!!
Photos & farewells
Lots of fond farewells at the end of the night for all the Saturday Only attendees. Many new friendships were made and many lapsed family relationships had been renewed, one group after 45 yrs. Murray and Sylvia Veal were heading home to Wonthaggi. Others from Bendigo and Point Lonsdale were staying the night before heading home. Audrey Morwick to Cheltenham via Burwood. Our US visitors, Betty and Joann made some great friendships, especially with Wendy Glenister. Many photos resulted after Francis brought a box of disposable cameras left over from the 2003 GG in the UK. These resulted in many good prints which will go into the photo gallery - some are a bit dark but most came out well. Kirsty had borrowed her work (Yarra Ranges Council) camera and took some great photos throughout the day. CDs of photos have also be received from Tricia and Francis. If anyone has photos they would like to share, please send in copies and we will add them to the photo gallery.
To view all the photos of the Glenister Gathering, click here. Sunday 30th MarchWinery Tour Everyone assembled out in the car park. Tour organiser Geoff Cooper had a 24 seater bus and Philip was enlisted to drive a 7 seater Tarago to transport everyone. Some, not coming on the winery tour, were out to say their farewells and, unfortunately, Jackson Glenister was not feeling well so he and Jean decided to head home to South Melbourne. Diana also opted, as a non- drinker, to head home with plenty of jobs to do before returning to Katherine, Northern Territory Monday night. Gareth and Rachel went separately in the "Green Machine" so they could leave earlier to head up to Glenburn.
We took the option of the Warburton Highway for the winery tour. First stop was Seville Hill Winery followed by Seville Estate Winery. Views from here were over the vineyards to hills beyond.
Killara/Lunch Lunch was at Killara Winery where we sat inside out of the chilly breeze but there were great views out over the winery with kangaroos to be seen down one of the rows. We had shared platters of anti-pasto then brushetta and followed by yoyos and shortbreads Diana had made.
Our last stop was Five Oaks Winery where we had a chat about the history and development of the winery by the owners Wally and Judy. The winery oak trees were 80 and 60 years old. Huge.
More farewells back at the York about 4.30pm and sadly, more farewells. Joann and Betty were a great pair of girls and were heading to the airport early Monday morning. Thank yous were made to Philip and Francis before Philip returned the Tarago to Lilydale. Francis and Pat Richardson loaded their luggage into our car, and, with Wendy as well, we headed home to Croydon. Wendy's sister-in-law Geraldine came to pick her up for some more family visiting. We then took Pat home to Camberwell and Francis into his city hotel . The city was extremely busy. People everywhere. Grabbed some takeaway on the way home for our last tea with Diana before she heads back to Katherine via Darwin.
Post GGMonday 31st March Diana's last day home for a while doing some "chores". Sent out a whole lot of thank you emails. We drove Diana to the airport. Another Katherine nurse, Kim; was on the same flight to Darwin and then travelling with Diana driving down to Katherine. Much happier with her flying overnight and driving three hours afterward, having a passenger to keep her awake!!
Tuesday 1st April Time to start putting away paper piles. However, got sidetracked by answering more emails and created 3rd Edition Glenister file... start of another five long years of updating.
Wednesday 2nd Wild Wednesday. Blew gale force winds all day so all electrical stuff was turned off. School holidays so had Kira and Dylan all day - had to keep them inside as street trees were blown across the road, a huge dead pine tree blew onto our back neighbour's roof, a huge eucalypt snapped in half next door and took out the tops of all our trees along the fenceline. The street and our backyard were a disaster area. Emergency services were totally overstretched with over 5000 calls across the city... so Gareth came and chainsawed the trees blocking our road. Email from Francis told of planned visit to Botanic Gardens cancelled when gardens were closed following branches falling on people. Even his visit to the Shrine would have been a little windy. However, by his return to UK flight time in the evening, the winds had died right down. Thank goodness.
Family all here for tea, roads closed on Mt Dandenong. Dan & Kirsty had no power at Kalorama until the following Sunday. They have no town water... so no power means no water from tanks either.
Thursday 3rd -Kirsty brought kids again and made Spanish donuts here to take to work! Kids and I went to Eastland to pick up photos from the eight disposable GG cameras. Dan collected the kids early as we had a wedding in the city.
Friday 4th - Finally got started on Gathering Diary. Life back to normal gradually after that. Plenty of phone calls and emails post GG. Actually managed to catch up on supermarket shopping for the first time in about three weeks. Diana sent photos of the front yard of her house in Boronia where a tree was blown out and had fallen across the road wrecking the front fence. Plenty of branch clearing had to be done in our backyard. High damage and drought dead trees to be removed by a professional tree lopper.
Spent some time each day writing GG diary, going through photos. It took three days to scan all the GG photos, crop and label them. Started adding some to the 3rd Edition CD file. Sent baseball cap back to Francis in UK and also returned photos Malcolm had sent. Sent photos to Wendy of herself with Joann and Betty.
12th April came home from Glenburn to a message from Margaret Claire (Glenister) Small from NSW. She has just been reading a copy of my book and rang to compliment me on the amount of information it contains. She is 92 yrs old and is about to be given a hand-me-down computer to learn how to use it. By the confidence she had, I bet she will.
