Annual Report for 2008

The President's Annual Report for 2008

for the

Hobart Town (1804) First Settlers Association Inc

I have much pleasure in presenting the annual report for a most successful 2008.

The year has been one of great discoveries, with members and friends having many opportunities to meet with Norfolk Island descendants who were not known to them in the past. It has also given other members the pleasure of their company and their stories. Many thanks to the many other Associations and groups who had special events for these celebration.

In June we were sad to receive news that our Hon. Treasurer had to retire. We thank Ken for his efforts on our behalf. Mrs. Mavis Richards has taken over as our ‘keeper of the books”, and we appreciate the skills she has brought to her position of Treasurer.

During the year we have had very interesting speakers and we thank them for sharing their knowledge and time. New and interesting details are shared each month.

The bus tour to Bothwell was full of interest. We visited Fort Wentworth, Ratho, The Priory and Llanberis. Our thanks to the owners of these wonderful historic homes for sharing them with our members. Mrs. Ros. Hill joined our group on the bus after lunch and gave us a guided tour of the township. A great day, I am sure many of us will remember for long time. The Priory was of particular interest to several of us as we are the g.g. granddaughters of one time owner Maria Lord.

The “ Island to Island “ events were concluded with our Island to Island Dinner at the Hotel Grand Chancellor on the 10th October. One hundred members and friends were please to have the company of the new Administrator of Norfolk Island, Mr. Owen Walsh and his wife Bianca,. Ms. Liz. McCoy, who many of you met at our Island to Island Conference in 2007, presented me with a Norfolk Island pine tree for our Association, which we hope to plant out this autumn. Mr. Walsh addressed us and message from Norfolk Island was read out by our member Mr. Reg. Watson. We were entertained during the evening by Diane Perry and our Vice President Mr. Warwick Risby and Mrs. Rosanne McDougall cut the celebration cake. Both are descendants of Norfolk Islanders. Mr. Risby concluded the evening with a short speech. The view over the harbour added to the atmosphere of the evening.

Several bus tours were arranged by Mrs. Kate Carlisle through Sandy Bay, Kingston, Sorell, Dodges Ferry, Clarence Plains, Glenorchy and New Norfolk. On the Monday many met at Parliament House for a conducted tour of the building, including their Museum.

This year several of our members sold our books at the Descendants Day at the City Hall, the Autumn Festival at New Norfolk and the Seafarers Festival. We are thankful for this opportunity to meet with so many persons interested in our history and family connections.

A special thank you to all those who have contributed to making our Norfolk Island celebrations such a great success. The articles for our Newsletter are always welcome. Thank you to those who contributed.

Our December meeting was concluded with our usual Christmas lunch and a visit from Father Christmas.

A special thank you all our members who support the Hobart Town 1804 First Settlers Assoc. Inc. We appreciate your favourable comments, suggestions and ideas. Thank you to our hard working Office Bearers and the Committee. It is their commitment that has increased the public awareness of our Association and made our meetings and events enjoyable.

Jessie Wagner
PRESIDENT