More Family at the Reunion

Brothers Hugh and Tim McClymont with cousin Ben McClymont in the middle.
Jule McClymont talking to Claire Walker.
Bettina McClymont with Alice and Ben Murray.
Judy Rankin, Julie Nash, Jenny Wood, Carol McClymont with Nola McClymont.
Susan McClymont, Katherine McClymont,Rosemary Philp, Ben, Ann McClymont.

ALL THOSE VERY OLD MANUKA FAMILY PICTURES.

Many of the family photos that were used for this blog, and on the slide show at the reunion originated in this large and rather heavy leather bound, gold embossed Manuka photo album that Ian McClymont passed on to his family. We have even been able to identify some of the unnamed ones as well! This board displayed at the reunion had the parents and all fourteen of the descendants in order of their birth. What a family indeed!

FOOTNOTE. We are still adding some of the newer acquired images plus pictures of us all at the gathering , to the slide show. When it is ready we will get it to those people who requested a copy. The family tree will also be added. If you did not indicate that you wanted copies when you were at the reunion, please send us an email soon.

THE MANUKA FAMILY PIANO AND A.C. McCLYMONT'S POUCH

It is important to acknowledge all the assistance we have had from family members in collecting information about our family history to place on the blog. This then gives you the opportunity to down load it as part of your family history record which you can then pass on to your descendants!

Sue Rutherford took many photographs for us of all the relics that were here on the day. The pouch is one of those brought for us to see by Tom McClymont.

At the reunion there was lots of talk about a very unusually shaped old piano that was in the Manuka home. Judith Treweeke says she remembers it well.

Robyn Litchfield told us that it is held in her family. When I asked her if could we have a photo, she kindly sent this fantastic picture.

She wrote " My father drew it out of a hat. He said his parents bought it in Canada - second hand. It would be 170 years old." Her father was Norman (14th born at Manuka)

So.. who were the musical ones in that family of fourteen? Did Isabella play?

McClymont family members on the reunion day.

Alan McClymont in a quiet reflective moment ( the photo was not taken by Butter!)
Bruce McClymont, David Wood, Richard McClymont and Jenny Wood in deep discussion.
Norman Philp, Robyn Litchfield, Lesley Cowper, Ken Walker, Judy Nisbet, Jenny Robards, Philip Robards and Ron Walker identifying the old photos which Murray McClymont bought to the reunion.
Bruce McClymont, David Wood, Rob McClymont and Duncan Banks chewing the fat.
Chris Curran, Catherine McClymont,Graham McClymont, John McClymont, Murray McClymont and Peter McClymont. Notice any McClymont likeness in this lot?
Matt McClymont, Rex Mc Clymont, Hamish McClymont, Skye McLean, Scott McClymont, Alister Palmer and Margot Palmer and in front Michaela McClymont and Alicia McClymont and Monty Goodwin.

A WONDERFUL FAMILY STORY

There is a story worth recording that relates to this very old gold watch. Jenny Robards of Sydney, and a third generation descendant of Samuel McClymont (no2 of the 14 Manuka siblings) was proudly wearing it at the reunion. She said she was given it by her mother( Flora Walker, nee McClymont) before she died and always thought that it had belonged to her grandfather. However, after seeing the pictures of Alexander Cunningham McClymont's watch and seal on the blog, she attended an antique fair in Sydney at Easter time and got a jeweler to take a closer look at the inscription. It is actually A.C. M. That is not her grandfather Samuel but her GREAT grand father the one and only Alexander! She is understandably very proud to own it!In the above picture Jenny is in the front wearing the black dress with the cream blouse. Many family got a close look at the watch on the day.

** Please refer to and earlier blog that traces the story of Samuel's family in which the three little girls lost both parents when they were very young. This was only one of a few interesting outcomes connected with us all gathering together.

AUNT ISA ( ISABELLA) OF MANUKA

Although Isa ( the 7th born Manuka sibling) was destined to remain unmarried she did live a very full life at Manuka it seems. She was creative and worked with both wood and copper to produce items that are still in the family today. At the reunion we saw a beautifully carved frame with her mother's picture in it. There was also a copper tray that is depicted above. It is said that she not only drove a car but also a tractor! There is a picture of her sitting on one in a previous blog. A real bush lady was she!

GEORGE McCLYMONT'S POSSESSIONS.

George McClymont who was commonly know as 'the bullocky' in the family , fought in the Boer War and Uncle Tom McClymont bought a number of his belongs to the reunion. His saddle bag, his bayonnet and a beautiful medal he received from the citizens of Inverell were all here for us to see.

FOOTNOTE - Please refer to a much earlier blog with photographs of George (4th born) with his bullocks.