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Greetings.
In 2009, it is 150 years since Nathaniel & Amelia Clotworthy left Antrim, Northern Ireland with their two young sons. Their destination was New Zealand and they settled in Whangarei at Whareora. Nathaniel left first aboard the "Shooting Star" and Amelia with young George and the infant William, a month later on board "Shalimar". Travelling on a sailing ship for nearly 4 months with two young children must have been such an ordeal for Amelia.
Trusting that everything would be alright and that her husband would be waiting on the dock for her -what a huge leap of faith for anyone in any situation. What an amazing women she must have been.
On SAT 7th & SUN 8th February 2009, we, the descendants of Nathaniel and Amelia will gather in Whangarei to celebrate our pioneering heritage and to learn more about our forebears as well as meeting maybe for the first time members of "our family". We've also had expressions of interest for overseas family members to come join us and we welcome them all.
This newsletter is to whet your appetite and encourage you and your immediate family to register for the Clotworthy Family Reunion.
At the last Reunion held in January 1982, over 200 of us gathered. There are some of us remember the 100year reunion held in 1959.
We formed an organising committee in February with our first meeting in March and we've had monthly meetings since then.
The committee comprises Jean Goodison, Gwen Daly, Noel Griffin, Brian Clotworthy, Carol Corbett, Maire & Alan Monson, Shennet &Neville Clotworthy, Allan Bowmar, Barry Clotworthy, Carol Corbett, Robyn Clotworthy, Sandra Clotworthy, Cherry Daly and Jolene Bosanquet.
One of the main tasks is to update the Family Tree. This was last done in 1982. So you will need to supply us with details please - children, grandchildren, great grand children, spouses.
(Note: Descendants of George and William are currently updated to 2004 when the Child Family held its Reunion).
Nathaniel & Amelia had 13 children of which 9 still have living relatives.
We've allocated a committee member to each of the branches in order that we let as many of the family know about the Reunion.
The branches and the committee member/s are as follows:
William - Jean: Thomas - Jean: Eleanor - Maire:
Nathaniel - Maire/Shenett: Eliza - Noel: Alice - Noel: Emily - Allan
Charles - Maire,
George - several as listed below:
Emily - Gwen: David - Jolene: Frank - Maire:
Allan - Neville/Allan: Charles (Peter) - Brian: George - Neville: Vera - Jolene
No living issue - Catherine (Kate), Sarah, John (Jack), Edith, Gilbert, Louis
We'd like info in by 31 August as it's a huge task imputing it all into the computer.
Programme:
- SAT 10am 5pm at Forum North.
- A couple of interesting presentations, lots of time to catchup, displays to view, photographs to be taken.
There will be a buffet luncheon & afternoon tea.
Aunt Eme's family - Gwen, Noel, Cherry & Mick - have kindly offered to host a BBQ at their property.
- SUN 10am -3pm
- There will be a re-enactment of the arrival of Nathaniel and Amelia and their two boys at "Abbey Farm", Whareora, followed by a Picnic lunch, tour of caves, garden tour, pony rides.
A leaflet showing family properties, gravesites and places of interest will be produced for family members to explore by themselves or as a group.
Registration Fee: We are keeping this as low as is practicably possible in order to encourage as many family members to attend - especially the young ones.
Adult: $35, Child 5-11yrs inclusive: $15, and child under 5 is free.
This fee will cover Sat at Forum North - lunch, afternoon tea, and BBQ dinner. On Sunday the Picnic lunch is BYO.
Naturally we'd like to know as soon as possible how many to cater for.
Fundraising: In order for the Registration Fee to be kept to a minimum we are going to have some interesting "fundraising" schemes.
The idea is for family members to donate something from which money can be raised to cover costs of the venue and those things not covered by the Registration Fee.
We've already had an offer of accommodation in Rarotonga. We're looking for art work, farm stays, any services at all, gardening gear, picture framing... The only limiting aspect is your imagination. These items will be listed in our newsletter, on the website and emailed out so you all have a chance to bid on the items.
Donations of money to cover running expenses would be welcome!
Website & other promotion: Our website will be up and running in July. www.clotworthyfamily.co.nz. giving info on the family and a report of the Reunion.
We'll have some media coverage leading up to the event, during and after. We will be listed in Womens Weekly Family Reunion notices. Articles in Horse Racing circles on the Clotworthy legacy with race horses.
Any other publications that you may know of - let us know please.
There will be a Commemorative Book produced by our family historians - Maire & Shennett.
A Photographer will be present at the Reunion to take photos of the various generations. - (not included in registration fee).
Display material - If you have any memorabilia for displays of "the family" as well as being part of the"branch" displays, we'd love to exhibit it. Must be clearly labelled with owners name. Copies acceptable.
Other ideas The Committee is open to any ideas to make the Reunion more exciting and enticing especially for our young ones.
Accommodation: Allan Bowmar has been in touch with several accommodation places. Being Waitangi Weekend the choices are not as great.
So if you do need accommodation please arrange it early. Allan has a suggested list.
Transportation: If the need arises we will arrange for coaches to provide transport us to Whareora on the Sunday.
Transport to and from the airport to be arranged by your accommodator.
We want this Reunion to be memorable. This means as many of us to participate as possible and to find out more about our wonderful pioneering family and to honour their determination and drive.
For further information please contact... clotworthynz@igrin.co.nz or b.clotworthy@xtra.co.nz or Ph 09-401-9330 or 09-4019371.
