PREFACE
BY ANN SHEVILL
The merry month of May is with us and at last I seem to have caught
up with my home and domestic responsibilities. This is a very pleasant
time of the year for us in Australia and I hope you in the northern
hemisphere are enjoying your spring.
I was busy indeed when I last compiled a Bulletin in February, and
right through March. There is always lots of correspondence after
I distribute a Bulletin; people sometimes accidentally lose contact
but like to catch up again when circumstances change and opportunities
arise eg Dot Morrison of Skye, Victoria and Patricia Smith of Brisbane,
Queensland.
The highlight of March was the visit to Queensland of Jack and Xenia
Meath (Brabazon). The luck of the Irish was certainly with them as
regards the weather and they brought much needed rain to the drought-affected
areas that they visited - thanks be for that. All who met them here
were not only impressed by their engaging personalities but by their
interest and enthusiasm for everyone they met and everything they
saw and did. I know that we sent them back home feeling weary, but
I trust we have been forgiven by now; no doubt they have been very
busy since returning to Killruddery, catching up having been away
for about a month. Here are Notes, which I made about
THE VISIT TO QUEENSLAND OF JACK AND XENIA MEATH-
March 1 to March 8 2006
The luck of the Irish came with Jack and Xenia when they visited Brisbane,
and the Central Queensland 'Outback' towns of Longreach and Winton
at the time of our long hot summer of 2005/6. They just missed the
intense heat of February and then, the week after their visit, the
much-needed rains, which came and caused flooding and the closure
of some roads! When we were out there, some light showers were about
- enough to get our 'city' type car firmly stuck in the black soil!
That was one of many Outback Experiences, which came the way of the
visitors! I doubt whether many more sights, sounds or experiences
could have been fitted into those eight days.
Jack and Xenia were welcomed with legendary Queensland hospitality
by kinsmen and friends galore as they moved about, relaxed and always
with genuine interest in an environment so different to what they
are accustomed.
We flew QANTAS from Brisbane to Longreach - the highly respected international
airline which Grandfather Charles James Anthony Brabazon assisted
to found in 1920. We spent quite some time there at excellently presented
facilities and tourist attractions: the much appreciated School of
the Air, the celebrated Stockman's Hall of Fame and Heritage Centre
(opened by The Queen in 1988), the more modern QANTAS Founders Outback
Museum. We even attended an exciting cattle sale with active horsemen
and women and impressive state-of-the art electronic facilities.
Our spacious, air-conditioned accommodation was at Dundee homestead,
a nearby sheep and cattle station. This provided a glimpse of country
living in the Outback; visitors from near and far, hearty beef or
mutton meals, splendid gardens and modern conveniences including modern
electronic communication facilities.
A short visit to Maneroo station where six of the seven children of
our Grandparents were born was a much-appreciated surprise thoughtfully
arranged by our local hosts.
The special focus of the Meaths visit was the town of Winton where
our Grandparents and their seven offspring were so well known, respected
and loved; many of my generation have lived in Winton or in the District
at various times. It is a small dusty, truly Outback town which is
much enjoyed by visitors, due in particular to the friendliness of
the locals as well as the character of the town; QANTAS was born in
Winton and so was Australians' favorite song Waltzing Matilda. There
is lots to see in and around the town, particularly in Elderslie Street
with its much acclaimed Waltzing Matilda Centre, Qantilda Museum and
Library and the Outback Regional Gallery.
We all spent lots of time there watching, reading and listening about
the history of the town, the district, our forebears and other pioneers,
and of course Waltzing Matilda. The hub of Winton, even in the off-tourist-season
months, is the widely known and enjoyed North Gregory Hotel where
we stayed, again in cool comfort. The existing Hotel (the third building)
has an enterprising history of over fifty years and has played host
with distinction to the rich and famous on many occasions. For the
evening meals we enjoyed the company and shared stories with various
invited local guests who represented a variety of town and country
interests. Another highlight for the visitors was a (long) day tour
led by a local widely experienced pastoralist to admire the beauty
of the escarpment and the flora and fauna of the bush, an award winning
keyline flood-flow irrigation system, and to enjoy "smoko"
at another station homestead Carisbrooke; a visit to the internationally
renowned Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackway was included. There was time
to attend a service in St.Pauls Anglican Church where my twin sister
and I were baptized so long ago, to give thanks for the past and the
present and to seek God's blessing.
Then it was back to Brisbane to catch a glimpse of some of our special
places of interest in the city and its environs including the soon-to-be-completed
St John's Anglican (Gothic style) Cathedral, Art Galleries, Queensland
University precincts and Brisbane Forest Park.
Lord and Lady Meath and I were received graciously for morning tea
at Government House by the Governor of Queensland Mrs Quentin Bryce
AC.
There was more home hospitality and a very memorable, relaxed, happy
gathering of forty family members at the home of Charles and Michelle
Brabazon in Brisbane. This was a highlight for the assembled kinsfolk,
not only for Jack and Xenia before they prepared to fly back to their
onerous responsibilities at Killruddery.
(A disc of photos, which I took that night, proved popular and I was
grateful for the monetary contributions from family members. I presented
Jack and Xenia with a disc containing photos taken "all over"
during their visit - sure to bring them happy memories when they have
time to view)
We all hope that they enjoyed our part of the world and the people
they met here, as much as we enjoyed having them in our midst. Long
will their visit be remembered with affection.
NB Organization of the visit of Jack and Xenia was a team effort and
I am immensely grateful to my cousin Wendy Brabazon, her cousins Helen
and Ron Button of Dundee near Longreach and Charlie and Ann Phillott
of Carisbrooke near Winton - Charlie ran the excellent Lark Quarry
Tour especially for us. At Maneroo we were welcomed by the Managers
Greg and Caroline Jarmey. Also, in Winton, my appreciation goes to
my school friend Jean O'Connell (of Camara near Winton) who was an
ever-present font of hospitality and local knowledge and mustered
people of interest for drinks and meals - and to Rob McQueen who offered
to drive us to the nearby Bladensburg National Park. In Brisbane Frank
and Edna Rudd were home hosts and escorts for the visitors. Charles
and Michelle Brabazon and their daughters Alice, Lucy and Sarah hosted
at their home the much enjoyed Brabazon Gathering which will long
be remembered for the happiness and interest which it generated for
young (there were ten youngsters) and young-at-heart
For Wendy and I it was a joy to accompany the visitors when they were
Outback, to be with our bush relatives and friends once again and
to see for ourselves the present condition of the country areas in
which we were born and will always cherish. About Longreach there
was then an attractive green tinge, even if not much grass. As we
approached Winton, the country looked drier. It is wonderful that
goods rains have fallen since and just now that country would look
beautiful.
I also want to tell you something about my visit to the COMMONWEALTH
GAMES which were held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia from 15 March
2006
Many months prior to the commencement of the Games, a neighbour of
mine at Iona Village, and I decided that we should accept a special
offer from QANTAS for low fares and excellent central City accommodation
to visit Melbourne over the early days of The Games. We had high hopes
of being lucky in the Ballot for reasonably priced tickets to the
Opening Ceremony, but missed out - twice. We were not deterred, and
in the end we felt rewarded!
Despite predictions of unseasonably cool weather (for Queenslanders
anyway!) and possible showers, there were no problems in that regard
and we soon found our way about with the assistance of Volunteers
whose presence everywhere was almost overwhelming and certainly helpful
during our visit. Crowded trams and buses, but free transport for
Games Ticket holders helped. Security was tight at every venue, but
soon everyone got into the way of things that had to be, and patience
and goodwill prevailed.
On the Opening Day there seemed to be lots of uncertainly about might
be going to happen in the principal (MCG) arena and on the Yarra River.
We decided to trust to luck and head for a place on the grass overlooking
the head of the 71 "Fish Floats" on the river, towards the
central city and a huge TV screen. It turned out to be a fortunate
choice. We were there much longer than we anticipated (five hours!!)
but it was worth some discomfort. The Yarra River (so narrow!) eventually
became alive with people, gaily lit and decorated floats, action and
entertainment. The display of fireworks from the river floats and
the city high-rise buildings was truly fantastic, and will be imprinted
on our memories for many a long day. The crowds were vast, orderly
and good humoured.
On following days we attended events at two splendid venues - the
Rod Laver Arena for two Gymnastic/Artistic sessions and the Sports
and Aquatic Centre for a swimming session and nearby to watch some
Table Tennis. All events were well organized and interesting, and
even though early in the Games programme, surprisingly exciting with
keen crowd involvement. Exits and transport were well managed and
orderly.
Not like the "old days" - such as at the time of the Commonwealth
Games in Brisbane in 1982 when we would know exactly where the Queen
and the Duke would be at any time and could see them easily and often
if we so wished. In Melbourne 2006, the noise of a helicopter overhead
usually indicated a convoy of VIPs but their presence was well removed
from the populace.
Unless one attends such a global event, it is impossible to comprehend
the enormity of the undertaking for such a city as Melbourne and I
have the highest praise for the organizers at every level and at every
venue and exhibition. The city should be proud of the endeavours of
the thousands of people involved - paid or unpaid. The athletes from
all over the world are of course "tops of the pops", proud
to be so and hopefully would have enjoyed the very special occasion
in many ways.
Our spare moments were taken up with some mild city exploring and
shopping, thoroughly enjoying the 360o views from the Rialto Tower
- a quick way to get to know the city - and Exhibitions specially
mounted for the period of the Games. Needless to say it was all a
considerable effort and tiring for two 'old ducks' like us and once
back at the Hotel we had feet up and TV on to watch Games events -
and no energy left to contact the friends we had had good intentions
to phone if not to see! We felt we would have had their understanding
as they were probably just as busy, if not more so. For us the Commonwealth
Games in Melbourne in 2006 came alive and we were delighted to have
the opportunity to be there for a short but memorable time.
That's enough about my doings in this issue. In the next I will comment
more on the future of the BHP BULLETIN or a similar communication.
I might just say here that I have not been overwhelmed with your thoughts
in this regard, as a result of my mention in the February Issue. Thank
you to those who have commented. I am learning what I can about 'blogging'.
Barbara Mills wrote: " I will have to find out from our eldest
grandson, who started university this year studying computer programming,
all about 'blogging' - I know that he talks to his friends via the
computer"
Cousinly love as usual, Ann Shevill
NEWS FROM FAMILY MEMBERS AROUND THE WORLD
FROM QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA.
Mention in the February Bulletin about the happy gathering of female
descendants of Mary Violet Brabazon, brought a response from another
near relative Barbara (Babs) Maddox who lives in Cunnamulla in south
west Queensland; Babs went to Boarding School with and was a good
friend of Phillippa Booth (nee McManus - now of Bribie Island - one
of my regular correspondents) and was pleased to hear news of her
as well as the others. (I note that you are trying to retire Babs!)
Connecting families - here is an interesting story from Jeanette Bergman
of Brisbane
"At the Engineering Challenges Day last month I recruited the
support of part-time student engineer Klarchen Cameron. While we were
witnessing young maths & science kiddies tackling engineering
challenges all day, little did I know Klarchen would take me back
to my own childhood? How?
Whilst waiting for a cab we were chatting about how we get to/from
work.
Klarchen said, "I live in Graceville, so I get the train."
JB: Graceville, huh, I used to live in Graceville. I went to Graceville
Primary School.
KC: Did you? So did I.
JB: Really? Cool. What side o' the tracks? What street do you live
on?
KC: Molonga Terrace.
JB: Oh, I know Molonga Terrace; I used to know someone who lived there.
KC: Who?
JB: Oh, you wouldn't know them, kind of an old family friend.
KC: What was their name?
JB: I don't remember, we used to just call her Aunty Toody. One of
those family friends that you call your 'Aunt' that isn't necessarily
your Aunt. She died a couple of years ago I think
KC: Aunty Toody? Her real name wasn't Doreen Cameron was it?
JB: Um, yeah, that sounds familiar, but we used to just call her Aunty
Toody.
KC: Yeah, I've heard that and I've always wondered about that. She's
my grandmother!
JB: What the
..?
KC: I'm living in that house!
JB: Noooooooooo. The one at the end of the street that backs onto
the river, low-set, with the hut out the back and the custard apple
trees? And the chooks?
KC: Well, the chooks have gone now, but yes.
JB: Holy Moly! I used to spend so much time there! More often than
my 'closer' relatives who lived elsewhere, because it was just down
the road
I used to spend every other afternoon after school
there!"
Jeanette continues: "We reminisce for an hour or so about 'Aunty
Toody's' obscenely buttery 'peanut cookies', ladies tennis days, the
toy room, the 'small gymnasium' sign above the laundry, the always
immaculately shiny, dark polished wooden floors, the 'stuffed' armadillo,
and the list goes on
Being the youngest of my siblings and Klarchen's Dad being the youngest
of his, we figure he'd know my older siblings more than I'd remember
them! The following weekend I told my sister the story who informed
me that Aunty Toody wasn't just a friend of my mother's that we'd
call Aunty, she was in fact, my Mum's aunt! So that, I think, makes
Klarchen and I second cousins once removed, or third cousins, or something!
"
(Isn't that a nice story - thanks Jeanette - and it supports my theory
that everyone in Queensland seems to be related, or knew each other
at school, or church, or sport, or Guides/Scouts or something!)
FROM AUSTRALIAN STATES OTHER THAN QUEENSLAND
It always pleases me particular to hear from a younger family member
who is taking a keen interest in the history of his/her family. Such
is Toban Wild, grandson of Lorna Brabazon, son of John Raymond Wild,
all of Wodonga, Victoria.
(Good to have you on the distribution list for the BHP BULLETINS Toban
- keep asking any questions; someone is usually able to supply answers!)
Another addition to the List is Jane Fulton who is a stepdaughter
of Geoffrey Brabazon Holt who resides in Sydney. Geoffrey and his
wife Elizabeth were delighted to have lunch with Jack and Xenia Meath
when they were in Sydney late in February and to catch up with family
news from Ireland and UK.
(The Meaths told me how much they enjoyed seeing you both Geoffrey)
Jane and her husband Mark have moved from Sydney to New York Jane
wrote in March:
"My son Matthew (now 15) has Brabazon as his middle name; he
is currently attending a boarding school in Connecticut, USA called
Hotchkiss. There his academic advisor Charlie Bell (related to Albert
Goodwin) asked if Matthew is related to the nineteenth century British
Watercolour painter Hercules Brabazon. It turns out the Goodwin and
Hercules Brabazon were contemporaries and today their work is exhibited
together - see web sites below. What a small world. I now know about
Hercules, obviously the Brabazons are a very talented family!
http://www.chrisbeetles.com/pictures/artists/Brabazon_Hercules/Brabazon_Hercules.htm
http://www.chrisbeetles.com/pictures/artists/Goodwin_Albert/Goodwin_Albert.htm
(Welcome Jane - and I hope you are all enjoying New York. Perhaps
family members there would like to get in touch with you by asking
me for your email address. As you say, the world gets smaller every
day!)
Paul Brabazon of Perth tells me that he is a Captain in the Army Reserve...2IC
Admin Coy 11/28 Battalion. "I look like doing four weeks at the
Royal Military College at Duntroon from 13/5....doing admin for a
course being conducted there. Hopefully I will get some time off &
will be able to catch up with my nephew teenager Ryan Brabazon - of
AFL fame, now playing for the Swans Team in Sydney". Ryan is
the son of Geoff & Cathy Brabazon who live in Albany WA. The Sydney
Swans flew them to Sydney to attend the official launch of the Swans
2006 season & Jumper Presentation to players. (Thanks for keeping
me in touch Paul. I watch for jumper No 34 on a short snowy-headed
youngster when I sometimes watch an AFL game - go Ryan!)
Brenton Taylor also of Perth sent me a few wonderful photographs of
relatives of his mother Phyllis Edith Beatrice Brabazon born 31 March
1908, known very affectionately as "Aunty Beattie" (Many
thanks Brenton - I would love to have been at that 98th Birthday Party
- congratulations and good wishes to Aunty Beattie)
Barbara Kane of Melbourne, Victoria would like to have accompanied
her mother Gwynneth Brett and her daughter Kim Kane to Brisbane to
attend the Brabazon gathering. However Barbara was awaiting the birth
of the first grandchild for herself and husband Kevin.
Baby Angus Peter Owen was duly born to Tamsin and James King.
(Congratulations to all - and good wishes to the parents and baby)
Elizabeth (Pixie) Carvosso was the third family member who flew from
Melbourne to meet cousins in Brisbane on 6 March.
(It was specially appreciated that the three came all the way from
Melbourne for the Brabazon Family Gathering - thanks cousins - we
hope you enjoyed the gathering as much as we all did)
By the way, Pixie told me that she had recently been to a meeting
of the Cornish Association of Victoria where she heard a talk on the
Public Records Office of Victoria. "The current director who
came down from Queensland State Archives three years ago, described
a much more extensive source, with sophisticated electronic searching
availability with hyper links. She urged us all to try
www.access.prov.vic.gov.au for information on Victorians"
FROM
SOUTH AFRICA
Rita Robinson reported that her move to Pietermaritzburg at Easter
time went well. Rita was looking forward to the completion of alterations
to her new home - and has a new laptop!
(Good news Rita - enjoy your new location - and the new computer)
Rita has been trying to find a connection with the Brabazon line ever
since finding out that "her 3rd Great Grandfather was named Brabazon
Saunders, he was born in Dublin in 1789, his father being a William
Saunders born ?, died 1809 and his mother was Eleanor Henshall born
1760 died 1819. They were married in Dublin 11 August 1789. I have
not been able to find William's
parents. Eleanor Henshall's father was a James Henshall, Eleanor's
mother died, and James Henshall married a widow some years after Eleanor's
birth. I have never been able to find out who she was.
The Christian name of Brabazon went down the family tree, and one
of my Great Uncles even had the second Christian name of Bray. All
the Saunders and Henshalls were either Linen merchants or Printers/Stationers
and were on the Freeman rolls of Dublin and the Guild of Merchants,
on some documents they were down as 'gentlemen.'
I was wondering if there was a Brabazon connection somewhere either
with the Henshall side through Eleanor's mother, but of course it
may be also through the Saunders side that I haven't found as yet.
I think the period to look would be the early to mid 1700's."
(Rita I sent some information to Shauna Flynn but I am not sure whether
you have been able to find answers to some of your remaining queries
- keep trying when you have time)
ABOUT THE ARGENTINA CONNECTION
Barbara Mills (Northern Ireland) sent a splendid photograph of John
and Honor Brabazon of Buenos Aires.
FROM CANADA
An email was received in February from Anthony Durnford De Gray Birch
of Vancouver.
He wrote, "I am a family historian and I need your help.
My gr-gr-gr-grandmother was Barbara Brabazon, daughter of Hon. William
Brabazon (2nd son of the 7th Earl of Meath). Barbara, b. 24 July 1769,
d. 4 December 1845 shows up everywhere as does issue from her marriage
to John Moore. Apparently though both John and Barbara had second
marriages and I descend from Barbara's second marriage
This past year I've been able to obtain documentation of all this
including these occurrences:
(1) 10 July 1805, the House of Lords passed the John Moore Divorce
Act;
(2) 17 August 1805, Barbara Brabazon married Anthony William Durnford
(Anthony William Durnford was the grandfather of Anthony William
Durnford of Zulu War fame!);
(3) 19 February 1809, Arthur Gifford Durnford, son of Anthony William
Durnford and Barbara Brabazon, was baptized.
The names of Barbara, Brabazon, and Gifford (Barbara's grandfather)
pop up often in the subsequent generations of Durnfords. Interestingly,
Anthony William Durnford of Zulu fame had a daughter named Julia Brabazon
Durnford (she died in infancy).
In any case, I am trying to achieve some acknowledgment that Barbara
had children other than named "Moore" and that the Brabazon
family bloodlines continues through the Durnford marriage.
Where do you suggest I start with this quest? In other words, how
can I establish that the many noteworthy descendants of Barbara and
Anthony William Durnford are also part of the larger Brabazon family?"
(I know that Shauna Flynn has been in touch with you Tony and I hope
this request may result in more contacts to your email address jtbirch@comcast.net.
Good luck and welcome to the distribution list for the BHP BULLETINS)
FROM
NEW ZEALAND
That indefatigable researcher Jan Barnes of Auckland reported as follows:
"About Richard Brabazon: He sub-leased Crown Land at Ballykilcline
Roscommon which had come into the possession of Lord Hartland as the
main leaseholder. Richard collected rent from the occupiers who had
small holdings. They later complained that he had charged excessively
high rents because each of the three lessors had added a premium.
When Lord Hartland declined to buy the land from the government about
1834 it was revalued and the rent was collected by a government agent
at a similar rate. Bit by bit all the occupiers except the Vicar refused
to pay rent. They were evicted and sent to America. I got this off
the EPPI. (There is also a Ballykilcline website but he isn't mentioned
on it).
http://www.eppi.ac.uk/
He would have been about the right age to have been Richard (1806-1887)
who was buried in Rathcoole, son of the 10th Earl.
The Bringham Young University has more old books on line now. I found
quite a few references to Brabazon, yesterday.
http://www.lib.byu.edu/fhc/
To find a family in the text of the books use 'Search All' at bottom
of the page with the
'Search Full Text' box checked"
Jan also sent information relative to the Revised Tree of Brabazons
of Roscommon
"I have now seen the pedigree of Brabazon of Ballinasloe. It
is incorporated in the Magan Tree in Ms 179 Genealogical Office -
'O'Ferrall's linea antiqua' . The information there confirms the last
bits of information that I sent and also adds some extra stuff, which
will interest you.
Basically the information in Ms 179 agrees with the tree that I sent
previously but adds a father to Edward Brabazon who married Rose Daton.
The father was Edward Brabazon of Kilurebegg and Beagh Roscommon.
The other main thing of interest was that Anthony Brabazon (high sheriff
of Galway d.1724, who left legacies to his kinsman Anthony and kinswoman
Mary) actually did leave the legacies to members of the Beagh branch"
Jan enclosed a copy of her transcription from the film and an updated
version of the previous guff which is in more logical format. (Thanks
Jan - for anyone who would like more information you could contact
her at janbarnes@quicksilver.net.nz)
FROM
NORTHERN IRELAND
The mail which I receive from family members gives me much pleasure;
such did a message in late February from Barbara Mills of Broughshane,
Ballymena. Extracts are:
"We have had a 'too-good-to-be-true winter' - surely we will
get some winter blasts before Spring.
The snowdrops are looking wonderful, with so little rain they are
so perfect, the crocus are coming into bloom and the daffodils are
showing their flower buds, but it is still officially winter. Another
thing: the birds are starting to build their nests, I reckon three
weeks early. There is an old saying here: 'A dry February curses every
other month of the year'
Ann I know that you like to travel, would you ever think of coming
to N. Ireland, you would be made very welcome, we would have so much
to talk about. What about your Spanish? I received a copy of John
Brabazon's memoirs in the mail today, from Edmundo Murray, which I
had requested, but it is in Spanish, I will have to find a translator!
There was a photocopy picture of John Brabazon, and it is amazing
to see the likeness in the ancestors of today"
(Barbara, how I would love to visit you and Bobbie, and many other
family members around the world! I would need to travel in more comfort
that I have been accustomed to in earlier years, and the cost of such
is beyond me. But one never knows, and I will keep your invitation
in mind with others. Many thanks for your mail)
FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
You will have received and read with interest about the Brabazon Family
Reunion Cruise being developed for November 2007 by Chris Brabazon
Sr of Deltona, Florida. Chris tells me that many of his extensive
'Penna' family have indicated that they are interested in registering
for the cruise, indeed have already done so.
(I have had indications of interest from US, UK and NZ; so that is
an optimistic start Chris.)
A reminder that the "locked in" prices quoted are only guaranteed
to those who send a deposit by 20 May 2006. ( I am hoping for a Lotto
win to finance such a wonderful event)
Chris is a very keen researcher and correspondent. With the help of
Shauna Flynn the Ultimate Brabazon Family Tree is being much expanded
by the names of the vast 'Penna Clan'. I am very happy to say that
Chris has just had some positive word about his Great Grandparents;
he wrote on 27 April: "The good news is that my Great-grandparents
names were on the birth certificate of my Grandfather; their names
are Michael and Francus Brabazon. Now that I have their names I can
begin to search for more information on them through the web site
'Ancestry.com'. I know that they were both born in Ireland, and that
my Great-grandfather was a shoe maker and my Great-grandmother was
a house keeper. I don't know exactly what area of Ireland they came
from,
Can you help me with locating that information?
Now, I am going to send for the DNA kit; am ready to roll up my sleeve
and have blood drawn so I can find out as to what branch of the Brabazon
Family Tree I belong."
(Your enthusiasm and energy are an inspiration Chris - thanks and
keep up the good work)
I got the impression that there was very cold weather in north America
in February; many correspondents mentioned that. Betty Chapman of
Wyoming wrote "We are experiencing very cold weather for February.
It has been twenty below plus and not even warming up to zero during
the day time; also, we have had very strong winds. During the last
storm there were 145 traffic accidents that were reported on the highways
due to ice and blowing snow. Many accidents, where people can get
out and going by themselves, are not reported due to increased insurance
costs. We bought ourselves a new wood stove for Christmas so have
been staying home and enjoying it"
(Whilst we were having intense heat here in the tropics, it was hard
to imagine the opposite weather conditions that were being experienced
elsewhere. I would have enjoyed that wood stove too Betty!)
Did I ever mention that Shauna Flynn of West Chester, Pennsylvania
discovered a daffodil named 'Brabazon'. To find out moreopen http://www.rhs.org.uk/databases/Award3.asp?ID=104588
On that happy note I will conclude this issue of the Bulletin. Should
you have any comments, clarifications, suggestions, amendments etc.,
please do not hesitate to contact me.
Ann Shevill 1 May 2006