Richard Bennett was the first born child of Richard Bennett and Ann Isabella Kirk in February 1828 in London England. His father was a silk weaver. His family came to Sydney in 1833 but then returned to England in 1837. Richard came out himself in 1843 when he undertook a training course on the care of sheep. He first visited Belfast in January 1846 and described it as being" The centre of a large squatting district". In 1853 he married Elizabeth Nicholson Watson at St Johns Church of England Belfast Victoria. They had 11 children, 6 registered in Victoria and the other 5 born in New South Wales. Richard's aunt (or sister some sources say) Isabella married into "Belfast Royalty" by marrying Lloyd Rutledge in 1852 and they built 'Cooinda' in 1855 and lived there. However, Lloyd apparently fell down the steps drunk one night in 1858 and broke his neck. Richard's brother Ryder Bennett was Rutledge's accountant. (William or Lloyd?) Richard's sister Matilda married James Mylne knight. Richard Bennett worked on a number of properties in the district as well as heading to New South Wales in 1858 -1870 then he returned to the Port Fairy Area. He established the River Shaw Wool Scouring establishment at Yambuk in 1876 but by 1879 he had moved his business to the banks of the Merri River Dennington. He retired in 1887 and lived the rest of his life in Warrnambool. He died on 11th September 1904. Richard Bennett wrote many letters to the local newspapers regarding the early history of the district in 1984 these letters were published under the title "Richard Bennett's Early Days of Port Fairy" A book named "Richard Bennett's Early Days of Port Fairy" was edited by Jan Crichett using his letters Early settler noted for his letters regarding the Early Days of Port FairyBlack and white portrait of gentleman with a squared collarpionner, bennett, richard, dennington., early days of port fairy, river shaw wool scouring

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this publication include:- Page 2: Albury Ski Club is set for a positive year. Present membership of the club is 130 and officials. recently elected are: -President, Mr. Fred Griffith; Vice-President and Booking Officer, Bob Howe; Secretary. Nell Newton; Asst. Sec., Angela Bowler; Treasurer. Sam Roxburgh; Social, Bruce Colquhoun: Trips, June Watson; Bus, Len Egan; Building. John Perger; Equipment, Peter Hadow. Page 3 Toni St. Elmo is planning the monster party the Bogong Ski Club will give at their Falls Creek Lodge on 4th August to the visiting N.Z. team. Page 8 - 9 Article - The Old Order Passes on the Bogong High Plains - an extensive response to the State Development Committee's Report "The Alpine Regions of Victoria; Skiing and Tourist Resorts" and suggestions for the construction of roads, ski tows and other facilities. A sketch map of Falls Creek Village is included.ski history victoria, federation of victorian ski clubs, development of falls creek

Presented to pipes and drums 1990's Carried by Padre Gordon Watson until Nov 2005. Main Side is of Gordon tartan with a embroided RVR obverse side red and blue backing with Royal Corps Australian Army Ordanance. pipes and drums, ps & ds, 5/6rvr

City of Melbourne Plaque present to the Royal Victoria Regiment. The City of Melbourne symbol is in the centre of the plaque. The metal plate on the top part of the plaque stated "Presented to The Royal Victoria Regiment on behalf of the citizens of Melbourne by the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Melbourne councillor Allan Watson J.P 26 October 1993"

Arthur was on 19 June 1874 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, son of John Smith WATSON and Robina MARSHAL. He moved to Queensland in the early 1900’s and was a champion rower in Victoria and Queensland and a noted cyclist who rode in three Warrnambool to Melbourne races, and footballer Arthur Watson was married to Kathleen and had two children Mercia and Bill (Brisbane Qld). He died on 12 July 1954. Arthur's sister was Robina (Ruby) WATSON. Portrait of Arthurlocal identities

Bon married Eva Edna MYERS, daughter of Frederick Thomas MYERS and Martha Mary WATSON, on 25 October 1941 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.Bon and Edna on their wedding daylocal identities

Marjorie Gretchen MYERS was born on 21 February 1912 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.She died on 10 September 2004 in Frankston, Victoria, Australia. Arthur Bruce MYERS was born on 29 April 1925 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.He died on 26 March 2015 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Maxwell Douglas MYERS was born on 10 August 1927 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.He died on 03 May 2005 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.Three of Frederick Thomas Myers and Martha Mary Watson' childrenlocal identies

Frederick and Martha were married on the 30th April 1908. Martha (Mattie) Mary (Watson) MYERS, b. 11 Oct 1888, d. 23 Mar 1976 and Frederick Thomas MYERS, b. 20 Jan 1877, d. 30 Apr 1963. Frederick was the son of Henri MIERS and Ann DOWLING. Frederick worked as a labourer, road builder and sheep shearer all his life. He often worked away and travelled long distances by bike with his swag. He travelled into the Riverina shearing at many of the well known sheep stations. In 1907 he met Martha Mary Watson. She came to the Golden Fleece Hotel to work for the Shebler family. Mr Shebler was getting older and support was needed in the running of the hotel. Mattie was born in 1888 in Ballarat. She had a firm dislike for alcohol. She had experienced the ill effects of the excesses of alcohol with her Grandmother Watson. They lived at 1 Burnbank Street Ballarat and drink was close by and easily obtained. While serving drinks at the Golden Fleece she got to know Fred, in time as the friendship developed she began to water down his drinks while serving full strength to his mates. Fred and Martha were married in 1908 and she moved into the Myers family home. Martha had a life long aversion to the excessive use of alcohol forbidding it in the household. Martha lived in the family home naming it Burnbank after the street in Ballarat where she spent her childhood where she lived with her grandmother Robina Watson, her mother was Robina (Ruby Watson). They lived a No 1 Burnbank Street Ballarat. Her grandfather was John Smith Watson. His early address was Macarthur Street just opposite the Burnbank street house. John was a member of the Ballarat City Fire Brigade. John died at the Macarthur Street home in 1895. The death certificate gives the ages of the children as Robina 26, Adam Arthur 22 and Alex 18 years.Wedding was in Fitzroy, Victorialocal identities, pioneer families

Henri MIERS was born in 1835 in Minden, Minden-Lubbecke, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. He died on 15 December 1886. When he was 32, he married Ann DOWLING,daughter of John DOWLING and Bridget KEANE, on 28 May 1867 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Henri MIERS was also known as Henry MYERS. Henri MIERS and Ann DOWLING had the following children: 1. Henry John MYERS was born in September 1870 in Melton, Victoria, Australia. He died in 1952. 2Thomas MYERS was born in August 1872 in Melton, Victoria, Australia. He died on 11 November 1909 in Brunswick, Victoria, Australia. 3. George William MYERS was born on 04 September 1874 in Melton, Victoria, Australia. He died in 1954 in Alexandra, Victoria, Australia. 4. Frederick Thomas MYERS was born on 20 January 1877 in Melton, Victoria, Australia. He died on 30 April 1963 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia. He married Martha Mary WATSON on 30 April 1908 ( Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia).Family photo of Frederick, Henry John (Harry), Henri, Ann, George William and Thomas Miers.local identities, pioneer families

Martha Watson was born on 17 October 1888 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia as the first child of Robina (Ruby) WATSON. She died on 23 March 1976 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Memories of Martha by Valcia nee Twigg Lowrie, granddaughter of Arthur Watson. My memories and recollections as told to me my Grandmother ‘Mum’ Myers. As a child she had scarlet fever and did not attend school during the illness and missed a lot of school (Macarthur Street State School). When she was meant to return to school having fallen behind her classmates, confused and behind with the school work, she instead spent her time wandering around Lake Wendouree feeling too ashamed to attend school. Her uncle Arthur, born in 1874, whom she idealized, was a type of father/mentor figure who played and important part in her early life. He moved to Queensland in the early 1900’s and they did not meet again until he visited Melton in 1949, he died in 1954. He was a champion rower in Victoria and Queensland and a noted cyclist who rode in three Warrnambool to Melbourne races, and footballer. Her mother’s death certificate reveals her place of death as the Ballarat Hospital on 8th September 1903 aged 36. Martha was not told of the death of her mother, it was some time later when she found out her mother had died. She was greatly distressed when she eventually found out. The grief and the circumstance of her mothers death and her unfortunate life had a permanent effect on Martha’s life. Robina was buried in Open Ground at the New Cemetery Ballarat. Marjorie likened to this to the death of Mozart at the age of 35 who was also buried in a common grave. Martha also told me the stories about how as a child she played at the cemetery, taking the oranges placed as offerings on the Chinese graves and being chased away in fright when caught by a Chinese man. Her description left a vivid impression on my mind. The Burnbank street house was just across the road from the cemetery. The pieces of this story I had heard made sense when I visited the location in recent years. Martha’s described how Nanna would sing on the front verandah, and send her off to t get drink for her. This situation might help explain the reason for Martha’s strong aversion to alcohol. As a young girl it had been distressing to her. Nanna was a colourful and theatrical personality and danced with the Duke when he visited Ballarat. She was also known to have stated that she would marry a man who could give her a bucket of gold, possibly around the time after her first husband, Charles death, she had her young boy Edward to bring up. Martha was about 13 years old when Nanna Watson left Ballarat going to Queensland to visit her son Arthur. Martha slept that night afraid and alone in the empty house. The person who was meant to collect her did not come until the next day. She went to work for a family, a woman with children, they took most of the money that Nanna had left with Martha. There was a new baby in the house and the Scottish man in the house behaved suspiciously towards Martha. She was afraid of him and would hide from him under the bed. At this young age she managed to survive on her wits and sense of self preservation. It is not known how long she worked with this family. The place was from my impression, away from the town of Ballarat. Her very difficult formative years are testament to her strength of character and determination to succeed in life and ambition to provide the best opportunities for her own children. In 1905 Martha received a post card from Uncle Arthur in Brisbane addressed – c/o Mrs Styles 14 High Street Ballarat. Dolly Styles was a Ballarat friend and she kept in contact with her for many years. A letter reveals her living in Minyip in her older years. Martha is thought to have spent a few years working before she arrived in Melton. Miss Shebler hired Martha to help her in the care of her father and to assist with work in the Golden Fleece Hotel. Mr Shebler was a nice old man and mostly confined to his room and somewhat childlike as described by Martha. [The elderly Mr August Shebler died in February 1908]. Martha’s exact arrival in Melton is not known, but could be estimated as late 1906 to early 1907. In her room at the hotel she could hear the spring cart of Mr Minns going on the milk delivery rounds in the very early hours of the morning after coming across the creek from his house When she was 19, she married Frederick Thomas MYERS, son of Henri MIERS and Ann DOWLING, on 30 April 1908 ( Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia). Frederick Thomas MYERS and Martha Mary WATSON had the following children: 1. Frederick John Watson MYERS was born on 01 October 1908 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.He died on 07 February 2001.He married Mary June BATTYE on 18 September 1948 in Victoria, Australia. 2. Marjorie Gretchen MYERS was born on 21 February 1912 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.She died on 10 September 2004 in Frankston, Victoria, Australia.She married Herbert Vivian BUTLER on 07 January 1939 in Victoria, Australia. 3. Eva Edna MYERS was born on 15 October 1918 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.She died on 31 January 2008 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia.She married Ernest Wesley BARRIE on 25 October 1941 in Melton, Victoria, Australia. 4. Arthur Bruce MYERS was born on 29 April 1925 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.He died on 26 March 2015 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.He married Olive Irene NORTON in April 1953 in Balliang, Victoria, Australia (or Church of Christ Footscray? (WB)). 5. Maxwell Douglas MYERS was born on 10 August 1927 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.He died on 03 May 2005 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.He married Rosemary Rebecca BARRIE on 31 August 1951 in Melton, Victoria, Australia. Valcia nee Twigg Lowrie granddaughter of Arthur Watson, daughter of Mercia and Val Twigg did extensive research on the Marshall family of Lerwick Shetland Isle obtaining birth information of the Scottish forebears. She also got the birth/marriage and death certificates of the Ballarat connection of Robina’s husbands and children. Copies were sent to Edna and Wendy during the early 1990’s. Bruce and Irene also obtained certificates and Myers family information. Wendy applied for certificates at this time.Photographs of Martha (Watson) Myers taken at different times of her life

Past students of Melton State School 430. Frederick John Watson MYERS was born on 01 October 1908 in Melton, Victoria,Australia.He died on 07 February 2001. Marjorie Gretchen MYERS was born on 21 February 1912 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.She died on 10 September 2004 in Frankston, Victoria, Australia. Eva Edna MYERS was born on 15 October 1918 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.She died on 31 January 2008 in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Arthur Bruce MYERS was born on 29 April 1925 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.He died on 26 March 2015 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Maxwell Douglas MYERS was born on 10 August 1927 in Melton, Victoria, Australia.He died on 03 May 2005 in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.Frederick Thomas Myers and Martha Mary Watson's children at Melton Primary School 125 year anniversary, 1995local identities, pioneer families, education

Frederick John Watson MYERS was born on 01 October 1908 in Melton, Victoria. First child of Frederick Thomas MYERS and Martha Mary WATSON. He married Mary June BATTYE on 18 September 1948 in Victoria, Australia. He died on 07 February 2001.Photos of Frederick John Watson Myerslocal identies

The 3 items in this display - bell, crystal vase and cake server- were presented to the Wodonga Auxiliary of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB) marking 50, 60 and 70 years of service respectively. This auxiliary was formed in March 1932 with K.D. Watson as the Inaugural President. Its purpose was to raise funds to assist blind and visually impaired people across the state of Victoria. The volunteers over 70 years spent countless hours door knocking in the annual fundraiser, and selling raffle tickets at street stalls. As the City of Wodonga expanded the areas to be door-knocked increased, creating a challenge for the mainly elderly members of the Auxiliary. Eventually it closed down in 2002 when the RVIB amalgamated with Vision Australia. The longest serving member of the Auxiliary was Mrs. Jean Burbidge.These items have local and state significance as they represent the work carried out by a local group of volunteers to support an important state wide institution.3 awards received by the RVIB Wodonga Auxiliary for recognition of their service. They include a crystal vase, a gold bell and a silver cake server. 18/10 is stamped on the reverse of the cake slicer. This relates to the percentage of chrome and nickel within the steel.On the bell: 'Presented to Wodonga R.V.I.B. Auxiliary 50th Anniversary" Around the middle of the vase: 'Presented to RVIB Wodonga Auxiliary 60th Anniversary, 1992" On the cake server: "Presented to RVIB Wodonga Auxiliary for 70 years service March 1932 to March 2002" On back of cake server:" 18/10 and initials FK inside 2 circles.royal victorian institute for the blind, rvib wodonga auxiliary

An A4 size spiral bound publication including articles and black and white images. The covers are light card and have been laminated.This publication was produced to document 125 years of local government in Wodonga, Victoria. It contains transcripts of presentations given by prominent residents of Wodonga. The sections included are: Wodonga 1876 - 1910 by Cr. John Watson, Wodonga 1910 - 1940 by A. G. (Bill) Richardson, Wodonga 1940 - 1970 by John Drummond and Wodonga 1970 - 2001 by Howard Jones.wodonga local government, wodonga victoria

Ian Darnton Watson was a member of a prominent family of civic leaders in Wodonga. He was born on 6th July 1925 in Albury, the first son of Kenneth Darnton Watson and Phyllis Lenore Emily Austin. He completed his primary education at Albury Grammar School, and later became a boarder at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. He enlisted for service at Albury on 25th January 1944 and commenced full time service on 8th February 1944 at Royal Park in Melbourne, Victoria and was allocated to the 2nd Medium Regiment. He embarked for overseas service in Borneo on 30th July 1945 and disembarked in Australia on 15 April 1947 after serving with the Australian occupation forces in Japan. Mr Watson was discharged on 22 April 1947 at which time he was a member of the Australian 2nd Medical Regiment. On discharge he returned home to help his father farm his property, De Kerilleau in Wodonga. De Kerilleau was classified by the National Trust in 1974. Ian described his father, Kenneth as a hardworking, practical man, who for two years from 1929 - 1931, had been the Wodonga Shire President. Cr K. D. Watson was again elected to the Council in 1943 and served until he died in October 1951. In March 1957, he married Miss Lesley Buttfield, of Sydney, NSW. They had three children, Fiona, John and Rowena. John was later to become a member of Wodonga Council and served as mayor. Ian was past President of the RSL branch at Wodonga, Captain of the Wodonga Rural Fire Brigade, and President of the West Wodonga Primary School Committee. He also served on Wodonga Council from 1974 until his death on 14 December 1981, aged 56.This certificate is significant because it acknowledges the War Service of a prominent member of the Wodonga communityA colour printed certificate presented to Ian Darnton Watson in appreciation for his service for "King and Empire" during World War II. The text is surrounded by columns and an arch. The Australian and British flags are at the top as well as representations of the Navy, Army and Air Force. It also features the logo of the Shire of Wodonga above the text. The badge of the Commonwealth Armed Forces is at the centre bottom of the certificate. This small collection also includes black and white photographs of Ian Watson from his Service Records and another photo in uniformOn Certificate: PRESENTED TO Ian Darnton Watson BY THE PRESIDENT, COUNCILLORS AND CITIZENS OF THE SHIRE OF WODONGA as a record and an appreciation of Your Services to King and Country during the Great War which commenced 3rd September, 1939. Given under the Common Seal of the Shire of Wodonga by the President, Citizens this Councillors and Citizens this 26th day of February 1947watson family wodonga, ian darnton watson, de kerilleau

Ian Darnton Watson was a member of a prominent family of civic leaders in Wodonga. He was born on 6th July 1925 in Albury, the first son of Kenneth Darnton Watson and Phyllis Lenore Emily Austin. He completed his primary education at Albury Grammar School, and later became a boarder at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School. He enlisted for military service at Albury on 25th January 1944 and commenced full time service on 8th February 1944 at Royal Park in Melbourne, Victoria and was allocated to the 2nd Medium Artillery Regiment. He embarked on overseas service in Borneo on 30th July 1945 and disembarked in Australia on 15th April 1947 after serving with the Australian occupation forces in Japan. Mr Watson was discharged on 22nd April 1947 at which time he was a member of the Australian 2nd Medical Regiment. On discharge he returned home to help his father farm his property, de Kerilleau in Wodonga which was classified by the National Trust in 1974. Ian described his father, Kenneth as a hardworking, practical man, who for two years from 1929 - 1931, had been the Wodonga Shire President. Cr K. D. Watson was again elected to the Council in 1943 and served until he died in October 1951. In March 1957, he married Miss Lesley Buttfield, of Sydney, NSW. They had three children, Fiona, John and Rowena. John was later to become a member of Wodonga Council and served as Mayor. Ian was President of the RSSAILA (Returned Sailor's, Soldier's and Airmen's Imperial League of Australia) branch at Wodonga from 1953 to 1955 and remained as a member after that time. The League was renamed to the Returned Services League in 1965. Mr Ian Watson died on 14 December 1981, aged 56.This certificate is significant because it recognises the service of Ian Darnton Watson in support of Returned Servicemen in Wodonga.A framed certificate mounted on card. The frame is plastic with a wood grain finish.On Certificate:- R.S.S.A.I.L.A. VICTORIAN BRANCH Presented to Ian D. Watson, As a token of esteem and in grateful recognition of valuable services rendered as President of the Wodonga Sub Branch Years 1953 to 1955.wodonga rssaila, ian darnton watson, watson family wodonga, rsl wodonga

Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WW1 was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land he worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. Mr Watson was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.These images are significant because they record the service of a prominent member of the Wodonga community.A collection of black of white images of Kenneth Darnton Watson of Wodonga.kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members

de Kerilleau was built for William Huon, son of the early pastoralist Paul Huon, in 1870 and named after the family's ancestral estate in France. The original lease of the Wodonga Run was granted to Paul Huon as No. 202 on 7th February 1837, about a year after his cousin Charles Huon had squatted on the land. Kenneth Darnton Watson bought de Kerilleau homestead in 1922 where the Watson family lived for three generations, caring for the land and serving the Wodonga community. Kenneth, his son Ian Darnton Watson and his grandson John Kenneth Darnton Watson all served on the Wodonga Council. The magnificent two storey brick homestead is built on ground above Wodonga Creek. The home of Georgian style consists of eleven rooms and a spacious cellar. At the rear of the main house in a separate single storey building was a large kitchen, pantry and accommodation for a cook and a housemaid. A feature of the homestead is the cast iron lace on the veranda and upper balcony, both supported by caste - iron pillars. The granite foundations of the home were quarried from the hill above the homestead. The enormous Moreton Bay Fig tree which stands to the side of the home was planted when Sir Charles Bowen visited de Kerilleau to mark the opening of the rail line that connects Victoria with New South Wales. Planted in 1873, it is still standing today. This painting was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by George, Digby & Dugald Watson on behalf of the late John & Chris Watson. John Kenneth Darnton Watson was born on 28 August 1960 in Wodonga. After completing his primary schooling locally, he boarded at Geelong College from 1973. John joined the rowing crews, starting in the 8th VIII crew and reaching the 1st VIII crew in 1978. He received multiple House colours awards for cross country, athletics and rowing and received School colours for rowing. On completion of his schooling, John spent some time jackarooing before studying farm management at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong, Victoria. He then returned home to de Kerilleau, Wodonga to manage the family property. In 1984 John married Christine Honybun, daughter of David Lewis Honybun and Marian Josephine Edkins. John and Christine had three sons. John was community minded and involved in a number of local organisations such as Apex and agricultural societies. He was elected to Wodonga City Council in 1997, serving until 2004. Due to increased pressure on available land to cater for the growth of Wodonga, some of the property was sold and in 2003 John donated 200 ha of Huon Hill ‘s western slopes to the City of Wodonga. After this time, he moved away from farming to become a Hungry Jack's franchisee. In 2009, the hard decision was made to sell de Kerilleau and John and his family moved into Wodonga. After sadly losing Christine to cancer in 2017, John became a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Board and Ambassador for the Sunshine Walk. Tragically after his own cancer battle, John Kenneth Darnton Watson passed away on 24 August 2023, aged 62 years following a life of service to the Wodonga community.This item is significant because it was owned by a prominent Wodonga family and came from a Historic Homestead in WodongaA coloured portrait of John Kenneth Darnton Watson and a painting of de Kerilleau Homestead, the Watson Family home for three generations. The portrait was taken by Peter Charlesworth. The painting is the work of D.K. Ross in 1991.watson family wodonga, de kerilleau homestead, john watson, peter charlesworth

This cigarette case was owned by Kenneth Darnton Watson and carried into battle during World War I. Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WWI was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land he worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. Mr Watson was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.This item is significant because it was owned by a decorated Australian serviceman and prominent member of the Wodonga community.A silver cigarette case owned by Kenneth Darnton Watson of Wodonga. The inside contains straps to hold the cigarettes in place. Both the front and back have been engraved.On front: KDW On back: 1919kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members

This cup was awarded to Kenneth Darnton Watson when he was a boarder and competitive rower whilst completing his secondary education. Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WW1 was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau Homestead, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land Kenneth worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. he was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.These images are significant because they record the service of a prominent member of the Wodonga community.A silver mug awarded to K D Watson as a rowing trophy in April 1909. It features the shield of Melbourne Church of England Grammar School (M.C.E.G.S.), as well as his name and the event for which it was awarded.View 1: M.C.E.G.S. April 1909 Regatta View 2: Crest of MECEGS featuring motto "Ora et Labora" View 3: BOARDERS FOUR K. D. WATSON 3kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members

This silver tray was donated by the family of John Watson and was used when they lived in de Kerilleau Homestead for three generations. de Kerilleau Homestead was built for William Huon, son of the early pastoralist Paul Huon, in 1870 and named after the family's ancestral estate in France. The original lease of the Wodonga Run was granted to Paul Huon as No. 202 on 7th February 1837, about a year after his cousin Charles Huon had squatted on the land. Kenneth Darnton Watson bought de Kerilleau homestead in 1922 where the Watson family lived for three generations, caring for the land and serving the Wodonga community. Kenneth, his son Ian Darnton Watson and his grandson John Kenneth Darnton Watson all served on the Wodonga Council. John Kenneth Darnton Watson was born on 28 August 1960 in Wodonga. After completing his primary schooling locally, he boarded at Geelong College from 1973. John joined the rowing crews, starting in the 8th VIII crew and reaching the 1st VIII crew in 1978. He received multiple House colours awards for cross country, athletics and rowing and received School colours for rowing. On completion of his schooling, John spent some time jackarooing before studying farm management at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong, Victoria. He then returned home to de Kerilleau, Wodonga to manage the family property. In 1984 John married Christine Honybun, daughter of David Lewis Honybun and Marian Josephine Edkins. John and Christine had three sons. John was community minded and involved in a number of local organisations such as Apex and agricultural societies. He was elected to Wodonga City Council in 1997, serving until 2004. Due to increased pressure on available land to cater for the growth of Wodonga, some of the property was sold and in 2003 John donated 200 ha of Huon Hill‘s western slopes to the City of Wodonga. After this time, he moved away from farming to become a Hungry Jack's franchisee. In 2009, the hard decision was made to sell de Kerilleau and John and his family moved into Wodonga. After sadly losing Christine to cancer in 2017, John became a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Board and Ambassador for the Sunshine Walk. Tragically after his own cancer battle, John Kenneth Darnton Watson passed away on 24 August 2023, aged 62 years following a life of service to the Wodonga community.This item is significant because it was owned by a prominent Wodonga family and came from a Historic Homestead in WodongaA circular silver tray with an embossed design around the outer edge.watson family wodonga, de kerilleau homestead, john watson, peter charlesworth

Fire schools were an important pre-summer program for all Forests Commission staff and crews They were designed as refresher courses for existing staff and training of new staff on how to use pumps and hoses FCV Forest Divisions were made up of separate forest inter-district and competitions were held. The award was displayed prominently in either the winning district or kept in the divisional office Charles Watson was appointed as the Divisional Forester at Wangaratta in 1949, before retiring in 1960.Silver cup on stand in wooden display case with glass frontNames of winners 1954 - F Halloran & B Curren - Upper Ovens 1955 - L J Mitchell & J D Hallen - Ovens ? 1957 - K R O'Kane & R E Warren - Upper Murray 1958 - A P Davis & D G Craig - Delatite 1959 - K N Gibson & R W Handmer - Mansfield 1960 - L Reid & I F McLaughlin - Benalla 1962 - P Breen & G Treloar - Bright forests commission victoria (fcv)

ill, p.21.non-fictionA history of the variations in steam locomotive design on the Victorian Railways, focusing on the D, A1 & A2, G & Na classes.steam locomotives - victoria- history, steam locomotives - australia - history

ill, p.32.non-fictionA pictorial tribute to the narrow gauge 2'6" branch lines of the Victorian Railways.puffing billy - victoria - history, vr narrow gauge railways - victoria - history

Passbook for school bank account with the State Savings Bank of Victoria held by Elwood Central School student Paul Watson for the period 1964-1968. The State Savings Bank of Victoria existed from 1842 (created as the Savings Bank of Port Phillip) until 1990, when it was taken over by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.Blue covered book printed with blue, containing ruled pages on which transactions are recorded in blue and black ink. Stamped in purple ink.Handwritten details in blue ink on cover, including: account no ('8567'), name ('Paul D WATSON'), and 'CANCELLED' Handwritten details inside in blue and back ink, including: account number, name, details of transactions. Stamp inside: School bank 'ELWOOD CENTRAL NO.3942' Branch '157-ELWOOD' Stamp on cover and inside: PAID IN FULLschool banking, state savings bank of victoria, elwood central school

Book. 'Basil Watson Pioneer Aviator', soft cover 61 pages with black and white and some colour photographs, published by Penfolk publishing Blackburn Victoria.Carole Winterbiography, basil watson, watson basil- air pilots- test pilots- air mail service, aviator, carol winter

ill, p.43.non-fictionA history of the R class 4-6-4 steam locomotive on the Victorian Railways.steam locomotives - victoria- history, r class locomotive - victoria - history

ill, p.19.non-fictionA history of the R class 4-6-4 steam locomotive on the Victorian Railways.r class locomotive - victoria - history