Alfred Edward Clarke was a member of the Stock Exchange. He married a niece of Reverend Kerr Johnston, Margaret Helen Gowan (daughter of John Denovan Gowan, himself brother of Eliza Denovan Gowan) in 1886. His first wife, Caroline Long, died in 1884. One of his daughter, Linda Clarke (later married to John William Begg) was secretary of the Malvern branch of the Ladies' harbour Lights Guild. Article in the Standard (Port Melbourne, Vic. : 1884 - 1914), Saturday 17 April 1909, page 3 "SAILORS ENTERTAINED. Picnic at Glen Huntly. A very enjoyable picnic was held on Monday in connection with the Victoria Mission to Seamen, at Mr. Clarke's grounds, 'Heatherbrae,' Glen Huntly. About 90 sailors from ships in the Bay and river were entertained, and a happy time was spent. Tea was provided by ladies connected with the Mission, and cricket, football, and other sports were arranged and carried out with great zest. At the close of the day cheers were given for Mr. and Mrs. Clarke and family, the Mission workers, and all who had helped to make the outing a success."Small monochrome photograph depicting outdoor scene of a small number of men resting. Photograph somewhat faded, particularly on right side heatherbrae, easter, picnic, lhlg, caulfield, alfred edward clarke 1840-1913, margaret helen gowan 1863-1937, linda begg nee clarke 1877-1954, eliza johnston nee denovan gowan, john denovan gowan

Linda Begg nee Clarke was the 4th daughter of Alfred Edward Clarke (1843-1913) and his wife Caroline Long (1844-1884), and sister of Alfred Rutter Clarke. Her father married Margaret Helen Gowan in 1886. Margaret was the daughter of John Denovan Gowan and the niece of Reverend Kerr Johnston and his wife Eliza Denovan Gowan. The family property, Heatherbrae, Neerim Road, Caulfield, held a picnic on Easter Monday 1909 (12 April). In August 1916 she was honorary secretary of the East Malvern Branch and organised a concert in aid of the St Peter Chapel funds: "A Grand Concert is being arranged by the East Malvern Branch of the Ladies' Harbour Lights Guild, in aid of the Building Fund of the new Seaman's Chapel on the Australian Wharf. The concert will take place in the St. John's Parish Hall, Finch-street, East Malvern, on Monday even in, 4th September. Admission will be 1/. and tickets can be obtained from the hon. sec., Miss Linda Clarke, Heather-Brae, Caulfield." (see Punch article) She was responsible for the Needlework: knitting was a way to support seafarers (see pattern books). Linda, aged 49, married John William Begg in April 1928. He died in 1935.Linda Begg was a longstanding member of the Guild.Rectangular memorial plaque dedicated to Linda Begg who died in 1954 after many years of service. Her husband was J.W. Begg.In loving memory of Linda Begg a member of the Harbour Lights Guild from 1909, secretary for East Malvern 1919-1920, and first secretary for Gardenvale. Died 17th October 1954. I know that my redeemer liveth. plaque, memorial, east malvern, secretary, gardenvale, lhlg, alfred edward clarke, caroline clarke nee long 1844-1884, john william begg, linda begg nee clarke 1877-1954, heatherbrae, caulfield, eliza johnston nee denovan gowan, john denovan gowan, needlework, knitting