I have just received word from Bob Newton that there is another big function at Yarram the weekend of our reunion (2 & 3 October 2010) and that people should book accommodation as soon as possible. John Howe jbh@bordernet.com.au Dear descendant of Edward Thomas Newton and Elizabeth Martin, The October 2-3 date for the Newton Family reunion is now drawing near and it may be wise to book accommodation. I have confirmation from about 40 people, but it would be handy for others to confirm attendance with John Howe or myself to aid in the preparation of name tags and family tree displays. The weekend is mostly unstructured, allowing time to look around the Alberton cemetery where some graves will be marked, to visit sites of interest marked on a map of the area and to join in self-organised smaller family groups for a Saturday evening meal and for Sunday brunch. On Saturday morning and early afternoon there is an opportunity to gather and look at the Family Bible of Edward Thomas Newton the second and at other family tree information in the Pelican Room of the Shire of Wellington Yarram library. We hope everyone will be able to attend a joint picnic in the adjacent Yarram Park from midday on, Saturday. Programme Saturday 9am Those with displays meet to set up at Pelican Room, library, rear of Shire Offices, 156 Grant St, Yarram. Turn in from Main St at DSE building. Parking at rear or front. 10am Drop in to view Family Bible and displays, Pelican Room. Tea and coffee facilities. Pelican room has plaque of Shire Presidents with Edward Thomas's name on it and ex Alberton council tables. Adjacent to park (for picnic) and toilets. Yarram Park 12 Midday BYO picnic BBQ Yarram Park, Main St. Three shelter area, playground and 2 free electric bbqs 6 picnic tables. Opposite Club Hotel. 4pm Dismantle displays etc Pelican Room 5pm Close Pelican Room 7pm Join other family groups for meal eg. at Glasshouse Restaurant, Yarram Club Hotel. Pre-booking necessary. I have booked two tables at the Glasshouse, so please ring 0437573586 if you wish to be included on one of these. Options for group meals listed below. Glass house Club Hotel Yarram .can seat up to 150. Good menu, half serves available and Seniors roast $10-$22. Wine $5-6 glass. Attractive venue, need to book a couple of weeks ahead. Wild Fish Restaurant Port Albert wharf. Excellent menu (2 veg options), location, Main course $25-33 can squeeze 90 in (Book early). Port Albert Hotel seats 161 Bar meals $10-$15, lounge $18-$25. Good size meals surf and turf etc. Good view from bar, old photos and mounted stag in bar. Yarram Bowling Club may have meals too. Sunday 3rd October Self-organised brunch Possible venues: Coffee Palace or Bakery, Yarram; General Store, Port Albert. Self directed tours of cemetery and local area. Accommodation Camping Grounds Lions Club Camping (basic) Port Albert Racing Club Tarra Valley Caravan Park 51861283 Yarram Rosebank Tourist Park 51825063 Port Albert Seabank Caravan Park 51832315 Illawong Lodge by the Sea 97520533 B & B Blithe Spirit 51832399 Rodondo 51832653 Anglers Arms and Fishermen's Cottages Ph 98906623 Hotel Motels Port Albert Hotel (7 rooms taking up to 5 in each) $55 single, $75 double, & $30 pp. Ph 51832212 Tarra Motel (24 rooms) double $86-$94 Ph 51825444 Commercial Hotel Motel, Yarram Ph 51825419 Yarram Club Hotel (53 rooms, 11 double ($40), Single ($30) shared bathrooms Ph 51825027. Places of Interest Information Centre - old Yarram Courthouse. Open Sat and Sun 10am -4pm. Booklet and obituaries for sale. Melva James 03 51825806 can also provide you with Obituaries for $10 an hour search from the Gippsland Yarram Standard up to 1940. Telephone or email mf.james@datafast.net.au Port Albert Race Course - historic site opened before Melbourne Cup in 1851 (not operating now but Rotary runs as camp site). Very attractive drive in though thick undergrowth, big attractive trees and race course. Close to cemetery and Port Albert, but sandflies can be a problem. Port Albert Maritime Museum $5 Tarra-Bulga National Park A reminder. The reunion is for the descendants of: Edward Thomas NEWTON was born in England. (John Howe now believes he was born on 28th Nov 1813, baptised on 26th Dec 1813 in the parish of St George in The East, Tower Hamlets, County of Middlesex (London). Son of Thomas Edward & Sarah NEWTON. Abode: Ratcliff Highway. Father's Trade: Slop Seller (working aprons, clothes etc). He came to Tasmania in the early 1830s before coming to Victoria where he was living at Melbourne in 1837 to 1843. He moved to Alberton in the South Gippsland district of Victoria in 1843, where he died in 1882. To see more about this family check out John's website "John Howe's Genealogy" http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/jhgen/web/index.html If you are a descendant please contact John Howe, jbh@bordernet.com.au " Please give an indication of your intention to attend with Janice Newton 8 Fincham St Mt Pleasant 3350, janice.newton@live.com or Mobile Phone: 0437573586 or with John Howe jbh@bordernet.com.au Janice Newton