MEMBERS of the Garnock family converged on the district over the long weekend. Over 130 relatives travelled from all the eastern States to celebrate the life of George Garnock.
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George was born in 1796 in Glasgow, Scotland and sailed to Sydney town in 1825, he then worked for ten years for Hannibal Macarthur and Captain Brooks; he was then was granted a selection at Denham Court, near Camden.
Yearning for open spaces reminiscent of his native Ayrshire, in 1838 he took up a 640 acre lease called Mount Pleasant in between Bukalong and Bibbenluke. He married Rose Ann Kyle, whose family worked at Gunningrah, in 1845 at the age of 49.
Rose Ann and George had eight children of which four sons married; three of these families had children and acquired various blocks of land in the district trading as Garnock Brothers.
Following the death of George in 1874 and of John Boucher in 1885, Bukalong Station was added.
George was buried at Mount Pleasant alongside two of their children, they were later moved to the Bombala Cemetery. The original headstone has been repaired and resurrected by Jum and Catriona Garnock, it was unveiled on the Sunday.
It is interesting to note that two generations of the family spanned 147 years: George was born in 1796 and his youngest son, “Uncle Will”, lived until 1943.
The Bibbenluke Hall was chosen as a base for the reunion, it being central to the activities and having a recently restored kitchen (see below).
Local family ladies presented a magnificent afternoon tea and activities for the children. The Delegate Hospital Auxiliary excelled themselves with their lamb roast dinner on Saturday evening.
Lots of memorabilia was exhibited and photographs studied; the owners of four homesteads - Bukalong, Kyleston, Kuringai and Bibbenluke - are to be sincerely thanked for allowing their predecessors access to their heritage.
Following the Sunday Service at St Matthias’ morning tea was prepared by the Church Ladies and enjoyed by one and all.
A trek across the paddocks to Mount Pleasant cleared the lungs and allowed family members to join in the unveiling of George’s first headstone and to visit the site of the original home.
Dannielle Hurley, the family historian keenly updating the endeavours of Tony Garnock, gave an interesting address on life two centuries ago. The finale for the weekend was roast beef and lamb on the spit.
Bibbenluke Hall refurbishment
Facilities at Bibbenluke Hall have been extensively renovated. The new kitchen has recently been completed and now replaces the old facility with new layout, easy care flexible design with updated appliances, new pantry store and store room.
These facilities enable groups to enjoy even more, the great ambience that a function in Bibbenluke offers – great space encompassing supper room, new kitchen, functions area including stage and meeting room – all opening to enlarge the space, and offering atmosphere with the cosy open fires.
At the back there is a covered barbecue area and space for a marquee as well as good parking.
Why not investigate this facility for your next function?