While the event may not be for more than another 18 months, preparations are already well under way for the 2018 reunion of the Kable-Holmes family.
Considering the extended clan is estimated at being more than 10,000, it’s fair to say, advance preparation is essential.
It is believed that more than 10,000 Australians (living and dead) are descended from two First Fleet convicts, Henry Kable and Susannah Holmes.
The pair were married in Sydney Cove on February 10, 1788, the third marriage in the St Phillips church register.
Henry worked in many fields. He held land at Petersham Hill, Cowpastures and the Hawkesbury, as well as Windsor, where he had a store and brewery.
The Kable Family Association is searching for Kable-Holmes descendants to invite them to a 230th wedding anniversary reunion at Windsor on February 10 and 11, 2018.
Thirty years ago, I just started going through the phone book looking for Kable names and posting letters.
- Zillah Kable
Various branches of the family have spread across NSW to Armidale, Bathurst, Blackheath, Boorowa, Cowra, Mudgee, Newcastle, Orange, Richmond, Tamworth and Windsor; and have also turned up in Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.
Zillah Kable-Thomas-Campbell, who organised a similar reunion for the Australian bicentennial in 1988 said: “it’s so much easier now that we can communicate using Facebook and email.
“Thirty years ago, I just started going through the phone book looking for Kable names and posting letters. I’m delighted to pass on the torch to Jane van Woerkom and a new generation of Kable descendants.”
Mary Edgerle, currently living in Guam, only recently discovered her Kable ancestry.
“Discovering this Kable connection has enriched my life.”
The reunion is planned for Windsor as Henry and Susannah lived there for many years and are buried in the cemetery at St Matthews Church.
Planned activities include a formal dinner and a guided tour of local historic sites, as well as a barbecue picnic.
Any Kable descendants interested in attending the reunion and exploring their family ties should email Jane van Woerkom at janevanwoerkom1952@gmail.com.
