A call has gone out to local descendants of one of Australia’s first families.
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Thomas and Jane Rose were among the first free settlers granted land in NSW after arriving from Dorset, England, in 1793.
Their memory has been doggedly kept alive by a group of family members which maintains the family home at Wilberforce, on Sydney’s outskirts.
This month, it’s hoped that descendants from throughout Australia will converge on Rose Cottage for the family’s 10th reunion.
A priceless piece of national heritage, the Wilberforce cottage is recognised as Australia’s oldest known timber slab house situated on it’s original site.
It was the family’s home for about 150 years until 1961.
Organisers have called on Rose family descendants everywhere to make the trip to Wilberforce on Sunday, March 18, to be reunited at the place where the family story started.
The reunion is also an ideal opportunity for those with an interest in pioneer history to visit Rose Cottage, which is aptly located in Rose Street at Wilberforce.
People who may not have known that the cottage existed - or may have heard of it without realising its significance - are particularly invited to come along on March 18 and check out the wonderful old building.
The event will also offer additional opportunities to step back in time, as attendees are being encouraged to contribute to a display of historic photographs.
Reunion organisers are looking for wedding and baby photos - as well as other Rose family memorabilia - from down the years.
The Wilberforce reunion will also allow family descendants to mingle; purchase Rose Cottage merchandise; and also visit the adjoining Australania Pioneer Village.
Volunteers will also gather information to update the family tree and group photographs will be taken of the various family lines.
The reunion will start at 10am and attendees can bring a picnic lunch or morning and afternoon tea.
There will be a barbeque in operation for those who want to bring their own meat, refreshments, competitions or raffles.
To attend, enter via Australian Pioneer Village main gate, - where parking will be available - then walk through a small gate from the village to Rose Cottage. Check-in at the registration table.
A $5 family pass to enter the Australiana Pioneer Village will be available on request from the registration desk.
Please bring chairs, shade umbrellas and wet weather gear if needed.
See additional details and a detailed program on http://www.rosefamilysociety.org.au and watch the society’s pages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as the date nears.
