Details for the Watt Reunion

WATT REUNION

May 9th and 10th, 2009

What is the reunion for?
For Watt family members to gather and catch up. Additionally, we celebrate 150 years since the birth of John Watt. John and his wife Martha reared 15 children at Rockbank in Balmoral, Victoria. If you are one of John and Martha’s 750 descendants--or a Watt from other branches of the family- come along and catch up.

When and where is it?
May 9th and 10th, 2009. The function will primarily be at Woodbine, Balmoral. (See directions on the Website) There will be a tour of sites of interest to Watt decedents around the surrounding district on Saturday, May 9th.

Is it necessary to RSVP?
Yes, please! RSVPs are essential to planning.

Is there a cost?
$10/an adult. Children under 16 are free.

Do I have to bring anything ? What about meals? Please bring your own folding chairs. A professional caterer will be on site, where you may purchase a variety of good quality meals, snacks, coffee and tea. BYO alcoholic drinks.

What is planned for the reunion weekend?

Saturday May 9th, 2009

From 1:00 pm:

Bus tours to district sites significant to Watt family members eg. Yarramyljup School, Rockbank Homestead and the Balmoral Cemetery.

From 5:00pm:

Early Registration
Informal music night with family musicians
Bonfire
Watt Family movies

Sunday, May 10th, 2009

9:00 Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Balmoral

From 10:30- Registration at Reunion Site “Woodbine”

11:00 Official Opening.
The arrival of John and Martha Watt!
Historical Displays
Prizes for various categories
Museum Open
Most importantly a time to catch up with relatives!

Contact details?

If you have a question, a suggestion for the reunion, a photo or an item you’d like to display on the day please contact the following:

Gerard & Sabrina Watt (03) 5575 6210
Anthony & Michele Watt (03) 5575 6224
Patricia Watt Daffey 0428 743224 or (03) 5572 5587

Where can I stay?
Please book your own accommodation in Balmoral, Hamilton, Dunkeld, or Coleraine. Southern Grampians Tourist Information is 1800 807 056 .

Accommodation in/around Balmoral-15km drive from the reunion site

Western Hotel
(03) 55701 268
Budget, pub-style rooms

Balmoral Caravan Park
(03) 5570 1400
Caravan sites and on site cabins

Southern Grampians Wilderness Resort

(03) 5388 2277
Luxury, family-sized cabins in bush setting. Approximately 25 minute drive from reunion
http://www.grampiansresort.com.au/

Rocklands Lodge
5570 1111
Group accommodation

Accommodation Dunkeld- 45 minute drive from the reunion

Royal Mail Hotel
(03)5577 2241
Luxury , 5 star
www.royalmail.com.au
Grampians View B & B
1800 065 599
4 star


Coleraine- approximately 20 minutes from reunion

Coleraine Caravan Park
(03)5575 2772

Hamilton- 40 minutes from reunion

Comfort Inn Botanical
(03)5572 1855

Goldsmith Motel
(03)5572 4347
www.goldsmithmotel.com.au

RSVP FORM

Please email or fax the following RSVP to ageewatt@bigpond.com
Or Fax it (03) 5575 6204.

Saturday, May 9th 1:00
Bus tours to district sites significant to Watt family members:
Yarramyljup School, Rockbank, Balmoral Cemetery.

Event: Bus Tour on Saturday, May 9th
Names Attending:
Contact Numbers:

May 9th Evening
Event: Informal Music Night with family musicians, bonfire,
Names Attending:
Note musical instrument/talent:

May 10th
Event: 9:00 Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Balmoral
Approximate number attending Mass: (to prepare the collectors: baskets or buckets!): Number:

Event: Official Opening, Sunday, May 10th, 2009
Names (for Name tags):

To help with name tags, please specify which branch of the family you descend from: i.e. Alexander, Annie Watt Doyle, James Watt, Margaret Watt O’Rourke, Albert Watt, Kathleen Watt Wright, Leonard Watt, Francis William Watt, Thomas Watt, Vera Watt Howman, Irene Watt O’Connell, If you are from another branch of the family please just note “other”.

Directions to Woodbine
Directions From Coleraine to Woodbine
Drive out of Coleraine on the Casterton Road
Turn Right when it says to Balmoral
Proceed approximately 200 metres
Take right when sign says C203 Balmoral. (You are now on the Coleraine Balmoral Road).
Travel 30 kms. Woodbine is directly off the left-hand side of the Coleraine-Balmoral Road. (White mailbox marked “Woodbine”.)

From Melbourne travel to Ballarat and on to Dunkeld
If you want a stop in Dunkeld there is a wonderful view from the visitor Info Centre and good toilets)

1. Proceed out of Dunkeld-as if you were going to Hamilton-- (2.9 kms.) .
2. Sign will say Cavendish. Turn Right. Travel 28.8 kms
3. In Cavendish you will see a Pub (the Bunyip). Turn right immediately in front of the pub, cross the bridge. Take a Left at the sign that says Balmoral C188. (Note From the pub to the Balmoral sign is only .5 of a km. Don’t take the signs to Horsham)
4. From the Balmoral C188 sign travel 17.9 kms Turn Left on Bells Lane. The sign will say “Gringegalgona” and "Gun Club."
5. Proceed for 4.9 kms. Be very careful as the road is narrow. On blind hills it is important to get way off the road in case you meet and oncoming car.
6. Turn right at side road (There is a sign post but the sign is broken off which should say Vasey). Go 3 km. (Proceed thru a sharp curve and go thru a intersection but don’t turn)
7. This is Budds Lane. Proceed 5.8 km.
8. You will see our farm (Woodbine) now. We are directly at T intersection of Budds Lane and the Balmoral/Coleraine Road. We are in a white house right near the road. There is a white mail box that says Woodbine.

Mobile signal varies so don’t depend on it all the way. Looking forward to seeing you! Phone 5575 6210 if you have problems.

From the Balmoral pub proceed south on the Coleraine road for 15 kms. Marked “Woodbine”, we are on your right in a white house visible from the road. Here’s a landmark: the farm just before us on the right has a red English post box and is marked “Romani”. From that point you have only about 1.5 km to travel.