At the request of our hosts at Gwavas Homestead and Gardens we brought our Christmas Coach trip forward one week.  Unfortunately due to clashing with various other activities, numbers were slightly down on previous years.   However,  the 52 that did attend thoroughly enjoyed the end of year function.  Three new members received their certificates from President Paddy Bayley.

We were delighted to welcome two guest from England.  Kath La Rooy’s son Michael and daughter in law Julie La Rooy from East Sussex in England.   Five years ago on a visit to Hastings, Michael spoke to our members on the “trials and tribulations” restoring an English Manor House.   We also welcomed Malcolm Bourgaize from Whangarei.  He has relations here in Hawke’s Bay, so has joined our branch as a “Friend”.

Seated in the main entrance hall surrounded by amazing Totara panelling, protected by Historic Places listing, members enjoyed a sumptuous buffet lunch.  They were then enthralled with the talk on the history of Gwavas.   In 1856, Eton scholar and veteran of the Crimean war, Major George Gwavas Carlyon, left his family home of Tregrehan,  Cornwall and, with his wife Mary, set sail for New Zealand. Five generations of the Carlyon family have lived and worked at Gwavas since the mid 19th century. Members heard about thewonderful collection of historical documents and memorabilia. 

Jovy Carlyon, the eldest son had moved back to run Tregrehan. Therefore it was left to the second eldest son Arthur Spry Gwavas Carlyon (A.S.G) to run the farm Gwavas.  He laid out the gardens in the 1880s, and also also built the present day homestead, the third to be built on the property, in 1890. 

Members then looked through the homestead before venturing on a short walk around the historic gardens. Due to a light shower of rain the “Christmas” afternoon tea was served back in the main hall prior to boarding the coach for the homeward journey.  A most relaxing end to a busy year for our members.