Literary High Tea

Liz Virtue who owns the property known as "Glen Derwent" at 44 Hamilton Road, New Norfolk, Tasmania with her husband Rob, is an amazing business woman and host. The Heritage listed house nestles on 11 acres and includes the olive tree that my 5x great grandfather, James Bryan Cullen planted when he was granted the land in 1808.  As Rob gave my cousins Jo Lanning and Debbie Hammer, and a friend, Nicole Hilder a tour of the property, he pointed out the markings of superstition in the stable and on the front door step. The step has a piece of copper over it with circles and dots and other shapes banged into it. Apparently this kept the occupants safe from the evil that might want to enter.
The stable posts had burn marks all over them - each night before the doors were closed on the horses -  the person responsible would burn a mark into the timber to keep bad spirits away.

The Literary High Tea on Saturday 15th where I spoke about the characters in my historical fiction books was wonderful.
The food was magnificent and the audience fantastic.

James Bryan Cullen finished the house in 1818, but a couple of years after his death in 1821, his wife Elizabeth was forced to sell.

Speaking about them in the house they built was an honour.

Thanks to everyone who attended. :)

Life is busy

On Monday 10th February, our grandson was 21. I'd just turned 45 when he was born, and often mistaken as his mother (not now though, LOL). My husband and I have a special bond with Thomas - he was the only grandchild for nearly 10 years and is still, and looks like always will be, the only grandson. We're having a family dinner for his birthday on Friday night, where we'll meet his girlfriend, Belle's parents. Belle's father has read two of my books and is reading the third, looking forward to the meeting.

Last Thursday the first "Writing your family history" workshop at Melton Library and Learning Hub saw a few family historians chomping at the bit to get their family stories whipped into shape. It will be fun to support them on their journey.

This weekend I'm off to Glen Derwent at New Norfolk in Tasmania to speak at a "Literary High Tea". My four books are based on the families started as a result of the transportation of James Bryan Cullen (First Fleet 1788), Elizabeth Bartlett (1796) and James Blay and James Tedder (1812).
This beautiful Georgian Mansion was finished by Cullen in 1818 and today is run by Liz and Rob Virtue as a B&B and event venue. The Heritage listed house is in very good hands. Two of my cousins are coming with me, and we're staying in the mansion on the Saturday night.
What would James and Elizabeth think of that, their 5x great granddaughters staying in the house they built 202 years ago?