Saul Reunion 21-22 May 2011

The Saul reunion was the brianchild of Lorraine Stacker nee Saul, who has been undertaking her family history for 25 years. Lorraine realised that it was the 150th anniversary of the marriage of William Saul and Janet Gray on 20 May 2011 and it was about time to celebrate and to commemorate their union and the Saul family who made their home on the Lower Macleay.

The reunion was organised by Lorraine and Marg Mottee (local organiser) on 21-22 May at Kempsey. It was a wonderful weekend for the Saul descendants, their relatives and friends. On Saturday 21 May the reunion was held at Bellimbopinni Public School (Pacific Highway) from 10 am to 4 pm. The school was a wonderful venue and the weather was fantastic. About 150 people came along for a full day of talking, meeting old and new relatives and devouring the beautiful cake which was cut by the oldest Saul there – Dick Saul, and the two youngest Callum Saul and Joshua Saul.

Reunion Cake  

 Lorraine Stacker introduced herself and asked Councillor Dean Saul to officially welcome everyone on behalf of Kempsey Shire Council. After dean spoke Lorraine then told the story of James and William who were immigrants from Cawston in Norfolk in England. She briefly spoke of James and his marriage to jane Stone and Irish girl and then of William and Janet Gray a Scottish girl from Busby, Renfrewshire Scotland. 

Lorraine then asked Saul relatives to speak and give their thoughts on being a member of the Saul family. Dick Saul, Colin Saul, George Crossingham, Maryellen Saul and Max Saul all spoke of their reflections and reminisced on the hard work of the Saul family as farmers and community workers. 

George Crossingham speaking at the Saul reunion

Checking out the family charts Browsing the family history books

Afterwards the cake was cut and then everyone enjoyed talking, taking photos, getting their photo taken, looking at the family histories and family history charts compiled by Lorraine Stacker, and having a look through the old school where many Saul members attended as children. The South West Rocks Lions Club were a great help on the day providing great food and some even helped as parking monitors! 

In the evening we all had an informal gathering at the Kempsey RSL. On Sunday a special church service at All Saints Anglican Church acknowledged the contribution of the Saul family to the Kempsey community. Afterwards we gathered at the Kempsey Museum where the Macleay River Hstorical Society provided a wonderful morning tea as we looked through the Museum and found special items belonging to the Saul family including portraits of William and Janet, Tom Sauls sculling trophies and his skiff, Dick Saul’s WW2 army uniform and numerous family photographs. In the afternoon we visited Frederickton cemetery where many Saul relatives are laid to rest. We paid our respects and bid farewell to each other. I would like to thank everyone for their enthusiasm in participating in a wonderful weekend and to those who helped in making the weekend one to remember and one that I am sure James and Jane, and William and Janet would have been proud. Lorraine Stacker

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