" It was in the year 1844; the writer of this narrative first saw light of day, born on a Sunday the 22nd of December. The old saying is, to be born on a Sunday, is to be bright, bonnie, and Gay.

At the age of nine, I left England with my Mother. My Father had left the year before with his Brother, they like many more wanted to see the new land of Australia where the gold fever was raging. The ship in which they sailed was named the "Gibson Craig". They landed in Sydney on the 1st April 1852, and like many, more went down to Victoria where the yields of gold were much larger. My Mother and I left England in March 1853, sailing from Liverpool in the Barque "Bloomer" (three masted with no squaresails on the mizenmast). I can remember the "Great Britain" being build. It was pointed out to me, and being a child of keen observation, it made quite an impression on me.

We arrived in Sydney on the 29th July 1853 after being on the water for five months, and I remember getting down the side of the vessel into the boat, which took us to the Quay at the bottom of George Street. It seemed a very long street and there at a Fruit Shop, I first saw the fruit "Loquat". George Street had many Gum Trees, but very few shops. We had a Cottage at Balmain next to the Parsonage, and had to get to it by Steamboat. I remember our first Christmas Dinner was a disappointment as the Duck left at the Boat Office, had been half eaten by rats. Mother bought it all ready for cooking, and of course, no Plum Pudding. The heat being so great in Sydney when my Father returned from Victoria, he took Mother and I over to Tasmania as the climate there was more like England. He bought a weatherboard house opposite "Lipscomb" with it's well known garden, and noted for it's jams and preserves.

Many a time I have gone over and been given a pear. I can almost taste the flavour now as I write, and it was from there that Joshua gave me a Spaniel Dog.

While in Hobart I went to school at Madame Petingall's in Macquarie Street, and it was there I took the measles. I had to stay in bed and while there, the great Flood came. It was just after the Market was opened, and it did a lot of damage.

I remember a house floated down the river, which ran through the town. I also remember going to the Cathedral and seeing the consecration of the new Bishop. It was there that a mass of pink and white roses grew to perfection. I remember seeing Mount Wellington with the snow, and seeing the "Ticket of Leave" with Yellow Stripes on their Blue trousers and a servant was not allowed out after 8 o'clock at night.

"Watchorn" was the name of the Draper there. After about 18 months, my Father sold the property, and we sailed in the "Brigantine Emma" (2 Masted Square Rigged Vessel) to Victoria. We landed at Geelong, and my Father left us to return to the Goldfields. Later he sent for us and we met him in Melbourne. My Father got a Wagon and Horses, but first stored some trunks at a place named Pictsford Savage & Co and then we started on the way to Bendigo. I shall never forget that journey.

After going over the Keilor Plains and even through the Black Forest over the Corduroy Roads. Just at nightfall, a storm came on, thunder and lightening, and the rain came down in torrents. My father got my Mother and I a bed in what would be now, a "Shanty" in Black Forest. I can remember the bed with two gutters each side for the water to run away, and the heavy falling of trees. I fell asleep until morning broke, and then all trace of the Storm had faded from my recollections. I sat in the Wagon and learnt the song "Ben Bolt". Nothing failed my memory. At last, Eaglehawk was reached, it was evening and the lights were burning in the tents.

A Brother of my Father met us and helped us to get settled, but my Mother felt lonely, but her brave heart soon got reconciled, and going to Mr. Simpson's Store she got some "Drugget" (Course woollen cloth) with which Father lined the tent and afterwards, he got some Slabs and built two rooms. It was about where the Cemetery now stands.

After a while, the Township was formed, and a Mr Simpson moved his store. He had a dog called "Trusty" and when his master used to go to Bendigo, for Eaglehawk was 4 miles from the town, he would leave his Store in charge of this man, and his two nieces would stay and mind it for him. I used to go too, and the fun we had, with "Trusty" and my dog. After awhile some girls told my Mother of a school they went to at Sailors Gully, a "Mrs Mac Whirters", (Her son is now at the Beehive Store). The girls, now Mrs Glen, and Mrs Weir took me with them. My Father would meet me at Lightning Hall and take me across the gully, it was very wide, and the number of Miners very large but the Gold taken from there was very rich. It was from there that I would walk with my Father, and Mother into Bendigo to attend Church. It was a Slab building in Bridge St, and the Clergyman, and old white haired man, and afterwards, "All Saints was erected. At first, a large tent served for the purpose, and the Rev Gregory officiated. Stumps of trees served as seats, and I remember the Rev Gregory used to always give me a piece of bread and butter. Finding it too far for my Mother to walk he kindly said he would come to Eaglehawk as he found so many adherents willing to attend, and at 3 o'clock every Sunday, he would walk in his white surplice to the service. A Mr Lowde and his son used to get the place cleaned and ready, but being only a child I cannot say that much about it. I do know his son was killed in the Clarence Mine, much to his father's grief. Mother eventually got tired of the "Diggings" so my Father left and went to Prahran and bought a small house in a little street off Chapel Street, which was then noted for an Auctioneer named "Zorab".

There the Church of England was built in Chapel Street, and strange that our Rev Gregory was moved there by Bishop Perry. While we were there Mother heard of the death of "Grandpa Welsford" who died at a terrace in Latterdown, Bristol. He fretted after we left. He had a very successful Merchant at 144 Leadenhall St London. He was in the Wool, and Wine business with the Cape of Good Hope. His Brother "Samuel" being amongst the earliest settlers there. Then the Wars began with the "Hottentots" (Natives of the Cape of Good Hope), and while they lasted, business must have been very quiet. It was during those Wars that the ship "Walsford" was lost at sea with a very valuable cargo, but as a child, and only writing from memory, it seems so long ago. I can remember my early days better than anything happening lately. I can remember Grandpa "Welsford" had a "Family Tree" tracing back to "William the Conqueror". He was born at Crediton in Devonshire, a fine built man with lovely white hair. "King William" used to wear a Blue Coat with Gold Buttons.

Once when Grandpa wore the same type of clothes, the people took him for the King.

Grandpa "Thorn" said he was too vain. My Grandma was a very pretty woman and in her younger days, was considered "The Belle of Wincanton". She was one of the "Thorns". They were millers and owners of "Thorn's Mill", so I think Mother told me. She said it was lovely to go and spend a holiday with them. The London house was at 144 Leadenhall Street, opposite the "East India House", and it was 400 years old when they lived there in 1770. They also had a country house at "Peckham Grange", but it matters not for they have all passed away, and so also have my Uncles at "The Cape of Good Hope". Well after Grandpa "Welsford" died my Mother took an illness, and on getting better, she and I walked as far as the "Esplanade" at St. Kilda where a lot of tents were erected where the Grandstand (Bandstand) is now situated.

My Mother had a chair given to her, and they brought her a few Oysters and some bread and butter, which seemed to refresh, and make her feel better. We then walked home again and ever after, she always said it was the sea air, so that is why I always liked St. Kilda. After selling the house at Prahan, we retraced our way back to "New Chum Gully" Bendigo, where my Father bought two "Puddling Mills". Then fresh Quartz began to be heard of and he, with Gibbs and Lazarus, marked out a Claim on the now well known "New Chum" line. I think "Fortuna Villa" (Lansells) is built there. There used to be one called by the name of "Hanging Rock Mine" after it's appearance, just as if it was likely to do so for a long time. It remained till Mr. Lansell I think, bought the ground and the Rock was cut away, and perhaps it added to the immense yield of Gold which built "Fortuna Villa". We first had a Store where Dr Penfold's Surgery now stands. I remember once Mother asked the price of a Cauliflower, only 5/-, and Mr Macord a Greengrocer in Pall mall, charged 6d for a bunch of cherries, this was in 1854. I remember Mr. Macord used to march at the head of the "Fire Brigade", but I think the prettiest sight I can remember was when the Gold Escort left from the "Treasury" in about 1859, which was very near where the new High School was built in 1914. I think it left either Monday or Thursday.

There were six men on each side on White Horses, and their Swords flashing in the sunshine. It may have been the Soldiers as there was a Regiment. They lived in tents on top of the hill in Rosalind Park, and where the Central School now stands.

When the War broke out in New Zealand the Regiment was sent there, and the Sunday before they left they assembled in "All Saints Church" and Crabtree who had a Military Spirit (and should have been one of them) had the Hymn sung "Oft in Sorrow, Oft in Woe".

The inhabitants in the early days were of "Genteel Families", the Gold Rush being the great attraction. Those that made their "Pile", re-shipped to the Homeland, some returned again and settled here, but time has made a void in many homes, and very few of the old "Bendigonians" remain, except in the sleeping place of "God's Acre", sweetly sleeping till the "Insurrection Moon". Little Ernest, and Albert are buried in the "Sandhurst Cemetery", while in Melbourne lie the bodies of my dear Father and Mother, and if when I die I hope to be buried with them. Our first little one called was little "Alfred". He was scalded through the carelessness of Bessie the Servant. Then in 1891 the blow fell on myself, and the children in losing my Husband, and their father at a time when they needed his advice, but their Uncle Frank, (Charles Francis) came to my help, and "God" was with him as he helped both them, and myself, and after his departure for New York, I missed a true friend and advisor.

His death at last closed my source of help and advice. My Sons were then old enough to come to my aid and help, and I thank God for his care and protection over us all. In time, they met with wives of goodminded parents, and now I have seen my "Eldest grandson" at the age of 15, apprenticed and a "Bugler" for King George.

"Australians", being his subjects. My daughter "Amy" has won the esteem of many by proving a good wife, and mother, and may her children live to say to her that they owe their bringing up to their Father's advice, and being guarded by the hands of love, and the Almighty's guidance in the home. "Josiah" also had a wife and son, who I hope one day may become a good citizen, a prosperous Colonist, and a credit to the name he bears. My son "Willis" has a happy knack of being a favourite with his fellow man. He has good thoughts, and tries to do good. His home life is a happy one, and may it ever be so. His Wife and her dear little darlings, may she be spared in bringing them up top be useful home girls, and credit.

I have now come to another sad entry with reference to my Son - "Frank" - Frank - (Rev Frank Arthur Wenborn) whose Ministry closed suddenly. One of God's ways sent for a wise purpose, the mystery of which no human being can say why. I know that it is divine strength that has kept me from grieving more. He is at rest, but it is his dear Wife (Ada Florence May Wenborn) and the little darlings (Wilfred John & Frank Sutherland Wenborn), I only pray they will be led through life and become good citizens and a credit to the family.

Now, my last pet of the family. She is in my thoughts morning, noon, and night - my "Daisy". My thoughts now take a leap and go back many years. Incidents I can remember, such as going to School, and having a governess at home. I must say from dear Mrs. Shiress I learnt my first song, and she was the reason why my scales were so tuneful. In 1858, I was sent to Kyneton at the age of 14 years. My first School was at the Misses Thompson where I remained for over a year. I then took a fancy to be at Mrs. Fleck's "Campaspe Villa", dear old spot; I was happy there and remained till I was nearly 20 years old. I had a good and sound constitution built up in the air of that salubrious district. It is now many years ago, but remembrance often comes and takes me back. "Fidlers's Green" (Which is a Sailor's name for a place to frolic on shore) where Mr. Archer of the Bank of New South Wales, used to allow Mrs Fleck to take her pupils, and the Summer House which was marked with the names of the girls, those happy school days. The games we played in the Raceground, "Prisoners bar the Case", oh those happy days. I can recall when happiness reigned over us all in this dear old home while it brings back memories happy and bright, and my thoughts go back. When home once more my time was never idle, always at some pleasant toil, Music, Darn, Reading, Fancy Work till the greatest gift came and took me as his Bride, and then began the love of my own home. Then the children came to share our love, and some grown in Men and Women with families of their own, and they all bear good names, and have turned our well, a blessing to me.

Their Father (Walter Arthur Jones Wenborn) was a gifted Musician, and noted for his Organ Playing. He was Organist at St Paul's Melbourne before it was rebuilt as the Cathedral then at Kew under Rev Wayward also at the Baptist Church Eastern Hill where on leaving he had a beautiful "Gold Watch" given him by the Congregation, and a Scarf Pin by the women at Sangon's Foundry. This was when he was a Traveller for Sands & McDougall Ltd. He was first Organist at St Jude's Carlton.

He left Sands & McDougall Ltd and bought a Book Selling Business with M Casey & Son at Pall Mall Bendigo. He was also organist, and Choir Master at St Paul's Bendigo, Correspondent of the Board of Advice, organist for the Golden Corinthian Lodge, he was also the first to start the Citizens Excursion win Bendigo, and in the Musical Circles he was selected to organize which he did with credit and enjoyment. He was a man gifted in Artistic Works, Novel Ideas, Taste, and Skill, quick in Thought and Action but had to relinquish through his Health failing due to injury to his Spine caused through falling through an aperture in an upstairs room while getting his Samples ready for the Western District when he was a Traveller for Sands & McDougall Ltd in 1867. Not thinking it serious he never thought any more about it till he began to feel pains in his back, and legs in 1875. When Dr Hinchcliffe asked him if he had had a fall at any time, it then occurred to him about the one at Sands & McDougall Ltd, then Dr. Hinchcliffe immediately said, that was the cause, and then said he must give up the Organ Playing. This was a grief to him he had just bought in England a small Church Organ, and strange to say rebuilding it in our house in Forest Street, he found it was one he used to play in London.

Oh what lovely evenings we used to have, sometimes the Choir came, and sometimes a Quartette Party of Male voices. When G. Pallett, J. Nipper, Mr Long, Dr. Hinchcliffe, Mr. Casey, Mr. Stephens, and others came, it was delightful as I loved good singing and music. Strange, not any of the children took up Music, not like their Father.

"Painting" seems more their line.

WALTER has made a name for himself "Painting"

JOSIAH in his "Bookbinding" and "Illuminations"

FRANK who took up "PHOTOGRAPHY" until the Rev Wheeler of Broken Hill invited him to join in the Ministry and in which he had made a name for his work for God till the Master called him home on the 2nd Jan 1914

WILLIE has made a name for himself "Bike Riding" and won a number of Trophies and now he is an "Electrician", and "Cinematograph Operator"

ERNEST-ALBERT My other son only lived a few months.

AMY is married and has some children of promise

DAISY my Baby is single, but I hope one day she may find as good a man as I did.

My Father (Thomas GULLOCK) was a man of thought and fond of study, "Astronomy" being one of his pastimes. He was a "Digger" in the early days through not very successful, yet he felt his health was better at hard gradt as he called it. He would study till the early hours of the morning, and then rise early, and as my Mother (Susan WELSFORD) was the same, having Breakfast at 7 o'clock to half past, Dinner at the old fashioned hour 12 noon to 1 o'clock, and Tea at 5 o'clock, and a Supper Tray at 8 o'clock. Through my Father getting Deaf he was not able to take any part in Public Life, though he had been repeatedly asked to, but for advice on almost any subject - he could give advice, an in Bible Knowledge he was a deep thinker. Every night a chapter was read, and when his Boys were living with my Mother and Father before going to bed, they had to say the "Commandments" and read a Chapter, and if not in from school at the right time, Father wanted to know the reason, and the cause.

A pity more of this was not known, in this rising generation - Veneration is forgotten. But I do hope this time will come again when Old Ties, Old memories, Old Friends, and last but not least, "The Old, Old, Story of Jesus and His Love"

It seems I have such a short while to write the incidents of this, in the course of over the 70 years I have lived. The course of my memory of younger days is very vivid. After we left the "New Chum" the streets were being formed and the land sold. My Father bought a piece of ground in View Street, or more properly known as "Yew Street", which we named after the trees as Forest, Wattle, Vine, Myrtle, Rose, Lily, Shamrock, and Thistle, from Mr. Morris, he was the first "Postmaster" and Vibert and Johnson were the Clerks. On the 12th January 1855 he built a 4 roomed building of Weatherboard and Slate with Stone Chimneys. He let the front part in View St. to Mr. Buckingham who put up a tent when his wife died. Bricks were then being made, the first in Bendigo. Mr Aitken, then said he would move, and so he did and remained there fore many years. He married, and his children were born there. Then Father sold a section of his holding, 30' x 106' to Mr Armitage and let him have the use of the 9' Right of Way. My Mother not liking to live at the back of the block, then heard about the Parsonage at Sailor's Gully. The Rev Stone had been transferred to "All Saints", Bendigo, on the departure of the Rev J. Brennan. The Parsonage was a Canvas structure, but the doors and windows pleased Mother, so it was moved to where "Devon Cottage" now stands ("Devon Cottage") now demolished, and replaced by the new Commodore Motel in View Street). In 1859 Father (Thomas GULLOCK) rebuilt "Devon Cottage" in Brick with a Slate Roof on the front part of the block in View Street.

When Father bought the whole block he had to go to Maryborough about it, and finished up paying £82-10/- for it. After getting what Alluvial God the allotment in Forest Street would yield, Father sold 54' x 135' of it to "Watts" the iron Founders, on the 9th Oct 1865 (Susan Welsford GULLOCK would have then been 21 years old. She didn't get married until she was 25 years old in 1869). The ground Father sold in Forest Street to "Watts" was part of the original "Commissioners Gully". The amount of Gold taken out of Forest St to Bridge St was immense, and it is the part now used for the Swimming Baths in Lake Como. Boats used to be allowed on it until the water was found to be stagnant. I can remember Father taking a bottle of it to the Council, and Dr. Cruikshank the Medical Officer said it was foul and that it had no lime in it.

These are some of the names of the girls at Mrs Fleck's "Campaspe Villa" School, at Kyneton in 1862.

"SUSAN GULLOCK" - Pattie Wooley - Kate Crawford - Emma Smith - Georgie Smith - Bettie Youl - Kate Farie - Margaret Moorhead - Margaret Bodkin - Lonie Boundy - Alice Saunders - Alice Jones - Effie Croxton - Lanie Croxton - Laura Jones - Nellie Swanwick - Minnie McGuire. "