Sometimes, just sometimes, a seed will germinate into a great Oak. But for that to happen there needs to be a selection of the right seed, the planting process, nurturing, and fruition.
My family last returned in small numbers to it's roots back in 1980, a gathering that had some significance, but for many reasons a lot couldn't attend. So on a whimsical visit with my brother and older sister to an Aunt's place in Masterton in early 2013, also attended by that Aunt's younger brother and wife and her son and partner, the seed was selected.
I went home galvanised. Where, when, how! After some exhaustive research and contact with my aforementioned sister, I settled on a date for the planting and nurturing phase. Labour Weekend 2014 was a tentative date, Castlepoint the key venue, a trip to Zander Bay, and all coinciding with the 60th Anniversary of the passing of our Grandfather in a fishing accident up the coast from Zander Bay. The wheels were in motion.
The next step was to get everyone to buy into The Reunion. To that end, a Facebook Page was started and shared amongst Family and some follows occurred, but soon after I realised we needed a more beneficial means of getting information out, so the Zander Reunion Webpage was initiated and promulgated. Interest picked up. But slowly.
An Uncle who had a lot of family history came on board and provided options for the Zander Bay visit, and that information was promulgated. Interest was still slow in coming, but folks started to commit, but not nearly enough. Accommodation was identified and promulgated.
Then in January 2014, cousin Karen tentatively booked accommodation for all coming and the wheels were in motion, however interest was still slow in coming. Starting to get disenchanted with the response I posted that the Reunion would not go ahead in April 2014 as only a handful had committed. Then another Uncle stepped in and did some ringing around, and the Reunion was finally back in full swing. They came out of the woodwork, and they committed.
All that was left to do was finalise accommodation, organise the food, verify the Zander Bay visit, and get there for the weekend.
The weekend was organised in such a way that many arrived on the Friday and settled in with mainly the Ray Zander children arriving Saturday. All would stay until midday Monday, returning home in a very happy if not tired state.
So what did total strangers do this weekend? Yes total strangers. Many had never met others in the family. I personally had never met Ollie, Caitlin, Sarah, Taylah, Helena, Ruby, Mel and Angelina. And many had never met others. Friday was a meeting of those strangers, that continued into Saturday, but Zander's being Zander's, everyone fell into a rhythm and all were welcomed and all were included. Such a joy to see all the young ones hanging out together and looking after each other. Family ties fostered, and family ties nourished.
Of course there was beach cricket, socialising, fishing and eating (and eat we did well). Everyone certainly made the most of the very fine Saturday, and then came Sunday. The day dawned with very strong winds, but it was fine. And that bode well for the 4X4 trip into Zander Bay. Thanks especially go to Uncle Neville for organising such a well planned event despite his health issues. The journey from Castlepoint to the Farm Track revisiting old stamping grounds, then the part of the
journey I was to relish. Off road driving in my new truck, and with 6 passengers on board. Dirt roads, paddocks, stream crossings, hill climbs, the stop at the top overlooking Zander Bay in 150kph winds (what a view), beach driving, ferrying the old folk, and then Zander Bay itself. My only wish was that Mum and Dad were still alive to cherish the commitment of family to such a great day. The trip back was great too, especially following Bill Lloyd into a mini swamp and covering the truck from top to bottom in mud. Apart from one minor mishap, all vehicles and folk made it safely in and out. I'd do it again at the drop of a hat.
Monday was down to to farewells and the chance to reminisce and to move back to reality, but from the weekend a new reality was born. The Zander's still are a family, and a great family. There is also a seed now for all to cherish, nurture and grow so the legacy continues amongst the younger ones. Another trip to Castlepoint and Zander Bay maybe in 20 years time?? Who knows. hopefully yes..
What I enjoyed most about the Reunion. Meeting all my younger cousins and second cousins and some partners. Reuniting with cousins and partners I haven't seen for years. Watching all the young ones taking the likes of Ruby and April under their wings and giving them a great experience. No injuries whatsoever (yes Steph didn't stub her toes once!!) A fish or two on the last day. The story telling from Neville, Marlene, David, Kay and Dale, all very valuable seeds in the minds that need to carry on the legacy. And the dedication of all to make the experience one very good one and one worth the planning.
I'm sure many will have other memories from the weekend and that stands to reason, but I'd just like to say in closing that thanks go to all that attended and made it a great weekend and sorrow to those that couldn't attend as you missed a once in a lifetime event. Next time eh!!
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