A huge family reunion is planned across the weekend of 25 to 27 April (inclusive) for the descendants of James and Barbara Lines who settled in South Kolan around 1877.
Great great grandson and reunion organiser Greg Lyons said the early settlers had over 2,200 descendants, with a book including the family tree, names and stories to be produced for family members.
Greg shared with us some of his family history, and details about the planned gathering.
Can you provide an overview of the event and what inspired you to organise it?
I became interested in my family history after my grandfather passed in 1974.
Sadly, I didn’t ask questions so had very limited info.
James from Harbury in the UK and Barbara from Germany both arrived in Moreton Bay, Brisbane by ship in 1863 within a month of each other.
They were married in the Church of St Stephens in Brisbane in March of 1868, the start of a marriage that lasted 42 years and resulted in 15 children being born, of which 11 were born in the South Kolan area, sadly one was born premature and died at birth.
What are the main activities or highlights attendees can look forward to?
Over the weekend, we will have numerous events to allow relatives from all over Australia to attend and catch up.
On Friday 25 April, all relatives who served or are serving, or relatives of those ex serving no longer with us, will march as a group on Anzac Day.
Saturday 26 April at midday we will have the official family reunion at Brothers for family members only.
We will also have cemetery tours to visit gravesites in both Bundaberg and South Kolan as well as family group dinners.
What is the history of this event, and how has it evolved over the years?
This is the third Lines Family Reunion we have had in Bundaberg.
It’s got bigger and better obviously with more descendants.
How can attendees stay updated on announcements related to the event?
We have a Facebook based group page for family members only and family members not on the page can contact me on 0413 700 298 to be added to the email list.
What is your vision for the event’s future?
My vision is for family members to meet and become friends of which many have already.
Those that live in the Bundaberg area will be able to get together more regular for coffees etc.
How do you hope attendees will feel after participating in the event?
It is hoped that the feeling of belonging to a larger family will be overwhelming with likeminded relatives being able to meet more often in the future.
I know a lot I’ve spoken with are excited about meeting new relatives and getting together.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the community about this event?
I encourage everyone to investigate their heritage and do a family tree, there is so much out there that makes research so much easier now, however the best research is to ask your older relatives questions and don’t stop asking.
Be sure to talk to all older relatives, parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties as they will all hold info about your family.
Sit down with each one a few times over a cuppa armed with a list of questions relating to their earlier life.
