Members’ End-of-year Picnic

Steady rain did not dampen the festivities at our End-of-Year Members’ Picnic. Held at the privately owned Woodvale homestead, President Sue Speck welcomed all and gave an account of the history of the property. The original owner was Mr Alex Wood, who came to Australia in 1847. He settled at Woodvale and he and his wife Augusta (nee Weylandt) had five children.

The house at Woodvale was built for Mr Woods and comprised two large rooms and a hall in front. This led in to a living room at the back, with small rooms on either side, one on the creek side and two on the Yankalilla side. One of the small rooms at the rear, near Yankalilla, was used as the Woods’ private dining area. A big belfry was built on this room, housing a bell which was nearly as large as the bell at Christ Church Yankalilla. The bell was rung to summon workmen to come to their meals from wherever they were working on the property.

A large cellar underneath the two front rooms had drying racks along two sides for their fruit. To the rear but not attached to the main building was a large tin room which served as a kitchen and dining area for the workers. Further to the rear of this is a small stone building used as sleeping and living quarters by the servants.

After the death of Mr Alex Woods, his daughter Katrina inherited Woodvale. Several owners followed over the years, with the current owners being Bob and Peter Watson.

A magnificent spread of Christmas fare was enjoyed by all and lively conversations held outside under the shelter of the grand veranda and inside by a raging log fire.