Wild Oats

Not for all the tea in China

It was late May 1831, and the ship Larkins was at Deptford preparing for departure. She was to deliver a cargo to Van Diemen’s Land and then bring back tea from China. On board, William Evans (the Royal Navy’s Surgeon), began to write in his journal while Captain William Campbell, Lieutenant Espinasse, Ensign Fortescue, Assistant…

Abundant Harvest

On Saturday 22 February 2020 St Matthias’ Church in Windermere, Tasmania, celebrated the harvest festival. The festival was a roaring success with lots of money raised for the benefit of the church. It was an abundant harvest indeed. And Wild Oats was officially launched! Wild Oats is a Windermere best seller!! Copies are still available,…

Wending my way to Windermere

This week I’m thinking about and planning for a visit to St Matthias’ Church for their annual harvest festival on 22 February. You can find out more about the festival at the St Matthias’ facebook page https://www.facebook.com/stmatthiaswindermere/ The beautiful little church on the banks of the Tamar, with its white white walls and its red…

I’ve just published a book about my 4x great grandfather, James Goodson, and his family. Contact me if you would like a copy! James, his wife and one of his children were convicts, transported to Australia for their crimes. Their individual stories are incredible to learn about. Imagine stealing food just to survive, and then…