BOUNTY BLESSINGS

Anniversary Day, or Bounty Day, as it is usually called, is Norfolk Island's most special celebration of the year. It commemorates the day that the Pitcairners arrived on Norfolk Island on 8th June 1856.

Miriam and Tony came over for the celebrations, and we found an outfit for Tony so he could get right into the spirit of things.

 The morning features a March or Parade, which begins at Kingston pier. Here are Kim and the boys waiting to set off.

 Miriam and Tony pose for a shot with their nephews....

 And a whol;e lot of people wanted a picture of this delightful group, which features Nate and Liam and their friends Bailey, Patrick and JD.

The parade ends at the cemetery, after which those in period costume head across the Common towards Government House.

 At Government House, everyone gathers into family groups.

 The Christian clan is always the most prolific!

 After morning tea, and the judging of the best-dressed family group, everyone heads down the hill. Many of the young ones take the opportunity to roll down.

Meanwhile, everyone has been cooking, often for several days, to prepare for Bounty picnic lunch. Forget about sandwiches...this is a real feast. Below is what Kim has been preparing to add to the overladen table.

 Many people join in a community picnic down in the Prison Compound. But we now have ours at home with friends and family.

 Joanne and Ernie brought this beautiful big baked trumpeter!

Alma, who is a very old friend of the Bailey family, had to eat her lunch early, as she was catching the plane home!

 Ernie carved the ham for us.

 I counted about sixty people who joined us. Everyone brought along something to share, so we had heaps to eat and choose from!

 The little kids always have a great time exploring around the place, and for some reason wanted to shut themselves in the old parrot cage!

 Anna, Any, Leilani and Will have been joining for Bounty as long as they can remember.

 A highlight for Bounty this year was a 4 day visit from Claire Christian and her sister Pam from the Isle of Man. Claire is the President of Tynwald, which is the oldest Parliament in the World. There is a strong family connection, because Fletcher Christian's family and forbears all came from the Isle of Man.

 Many of Charlene's Filipino friends were celebrating Bounty for the first time. It was so good to have them come and share it with us.

 It was such a beautiful day, perfect weather, and plenty of good things to celebrate!