In 1859, Robert Pitt Jenkins owned Bumballa and Bosworth, properties that extended from what is now Wingello State Forest to the Shoalhaven escarpment, about 6500 acres in all. In late August 1859, Robert, wife Mary and their four sons sailed for England on the steam clipper Royal Charter to visit daughter Alice, who was being educated in Paris.

Royal Charter was nearing Liverpool and sailed into the most severe storm in the Irish Sea during the 19th century. On the night of October 25, the Beaufort scale Force 12 winds drove the Royal Charter onto rocks on the north coast of Anglesey, battered and broken by huge waves. More than 450 died, including the Jenkins family on board.

Alice, now orphaned, inherited her father’s estate and returned to Australia to relatives’ care. In the late 1860s, Alice married Hubert de Castella, a French-speaking Swiss. The couple settled in Victoria and spent her fortune on establishing a vineyard, a massive house and large-scale entertaining.

The Tallong properties were sold in 1871, ending the ties to one of the district’s earliest families. Interestingly, Robert de Castella is their great grandson.

The recent council elections gave Tallongites reason to gather for friendly chats and a bite to eat at the P&C food stall while voting at the Memorial Hall. Tallong Public P&C is thankful to both donors and buyers of baked good, with a profit of $961 made on the day.

Tallong Rural Fire Brigade volunteers are of all ages and backgrounds and always ready to respond to fires and motor vehicle accidents. Brigade members meet at the Fire Shed every Tuesday at 7.30pm. All are welcome to come along and see what happens at the local RFB and find out how they can help. Fire season is coming up and once daylight saving starts, the Brigade will start polishing their skills in earnest, as well as training new volunteers. Extra funds are always needed to keep bills paid and up-to-date with technology, so they also raise funds by offering catering services as well as taking part in community events like Tallong Apple Day and the annual Tallong Christmas Party. Volunteers to help with these fund-raising events are always appreciated. Tallong RFB office bearers for 2016 are: