THE property Crystal Brook at Bemboka has been owned and worked by the Alcock family for the past 100 years and on Saturday that successful century-long link was marked with and open day, historic display, centenary cake-cutting and book launch.
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Despite the inclement weather a crowd of more than 300 family members, friends and neighbours from all over NSW and interstate attended.
Highlights of the day were the cutting of the centenary cake by the four youngest Alcock family members residing on the property, Halle (3), Callumn (4), Natasha (8) and Jacinta (10), and the launch of the book "Crystal Brook, Bemboka, 1906-2006" by long time Crystal Brook resident, Robin Alcock.
It contains a collection of carefully researched and written stories and a great selection of historic photographs that provide an insight into the history of Crystal Brook and the lives of the five generations of the Alcock family that have lived there.
The book proved very popular and was in great demand with many copies sold on the day.
Senior family member Arthur James acknowledged during the official launch Robin's effort in researching and writing the book.
He also provided an extensive oral report on the family including his memories of his uncle, Crystal Brook founder Charles Arthur Alcock, along with the family's highs and lows and the achievements of family members both on and of the farm.
Charles Arthur Alcock realised the importance of product recognition and establishing and maintaining of high standards and as a result founded the Crystal Brook Jersey Stud, he said.
Long time Alcock family friend and fellow farmer, Michael Green from Nimmitabel, spoke of the historic track that linked Crystal Brook and the Monaro area.
In the early days in times of drought and during the extremes of winter and summer it was a lifeline for farmers, he said.
As part of Saturday's centenary celebrations 16 riders with 18 horses rode the historic track in two stages - on Friday from Greenlands to Jumping Creek and on Saturday from Jumping Creek to Crystal Brook, where they arrived late morning to the cheers of the crowd.
A display of family heirlooms that included christening gowns, wedding dresses and historic family photographs and a continuously running video of the farm and its historic past added an extra dimension to the day.
An extensive display of antique farm and general machinery provided by members of the Bega and District Historic Machinery Club also proved popular with visitors.
A barbecue run by Bega Masonic Lodge and the Tathra Beach Surf Club members supported the Lodge's efforts to raise $5,000 to purchase a specialised surf wheelchair.
The chair, which was on display during the day, will enable disabled people to enjoy time in the surf either on their own or with carer support.
It will be located at the Tathra Surf Lifesaving Club and will be available for use from the start of surf patrols in the coming 2006-07 surf season.
A second chair, funded by Masonicare, will be located at the Pambula Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.