NEWS ITEMS
Fernleigh, the resident of Mr. and Mrs. R. Beauchamp, was the scene of much festivity on Saturday, November 11, the occasion being the celebration of the 21st birthday of the only son of the housce, Mr. Fred. Beauchamp.
If any evidence were required to prove the popularity of the genial host and hostess, it was supplied by the large number of friends who rallied to honor the occasion.
The visitor to Fernleigh is struck by the picturesque situation of the neat and compact little homestead, and the evidences of thrift and diligence observable on all sides. When it is remembered that a few years ago this place was a wilderness, and that during the past few years there have been more bad seasons than good, and when one sees the well-appointed farm, equipped with all modern conveniences one apprehends a practical demonstration of Australian grit and deermination to succeed.
But it is on reaching the homestead that one is brought in contact with the crowning glory of the situation. Mrs. Beauchamp's rose garden is a "thing of beauty and a joy for ever." Never before has the writer had the pleasure of viewing such a splendid variety and such a wealth of bloom as are displayed.
Mrs. Beauchamp can be justly proud of possessing one of the best gardens par excellence in the district, which speaks eloquently of the industry and taste displayed by the worthy matron who presides over the domestic department of Fernleigh.
One of the large outbuildings of the farm had been transformed for the occasion into a banquet hall, and the long line of tables prettily decorated with carnations and sweat peas, and loaded with all kinds of delicacies, would have tempted the palate of an Epicurian.
Mr. J. Donoghue presided at the luncheon. In proposing the health of the guest of thc day, he said he was proud of the privilege accorded him in being asked to propose the health of the worthy son of worthy parents. The attaining of the age of 21 brought with it certain privileges and certain responsibilities. But judging by the splendid personality, his powerful physique, and knowing his capabilities, his earnestness, his diligence, his fixity of purpose, backed up by the early training of his worthy parents, Mr. Fred. Beauchamp was well equipped to fight the battle of life, and to honorably maintain the good reputation the Beauchamp family enjoyed amongst all classes in the district. He asked them to charge their glasses and drink many happy returns of the day to Mr. Fred. Beauchamp.
The toast was drunk with musical honors. Mr. Fred Beauchamp, in response, said that the occasion they were celebrating came only once in a man's lifetime. He was pleased and proud to have the good opinion of all the friends who assembled to assist in the celebration, and he would use his best endeavours to live up to the standard set by the speeches that had been delivered.
The toast of 'The Parents' was in the capable hands of Mr. W. Donoghue and was ably responded to by Mr. R. Beauchamp. Mr. Burdett, in a neat speech, proposed 'The Visitors.' which was responded to by Mr. J. Smith, in his usual happy style. Mr. F. Beauchamp was the recipient of numerous costly and useful presents.
During the afternoon several musical items were supplied by Miss M'Culloch (Gulgong), while a vocal selection by Mrs. Burdett was much appreciated.
A dance at night terminated one of the most joyous festivities the writer has ever participated in.
Mr. R. G. Beauchamp of Gulgong, has returned from the city, after having inspected and purchased the latest class of chaff-cutting plant with steamer attached. Mr. Beauchamp has purchased the plant for the purpose of undertaking contracts for chaff-cutting.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 28 Feb 1916 Page 2
1917 - MR. R. G. BEAUCHAMP'S ILL LUCK
1928 - LEAVING THE DISTRICT.
Mr. R. G. Beauchamp, of Gulgong, had the misfortune to have all the fingers of his left hand severed while testing a chaff cutter he had purchased a few days ago.
The unfortunate man was conveyed to the Gulgong Hospital where 30 stitches were inserted.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 17 Sep 1917 Page 11920 - Wedding. BEAUCHAMP—DREW.
At St. Luke's Church of England, Gulgong, on December 31, 1919, the Rev. C. J. Allan officiated at the marriage of Frederick, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Beauchamp, "Fernleigh," Gulgong, and Lily, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Drew, of Gulgong.
The bride, who was given away by her father, was dressed in white society silk, richly trimmed with lace and embroidery. She wore a wreath and veil, and carried a shower bouquet, and wore a gold bangle, gifts of bridegroom, the bride's gifts to the bridegroom were a set of gold sleeve links and a gold tie clip. Miss Mary Drew and Miss Clarice Beauchamp, sisters of the bride and bridegroom respectively, were bridesmaids. The former wore a dress of pink silk fancy voile, with black streamers to match. Miss Beauchamp's dress was of white, over-all lace, with pale pink trimmings, and wore a hat to match. Both carried shower bouquets and wore gold brooches, set with sapphire and pearls, gifts of the bridegroom. Mr. C. Isbester, cousin of the bridegroom, was best man.
After the ceremony, the reception was held at the residence of the bridegroom's parents. Over 60 guests were present. Numerous valuable presents, including cheques, were received. The honeymoon was spent on the Mountains. The bride's travelling dress was of navy blue grafton voile, with hat to match. The happy couple's future home will be at Portland.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Mon 19 Jan 1920 Page 4Ald. R. G. Beauchamp, of Thornbury, disposed of his property to Mr H. A. Moore, of Tamworth and with Mrs Beauchamp is leaving the district shortly.
1928 - Farewelled at Gulgong - MR AND MRS BEAUCHAMP. LEAVING FOR PORTLAND.
A public farewell was tendered to Mr and Mrs R. G. Beauchamp find their daughter, Mrs Thorpe, at the Town Hall Gulgong, on Friday evening last prior to their departure to Portland after a lengthy term of residence in the Gulgong district.
The evening was chiefly occupied in dancing. During an interval the Mayor (Ald. J. H. Stahl) presided for the purpose of making presentations. Saying that the function had been promoted by Mr and Mrs Beauchamp's friends, the Mayor referred to his own personal association with Mr Beauchamp. 'I have known him practically all my life,' said the Mayor. Gulgong would be losing one who has done something for the district. Unfortunately there
weren't many men who took up public life in Gulgong. He asked those present to remember that every little bit helps; a little bit was better than nothing at all. Referring to the vacancy in the Town Council caused by the impending departure of Mr Beauchamp, the Mayor said he would like to see a country representative in Mr Beauchamp's place. There was now only one country representative in the Council. 'We town fellows,' said the Mayor smilingly, 'will look after ourselves.' In concluding the Mayor said Mr Beauchamp had always taken a keen interest in the Gulgong Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
Mr J. P. English, in support, said that Mr Beauchamp had been long and actively connected with the public life of the district, and had been associated with the Town Council, A. and P. Association and with the agricultural advancement of the district. Mr Beauchamp had grown some of the best wheat in the district: 'I have always found him straightforward and honest,' said Mr English in conclusion.
Rev. L. V. Caldwell spoke of the qualities manifested by Mr Beauchamp. Of late months Mrs Beauchamp had not been in good health and consequently had not been so active of late. Rev. Mr Caldwell referred to the quality of the fruit grown by Mr Beauchamp.
Mr J. E. Hansell (Tallawang) said it was over 30 years since he had met Mr Beauchamp. He gave Mr Beauchamp credit for having taken an active part in public life. "Gulgong has too many men who remain in a state of apathy in regard to public spirit," said Mr Hansell. There was an obligation on everyone. Every man should be actuated by a desire to do something for the betterment of his district.
Ald. D. Whale said he was very sorry Mr Beauchamp was leaving the district. Mr Beauchamp was a man who would fight a point to the bitter end.
Mr Carl Roth said he had been associated with Mr Beauchamp all his (Mr Roth's) life. Mr Beauchamp had proved himself again and again to be a good ccitizen and an obliging fellow and a good neighbor. On behalf of the Roth family he extended to Mr and Mrs Beauchamp the very best wishes.
The Mayor then said it was with pleasure on one side and regret on the other, that he would ask Mr and Mrs Beauchamp and Mrs Thorpe to each accept a present. He then presented Mr Beauchamp with a suit case, Mrs Beauchamp with a travelling rug, and Mrs Thorpe with a handsome xylonite article.
Mr Beauchamp suitably responded and said he and Mrs Beauchamp would be pleased to see anyone from Gulgong in their home in Portland.
The Mayor called for recognition for the promoters of the function, Mesdames W. Gossage and H. Norris. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded by acclamation. A vote of thanks by acclamation was accorded the Mayor at the instance of Mr, J. E. Hansell.
Dancing again went on merrily, and refreshments were served later.
Mr and Mrs Beauchamp leave for Portland this evening.
1944 - Former Gulgongites Celebrate Their Wedding Anniversary
Former Gulgong district residents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Beauchamp, 46 Lime street, Portland, celebrated on February 5 the 49th anniversary of their wedding. There were four generations of the family present as well as many friends.
A very happy evening was spent playing cards and other games till near midnight, when the guests sat down to supper. A feature of the beautifully decorated and well laden tables was a cake bearing the words: "Best wished to mum and dad on their 49th wedding anniversary."
The toast was proposed by one of the guests and duly honored.
Mr. and Mrs. Beauchamp suitably responded, and thanked those present for their good wishes and very valuable and useful gifts.
Mr. Beauchamp was formerly on the land near Gulgong and was known to his many friends as George. His wife was Miss Elizabeth Isbester, also of Gulgong. Both look remarkably well and are enjoying very good health.
1949 - Death of Former Gulgong Alderman
Mr. Richard Beauchamp, who was a well known farmer of Gulgong many years ago, died at Portland recently, aged 78 years.
Deceased was an alderman of the former Gulgong Municipal Council about 23 years ago. He was a man who had won much admiration by his integrity, conscientiousness and agreeable personality. He had a quiet and kindly disposition and was well liked by a large circle of friends both in the Gulgong and Portland districts. He moved to this latter centre over 21 years ago.
In referring to the late Mr. Beauchamp, a Gulgong citizen the other day credited him with being, as president of the then Wilbetree Progress Association, the prime mover in having the band rotunda erected in Anzac Park as a memorial to those who fell in the first World War.
Deceased had been in ill-health at his home at Portland for a long time.
He is survived by a wife, who was the former Miss E. Isbester, of Springfield, Gulgong, one daughter, Mrs. Clarice Thorpe, and a son, Mr. F. Beauchamp, all of Portland.
The funeral took place in Gulgong. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved ones.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 17 Feb 1949 Page 16
Source: newspaper dated 26 June 1959 [either the Mudgee Mail, Mudgee Guardian, Gulgong Advertiser or Western Post]
1959 - OBITUARY - BEAUCHAMP Elizabeth
Mrs. Elizabeth Beauchamp who passed away recently at Portland, aged 91 years, was the widow of the late Mr. Richard T. Beauchamp, who many years ago owned ‘Fernleigh’ property near Gulgong and left here for Portland about 30 years ago. Mr. Beauchamp was an alderman of the former Gulgong Municipality. The late Mrs. Beauchamp died at the residence of her daughter [Clarice] and son-in-law Mr. W. Thorpe of Portland. A son Mrs. Fred Beauchamp, died last year. The funeral took place in the Church of England portion of the Gulgong cemetery, Rev. John Woodhouse officiating.
[Both in unmarked graves]
Source: newspaper dated 26 June 1959 [either the Mudgee Mail, Mudgee Guardian, Gulgong Advertiser or Western Post]
