The family of Mary Tomlinson, who gathered to plant a tree in her honour, are, from left, Bill Horne, Pam Earley, Murray Tomlinson, Richard Sharmon, Sandra Sharmon and Heather Horne.By Kath Gannaway
A TREE-planting ceremony at Gulf Station’s historic farm property in Yarra Glen has paid tribute to the granddaughter of local pioneers William and Mary Ann Bell.
The tree was planted and a plaque unveiled in honour of Mary Tomlinson, a granddaughter of the Bells, who established the farm 160 years ago.
Ms Tomlinson died earlier this year aged 94.
The tree was planted by Mrs Tomlinson’s younger sister Heather Horne with the help of other family members including her daughter Sandra Sharman.
Other family members gave the tree a good start by digging in some fertiliser courtesy of Gulf Station’s Clydesdales, who had a good view of proceedings from their vantage point on the other side of the fence.
The tree, donated by the Friends of Gulf Station (FROGS) was planted in an area currently being developed as a picnic spot on the farm experience trial.
FROGS member Irene Kearsey said the trail, a new innovation at the farm, is now being fenced to enable visitors to be closer to the farm animals which are such an integral part of the Gulf Station experience.
Gulf Station, a National Trust property on the Melba Highway at Yarra Glen, is open to the public every day 10am to 4pm.
