Alice Coombes (1890-1970)

Alice Coombes was my great grandmother, but she was never allowed to say it. She had my grandfather Alexander (Joe), Coombes out of wedlock and she was only 16. Sarah Cameron who was Alley's mother raised my grandfather as her son. Alley went through life treating my grandfather as her brother when in fact it was her son. My Grandfather Knew, and Sarah Cameron was a great person for doing what she did. Anyway as time went on, my grandfather married Elizabeth O'Brien and they raised children, one of them was my mother.

The next part of this article may offend some people and upset others. But this is fact! My grandfather, (Alexander Coombes), live in Port MacQuarie and raised all his children there including my mother. Shock Horror!! My Grandfather, lent money to David Coombes, to the amount of 3000 pounds, back in the early 1900s, which was a lot of money back in those days. David was Alley's brother. This money was to secure land and enable them to build a home. (Known today as Fern Hill), David promised my grandfather to repay him but was unabled to due to the economic situation of that time. My grandfather, (Alexander), let it pass and said it will come back to him and his family eventually.

Any way time passed, and David Coombes died and Gladys was determined to keep the monies owed a secret so Frank, (apparently was one of their sons), could live in the house. My Grandfather got really annoyed and pulled down the house that he built. Any way as I said David Coombes died, and yes he left a will with J.M.Glass in Wauchope, (I intend to track it down), which left the amount owing to my grandfather in that will. Let me tell you it was all swept under the carpet and not one of my mother's family knew. It has only come to light now that David Coombes' wishes were not fulfilled in his will. My grandfather was under the impression that all the money owing would go back to his children, but this never happen. The information I have stated here is true and prehaps J.M.Glass will deal with the coverup.

None of us want Fern Hill although a lot of our relatives have their spirit there. I just want justice for my mother's family, Alexander Coombes, who gave David Coombes, (Alley's Brother), the money to get himself started. My research has proven to be accurate and with many witnesses to what went on. I will eventually get my mother's family what is rightlfully their's and make everybody aware how the remainder of the Coombes' gained Fern Hill. Yes they have acquired themselves the bearers of Fern Hill, But none of this would have been possible without my grandfather's help, ALEXANDER (JOE) COOMBES. History has a way of coming out and rightfully so. This is not to offend anyone. I just wanted the facts known. Especially now that my grandfather and their grandchildren know the facts.

On a lighter noet, if this recount offends anyone, I apoligise, however te facts need to be stated.

Cheers

Kath