We were most entertained by Hoel Pattisson who appeared before us at the age of 185. He looked no older than his great great grandson Peter and appeared with a large black beard and attired in mid 1800s dress. The title South Pacific - A love story was about how Hoel had gone through great lengths to marry Katherine Merriman.​

 

When Hoel was 18, after suffering a severe concussion, he set off for New Zealand. After a time in New Zealand sheep farming he found a friend and they decided to buy a farm on the Chatham Islands 500 miles east of New Zealand. After a number of years he decided to return to the UK leaving his friend running the farm. During his time in the UK he met Katherine and wanted to marry her. Kate's mother was strongly opposed to the wedding but Hoel eventually got her to relent and so he married Katherine in 1872.

 

After a trip touring Europe they returned to New Zealand, a trip of more than 100 days sailing, in sometimes very rough weather. After a stay in New Zealand they went on to the Chatham Islands and spent 5 years sheep farming, chasing wild pigs,and salvaging from shipwrecks. During ther time there they started their family having a set of twins, one of who Peter is descended, from.

 

When Kate became very ill they returned to England and soon after Kate died having had 5 children in total. Sadly Noel after looking after the children for a while,fell ill and died aged 49.

This story was put together by Peter from the many letters his forbears wrote to each other. It was fascinating to listen to and extremely well presented by Peter representing Hoel.

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