Thanks to an invitation from WTFN Media Productions (Olwyn Jones) the First Fleet Fellowship was given an opportunity to participate in a Television production which involved Tony Robinson and his team visiting four states of Australia. Englishman Tony Robinson is a renowned producer of British documentaries – ‘The Time Team’, ‘Catastrophe’ and some years ago ‘Blackadder’. 

Pre filming gathering at the Geelong Waterfront: Phillip Lock and Cheryl Timbury (H Timbury)

Our part of this production was to make available four descendants of the First Fleet. Helen Lucas, Cheryl Timbury, Phillip Lock and Wayne Hughes took part in the re-enactment of Captain Arthur Phillip coming ashore and raising the Union Jack the morning after  the Fleet arrived at Port Jackson. This marked the first European settlement in Australia. 

Pre-filming arrangements in Geelong Waterfront, left Phillip Lock, Olwyn Jones, Cheryl Timbury, Helen Lucas with the famous Geelong Bollards (H Timbury)

Our re-enactment day was Friday the 3^rd of December, 2010. We arrived at Point Cook foreshore at 8.30 am where we were greeted by Olwen Jones and introduced to those who were also part of this very full day.

For three hours we were at sea in a long boat, built at the Newport Campus of Victoria University – (a great little craft that took on only about 6 cups of water during those three hours.)

‘Oarspersons’ Phillip, Cheryl and Helen

The crew was comprised of 1marine, 4 descendants, 2 sailors and Captain Arthur Phillip complete with flag. We went through many takes of landing approaches on the Point Cook foreshore – a very arduous task for the oarsman, three of whom were descendants – but nevertheless very interesting!

 .We each had a short interview with Tony Robinson and later in the day proceeded to Point Cook Homestead (the original home of the Chirnside family) for a snack. Our final part of the day was mug shots and also some takes of each of us speaking very briefly about our ancestors – not an easy take in front of a camera. 

Those of us fortunate enough to be part of this program found it a most interesting and entertaining day. Our thanks go to Olwyn Jones, Lucy and all involved in the making of ‘Tony Robinson Discovers Australia’. We feel sure it will be another successful program. We hope a tape will be available in approximately six months.

A great day!                                                                    

Wayne HUGHES

Phillip Cheryl and Wayne at Point Cook

 Photographs taken during the filming by Howard Timbury

Tony Robinson’s History of Australia from New Holland to Neighbours is now out in print.

Thumbnail photographs of Phillip, Cheryl, Wayne and Helen are featured with a glimpse into their lives and those of their First Fleeters.

© First Fleet Fellowship Victoria Inc 2011