William and Mary Wells emigrated to Australia in 1859, settling in Victoria.

One of their grandsons, George Wells, with his wife Annie, purchased The Meadows Hotel (near Cobar) in 1901, and the Wells family cemetery is now situated near the site of the hotel on ‘Meadow Glen Station’ on the Barrier Highway.

The hotel was also a coach horse exchange station.

George’s daughter, Myrtle Wells, and her husband George Booth, were married at The Meadows Hotel in 1920 and made their home at ‘Windara Station’ that was renowned for its race meetings during the middle of last century and is now owned by Gary Wells.

More than 70 family members came together to renew old ties and share reminiscences of the past. The shearers’ quarters were full to overflowing and the old house surrounded by motor homes and caravans. There was an exhibition of ballroom dancing in the woolshed, a reminder of the many dances held there after the race meetings.

The city visitors did not take long to become acquainted with the little black flies and profusion of burrs but they voted the weekend a great success. The family tree and genealogy information were on display and family members were able to trace their connections to one another and also update family information.

The oldest family member in attendance was Brian Wells, brother of Alan Wells, and the youngest was Jack Wells, son of Shane Wells and Brea O’Leary and grandson of Perry Wells.

The weekend had a sombre mood on Saturday morning as the family learned of the passing of one of its favourite members, Fred Wells, formerly of ‘Tara Station’, Cobar.

It is expected the next Wells reunion will be held in 2013.