One question that I get asked often is “Are you related to Natalie Mankelow”. Of course, I knew the answer was yes, she is after all named ‘Mankelow’ and that’s a dead give-away. But how was she related - well I had to ask. And now I when I get the question I can say “her great-grandfather was my grand-father’s brother.” And for those that are still in the dark - try googling “Mankelow” - a bio of Natalie the journalist appears at number three on the top ten hits.
This little anecdote is to illustrate just how out of touch with the family us younger Mankelow generations are - even with internet at our finger-tips. According to my dad (Bob Mankelow, whom I am sure you all know) there are many cousins in his generation, and countless more in my generation or below. I wonder; did George and Sarah Mankelow ever stop to think what sort of dynasty they were creating?
In a couple of years, it is planned to celebrate the centennial of Sarah Mankelow’s arrival in Ngaroma. Two of her grand-daughters, Judy and Chrissy, are doing some of the interim planning and fund raising. They also hope to publish a booklet of photos and family stories. They need our help. And they need to discover who you - we - are.
I have been asked to help start up a newsletter. The purpose of the newsletter is to help us all get in touch with each other again and to generate support for the reunion. I never met my name-sake, my great grand-mother the first Sarah Mankelow. I have not met all by second-third-etc cousins. I’m not even sure I’ve met Natalie! But it’s not too late.
The newsletter will have notices of family meetings, events and milestones. It will come out once every two months, depending on how much is going on. We’d also like to include bios of members of the Mankelow clan - so here’s the perfect opportunity to tell that tale on your sister / brother / naughty uncle! We want to know, who is doing what, to who and when. And then perhaps, when we finally all get together in Ngaroma in 2012, we will know each other already. This idea can only work with your support.
The first official newsletter will appear on Mankelow emails around the country on Friday 7 September - and on this blog. I look forward to reading your submissions and learning all about you!
Ka kite ano
Sarah Mankelow (the second)
