On May 29, the Webb family, as well as friends and community members, will come together near the village of Tarana on the Central Tablelands to celebrate the generosity and legacy of this inspiring pioneer woman.

Ann Webb, along with her husband William and three surviving children, Alice, Richard and William, arrived in Australia from Bodmin in Cornwall, England, on the Earl Grey on February 26, 1840.

They settled in the Tarana valley, working for David Ramsey, and over the years had another five children, Elizabeth Ann, Hannah, Robert, Mary and Thomas.

The Webb family began to buy blocks of land in the Tarana area. But tragedy struck in 1852, when William was killed in a wagon accident.

Ann continued to work on the land they owned, and for Mr Ramsey, trading in sheep and cattle.

“She was very astute and very tough,” Mr Webb said.

Ann also grew and sold produce in Bathurst and supplied goods to the Sunny Corner goldfields.

In 1855, Ann bought a block of land near the Fish River, where she built a house and store. This historic house, known as Mutton Falls, was the site of a number of encounters with bushrangers and still stands today.

Ann continued to purchase land in the Tarana district, farms which are now proudly run by her many descendants. 

She died in 1906 at the age of 96.

The celebration, to be held at St Peter’s Church near Tarana, is to mark 145 years since Ann Webb signed the deed for the church, and according to Mr Webb, it was a very special gift.

Mr Webb said when Ann’s husband William was killed, there was nowhere to bury him in the Tarana valley.

“It is said he is buried somewhere down near the railway lines in Bathurst, which has now been built over with houses,” he said.

Mr Webb said with this tragedy, Ann decided to give land, as well as materials, for a church and cemetery to be built.

“She didn’t want other families to go through what she went through,” he said.

The church has become a very special place for the family and the Tarana community, with Ann, and many of her children and family, now laid to rest in its grounds.

Mr Webb said his great-grandmother was well ahead of her time, for family history has it that she wanted all denominations of the Christian faith to be able to use the church.

It is this understanding that will play an important role in the celebrations on May 29.

Mr Webb said the day would begin with a church service at 11.30am, during which clergy from all denominations would participate, including lay preacher Ian Collins from the Blue Mountains, who is Ann’s great-great-grandson.

“We want to celebrate her generosity and dedication to the community,” Mr Webb said.

Members of the Webb family will also take part in the service, with Ann’s great-great-great-great-granddaughter Brooke Webb singing, and great-great-great-grandson Adrian Perry playing guitar.

After the service, there will a picnic lunch, and a chance to catch up.

“I think if Ann could see us on the day, she would have a big smile on her face.”

RSVP to Mr Webb on 6337 5867 or emailing sydmouthvalley@gmail.com.