 On 8 June 1856 original settlers from Pitcairn Island arrived on Norfolk Island. As descendants on the island, we celebrate this anniversary every year. The day is officially titled 'Anniversary Day', but is referred as Bounty Day.
The threads of our lineage can be traced back to the Mutiny on the Bounty. If you have watched the many sensationalised film versions of 'Mutiny on the Bounty', then you already have an understanding of our historic background. Following the mutiny Fletcher Christian, his crew and twelve Tahitian women and six Tahitian men set sail from Tahiti. They came upon Pitcairn's Island which had been charted incorrectly and decided this would be a safe haven for their new life. A secluded and hidden settlement was established.
It was many years before the first visitor from the outside world came upon the settlement. After a period of famine and drought, then a failed attempt at re-locating in Tahiti, it became clear that the community on Pitcairn Island could not remain self-supporting any longer. Norfolk Island was suggested as a new home and preparations for the settlement's departure was arranged.
 On 8 June 1856 one hundred and ninety four persons landed at Kingston, Norfolk Island from the Transport Morayshire. They consisted of forty men, forty seven women, fifty four boys and fifty three girls.
On this day, Bounty Day of each year, we remember and we re-enact our forebears footsteps' we walk the walk, sing the hymns, savour the delicious tastes of island dishes, join in much laughter and teasing of one another in the local language and teach the young children their heritage by dressing up with pride and taking part in the Bounty Day festivities.
The day begins as we assemble in period costume at the Kingston jetty. The landing is re-enacted and met by the "Commissariat Storekeeper, Mr Stewart and his wife and Captain Denham" (whose ship HMS Herald was anchored off island in 1856). All families then join together, with the children leading the procession and stroll to the Cenotaph. Wreaths are laid in commemoration of those lost in the World Wars.
The parade then continues with everyone talking, laughing and singing until reaching the cemetery gates. Family members lay wreaths on the graves of their loved ones whilst Pitcairn Hymns are sung.
This is followed by a cup of tea on the lawns of Government House to partake in the best dressed competition between our eight original families (Adams, Buffett, Christian, Evans, McCoy, Nobbs, Quintal and Young). Stunningly handmade woven hats are proudly worn, the craft of weaving having been passed down through the generations. Some of the hats worn are the precious keepsake from a family member having since passed on and now proudly adorned by the next generation for the next...
Next, a roll down the hill and depending on hunger, a stroll or run to the Kingston compound to enjoy a community picnic lunch. Tables are filled with a variety of foods including fish, meat, chicken, pilhi, rice, anna, fritters, vegetable dishes, and assortment of pies, breads and an array of desserts and fresh seasonal fruits. The abundance of dishes on the tables and after many helpings later, still ends up with leftovers being taken home and providing the 'snitch-et' meals for days on after Bounty!
A dance in the evening at Rawson Hall concludes the day's activities.
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