Wallingford Family Folklore

Sleeping on the verandah as children during the war years, playing in the nursery under the strict supervision of Wallingford Nan, and partying in a grand style typical of this large Hawkes Bay family, are all memories shared by senior members of the Ormond family, who have gathered for lunch at this historic home.

Present owner Johnny Ormond is determined to see his family home (now a function centre and wedding venue), continue to thrive and prosper in a new way, which also celebrates the past.

Wallingford Homestead was originally built in the late 1850s by "The Master", the Hon J D Ormond, who came to Hawkes Bay from Wallingford in Berkshire, England. One of a handful of large landowners in Hawkes Bay, J.D and his wife Hannah Ormond went on to live at Tintagel in Napier, where he became superindentent of the province.

The second generation of Ormonds to live at Wallingford was Jack and his wife Gladys (Nee Wilder) who raised twelve children in the homestead, and throughout the war years extended the home, as the sheep and cattle station prospered.

Current owner Johnny Ormond, Sue McLeod and Timothy Hope are each children of members of this large family. Their memories of life at Wallingford, as their home, or as regular visitors, make up this Spectrum, recorded over lunch in the grand dining room, and wandering through the various wings that make up this huge single-storied home.

Producer: Deborah Nation