In 1840 two brothers, George and Harry Vagg, together with their wives and nephew, Laban, left South Petherton for Melbourne, then a village mostly under canvas. Along with them went a cousin from Chilcompton. All took up land and prospered. Today their descendants total some hundreds, and there is a reunion of 200 of them in Caulfield Park, Melbourne.

Members of the Vagg family "down under" are proud of the knowledge that their family roots go so deeply in Somerset. They are particularly proud that Yeovil has perpetuated the name Vagg Hill. And the Victorian town of Cobden - "the scene of the families' early efforts in their new land" - have named a street and park in honour of the family.

The secretary of the Vagg family reunion, Mr. C. M. Vagg, 76 Dickens Street, Elwood, Victoria, Australia, will be pleased to hear from any descendents of the family.

From "The Western Gazette" 3rd June 1958.