Hi Nigel,
Yes, I have the connection with Catherine Gawne Bridson of Laurel Bank. Her sister, Eleanor Gawne, married William Qualtrough, ship builder (later of Douglas). at the Mission Station, Geelong, Victoria, in 1854 and Catherine was apparently a witness at this wedding. Eleanor and William returned to Douglas after their eldest child Isabella Louisa was born in Geelong in 1856 so perhaps the whole Gawne family returned to the IOM with the exception of the sons who stayed in Australia.... Ballarat area apparently.

Thanks for the info on Catherine's husband and child.

Elizabeth