As told previously, in 1894 he paid for a public hall at Moss Vale and his wife Violet was chosen to unveil the town’s Queen Victoria Record Reign drinking fountain in 1897.

Violet took an active part in charity fund-raising, regularly holding fetes at Rotherwood. A lengthy description of one appeared in the Scrutineer of April 20, 1895, from which the following is extracted: “The Garden Fete in aid of the Ministering Children's Fresh Air League was held under most favourable circumstances. The Rotherwood grounds met the clear bright day with equanimity. It is a beautiful place and possesses a charming and extensive view of wood and lawn, of hill and dale. Behind us stood Rotherwood house with its light and elegant double facade, surrounded by a wide carriage drive outlined with flower beds filled with particolored blooms. Pretty gypsy tents and marquees dotted the lawns, looking in the distance like white sails on the harbour.

“On the lawns a continuously moving throng – young ladies and children in white and delicately tinted summer costumes, ladies of mature years in black, brown, violet or gray. The amiable and elegant hostess of the fete moving hither and thither looked nice in a gown of cream silk, a black hat and ostrich feathers brightened with pink roses, and cream parasol. By her side her youngest boy was clad in a white suit from hat to tiny shoes. Miss Llewellyn (sister to the hostess) and Mrs Hodges (Sydney) a guest of the MC League, with Mr Chris Bennett, Mr M Parnell, and Major Bartlett, assisted in organising games, races, and other sports dear to the hearts of young people and with genial courtesy tried to make everyone present feel at home for the afternoon. Tea and cake, scones and sandwiches were dispensed in a large tent. The afternoon passed very pleasantly, everything being carried out in a spirited manner and with picturesque effect.”

Throughout World War I, Violet took part in fund-raising in the city and locally, being one of the founders in 1914 of the Red Cross in Sydney. During the war the organisation provided food, clothing and innumerable comforts to wounded soldiers overseas, established convalescent homes, and provided sanatoria.

At All Saints Anglican Church, Sutton Forest, the beautiful stained glass window on the north wall of the chancel is dedicated to the memory of her husband Christopher, who died at Potts Point in January 1917. He bequeathed the whole of his estate to his widow. Rotherwood was sold in 1920.

Violet was involved in the design of the Moss Vale War Memorial, erected in 1922 on land where Bennett’s Hall had stood before burning down in 1915, and where today’s Services Club stands.

Violet Bennett died in 1948 at Roseville, Sydney, aged 91. She had raised three sons and a daughter. An obituary in the Southern Mail of September 4, 1948 praised her life: “Over half a century ago an organisation known as the Ministering Children's League was brought into existence at Moss Vale, and it continued its work of raising money for various charities, particularly those for needy children, until 1948. Recently one of its co-founders, Mrs Violet Bennett, OBE, died in Sydney.

“Mrs Bennett lived for many years in Sutton Forest and her husband was responsible for the erection of the fine home, Rotherwood, in which they resided. Lady Mead, who had come from England, and Mrs Bennett were responsible for the establishment of the Ministering Children's League in Moss Vale, which performed its charitable work for such a long period. Following its establishment, a branch known as the Fresh Air League was formed in Bowral to provide holidays for mothers and undernourished children.”

“Mrs Bennett earned the love and respect of many residents by her charming manner and was readily assisted in assisting others. One son, Christopher, survives.”

The drinking fountain still ornaments Moss Vale, no longer in its original location where the Alcorn Memorial Clock stands, but set in a garden nearer the station.