Russell Halpin

When I met Russell yesterday as his granddaughter was getting her photo session, I couldn't resist taking the opportunity to create a Golden age session for him. At 89 years old, he is still farming, breeding Clydesdales, & showing no signs of slowing down.

Russell John Halpin was born on 2 January 1937 at Millers Forest, New South Wales. He was the second youngest of six children, growing up alongside two brothers and three sisters on the family dairy farm.

Life on the farm began early. By the age of five, Russell was already helping with daily chores, working alongside powerful Clydesdale draught horses that were the backbone of farming in those days. His father was a skilled pattern maker & broom maker, who had served in the Air Force during the First World War, while his mother worked tirelessly helping to run both the home and the farm.

Russell attended Millers Forest primary and later he rode his bicycle four miles to Raymond Terrace each way to attend high school. At just fourteen years of age, he left school to work on the family farm full-time. It was the beginning of a lifetime devoted to hard work, agriculture and the land.

Russell recalled mustering cattle along public roads by himself, responsibilities that many adults would have found daunting, and driving tractors.

His passion for machinery has never faded. Remarkably, he still owns and drives his original 1955 Fordson Major tractor more than seventy years after it first became part of his life.

Away from work, Russell had a taste for speed. He owned sports cars, including a Jaguar capable of reaching 125 miles per hour. During his younger years he also loved water skiing. Ironically, despite enjoying the sport, he never learned to swim.

Like many country young men of his generation, a night at the pictures in Maitland was a special occasion. It was through friends that he met the love of his life. He told me with a smile that his future wife was "going out with a friend, and I stole her." Russell married Diane in 1964.

Together they raised two daughters while living in a small farmhouse on the family property.

When the 1955 flood ruined everything on their farm, the family sold up and moved to another property.

The family dairy eventually expanded to around 330 cows, becoming a thriving operation.

Russell and Diane built a house at Four mile creek and lived there for around 10 years before buying at Hinton.

When farming changed, Russell embraced another challenge, spending twenty years working in the mining industry. He became an experienced dozer operator and spent six years operating draglines at Bloomfield Colliery. His strong work ethic and willingness to learn enabled him to succeed in an entirely different industry.

Russell remained at the Hinton property for 41 years and is moving close to Tamworth this week with his daughter and her family to a 120 acre property. He continues to run Angus and Speckle Park cattle.

He sadly lost Diane 6 years ago, after 56 years of marriage and said life has never been the same since losing her. He said she was a dedicated mother, taking the children all over the countryside to horse shows. The only time he ever left the state was to attend a horse show with the girls in Queensland.

One of Russell's greatest lifelong passions has been breeding Clydesdale horses. He has spent his entire life raising, training and breaking in horses, often working teams of magnificent Clydesdales & taking them into parades. Today he still keeps around ten horses, is still breeding them, and still uses some of the old farming implements, and vintage machinery.

Today Russell is a grandfather to three grandchildren and great-grandfather to one great-grandchild.

Russell has always believed that hard work is the key to a good life. He takes no regular medication and attributes his good health to no drink, no smoking and not many bad women.

Remarkably despite a lifetime of hard work, he never took a holiday. There was always another job to do, another animal to care for or another challenge waiting.

Ian Simpson

Today I captured a golden age session for the wonderful Ian. When I knew he had such an involvement with aviation I thought I would show him my Armstrong Siddeley, as they were made by Aircraft manufacturers. I decided to turn one of the images into a painting style to make it a little more nostalgic.

Ian George Simpson.
Was born 28th of July 1938 in Fyvie in Scotland, a small village, near Aberdeen.

Ian’s mother was unmarried, so the options were, he was either adopted out or raised by family. His grandmother would not let him go, and so he was raised by her, while his mother was part of a war time conscripted labour force of unmarried women.
She worked in aircraft manufacturing, as did the man she later married who became Ian’s stepfather.
Ian did get to meet his birth father once, but at the time he had no idea that’s who he was. Ian said that even if his parents had wanted to stay together, they couldn’t as they were from opposing clams and wouldn’t let them be married.

Sadly for Ian his Grandmother passed away. So, he returned to living with his mother, stepfather his half-sister when he was 8.
When he went to Fyvie village school in Scotland we still used slate.
In 1946 he moved from Scotland down to England Birmingham. went to Paget school till he was 15.
He remembers seeing the army getting ready for the invasion into Europe in 1944. The shock of leaving Scotland for England and seeing all the damaged buildings. Food was on rationing. And all types of goods were rationed It was very hard For everybody.
in Scotland. They never went short of food in the village they were able to trade goods and services with other villagers.
Ian joined the Air Force cadets at age 14

He started working for a manufactory optician, then Ian did compulsory national service In the Army and was sent to Cyprus
May 1958 he was part of the active service parachute regiment, and they were waiting to invade Iraq.
However, it was called off, so stayed there in the active zone and returned Feb 59

After returning from the army, his next job was making parts for minis in a factory. Ian owns a mini currently.

Ian met his wife Margaret. She was the love of his life. They got married in 1962. Then they had two daughters and in 1965 migrated to Australia as £10 poms they then had a third daughter.

When they came to Australia, they moved to Hurstville. His wife’s sister helped find accommodation.
Once in Australia Ian worked as a funeral director, part of his responsibilities was moving bodies and responding to afterhours calls to collect the departed.
Ian then worked for British Leyland as a goods inward inspector .
Hid career changed once more and he worked for Qantas loading the baggage, packing items into containers. His job also entailed greeting guests and directing them to their section of the plane and carrying their luggage along in his wheelbarrow type cart. He met people like John Laws, Bob Hawke and John Howard.

He believes his hearing deteriorated after working there for 23 years. They used to stick their fingers in their ears to block the sounds of the aeroplanes right next to them.

After he retired, he volunteered at Hars (an aircraft museum at Albion park ) for many years .

Sadly, Ian’s wife passed away in 2017. He lives in Kanwal and says it can be lonely still without her.
He is currently in a walking group, and they walk 5km 3 times a week. He also still goes dancing on occasion, but says it’s more like shuffling these days.

After all his daughters marrying, he now has eight grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren

His badges he wears proudly on his jacket are RSL badge member. The Wings when you qualified as a para trooper
And a badge Issued in 60’s as a war time service medal
His tie a regimental tie.
His Red beret is to identify him as a paratrooper royal army medical corp. The badge must be worn above the left eye, he told me.

Jeannie

Today I captured the lovely Jeannie. When she arrived in her red leather jacket, I told her she reminded me of Michael Jackson.. she lamented that she would have worn a white glove.. haha

She was more than happy to pose, & said that I had made her whole week with completing the photos for her. She wore meaningful necklaces around her neck, the cross to symbolise her faith, a "Mum" necklace & beautiful pendant with some of her sons ashes encased in its design.

When I tool the picture of Jeannie's hands I asked what the stone was in her ring & she said it was a Ruby gifted to her by her mother in law after she passed.

Her own engagement ring had been stolen after she allowed a young woman with a baby to stay at her house while she was down on her luck. Unfortunately Jeannie's kindness was met with the theft of her ring as thanks.

I took her on expedition down the hill to have some pics with the orange trumpet vine. She gracefully twirled her dress & gave me all the goddess vibes.

Jean Marion Turrier 13-6-38 (who prefers to be called Jeannie)

Born in England she was the 6th child of Ethel Lilian Beckett she had 4 brothers and 3 sisters. She was a difficult birth and ended in a c section and blood transfusion for her mother.

Her older sister wasn’t happy with the duration her mother had to be away, and consequently Jeannie wasn’t her favourite person as she thought it her fault.

In 1941 another sister was born, this time her mother was allowed home the next day because of having 6 other children waiting at home, and thank goodness she was, as the hospital took a direct hit from a German bomb and the women’s ward took the worst of the attack and all the mothers died leaving the babies in the nursery unharmed.

Jeannie and her brother were evacuated to the county of Kettering Kent she went to a family with 3 boys and a baby girl. She fondly recalls a pet mouse who would run along the babies play pen and make her giggle.

They weren’t away long because they called it the Cold War as there was no bombing in London so they all returned and she was back to start school at age 5

Her father Harry Vincent Beckett was in the First World War, and suffered from gas in the trenches. He was a very strict father and believed children should be seen and not heard. He never said the words I love you.. even though it was what they all wished to hear.

Her mother was amazing raising 8 children during the war, when food was rationed. Jeannie says they never went to bed hungry and home was always clean and tidy. They all had jobs before school.

They lived in a three bedroom house and slept 3 to a bed. As her brothers moved out, sleeping became easier.

Her childhood was happy and simple, no cars, they played in the street, roller skated, played marbles, played cricket.. no tv, no phones, no washing machine, no inside toilet.

She met her husband when they were in Winterborn infant school year 6. She didn’t like him because he pulled her hair ribbon and teased her.

However they grew up as good friends and he would give her a lift to school on the cross bar of his bike.

Her first job was a paper round, then she worked in a newsagent.

Neil joined the merchant marines and would visit when on leave. They both had other love interests, but at age 17 realised they were in love and married 10th May 1958. They had 4 children 3 boys and a daughter.

Jeannie loved being a mother and had many ups and downs. They made the big move to Australia in 1971 with the 4 kids moving to Lakemba. They were considered 10 pound Poms. Jeannie had other family already moved here, & they were all there to welcome them. They had even set up their new home with all the furnishings needed.

68 years later they have 16 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren.

They suffered awful heartbreak in 2023 when their second son Richard lost his battle with cancer. Neil also had bowel cancer that year but he survived

Robyn

Deanna Robyna"Robyn" Colquhoun was born on 9 May 1939 in Palmerston North, New Zealand. 

Robyn was adopted into her new family at around 3 years of age, and her sister was adopted a couple of years later. Her adopted mother changed her name from Deanna to Robyna, and then it was shortened to Robyn.Many years afterward, she discovered she also had a half-brother. 

Her father was a mechanic who served in the Medical Corps during the First World War for several years, while her mother worked as a dressmaker

Robyn’s adoptive mother had been unable to have children following emergency surgery, making the adoption of Robyn and her sister especially meaningful.

Robyn attended primary school in Palmerston North before enrolling in secretarial college, where she learned shorthand and typing. At the age of 19, she met her first husband through church. Together they raised four children. During these busy years, Robyn worked part-time in a plumbing business while her mother helped care for her young son. Determined to provide for her family, she often worked as many as three jobs, after separation from her husband just to make ends meet.

Later in life, Robyn reconnected with Colin, whom she had first met at college. Their romance began with an unusual story, Robyn nearly ran him over with her car. Feeling guilty, she invited him in for a cup of tea and a biscuit as an apology. Just three months later, they were engaged.

Robyn and Colin eventually moved to Australia, where Colin worked for Sanitarium. Around 1998, they settled in Bonnells Bay, New South Wales. The family experienced sadness in 2006 with the loss of Robyn’s  eldest daughter, Lynell, to breast cancer.

Today, Robyn lives with her daughter Alene in Cooranbong , and is the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren. Throughout her life she has enjoyed knitting, sewing, reading, keeping up with the news, and watching her favourite television soap operas.

Dorothy

Dorothy was another of my Golden age participants as part of the Dobell festival with Lake Mac Arts
.
Dorothy (nee Kelly) Wilkinson was born in Bendigo, Victoria, in 1931. Her father, Joseph Kelly, was a police officer, and during her childhood the family moved first to Melbourne and later to the Port Macquarie district of New South Wales. Her father eventually worked in the timber industry around Wauchope, where in his late 40s was sadly killed by a truck unloading timber.

Dorothy spent much of her early life in the rural communities of Rollands Plains and Upper Rollands Plains. She left school at the age of 14 years and 9 months, having attended Huntingdon Secondary School. Growing up in the country taught her the value of hard work from an early age. As a young girl, after her father was killed, to get by she and her mother Gwendaline helped farmers in the community milk cows and clean homes. Dorothy later lived with and cared for an elderly farming couple, the Lindsays, where she’d travel five miles to school each day. Before setting off, she often milked cows, sometimes making the journey on horseback, or foot.

Her first job was in a grocery store at Telegraph Point. Dorothy grew up with two brothers and one sister. Her oldest brother is Brian Kelly, who became very well known as a country music singer.

As a teenager, Dorothy moved to Port Macquarie, where she boarded with a New Zealand couple. Through connections with another young boarder from Armidale, she moved and found work in Armidale at the age of fifteen. While living and working there, she met the man who would become her husband, George. At eighteen she became engaged, and they married in Armidale.

Dorothy and George raised five children together. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, they purchased a general store in Ebor while their family was still very young, with two children under the age of five. The store supplied local residents as well as nearby mining operations. After several successful years, they took the opportunity to purchase the local hotel. Eventually they sold both businesses when a new opportunity arose.

The family then moved to Tamworth, where Dorothy and her husband became involved in the wholesale trade business. Operating as Wilkinson Wholesale Traders, they distributed products including White Wings goods and supplied caterers, homes, and chefs. As the business expanded, they relocated to Newcastle and established a warehouse in Wallsend. The company became well known in the region, and Dorothy spent around a decade helping build the enterprise before it was eventually sold.

Later in life, Dorothy and her husband spent time in Nelson Bay, fulfilling a long-held wish connected to her husband's wartime experiences and love of the sea. Her husband had served during the Second World War, and places such as Tea Gardens and the naval heritage of the region held special meaning for him.

In her later years Dorothy settled in Wangi Wangi in a home of her own. Family remained at the centre of her identity, and she maintained strong social connections through Alkira House and community activities.

At 94-and-a-half she still attends physiotherapy classes, enjoys the peaceful surroundings of Wangi Bay, and particularly loves watching the boats on the water.

Barbara

This was another of my Golden age session completed as part of the Dobell festival Lake Mac Arts

Barbara is very young at heart & I just loved her outfit she chose to wear. She definitely did things a little differently than most in her generation. Marrying later & having a career. She is one awesome lady.

Barbara Bergin was born in January 1941 in Worcestershire, England, during the difficult years of the Second World War. Her father served in the Army's reconnaissance division, and later an interior painter. She remembers him reciting a soldiers prayer poem to them as children.

Barbara grew up with three sisters, making four girls in the family. Much of her childhood was spent in London's East End, where she experienced the resilience and strong community spirit that shaped a generation.
Barbara attended Coborn Grammar School in London. At the age of sixteen and a half, she left school and entered the workforce, beginning a career as a secretary for music publishers and undertaking various office roles. She embarked on a life-changing journey to Australia as one of the famous "Ten Pound Poms." The move brought her to a country with a completely different lifestyle, climate, and culture. It was a courageous decision that opened the door to a new chapter in her life.
She met her future husband as he was her neighbour. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they married when Barbara was 28 years old. Together they raised three children and built a loving family.
Settling initially in Mosman, Sydney, Barbara developed a successful career in radio, music publishing, public relations, and personal assistant roles. Music remained a constant thread throughout her life, and she fondly remembered the excitement of the Australian music scene, including encounters with stars such as Johnny O'Keefe and the Bee Gees. She often recalled hearing music played in the office and being surrounded by creative and talented people.
Barbara later dedicated 23 years of service to Sydney Schools, where she became a valued and respected member of the community.
Over the years, Barbara and her family spent many years living in Penrith before relocating to Newcastle around 2003. She eventually made her home in Kahibah, where she enjoyed the comfort of her own house and the company of family and friends.
Family has always been at the heart of Barbara's life. She is the proud mother of three children and grandmother to four grandchildren, all of whom bring her immense joy and pride. In her leisure time, Barbara enjoys reading, watching television, particularly crime dramas, and keeping connected with those she loves.

Max & Nellie Holz

As part of my exhibition at Toronto Library, I also completed some Golden age sessions at Toronto Library as part of the Dobell festival for Lake Mac Arts
I had to create a whole new setup for these, & had some lovely people come along to be captured.
Max & Nellie were residents of the small town of Denman, that I grew up in. I went to school with one of their sons. It was so lovely to see them & hear their story.

Petronella Wilhelmina Maria Vereyken (Nellie) born 20April,1953 in Helmond, Netherlands. Her father was a farmer, and she migrated to Australia on a ship Johan van Oldenbarneveltwith her parents and three siblings. They arrived in Melbourne on 3 November,1953, and then travelled by train to the Bonegilla Migrant Camp near Albury NSW.
The family grew to six children, life was busy, and Nellie’s Mum found it difficult to communicate as she knew very little English.
From there Nellie’s family lived for a short time at Blandford and Murrurundi, before her parents purchased a house and ten acres on Borah Creek Road, Quirindi in 1956, where Nellie’s entire life was spent until her marriage. Nellie attended St Joseph’s Catholic School, Quirindi from K to Year 10. Nellie started school not able to speak English.

Maxwell Alphonsus Holz born 18 August,1951 at “Fairholme” Singleton. His great great grandparents migrated from Germany to Australia in the 1800’s and were involved with wineries and their construction.
Max rode a horse to Lemington Public School where he attended from K to Year 6. He then attended Singleton High School, His first seventeen years was at “Oaklands” Dairy farm, (where Hunter Valley Operations – Coal Mine operates today.
He then moved to “Lynburn” dairy farm at Scott’s Flat, Singleton with his parents in January 1968, until he eventually wished to spread his wings, fly the coup and move away from the family farm.

Max moved to “Bokhara’ Quirindi in September 1973, to manage a 300acre farm.

The only people Max knew at Quirindi was Tony and Jan Daniels, (Jan had gone to St Catherine’s College in Singleton with Max’s oldest sister Annette.
Max had a weekly meal with them, also, Jan was kind enough to do his laundry. It was Jan’s workplace, Mundey’s (ladies frock shop) that Max met his future wife Petronella (Nellie Vereyken)who at that time was employed as a shop assistant.

Some weeks later Max received a phone call from Nellie and he was asked if he would partner her to a friend’s wedding. The request was considered carefully for at least five minutes, then without hesitation accepted her offer.
A romance blossomed after that occasion and in February 1975Nellie and Max were engaged, and a celebration was held in the Parish Hall in Quirindi.
Nellie and Max were married in St Brigid’s Catholic Church Quirindi on 20 September,1975.

Their honeymoon was a car trip in Max’s first car a Toyota Celica(the same as the model brought along to the photo session) from Quirindi to Armidale, then on to the coast, as far north as Gympie.

They made their home as a newly married couple at “Bokhara” Quirindi.

Nellie continued working at Mundey’s, whilst Max worked at“Emu Holes” Hereford stud, for several months, before taking a position at “Arcoona” a large flood irrigation property growing Corn, Sorghum and Soy beans.

Whilst Nellie was pregnant with their first child, Philip, they had a seven week overseas trip via Bahrain and Amsterdam to have a week or so with Nellie’s extended family in Holland and a two week journey around Europe in a VW Combi campervan, and then onto Canada, (visiting an Aunt and family) before making their way by coach across the USA to San Francisco, seeing lots of attractions and having many wonderful memories.

Their first child, Philip was born in Quirindi District Hospital.

Then, Neville Hamblin wanted Max to work for him on his adjoining property. Max reluctantly, left “Arcoona”, to go with Neville and together they were a great team, he really enjoyed that period. Building an eight row seeder, 24ft wide including fold up wing markers, was a fantastic achievement. Neville also had plans to build a grain elevator, (too big a task for Max and Neville on their own) so a fabrication firm, Goddard Engineering from Tamworth was contracted and after several months, the hugetask was completed.
Max was then offered a position in Tamworth with that company, travelling daily to Tamworth was quite a drag, so after several months and Neville Hamblin purchasing a property at Mullaley, asked Max if he would consider moving to Mullaley to work for him once again.

Their second son, Adrian was born in Quirindi District Hospital.

Soon after his arrival Max and Nellie reluctantly packed up and made the move to “Kairi” Mullaley.
However, after ten months only, because of isolation and such distance from families, they decided to purchase a dairy farm,“Fairview” at Denman in September 1980.

Luke was born in Denman District Hospital, giving them three boys.

This really kept them on their toes, in conjunction with their busy farm routine.

Then to complete their family Emma was born in Muswellbrook District Hospital.

They were highly delighted and blessed with a little girl, fulfilling their dreams.

Making lots of hay and Dairy farming, as well as successfully breeding and showing Stud Friesian cattle (winning a blue ribbon at Newcastle Show for a group of three heifers by the one sire) being a highlight.

Max has suffered from asthma since birth, so much so, he had to be nourished via a tube into a vein at his ankle. His chronic condition was made even worse in 1984, whilst in the dairy, a large water heater collapsed and crushed Max, causing a pulmonary embolism and DVT. Numerous hospital admissions with lung related issues, ultimately led to the removal of his upper right lobe/lung.

Max’s chest specialist advised to stop dairy farming to lighten the workload. They reluctantly chose to take this advice and subsequently sold the milk quota, and then by auction, on the farm, sold the milking herd in May 1988.

They purchased and commenced operating the Martindale school bus run in September 1988, and after 29 years of continuous service, (sharing the role of bus driving), sold the bus run to one of their earliest student passengers.

Farming and bus driving at Denman was a very busy time, with the family also being involved in Little Athletics from 1988 to1999, (where Max was President for eight years), Swimming Club, Cricket and Netball. A couple of years later as the boys were playing Rugby League, Max was elected Secretary of the DRLF Club.

In 1993 they purchased an adjoining property, “Bandalong” and with the help from their four children developed this into a lovely viable lucerne/cattle property.

In 2002 Nellie decided to give golf a go, with immediate success representing Denman Golf Club in numerous competitions, including Keno State Final at Canberra, District Pennants, Golf NSW medals in Sydney and being B Grade Champion on numerous occasions at both Denman and Pacific Dunes golf Clubs. Nellie also won the Pacific Dunes Cup (4BMatch Play) with her partner in 2024.
Nellie held the position of Ladies Captain at Denman club for seven years.
Nellie achieved a ‘HOLE IN ONE’ at Denman Golf course in February 2009.
Max was roped into playing golf, by Nellie and immediately became addicted, also had varied success (namely B Grade Champion at Denman and Vets Champion and Match Play Champion at both Denman and Pacific Dunes. His most treasured achievement was winning the C Grade Pennants for Pacific Dunes in 2018 and more recently winning, with his partner the Pacific Dunes Men’s Foursomes Nett Trophy.
Max held the position of Captain of the Upper Hunter Veteran Golf Association for eight years.
Golf has taken them to many holiday destinations, meeting wonderful friends, competing in many tournaments with varied success.
In planning for their retirement, the properties and bus run were sold.
They purchased their retirement home on the Coast, with major medical services nearby.
Nellie created a family heirloom christening gown, enjoys embroidery and sewing beautiful dresses for the granddaughters.
They have enjoyed every minute of retirement, continuing with their golf, and social activities, travelling throughout Australia and overseas, and spending time with their four children, their partners and fifteen beautiful grandchildren.

Who knows what the next chapter will bring …..

Included in their photos are Nellie's doll a gift given from Dutch acquaintances, from the migrant ship when they visited the family in Quirindi.
The Mustang is one of Max & Nellie's current vehicles. A 1966 model acquired in 2018

Additional imaged featured.

Nellie’s beautiful embroidery work.

The hospital where Max was born.

Max & Nellie with their children

The Holz children with their prize Friesian cows.

Max at his 21st birthday.

Nellie in her mothers arms surrounded by her family on the ship bound for Australia

Max at around 13 years with his horse Threepence.

Nellis as a child.

.

Jilda

Today I captured the wonderful Jilda.
When I read her story & found out she loves Jane Austen I incorporated a book & created a setting in that style to make her feel like royalty.
She still has her original birth certificate & some report cards from school which she brought along.
Jilda is quite a remarkable lady, while going through her old photos told me she once had 4 boyfriends on the go at once.. she was exhausted by the social outings she had to keep up with.
She also showed me a picture of her first home that she moved into on her honeymoon with her new husband. She really made me laugh when she recalled the marital expectations she was introduced to on their Wedding night & that she wasn't a fan..

Jilda was born on the 27 January 1935 at the Women’s Hospital in Paddington
Jilda Jaqueline was so named after Jilda, a character in a Noel Coward play “Design for Living” called Gilda, and Jaqueline was after her father Jack. She was to be called Jacqueline but shortened it would be confusing having two Jacks in the house.
Jilda’s brother Ross was born 11 years after. Although more than a decade apart, they have always been close.
Jilda spent the first 12 years living in the Eastern Suburbs before the family moved to the Manly area. Jilda’s mum Elma wanted to be close to her own mother, who lived in Clontarf.
Jilda attended Manly Girls for Years 8 and 9. (Year 7 was completed at Dover Heights High). Leaving after the Intermediate Certificate, Jilda went to work in the library section, of Angus and Robertson Book store in the city, Castlereagh Street.
Fired from her job for attending without permission her future brother in laws graduation from Duntroon, Jilda went on to work for The Methodist Bookstore and had a second job at the Balgowlah cinema as an Usherette.
Married at 24, to Frederick Ross Whiddon, they moved into the house they had built at Fox Valley Road in Wahroonga where they stayed, aside from a short stint in an apartment at Queenscliff, until the birth of their third child. With three children under four, a husband who travelled for work, no driver’s license and no public transport, the next move was to Frenchs Forest. Trigalana Place was a street of young families supporting each other which created valuable and enduring friendships which have lasted a lifetime. As well as raising three children, Jilda sold World Book Encyclopedia door to door so the family could have their own set of Encyclopedias. Jilda was also at one stage employed as a market researcher and was very successful in this role. She recounts a story of being sent by plane, to Coffs Harbour to do market research at a particular company. She said her opening line was “Hello, I’m Jilda, I’m here to make your day”. She always had the confidence to deliver that sentence.
In 1971, the family moved to the new suburb of Davidson and resided there til moving to Hong Kong in 1976. While living in Davidson, Jilda worked at Mimosa Primary school as the auxiliary assistant to the teachers.
In 1977 Jilda, Ross and family moved to Hong Kong that experience she describes as the most wonderful years of her life. Enjoying the luxury of an amah to do the housework, cooking and cleaning, mum spent her time, learning to swim and playing mahjong as well as volunteering to help new arrivals to settle into a Hong Kong experience. She recounts stories of working on the naval dock at Wan Chai, as an information desk volunteer. Meeting sailors and officers from all different countries she received requests of all types. During the years in Hong Kong, many new and valuable friendships were made with expatriates from all over the world. Jiilda got to travel to most of the surrounding Asian countries and purchased homewares and artefacts to furnish our home. As a family we enjoyed a long vacation in England and Paris in 1977 which she loved as she has always loved history.
Returning to Australia in 1983, the family moved to a smaller house in Davidson and mum took up work in David Jones in the hosiery section. She became a grandmother in 1990 and was widowed in 1992. Jilda has eight grandchildren, the eldest now 35 and the youngest 26. There is one great granddaughter at present with two more great grandchildren to be born this year.
In the years since her husband passing away, Jilda has travelled, visiting family and friends overseas. One time travelling to UTAH to research the family tree, at the Morman library. Jilda’s love of history has resulted in assembling over 20 books of family tree research.
To this day, she loves attending the Jane Austen society. The monthly meetings and biannual conferences where the period dress that her daughter-in-law made for her can be adorned with pride. In 2019 Jilda promenaded in Bath at the Jane Austen weekend celebration. She was so excited to share the experience, she called Macca on 702 ABC radio, from London to tell him of the Jane Austen festival. When he asked why do you like Jane Austen books so much, she answered “is there a book more relevant today and that has stood the test of time?”. When Maccas answered “The Bible” to this, she had to agree.
For many years Jilda also attended the Cavalcade of History and Fashion. A society, where she ironed the clothes and if necessary, made the tea, to support the work of the patrons. Anyone she met that showed the slightest interest in either Jane Austen or Cavalcade, would be sent or invited to a meeting or fashion parade.
Jilda also loved the ballet. She subscribed to the Australia Ballet at the Opera House for many years. She was disappointed when the logistics became too much and her attendance at performances are now few and far between,
Jilda has had the best experiences courtesy of her son Glenn. He has included her in overseas jaunts such as 100 ft cruiser around the south of France, sea plane ride from Rushcutters Bay, trips to Perth. One notable occasion was for Glenn and Jane’s 40th birthday. Dressed as maid Marion and accompanied by family member dressed as Robin Hood and the Merry Men, they enjoyed a weekend of fun and family. Jilda does like to dress up.
For over 23 years Jilda has lived with Llewena and family at Ingleside. She has enjoyed and thrived in the family environment they had, including her in their day to day lives. Jilda stayed good humoured even when her granddaughter put a chicken on her bed, and yet at the same time would send the family dog “OUT!!” with feigned annoyance. This is a woman who doesn’t open the curtains in case it fades the carpet and furnishings. It is important to always put your best foot forward.
As a girl she sang and danced on stage at ‘family run’ hotels, as an expatriate woman of teenage children, she thrived with new experiences and in her later years, at home she is the favourite ‘Aunty’ of cousins and their families. She is a favourite of all her doctors’ receptionists, and there is many of those. People her daughter meets in the street often ask after her mum, always remember her as being interested in them, personable and friendly. Jilda’s life has been full of fun, family and friends. Jenny, her sister-in-law, has been a close and caring friend as well as a relative. Jilda has been lucky that most of her immediate family, have resided close by and relatives are more like friends than family.
She loves being the centre of attention.

Jen Sable

Today I captured a Golden Age portrait for the lovely Jen. I met her at Dora Creek op shop where she volunteers & told her about my project. When I sent Jen my list of questions, she sent back a very brief summary & said to me that she doesn't have much of a story..
I knew that definitely wouldn't be the case after living for over 80 years, so I spent some time getting Jen to expand on her life. She does in fact have quite a story.

She was born 1/10/1945 in Camperdown in Sydney NSW
Her Mother was a cook, her Father was a motor mechanic then later became an engineer. Then went on to become a Doctor of Engineering.
Jen grew up in Roseville and Turramurra on the north Side of Sydney. Eldest of three children, she lived in a federation home in Roseville. Then her Dad built the house Turramurra.
She went to Roseville public then North Ryde and then Cheltenham ladies college.
She remembers even though they were in suburbia they still grew veggies and had chickens.
Jen remembers always having a love of drawing and art. She had an uncle who was an architect & gave her beautiful art supplies and papers etc to draw on.
She recalls drawing a naked lady in a cocktail glass at about age 8 much to her family's shock. They couldn't understand where she had come up with something like that.
Her first job was at a grocery store stacking shelves and doing the window displays, she said she was a master at the stacking of the can displays.
Jen fell pregnant at 15 and was forced into getting married at 16 to save the families reputation. She was then forced to give her daughter up for adoption at 4 months. She said there was no alternative & her opinion & feelings were never considered. Her marriage was annulled before the baby had even been given up.
Jen started a new relationship when she was 18 & married at 21 she already had second daughter Michelle by then, & Alan, Naomi and Anthony all arrived within a few years. They moved to Cessnock &
Jen went back to work to support the family at Burton’s plastics she was the colour coordinator for the button displays. Later she worked for Bonds and at the Cessnock hospital shop
She also worked at Ron Fields corner shop which was a convenience store for 4-5 years.

Jen didn't ever tell her other children about the daughter she was forced to give up for adoption. When her daughter Sally made contact to find her birth mother, Jen was in her forties.
She said that it was an incredible burden to feel grief & guilt over her daughter & not know where she was & if she was ok for all those years without being able to talk about it.
She said filling in the census where it asked how many children, she had was especially & unexpectedly heartbreaking for her.

After 40 years together the marriage ended & Jen moved to Dora creek when a long time friend offered his house. They had been friends for 30 years & their children had grown up together. Jen had also worked for Doug when he was running the hospital shop. This living arrangement eventually turned into a relationship. They have now been together for 20 plus years. Jen said he has given her the freedom to buy her art supplies and encourages her work, & she can be herself with someone who makes her feel safe & loved.

In her 60's Jen went back to University to complete a fine arts degree full time. She continues to draw and paint and recently took up watercolour painting.
She currently helps with classes at the Dora creek school of arts U3A. She sets up the still life displays. Jen also loves to make cards & crochet. She has made many beautiful baby items over the years.
Jen has 16 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren.

Kay Foster

When my lovely customer Bri booked in a Mother's Day session & mentioned her Nan was coming along, I asked if she would be willing to be a Golden age participant at the same time. She had previously turned me down when I asked, but this time she agreed!
She definitely made me laugh, she doesn't mince words & told me she doesn't like old people.. haha

Kay June Foster
Born: April 1938 at crown street Sydney.
Her Father was a labourer.
At 8 years old Kay's mother died during childbirth so they lost not only her brother but also her Mother.
Her childhood was very lonely, and she worked at home a lot feeding chickens, taking care of the gardens, cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and ironing clothes. She remembers having a big cast iron pot over a fire that she would boil the clothes in & stir them to clean them. She grew up on a big block of land in Blackheath blue mountains. Kay went to Blackheath primary and later on Katoomba high school. She recalls the year her mother passed away she went to school because it was so lonely at home but she didn't learn anything that year as she was grieving so badly.

She wanted to learn to Dance but my father said no. She also wanted to go to boarding school, but was not allowed.
Her dad remarried at 12 but her stepmother wasn’t nice.
Her first job was an office secretary.
She got engaged at the age of 18 and got married when she was 19. She went on to have 5 children, 4 boys and one girl. They started their own concreting business & also a television business. Kay said she worked in the office from the house full time while pregnant and raising their children.
They lived in Africa for 3 years when her Husband was offered to run a concreting company over there. Kay says it was during apartheid and they lived very well. After Africa they had a short stay back in Australia, then they went to Brazil in the same business capacity & lived in Brazil for about 20 years. Their daughter was born over there & Portuguese was her first language. Kay says they were the best years of her life.
When they returned to Australia they bought 50 acres at Central Mangrove however her husband Gary passed away 2 years after they bought.
Kay planned to return to Brazil & live the rest of her days there, but plans changed & she returned to Australia.
She has 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Kay has fond fond memories of younger times , when they all loved to waterski as a family. Now she loves to knit, watch YouTube, take care of her dog 4 and see her kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren

Jack Thomas

Jack was born 14th September 1923 in Waverley, NSW and is a Second World War veteran. He has two siblings a brother and sister born in 1915 1917 His father came over from England His sister came over first and trained as a nurse, she wrote home to say come out to Australia it’s a wonderful country. He was 21 when he came over as a mechanic. He completed further training to be an Automotive engineer, and worked during the depression for a tool manufacturer. In 1935 he started working for Shell as an automotive mechanic His mother grew up in Bega. She worked in a store and was in the millinery section. Once she had the children she was a homemaker as women didn’t return to work in those days after having children. His home on Grafton street Looked down on the harbour and the Sydney harbour bridge was not yet completed. It was a 2 storey brick house so he recalls watching its construction from the back bedroom window. It was a 3 bedroom house and he shared a bedroom with his brother. In those days the Milkman delivered by horse and cart along with the baker. The Brewery kegs were transported and delivered on carts by a team of horses. Jack got around by electric tram. The Commonwealth, Amp and GPO were the largest buildings in Sydney. Jack walked to school then caught the tram when he went to Waverley They lived in Woollahra until he was 9 years old, then moved to Bondi. Jack started school at Woollahra at holy cross convent primary school, then at St Anne’s Bondi beach primary school, and then to St Charles Waverley Christian brothers primary school, then went to St Mary’s college in the city for high school. His first job was an apprentice cabinet maker for Ricketson Thorpe. When the time for enlisting arrived, it was a reserved industry as they made parts for aircraft. However the foreman, a World War One digger told Jack to disregard and go an enlist if he wanted to. The commissioner for man power ended up sending him to the taxation department until the army called him up. However the army shouldn’t have called him up as he was an airforce reserve and consequently missed out on two opportunities in the airforce due to the army retaining him. Jacks training began at Bradfield park then to Narrandera for his EFTS ( Elementary flight training) in Tiger moths. He did seventy hours flying time, then went on to Point cook which was an 18 week course which was a course on Airspeed Oxford’s which finished with him receiving his wings 25th June 1943. After completing his training he went to Brisbane to catch the American transport ship the Nordern to San Francisco. It was an 18 day non stop trip. Once disembarked he went to Angel island An American army base in San Francisco Bay. After being transported across America by train. Once in New York, he got aboard the Aquitania which sailed to Greenock Scotland two days later. He was aboard with 4000 air crew, and 7800 American troops. They got 2 meals a day and it was very cramped but quite the experience for him. During disembarkment leave he coincidentally ran into an old school friend Ken Jagger, and together they were sent for Hullavington the central flying school for testing. He said the station had 96 types of aircraft on it and they went through every one of them. He was sent to other training facilities in Acast, Moreton and at an operational training unit on Wellington’s. Jack recalls on one occasion they went over to the satellite to pick up an aircraft arriving back at Moreton in the marsh. It was a wet, windless day on the shortest runway pointing towards the six hundred foot hill, and was instructed to do a flapless landing. Jack objected but under instruction he took the order under protest. He completed the flapless landing and aquaplaned all the way down the runway, they ran into a ploughed field leaving furrows at right angles. The Wellington aircraft stood on its nose, his harness was perished, and the safety harness was snapped. Jack was flung headfirst into the windscreen. He didn’t know at the time but he suffered a total spinal compression for which later he became a TPI ( total permanent incapacitation) At the hospital the young doctor treated his cut to his hand, and gave him some headache tablets. He wasn’t properly diagnosed for the severe injury until 1989. During jacks night vision training he was required to wear extra dark glasses where you can only see a metre and a half in front of you. They wore the dark glasses day and night for 5 days He was required to go through exercises and play a form of hockey to test your ability with the dark glasses on. After this he was posted to Royal Air Force No. 102 (Ceylon) Squadron at Pocklington in Yorkshire, in June 1944. With this squadron, he piloted a Handley Page bomber aircraft V-Victor on 34 bombing missions over Europe during 1944–45. After completing his tour, Jack served as a flying instructor before returning to Australia in October 1945. Another of jacks memorable stories occurred in Hannover 5th of January, 1945. It was a clear night, no moon, starlit. We were travelling on our way in to Hannover, and I think it was about ten minutes or so before the target, suddenly out of the corner of my right eye I caught sight of a fighter, it was an FW190 which went straight across in front of us, travelling slightly down, and in that instant you’re not sure whether you saw it or not, but you know you did, but it’s happened so fast, everything is in recollection. And I thought , goodness me, that was an FW190, painted black, shiny black, his canopy was open and I could see the pilot, I could see his oxygen mask, I could see his shiny black leather jacket, I could see the crease of the shoulder. And then I thought, how close was that, how far, that was a cricket pitch, no more. So when I, later on, on the ground I started putting it all together and figured it out there was point two of a second, and worked out the closing speed was roughly three hundred and eighty mile an hour. He didn’t see us, and when i told the story to the debriefing officer and said he was flying with his canopy open, ‘That’s impossible,’ he said, ‘no one could fly it’s too cold because it was minus forty five degrees.’ However, the following day in the mess, he came up to me at lunchtime and said, ‘you were right about that FW190. I’ve been in touch with headquarters in London and that you cannot fly a 190 at night with the canopy closed because the glare from the exhaust dazzles you on the windscreen, and you can’t see, so they fly freezing. However, I was glad he was point two of a second ahead because if we’d have collided, he’d have killed the flight engineer and myself. Jack painted this scene from memory and it still hangs in his home today. Jack said even back then you could tell who would make it mentally, and who wouldn’t Jack could turn on and off from battle where others could not. He struggled with the size of the meals and bought in his own eggs for the chef to cook and add as extra with his meals Jack attained the rank of flying officer before being discharged from the RAAF in December 1945. Jack met his first wife Nellie and had one daughter but sadly his wife passed away when their daughter Kit was 16. He later met and married Elizabeth who had 3 children of her own so they became a blended family. He went on to work as a quantity surveyor for 32 years, but was forced into retirement at age 57 due to the spinal compression injury. The doctor told him not to sit around and to go and pick apples . He bought a property at Bonville where he decided to grow avocados, peaches and nectarines so consequently spent nine years as an orchardist. In his spare time, Jack flew model airplanes and played sport. These days, he goes to the gym three times a week. He uses the Exercise bike, treadmill, and does extension exercises.He has been going there for 8 years. He still takes care of his garden, He also enjoys crosswords, reading the newspaper, watching TV, and socialising. He still does his own shopping. he is still driving and retests every 2 years He has 3 grandchildren 3 great grandchildren 1 great great grandchild Charlotte and they share the same birth date.

Kathleen

Today I captured the lovely Kathleen. Who kindly left me with her beautiful hand knitted blanket as a thank you, & I gave her some of my plants for her collection.
Kathleen asked if she could wear no shoes for her session as it makes her feel more grounded & balanced with the earth. When I asked if that was a common thing for her, she said that it was, & may be because of her Aboriginal Ancestry even though it was hidden from them for much of their lives. Her Mothers real dad wasn't listed on her birth certificate to protect them from any implication being indigenous would bring in those days. When I questioned Kathleen about her bikini photos she said she had it taken because she wanted proof when she was old that she used to look like that once..
She also bought along treasured cards & notes from her recent 90th birthday & her sash & Tiara.

KATHLEEN CECILA SOMERVILLE.
Born: February 1936.
Age 90 years
Kathleen had 10 siblings 4 sisters & 6 brothers with a set of twin boys in the mix

Her father was a licensed fisherman, he had an interest in gardening and was a carpenter. He built the home they lived in.
Her mother was a stay at home Mum, as they were in those times.

Her childhood wasn't an easy one...she was bought up in a very strict catholic household, where we all had jobs to do...picking peas and beans/feeding and caring for the cow for milk.
The kids used to go to the well each morning to collect a bucket of water for the garden before school. They had no shoes and often the well was frozen over in Winter.. Kathleen said, we all did as we were told!
Kathleen fondly remembered the cow Old Winnie who used to go wandering to the school and turn the tap on with her mouth to get a drink. The Nuns used to contact her mother angrily to take the cow home, ... She also recalls their mum used to hang their washing between the trees down in the gully. She had a stick to prop the line up.
They lived in a 4 bedroom house where we had to sleep 3 to a bed.
Childhood memories include her Dad taking us all out in his boat on a Sunday for a swim and going to Gumma with cousins. Then sitting in the back of the truck and stopping for ice cream on the way home.
Her first jobs included pea and bean picking in the school holidays, then cleaning at the bank. She also worked in a furniture shop as a sales person. Cared for the local doctors kids and cleaned the surgery. She said she fell in love at 18 but religion kept them apart as her father threatened to disown her if she married him.
She married in 1959. and at 23 (1960) she had first baby while they lived in Shortland. After some financial trouble her husband got into. they were forced to live back with her parents in Macksville.
Kathleen became a single mother when her husband deserted her while they were living there. Left in a difficult situation Kathleen went into nursing at Macksville
After a family upset she felt it was time to move on & moved back to Newcastle 1963. She ended up back with her husband despite him disappearing on her, and had 3 more children, Unfortunately history repeated again & she was a single mother again in 1972
Kathleen had been in the same Shortland house since 1964

She now has 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
She is a real homebody so her hobbies and love besides family are: her garden, sewing, knitting, crocheting, reading and crosswords.
She also loves to sit and watch the waves roll in at the beach.

Margaret

On Thursday I captured the wonderful Margaret. She was very excited to see all my vintage lounges in the greenhouse as they reminded her of the furniture she'd had in her own home before moving to Lake Macquarie.
She was also kind enough to be my model whilst the Newcastle Herald were here catching some images of me as I worked,

Margaret Elizabeth Jenkins (nee Kingwell) nearly 89 years young was born on 24 May 1937 in Penrith to parents Eva Linda Kingwell and Henry Paige Kingwell. Margaret was an only child.
Her home for the first 21 years of her life was on Weir Road, Penrith. The property was an orchard growing oranges, mandarins, peaches, apricots, nectarines, and plums. They also kept some livestock, and this was where her father worked.
Margaret’s mother, Eva, was born in Stanmore. Eva’s mother died shortly after her birth, and Eva later moved to Penrith to live with her mother’s sister, Elizabeth, and her brother, Henry Lucas. Margaret referred to Aunty Lizzie and Uncle Henry as her grandparents, as she spent much of her childhood with them. Eva’s father moved to New Zealand, and Margaret has relatives there with whom she still keeps in contact.
Margaret’s father, Henry, was born in England. He attended Saint Paul’s School in London and then left to attend an army training course, although he was too young to participate in active service. He later worked for the Eastern Telegraph Company laying cables in Gibraltar in Spain. He eventually moved to Australia, arriving in Perth, where he and a friend were given a plot of land to grow wheat. Sadly, after a year or two, his friend left with all of his earnings. Margaret’s father often told her the story of walking across the Nullarbor from Perth to St Marys in New South Wales, where he eventually settled, carrying only a chest set, photographs from Gibraltar and a few personal belongings.
After Henry and Eva were married, Aunty Lizzie and Uncle Henry gifted them a 14-acre property on Weir Road with views of the Nepean River. This property, along with Aunty Lizzie and Uncle Henry’s orchard, produced fruit that was packed and sent to Sydney markets for sale.
Margaret grew up playing tennis and baseball and was a member of the school choir. She trained at Business College in Sydney and graduated as a stenographer in 1954. She worked in a solicitor’s office and later as a private secretary at the Hoyts Cinema head office in Sydney, where she worked until 1960.
Margaret met her husband, Warren Joseph Jenkins, while playing tennis and through the Penrith church, where they were both members of the choir. They became engaged in 1957. Sadly, Margaret’s father passed away in early 1958. Margaret and Warren were married on 23 August 1958 at the Penrith Methodist Church. As a wedding present, they were given a plot of land on Aunty Lizzie and Uncle Henry’s orchard, where they built their first home. Warren had a MG TF called ‘inky’ which they enjoyed adventures in till it had to be sold to pay for their wedding!
Warren trained as a teacher and later completed a Bachelor of Arts. He studied psychology through Armidale University and worked at several high schools. He later moved into school counselling and was eventually promoted to District Guidance Officer for the Windsor District, where he was responsible for a large team of counsellors. During this time, Warren also taught two nights a week at Emu Plains Training Farm prison, helping inmates learn to read and write.
Margaret’s mother also built a home on the same property, so Margaret was surrounded by her mother and great-aunt as she entered the next stage of her life — motherhood. Margaret and Warren had three sons.
Margaret thrived in motherhood, doting on her three sons and taking them to cricket, soccer, and church. Margaret and Warren were active members of the Emu Plains Uniting Church, as were her mother and aunt. Margaret’s great-uncle’s family Henry Lucas, founded the church. The church building still stands today, although it no longer has a congregation. The Lucas family has recently been honoured with the naming of a wing, Lucas Lodge, at a new residential aged care facility next to the church.
Margaret visited Salisbury, England, as well as Scotland and Holland, with her mother in 1975. In 1982, she and Warren travelled to England and Hong Kong, where they met lifelong friends. The Jenkins family enjoyed many holidays together, especially at the beach.
Margaret loved cooking and hosting family and friends. Their property had a large swimming pool, and she was well known for her Neenish tarts. One orange tree remained on Margaret’s property, from which she loved making marmalade. The tree was estimated to be around 70 years old. Margaret continued playing tennis, although her main role was managing the household.
Sadly, Warren passed away at the age of 54 due to coronary artery disease and lymphocytic lymphoma, complicated by pneumonia. Margaret misses Warren to this day.
Margaret has eight grandchildren. She loved playing with them and built a cubby house in her backyard, hosting many tea parties.
Margaret joined Probus and enjoyed many overseas and domestic holidays, travelling to China, America, Canada, Queensland, Italy, Switzerland, Adelaide, Lord Howe Island, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and visiting family in New Zealand.
Margaret was recognised for 50 years of service to the musical ministry at Emu Plains Uniting Church, where she played the organ most Sundays and also served as treasurer.
Margaret is an avid crafter, and there was little she could not do. Although she is no longer able to continue, she once enjoyed long-stitch tapestries, paper tole, knitting, and making cards with rubber stamps. She has created many scrapbooks for her children and grandchildren, highlighting their achievements.
Margaret beams with pride when she speaks about the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She misses her husband dearly and often talks of him.
Margaret moved into her Emu Plains home in 1960 and remained there until 2025, when she relocated to Lake Macquarie to be closer to some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Margaret says that her great-grandchildren have brought her back to life and now she spends her days doing anything to make them smile.

Joy

A bit of a special Golden age participant to end 2025.
Her name is Joy, & it certainly is a fitting name, especially for her Christmas decorating. Joy's daughter Sara asked if I could travel to her home in Rutherford to capture the simply amazing Christmas display she puts together each year. It really is something else!

Joy Brown
Born: June 1947 in Ballina NSW

Father, Sandy, was an Australian soldier from WW2 where he met his wife Olga (from Russia), both as prisoners of war. They married and then her mother immigrated to Australia where they settled on a Dairy farm near Ballina.
She was the eldest of 4 girls. they were very poor, worked hard, even as children. Went to school. Joy was a very shy child. Her father was very tough love and put a lot of responsibility on her as the eldest. She basically raised her youngest sister from birth to teens. They moved to Liverpool in her teen years where she finished her schooling

Joy did many jobs, her first in the bakery as a cake decorator and then as a milliner.
Joy married in 1965 and divorced in early 00’s. it was a very tough time for Joy following the breakup. They had 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls

Joy had stayed home to care for her children full time. She loved it, always said it was all she wanted to do! One day when her youngest was around 14-15, she somehow fluked a job out of nowhere, as a tour director for Scenic Tours, which took her all over Australia, New Zealand and Canada, she absolutely loved it!
She also worked as a housekeeper for a company which sent her travelling to teach others how to do the same role. This included training indigenous employees in the Kimberley. She was also based at Perisher, where she learnt to ski in her 50’s

Joy has been a sewer all her life. She loves anything crafty from embroidery to quilting to cross stitch and anything else you could think of. Her daughter Sara recalls many fond memories of her mum holding craft classes in their living room. But her biggest hobby to date is definitely decorating. Christmas especially. She begins in September in order to get it all up and is very meticulous with how everything is done. She allows groups to do walk throughs, even taking buses from nearby retirement villages. She absolutely loves sharing her love of Christmas with anyone who will listen!
She is still involved with helping at an aged care facility and has a special spot in her heart for the dementia patients.
Joy said she has 35 Christmas trees currently and just bought some on special at Kmart a couple of days ago.

She is also very proud of her 9 grandchildren.

Jean

Today I captured the beautiful Jean. Who has been having some health struggles. Her family were very glad to find out about my Golden age project & I had a cool enough day to capture the images in the greenhouse.
Her favourite time of year is Christmas, so she is my first participant to be captured amongst my Christmas setup also.

Jean Reilly (née Ballantyne) arrived into the world October 22nd 1937
Born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. Her father passed away when she was just five years old, leaving her with only the faintest memories of his brief presence in her life. At the age of eight, Jean’s childhood was profoundly shaped by the outbreak of World War II. While many remember the conflict through books or documentaries, Jean rememberes it through lived experience, the wail of air-raid sirens, the anxious expressions of adults, and the pervasive uncertainty that hung over every household. She grew up during the era of ration books, including those issued by the Salvation Army, learning early that every scrap mattered and every act of kindness counted.
During this same period, Australia was still emerging from the hardship of the Great Depression. Jean’s mother, a widow, was raising five daughters, Rosemary, May, Nancy, Jean, and the youngest, Lily, in low-income tenement housing that was cramped yet full of life. Resources were scarce, dresses were handed down from child to child, and laughter echoed through the thin walls of their home.
Jean’s father had been a factory worker, and her mother supported the family as a cleaner. Their lives were defined by hard work and perseverance. Money was limited, meals were simple, and joy was often found in the smallest of moments. Among Jean’s most treasured possessions was her one cherished doll, lovingly dressed in handmade garments sewn from scraps of fabric. To Jean, this doll symbolized love, hope, and the quiet resilience of her childhood.
Jean assumed responsibilities beyond her years. After school, while other children played, she worked. Her first job was in a shoe shop, where she dusted long rows of boxes stacked from floor to ceiling. Later, she found employment in an embroidery store, carefully applying stencil designs to napkins and tablecloths destined for the American market. Each delicate pattern she traced gave her a sense of purpose, her work was travelling overseas long before she ever would.
An early friendship with Veronica Reilly proved to be life-changing. Through Veronica, Jean came to know her Veronica’s older brother, Joseph Reilly, whom she had first met as a child, and whose teasing she had never forgotten. It was not until 1954 that Jean and Joseph began courting. Their courtship was simple yet full of charm, shaped by Joseph’s humour and the deep affection that grew between them. When Joseph immigrated to Australia with his family, the distance only strengthened their commitment. He worked tirelessly to save for Jean’s passage.
Jean’s mother, having endured many hardships herself, eventually faced the difficult decision of granting permission for her young daughter to travel to the other side of the world to marry the man she loved. Recognising the sincerity and devotion shared between Jean and Joseph, she signed the consent form that would change her daughter’s life forever.
In May 1957, at the age of nineteen, Jean set sail for Australia, completing a six-week journey across the ocean. The day after her arrival, she and Joseph were married at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newcastle.
Together, Jean and Joseph built a life grounded in resilience, dedication, and family. Between 1958 and 1966, they welcomed five children while moving between Sydney and Newcastle before finally settling when Joseph secured employment with BHP in Newcastle. Once their youngest child began school, Jean returned briefly to the workforce as a domestic cleaner before retiring.
Family gatherings, birthdays, weddings, holidays, and celebrations of every kind became the heartbeat of the Reilly home. From a childhood shaped by war, scarcity, and responsibility, Jean grew into a woman defined by strength, generosity, and unwavering love. Her legacy lives on through her five children, her 13 grandchildren, her 27 great-grandchildren, and her 3 great-great-grandchildren, each one touched by the warmth and devotion she shared with Joseph. Sadly, Joseph passed away unexpectedly in August 2016, but the life they built continues to ripple through every generation.
Jean lived at Hamilton south 23 years & now Edgeworth for 40 plus years still living at home.

Denis

Today I had the remarkable Denis in the studio for a Golden age session. He is 97 years old & still as sharp as a tack. He uses his walker to walk to his daughter's home to visit (about1/2 a kilometre away) He immediately admired the antique chairs in my studio & the fabric upholstery they had. He has macular degeneration & holes in his vision but can still see a lot of detail.

Denis was born in June,1928 in Maida Vale, West London, England

He grew up in Kenton London where he had a happy childhood. His family (Mum,Dad and elder sister) were very social people and many a party was held at their home. Den remembers fondly that his Dad would go to invite the neighbours to the party and would return with a piano (and the neighbour who played) to add to the fun. Den was responsible for changing the records until the invention of a five record drop down system.

Den was eleven when WW11 began, his Dad worked as a railway guard and his Mum cleaned houses.

He continued to go to school at Kenton Middlesex, riding his bike each day and remembers jumping into the kerbs and ditches when a buzz bomb was heard overhead. His family home was affected as a bomb screamed then dropped into a nearby disused treatment works and exploded, they were lucky as it blew out windows and their front door, houses around them were demolished and lives were lost.

Den was sent away to the country for safety, but still witnessed from the attic window, aircraft engaged in dogfights over the nearby coast.

Den left school at 14 years of age and began an apprenticeship at Mayfair Carriage Company, where he was directed into upholstery and motor trimming. However, because of the war, Den’s job was to strip out luxury cars that were taken from their owners to have the backs cut off them and be remodeled as Rescue Vehicles and Ambulances.

This meant that he learned firsthand how these beautiful cars were constructed and with a kind but exacting boss to guide him, it held him in good stead to create interiors in the future.

Den remembers Street Parties at the end of the war, reflecting on learning to dance with his Mum, a memory he holds dear.

Den was drafted for National Service when he turned 18 years old just after the war ended.

After initial training he was assigned to maintenance where he completed his apprenticeship repairing canopies etc for the army trucks etc.

Den was 21 when he met Irene, and they loved to attend Dances. Den remembers with fondness his trips with Mum on his motorbike.

They married and had four children.

Den continued in the Motor Car Trade, working his way up through motor trimming, to Experimental Design where he brought the ideas for car seats and interiors to life, gauging their design and suitability for new models of cars.

In 1967, Den and Irene packed up their family and emigrated to Australia, leaving their families behind and starting a new adventure with more opportunities for his children. They flew to Australia, making 7 stops on the flight over due to the duration. They were later joined by his wife’s family about a year later. The resided in Baulkham Hills when they first arrived,

Den applied at Leyland Australia and spent more time in design, working on the P76. After Leyland closed down in the early seventies, Den continued in upholstery, in his own small business, where he worked mainly with furniture and sometimes helped in restoring the interiors of vintage sports cars before retiring. He also taught upholstery at community college in the 80’s

After 72 years of marriage, Irene sadly passed away October 2023.

Den is proud Grandfather to 13 and Great Grandfather to 27 and now enjoys spending time with his family.

He currently lives in Bupa aged care.

Lorraine & Walter

I was fortunate to capture this beautiful duo as part of my Golden age project. Husband & wife Walter & Lorraine Smith. After a disastrous wedding day almost 60 years ago, I really wanted them to capture some new memories together. Lorraine wasn't sure about wearing one of my dresses, but she looked amazing in the pink gown.

Walter Raymond Smith – 11th December 1942 A born innovator.
Born at Royal Hospital for Women at Paddington NSW and grew up in Guildford. He went to Old Guildford Public School and Fairfield Boys High School. His father was a Plumber, and mother was an invisible mender for David Jones until she married and had to retire to raise a family. He has one sister (Barbara) who is 2 years younger.
In 1959, at age 17, he joined the 1st/15th NSW Lancers at Parramatta. He completed all the courses and resigned in 1975 as a Sargent. During this time he specialized in Intelligence. He also broke his ankle in a tank when the turret was traversed whilst his foot was in the turret well. He still has the screws in his ankle. He just missed out by 1 ballot in going to Vietnam.
From the age of 16-23yrs old, he worked at the Masters Office of Protective Jurisdiction at North Sydney. The equivalent of this is now the Trustee and Guardianship. Whilst working here he studied with the Barristers Admission Board (back then a way to become a Barrister without being a Lawyer first) until he met Lorraine and started selling land part time for extra money.
He sold the first land subdivision in Lemon Tree Passage, the company he worked for would fly people up to Lemon Tree Passage in a seaplane from Sydney. He also purchased a block of land (John Parade) a street back from the water and together with his father built an “A” frame house which is still there today. The queen's birthday long weekend in 1968 Walter and Phis father had just got the A Frames up for the frame of the house when a rain/windstorm came through and started to knock them down, so that they were leaning over. So they went out in the storm and climbed 20 feet off the deck, which was already approximately 8 feet from the ground, so nearly 30ft in the air to secure the 2 frames together to stop them from falling.
In January 1966, Lorraine & Walter married in a heatwave at St Johns Church of England Church, North Parramatta. Lorraine's mother had been in hospital for 3 weeks prior and was allowed out for the day. During the service, a groomsman (Lorraine's brother) feinted, Lorraine's father had a heart attack and her sister collapsed. The heater was accidentally put on in the church instead of fans and people were suffering from heat stroke. The police were called to escort the fallen to hospital. To add to this prior to the wedding their booked wedding reception venue burnt down. They are now coming up 60 years married after a disastrous wedding day.
During 1967/68 He designed and manufactured the first cartridge pen for marking. (Similar to a sharpie). Unfortunately, this great idea was not viable due to the cost of trademarks and copywrites. We grew up with boxes upon boxes of red, green, yellow, purple, orange and black markers.
He started air-conditioning around 1968, and airconditioned the first ABC outdoor broadcast van around 1974.
He's had several businesses over the time.
His most successful was building Garden Sheds. He was the first one in Sydney to supply sheds manufactured and delivered as completed sides rather than flat packs. The business was thriving and he sought advice from a government small business organisation. They put him onto an advertising company and accountant. The advertising agency stated in writing that they would double the business, and promptly changed the way of advertising, wouldn’t listen to Lorraine & Walter and sales declined dramatically. They went back to their original way of advertising weekly in the local papers and sales increased. In the meantime, the Government appointed Accountant decided he was going back to New Zealand and sold his company to a big organisation in Melbourne. They deemed Lorraine & Walter were only a little business and not worth their trouble, so they liquidated the business. They had no say or input into the matter. Leaving Lorraine & Walter with a lot of debt that they worked hard to pay off by selling assets. Prior to seeking advice purely because they were making so much money, they didn’t know what to do. They were literally rolling in cash on the bed!!! Walter said he felt like Scrooge McDuck because he was diving into a pool of money. Lorraine used to wear wads of cash around her legs in her boots. Sadly, it all came to an end due to inexperience and extremely bad supposed expert advice.
He and a couple of mates (Garret Barry & Bob Rielly) started the Historical Society Museum in Riverstone in the early 1980’s. Their aim was to achieve a museum in 1988 to store their goodies and preserve the history of Riverstone and NSW. They instigated the O’Connell County Fair with Irene Reilly to raise funds for the future museum. This involved the whole town in re-enactments, period balls and parades. They used to travel the countryside buying items for the museum with many stories around that. They raised enough money to qualify from NSW Government Bicentennial Grant which they won. Blacktown Council then, purchased the old original Riverstone School House in Garfield Road East, Riverstone from the Masonic Lodge and rented it to the Historical Society for $1 per year for 99 years. The Museum opened in 1988.
There were many adventures to purchase and obtain relics for the Museum. One such adventure - Garret (History master at Riverstone High School) received news of a farm sale past Gundagai, he seconded Walter to drive his delivery truck down with Lorraine and Garret on a very wet Saturday for the Auction. There were no bidding cards, you only registered your name. Garret was happily bidding with gay abandon on items in the pouring rain not keeping a record of his purchases. Trucks and Vans were not permitted to remove the items on the Saturday and had to come back on the Sunday due to the boggy conditions. Lorraine & Walter had booked with his sister Barbara and her husband Robert, a cruise on the Hawesbury River that night thinking they would be back in time (they had clothes with them), that wasn’t going to happen. They had to find accommodation locally. They got to the motel, Lorraine had to help Garret string a clothes lineup in his hotel room to dry his underwear and clothes. They got back to the site on the Sunday morning, Walter and Garret were loading the truck with what they thought they had purchased. They loaded the truck with a Sulky. It was piled up on the very top of an overloaded truck Then a lady turned up and said they had loaded her Sulky. So they had to unload the sulky from the top of the truck. There are a few other stories about this adventure.
He was a long time member of the Riverstone Chamber of Commerce for approximately 10 years. He has been on the Sister City committee for Blacktown Council since its inception 40 years ago. He was on the selection committee at times for the Blacktown Youth Ambassadors.
In 2013 he was elected as a councillor on Blacktown Council when he was 71, he even parasailed off the side of the council building for Domestic Violence awareness. During his time on council, he helped many Riverstone locals with council issues and was highly regarded. He was still helping people once he left council using his contacts.
Around 1986, he became a member of Riverstone & Districts Lions Club Inc. His life's mission has been helping others. He’s held various positions – President 3 times, Treasurer for approximately 20 years at times. He is now a director of the club. There has been many thousands of sausages grilled, BBQ’s set up, Blacktown Festivals. For 8 years Lorraine & Walter were responsible for the Blacktown City Australia Day BBQ at Featherdale Wildlife Park where they served breakfast to 2000 people at a time. It was their responsibility to organise the local Lions Clubs to help serve, organise the shopping, set up/pack down. It was a huge job. The whole family was involved in Lions Club activities as they grew up and then Emmy the grand daughter and daghter Natalie with the Australia Day BBQ’s.
Walter finally retired from work in 2016. He’s still involved in the Lions Club and attends some functions with Blacktown Council. He loves doing jigsaw puzzles and playing on his excavator.
There are many many stories to tell…… property purchases. The land they used to own at Kempsey is now the Slim Dusty Museum.
They bought a property in Wyee in 2015 moved in 2019.

Lorraine Florence Smith – 7th September, 1944
Born in Lurnea Private Hospital, Leichhardt, her father was a fitter and turner, and her mother was a home maker, and a foster mum to 3 other children.
She grew up in Five Dock until she was 11 and then the family moved to Lavinnia Street Granville (Merrylands). She is one of 7 children (Ellen, Peter, Margaret, Ronnie, Lorraine, Robert and Albert). Her mother worked as a cleaner for approximately 30 years at the Convent at Concord and the Brothers at Burwood. Her father, was the first person in Australia to have the valves and arteries replaced in his heart with pig valves and arteries at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with Mr Harry Windsor when Lorraine was 17 or 18.
She went to school at St Mary’s Concord. She told her first class teacher when she was asked where her shoes were “that if God had meant her to have shoes, she would have been bored(sic)(born) with them on her feet!” That Nun told stories to Lorraine's Mother at the Nun’s 50th anniversary about her antics.
Her first job was at Walton’s in the City at 14 and 10 months when she was allowed to leave school. She got the job before telling her parents that she wasn’t going to school the following Monday.
Her next job was working for a Jeweller in the Strand Arcade deliverying Diamonds and Gems all around Sydney. Next was with a Japanese Import/Export Agent delivering Wool Cheques around Sydney and working the switchboard. She then worked for the public service in Vocational Guidance as a typist until she left work to have Natalie in 1969.
She met Walter in 1962 on a street corner outside the Sydney Blood Bank in York Street. Her friend organised for them to be picked up for the trip home from work and it was Walter who picked them up on the corner. She went home and told her Mother that she thought she had met the man she was going to marry because she’d met a man with really clean shoes. Little did she know his mother cleaned his shoes for him!!
They got married in 1966.
She has had 3 girls – Natalie in January 1969, Adrienne in September (on her birthday) 1973 and Meaghan in 1975. They were all born at Royal Paddington Women’s Hospital.
She's worked with Walter the whole duration of their marriage. Lorraine had 2 nervous breakdowns, due to stress from Walter's business. During one of them the local Dr told her to go and sit at the Riverstone Taxi Rank and talk to anyone who sat there. He reasoned that, they would go home and not give her another thought, yet she would get everything off her mind and be able to continue. Lorraine did this and said it helped no end. At one point when business was a struggle, Walter's mum used to sell Avon to keep the family fed and clothed.
Lorraine was the first woman in Riverstone Lions Club to become a Lion when Lions allowed Women to join, until this time she was classed as a “Lions Lady”. She's held all sorts of positions within lions including Zone Chairman 5 or 6 times. Secretary and President, too many times to count. Lorraine & Walter were on the Committee for the Lions Children's Cancer Research Institute where they helped to raise Millions of Dollars. They started the Ride to Riverstone Bike Ride with the reformatting of the Lions Children’s Cancer Foundation. The ride ran for 5 years and offered rides of 100km, 50km and 20km followed by a lunch and raffles at the end of each ride. Over the time they raised over $100K . It would take a full 12 months to organise each ride. It went through 4 LGA police regions. The majority of the work for the ride was down to Walter, Lorraine and Natalie. The ride only ceased operations after someone was killed on another charity’s bike ride and the Police clamped down and restrictions became just about impossible to continue the rides
Just prior to retirement she worked for Kincare as customer relations officer and receptionist. She was there for 5 years and retired on her 70th Birthday.
Since retirement they have done a few trips to New Zealand, a trip to Japan for Walter, They have been to America, Korea, United Kingdom, Ireland and last year China and Korea with Blacktown Council. Where Lorraine got to experience VIP treatment in a Chinese Hospital.
Lorraine lives for her 4 Grand children Em, Flynn, Cooper and Morgan, her 2 Great Grand children Phelan and Darcy and her cat Gus. She likes reading, gardening, and attending her regular craft days. She loves going to Musicals and life in general. She’s always up for a party and to socialise. The glass is always half full never half empty.
Behind all Walter's achievements, the ups and some very low downs, Lorraine has been the one to hold it all together, plus raise 3 girls. Behind every successful Man is a great woman

Fay

Today I met the lovely Fay for a Golden age portrait session. She was very impressed with the greenhouse & complimented it many times during the session. While her long term memory is still great it's the short term she struggles with. However she doesn't for one minute forget her adorable great granddaughter Vada. We had to hide her away during some of the pics so I could get Fay's attention back to the camera.

Patricia Fay Kennedy (goes by Fay) born 16/6/1942 was born at Scone Hospital. She is the 2nd eldest child of 7. Two of which passed away as babies. Fay’s father held many jobs over the years and her mother was a stay at home mum. Fay is Aboriginal (Kamilaroi) but her mother never admitted it in public as she feared her or her children being taken away. Only as a mother did Fay acknowledge her Aboriginality but still didn’t celebrated it until many years after her mother’s passing. In Fay’s family she is the only sibling who is fair skinned with red hair.

Fay lived in the town of Aberdeen on a large block and the family were self-sufficient. She attended Aberdeen Public School and Muswellbrook High School finished 15, where she played competition softball. She had a very difficult childhood and lived with her grandparents for awhile, but does remember a lot of fun times with her cousins.

Fays first job was as a meat packer at the Aberdeen Abattoir. She was pushing meat through a little window into the shop section one day when she saw a handsome man with a gold tooth shining. This man Ronald Kennedy (who was living in a tent outside of town working on the railway) later became Fay’s husband in 1959. They moved around following Ron’s work and promotions with the railway. Their first child Greg was born in 1962 at Werris Creek and after moving around some more they settled at Wyoming where their second child Karen was born in 1965. Ron and Fay separated in 1970 though they stayed friends for their children. Fay continued to raise Greg and Karen on her own.

Fays other jobs included a line worker with Albany felt, a pineapple and pharmacy plant. She managed a BBQ chicken and take away shop. When her children were young, she was one of the few female postal workers to deliver. She delivered mail around Matcham, she used to take her children with her while she was delivering the mail.

Fay had breast cancer in 1983 which resulted in a mastectomy and removal of her lymph nodes. She had to take medical retirement due to continual lymphedema.

Fay cared for her mother for many years until she had to be put into a nursing home. Fay continued visiting her mother daily and volunteering around the nursing home painting the resident's nails etc which they loved.

In her early 20s Fay played tennis which got very competitive. Later she became very crafty with sewing, painting, cake decorating, folk art. She also enjoyed coin and stamp collecting.

Fay's son Greg took her on her only overseas trip. In 2010, he took her and his niece to Disneyland in Los Angeles. Her daughter went also and Fay remembers sitting looking at the statue of Walt Disney holding Mickey Mouses hand and bursting into tears as she couldn’t believe she was on this trip with her family as her family is her life.

Fay was living with her daughter and son in law for many years as she was diagnosed with Dementia and Alzheimer’s but after spending time in hospital after several seizures and strokes the hospital suggested with this and her dementia that she should go into aged care which has been hard on both her and the family.

She now lives in a home at Norah head

Fay has 2 children, 3 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. I met her Granddaughter Chantae when I did her pregnancy shoot and her daughter Vada’s newborn shoot. Fay not only has the pleasure of 4 direct generations for girls but they also have her middle name of Fay. Fay’s daughter is Karen Faye, Karen’s daughter is Chantae Fae and Chantae’s daughter is Vada Fae. Vada is pictured alongside Fay in some of these images. A special memory of her namesake.

Caroline

Today I captured a Golden age session for beautiful Caroline. Her wonderful Granddaughter drove her a very long way & stayed overnight to bring her along for her session. Caroline is just amazing, her hands have been crippled by arthritis, but she still knits!

Caroline Bernice Franklin was born on the 3rd of January, 1938, in Enmore, New South Wales. The eldest of three daughters, she grew up alongside her younger sisters, Lorraine and Suzanne. Her parents, Otto and Elsie Franklin, worked hard to provide for their family — Otto as a dedicated railway worker and Elsie as a talented children’s wear sewer.

Caroline’s childhood was spent first in Marrickville, a bustling inner suburb of Sydney, before the family moved to Greenacre. She attended Bankstown Primary School and later completed her intermediate certificate at Bankstown Girls’ High School. From an early age, Caroline showed a creative streak and a warm, caring nature that would stay with her throughout her life.

Caroline met her future husband Douglas at age 16 (he was her boss) & married the love of her life, In 1959, at the age of 21, Douglas William Clarke, at Campsie. Doug worked for Coles and later for Woolworths as a buyer. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and plenty of moving boxes — the couple relocated thirteen times before eventually settling at Jettys By The Lake in Windang, where they found their forever home.

Caroline and Doug raised two children: Ian Franklin Clarke, born in 1960, and Dianne Clarke, born in 1963. Caroline devoted herself to her family while also building a career in retail. Her natural eye for beauty and her love of home and garden inspired her to open her own shop with Dianne, where they sold homewares and plants — a perfect reflection of her creativity and nurturing spirit.

Sadly, Caroline’s beloved Doug passed away on the 28th of January, 2013, after a battle with melanoma. It started on his shoulder & was only the size of a match stick Caroline said, but upon completing a full body scan they found it also in his kidney, which he had removed. Unfortunately, it also spread to his brain & he passed away within the year of his initial diagnosis. His loss was deeply felt, but Caroline continued to honour his memory through family, friendship, and her many passions.

Today, Caroline is the proud grandmother of five grandchildren — Christal (her storyteller), Courtney, Troy, Mitchell, and Chanelle — and the great-grandmother of nine (soon to be ten!) great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Aiden, Peyton, Riley, Hudson, Louie, Meadow, Allison, and Carter, with another little one on the way.

Caroline’s hands have rarely been idle; she is known for her love of sewing, knitting, macramé, and gardening. Her creativity continues to thrive at Jettys By The Lake, where she leads the Girls Shed, bringing together women in her community to share laughter, stories, and crafts. With a glass of scotch in hand and a warm smile, Caroline remains the heart of her family and community — a woman whose kindness, resilience, and creativity have touched generations.

Barbara

Today I captured a Golden age session for the beautiful Barbara. I recently met Babs at a family photo session I was capturing, & I suggested she come back for a Golden age session.
I also recently did newborn photos for her great granddaughter Calais, & since she came along today, I grabbed a couple of pics of them together, as well as Coco the chihuahua who was just dying to sit on the gorgeous custom skirt Tarese Estelle recently made me for these sessions.
Babs had already documented a lot of her life & ancestry in a wonderful book. I captured some of the pages to add in along with her story.
Barbara was born 13/ 11/1942, she was born in an ambulance travelling from Ellalong, to a Cessnock House, run by a Nursing Sister. Ambulance officer did not know how to cut the cord etc.
So, Barbara was born born blue. Doctors thought their might have been complications because of the rough birth, so they had a conditional baptism for her in case she did not survive.
She was the middle child of 5, 3 brothers, 1 sister. She said they had a great childhood, a large yard which attracted kids in the neighbourhood for us to play hide & seek, & baseball,

Barbara said her father was a slaughterman killing bulls, cows, & sheep for local butchers. Her mother did not work but in her single life she was a seamstress. She made all of their clothes, including school uniforms. It was a happy home, full of laughter. One of her brothers was born deaf due to her mum having German measles whilst pregnant, so had to be sent to a boarding school for the deaf. Children with any kind of impairment or disability were sent away in those days.
Babs went to St Patrick’s in Cessnock & was schooled by the nuns. She recalls getting the cane for talking too much.
Hight school was at the Dominican convent Maitland taught by nuns again. She was Prefect in senior year, left school at 15. She was successful in obtaining a job as a telephonist at the local G.P.O known as the General Post Office. Shift work, but only 7 hour shifts. There were about 20 staff & 2 monitors, 1 supervisor. They had 1800 landline owners to cater for.

She met future Husband Bob through a blind date in 1961. They were married in September 1964, at St Joseph’s church in Cessnock having married a soldier in the royal Australian regiment, they gained an army house with very little rent in Singleton. Their son was born 12 months later, who was an enormous delight. Eventually, they were posted to Sydney. When her son started school, she scored a job, working in a huge factory, packing pharmaceuticals. Her boss desired married women who had children at school, because he knew we would be reliable, & do a great job. When her husband went to Vietnam she stayed behind in Redfern from 1965-1968.
Barbara was destined to only have 1 child, due to problems, that forced me to have a total hysterectomy 6 years later. The doctor removed a tumour the size of a football!

Babs had many jobs during her married life, Target warehouse pricing items, then sewing seatbelts at a factory. After that, G. I.O government insurance office in the legal section as receptionist.
In 1972-74 the army posted the family to Singapore. What a life!!

They had an amah, shoe boy, & a gardener. Their son started his 2nd year of school, & made many friends, including the amah’s kids who were Malaysian.
After the post ended, they bought a house which belonged to Bob's mum in Willoughby. Their marriage broke up in 1979,
Babs moved back to Cessnock & could buy a house of her own with the settlement.
In 1981 she walked into Cessnock hospital to apply for a domestic job, and instead they offered her a nursing role (enrolled nurse) She had to study as well as work & felt very out of place as she was starting this new career at almost 40.
She did go on to win an award for best nurse in her unit.
They wore the stockings the hat and blue uniform. Their qualifications were judged & on display by the bands they got which were added onto the hats,
Babs was a nurse for the rest of her career. she retired at 58 years due to injuries. Frozen shoulders had a big fall on the stairs at work.( pic included of this horror fall) & ended up with Protruding discs.
She did meals on wheels for a while after that, then took up Bowling for a hobby. eventually needing a hip replacement. She then volunteered to do office work for a local radio station, and she ended up being on air. She ran a segment on Country and western music taking requests etc from listeners for 6 years.

Eventually when her son married, he & his wife had 2 beautiful children & she was thrilled to babysit at any time. There was 13 months difference in age, so they often had time at the local parks, did imitation leadlight which was scattered on mirrors, windows & a lot of fun. My grandson loved hitting a ballon with my home made bats, made of old coathangers & old nylon stockings. It was great fun & 56 year old nan was first to tire!

Then when her granddaughter had a boy, she was blessed with a great grandson. He was an absolute delight, they played with car tracks, did rock painting, chalkboard drawing, & riding his first pushbike, & scooter. Then, Calais was born recently & she is looking forward to more fun times, when she's a little older,
Bab's says, looking back on my life I am very lucky. Travelled to Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, & cruises to New Zealand, Tasmania, The Islands. I have represented & won Green & Gold blazer in Australian darts.
Also played lawn bowls at state level.
Since her sporting days are over, she now loves crafting to keep busy, as well as to crochet, knit and diamond dot for entertainment.