Bury Parish Church Mothers' Union

6:36am Thursday 15th May 2008

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AT lastTuesday's meeting, following Holy Communion, members enjoyed a talk by Mrs Brenda Page, who gave an interesting insight into the time she lived in Australia.

In 1963 she and her husband Geoff decided to go and live on the other side of the world with their two small children.

They had the necessary interviews in Manchester, checking that they were in good health with no hereditary illnesses etc.

On their acceptance, their house and furniture was sold and they set off on their journey, which was to take five weeks by ship.

Their journey took them through the Mediterranean, Aden, Suez, Indian Ocean, Perth, Adelaide and finally Melbourne.

On arrival, they were taken by coach to Brooklands Hostel which consisted of nissan huts, and that was to be their home until other arrangements had been made.

It was difficult to get accustomed to foods and ways of life, as it was all so different but enjoyable. They eventually found a flat in St Kildas.

Geoff went to work on aircraft for the government, and Brenda took a job as a seamstress as well as taking on an evening job in Melbourne University looking after the students. their youngest child went to nursery, and Andrew went to school. Children had to salute the Australian flag before entering school.

Geoff and Brenda, coincidentally, met some families who had also moved from their area in England.

Weather was very hot and it was a pleasure just to sit in the cinema for the air conditioning.

They had a wonderful time, but in 1966 decided to return to England, with their very happy memories.

It was super to listen to her stories and a wonderful evening was had by all members.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, June 3, and will be an Ascot' evening. Members can be dressed up as if for Ascot Races with fancy hats etc.