NB Stories of Australia

Personal history items:

Stories of Australia

Eric reminisces about his move to Australia when writing to his cousin Pam Knibbs (nee Kay) dated 17/8/1993.

Hello Pam,

Best wishes to all of you. I hope all is well with you and yours, particularly your Dad, as when I was just one of the kids, around Morton Road days, he was one of my favourites of all the 'GROANUPS'. He always listened and did his best to give a straight answer and didn't talk down to us. I can't be sure if that wasn't a bit before your time or not.

At this time/distance, things get a bit shuffled; I can remember going away for a time with your Mum's brother, his wife and your brother David. He was only about a year or so (in nappies) I think there is a photo somewhere with David sitting under a shower as it was so hot (the weather). I'll be sending photocopies of a photograph I have of the Leysian Mission Choir, Past and Present 1890-1924, taken when only one of our previous generation had married, I think. My Dad is front row left; your Dad is 10th and Uncle Albert 11th from left front row. My Mum is 2nd from left in the 2nd row. Perhaps your Dad or Uncle Albert could add further names. Anyway, I shall do what I can to assist in the Family Tree Alan is putting together. On my Mum's side, the Goggin family, Thomas Goggin was one of the earliest settlers in Toodyay, my Shire Capital. W.A. was not one of the penal colonies; convicts were brought here 22 years after the first settlement. Thomas Goggin came with the first batch of convicts as a Pensioner Guard. So he was an army pensioner who undertook to guard the prisoners for the voyage, for free passage and grant of Land.

What I find so surprising, is that back in 1966 we landed at Freemantle on a Thursday, the next day, Friday, I changed my driving license and found a job to start the next Monday. That Sunday I borrowed Uncle Bert Wilson's van. Where did I drive? Up the Toodyay road saying 'I feel I'm coming home'. On return to Perth we were asked where we'd been and the enquirers said, 'Toodyay? Where's that?' Even today half the Perthites have no idea of Toodyay. Nearly 20 years later, when I was on the management Committee for the 'Old Gaol Museum' 2J, I discovered Thomas Goggin in the records. Could it have been Clan memory? All I know is that I'm not keen to move back to the city, although I shall have to for medical reasons sooner or later. The cancer seems to be in remission and perhaps I'll get a few more things done before I drop off my perch. My next visit to Sir Chas. Gairdner Hospital is next Thursday when I'll get the result of the last blood test. I don't expect any surprises, or they would have called me in.

A couple of years back, I took our big old 10 ton 1962 International 4WD Bushfire Unit (UK read engine) to Toodyay to pass a relevant License Category. Having passed the test, the Certificate was signed by Snr. Constable KAY; what price nepotism? Most of the Kay's here have distinct family characteristics, uncanny. Over the past 200 years, KAY and GOGGIN have been shuttling back and forward time and time again between UK/Eire and Australia.

Take care all of yours, spread TLC as thick as possible.

Eric.