The Blacksmith’s Daughter by Fay Berry 2013 © - Chapter 51 - 1960 04 15 - Fay Berry

The Blacksmith’s Daughter – Chapter 51

I broke up with Jeff by letter on the 7th November 1959. I avoided him as much as possible for a while after that. Jeff had loaned me some books and used the return of those books as leverage to come to my home, hoping to see me, but I made sure I was out that night.

When I returned I found Jeff and my Dad were in the Blacksmith shop’s office and when I went down there, Dad told me that he and Jeff had “worked everything out.” This was rather foolish of them to think they could “work it out” without me present. Dad quickly realised this, and very quickly disappeared up to the house, leaving Jeff and me alone in the office to “work it out” without him. Jeff was sitting at Dad’s desk and he was crying! I could never resist tears, so by the end of the evening our “on-again-off-again” relationship was “on-again.”

After that, Xmas was pretty much of a disaster for me. Our “resurrected” holiday at Wallaroo with the Pascoe’s did not go well, and was complicated by Ken Pascoe’s conflicting expectations for the holiday. The holiday at West Beach with all the girls in the Eakin’s caravan was fraught with all sorts of “mini-dramas” as well.

The Eakin’s caravan was a huge caravan which was built by my Father and Brother on an extended chassis bed. It was an amazing contraption. It had a number of small bedrooms and a large kitchen. I so wish I had taken photos of it at the time. I remember staying in it again on another occasion with the young people when the Eakins set it up on the beach at Largs Bay.

The holiday at West Beach was supposed to be just for the girls but the boys all turned up too, but they went home at night time. “The Frillies” were all there and a number of other girls as well.

I am not sure exactly what date it was that Jeff and I finally got engaged, though it used to be engrave on the inside of my engagement ring. I think it was in January. We chose its diamond and the design of the ring together, and had it made by Blunts the manufacturing Jeweller.

Nothing with Jeff, however, was ever simple and straightforward. The day came that Jeff picked up the ring and that night he came to our house for dinner. I could hardly wait to “be engaged.” I expected that we would go up into the lounge and Jeff would put the ring on my finger and then we would come out and show Mum and Dad the ring. There would be general rejoicing and I had primed Mum and Dad and my brother Maynard for the occasion.

Well, that’s not how it happened.

Mum and Dad and Jeff and I had dinner together and then immediately after the meal Jeff asked to borrow Dad’s car. Dad was puzzled, but gave Jeff the car keys. Jeff and I went down the back and got into Dad’s car and we drove off down the drive and out through Macklin Lane. Maynard came running out of the office expecting to see my ring and he too looked puzzled when he saw me looking at him wide-eyed hoping he wouldn’t say anything. He watched as we passed him and raised his hand in a half wave. Nothing was going as I had hoped and expected .

Jeff wouldn’t say where we were going, in fact he hardly said anything at all. I gave up and just sat back thinking “que sera sera.” Eventually Jeff took the road up towards Windy Point which is a well known “lover’s parking spot” in Adelaide. Almost every night of the week lovers park their cars there and hug and kiss in front and back seats of their cars, overlooking the beautiful lights of the city. Things started to make a little bit more sense to me. I guessed that Jeff wanted us to sit in the car and “get engaged,” there as we enjoyed the city lights. Wrong again!

Jeff parked Dad’s car and then got out and opened the door on my side of the car and took my hand as I stepped out of the car. What now? I thought. To my increasing surprise Jeff led me away from the lookout to the back of the car park. There was a barbed wire fence separating the car park from the hillside. Jeff parted the wires of the fence and gestured to me to climb through. By now I was utterly confused. I had NO idea what Jeff had in mind.

When we were both through the wire, Jeff once more took my hand but now he was leading me out onto the windy hillside. “What on earth is out there?” I thought. I gave up trying to work out what he was planning and just went along “for the ride.” There was no question about one thing, and that was, that the view was simply breathtaking. The lights of Adelaide were all laid out below us and the sky was like dark velvet sparkling with diamonds. I shivered, because I was certainly not dressed for this particular occasion. I had high heeled shoes on as well, and I was only wearing a light summer dress. I wished I had worn a jacket.

Soon we were quite a way from the lookout and then Jeff took off his suit coat and lay it down on the grass. He kneeled down on his coat and asked me to do the same. So I kneeled down as well. Then Jeff began to pray. He prayed for us both, for our engagement and our future together. At last, he took my hand and put the ring on my finger, but of course, it was pitch black and I couldn’t see a thing!!! I said, “I can’t see the ring!” and Jeff said, “that’s the whole idea. I wanted you to appreciate the significance of the ring and not just be all wrapped up in what it looks like, and,” he said, “I have brought you to this hillside so that we can “see God,” and feel close to him. We sat there for a bit longer, but by now I was shivering in what had become quite a stiff breeze. Jeff helped me up and we picked out way back across the hillside to the barbed wire fence and climbed through the strands once more. Jeff drove us home where finally I was able to show of my new engagement ring to my father and mother and brother who at last, were suitably impressed. As I held my finger out for inspection, I was looking at it as hard as they were, because it was the first time I had seen it too!

In February 1960 Jeff had applied to the South Australian Housing Trust for a “Trust home” at West Beach. We had little money between us at this point in time, so we were grateful for the SAHT scheme which allowed us to put money towards a deposit on a home with regular payments made to the Trust each month, so that some time after we got married and had saved the required deposit, then our bank would approve a loan application from us and we could move into our new home at West Beach in its new housing development there.

In November I left my Job at Associated Public Relations and took up a new position with a company called North American Vending Machine Company. This turned out to be a very interesting job to say the least. It ended with my bosses, Kempney and Hough , being arrested in the Brisbane River as they were attempting to flee the country in a seagoing boat that they had fitted out for the occasion with extra fuel tanks. so that they could flee to some far country. They were captured at the mouth of the Brisbane River by the police and coast guards when their engine broke down and they could not restart it. They were charged with fraud and imprisoned. I felt very blessed that that I had left the company before their misdeeds were discovered.

Somewhere towards the end of April or early May I began looking for another job.

In preparation for our marriage, Jeff had decided he wanted to be circumcised. He had done a lot of reading on the subject and decided that there were all sorts of health and mental benefits to having this operation. “What about the pain?” I asked. “It will be worth it,” Jeff said. Jeff arranged to go into hospital over the Easter break so that he wouldn’t miss any work. That was all very well, I thought, but that meant I would be spending Easter alone, as usual!!

There was a bus trip being held on the Easter Monday for the Young People and all my friends would be going along with their partners, and me? well I would have Wendy Jolly for company if I decided to go. I thought I would stay home and visit Jeff in hospital but he insisted that I go, because he felt sure he would not be wanting visitors after this particular operation. My Dad got circumcised when he was 70 years old. His reasons were different from Jeff’s for having it done as an adult. He said he had the operation because “he smelled like an old billy goat” before the operation and hoped to smell “like roses,” afterwards, he said. Men!!

Mum and Dad were planning a trip to Sydney for my brother Graham’s Wedding. Graham was marrying Joyce Rosser of Lakemba ecclesia, Sydney. Joyce was the girl he had met when she and Jan Joseph had stayed at our place in October 1959. They were going to leave on Tuesday May 17th, 1960. I had intended to stay at home and not go with them, but two days before Mum and Dad were due to leave I came down with the ‘flu. I was very sick. Mum and Dad couldn’t cancel or delay their trip, so Dad made up a bed for me in the back of the car and Mum packed my bag and on the 17th June we began our journey up the east coast of Australia. All of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I was so sick I just lay there in the back. I had two pillows and plenty of blankets and I was snug, but I coughed and coughed and used up boxes of tisues. I didn’t even get to see Jeff before I left and had no way of letting him know I was gone because he was still in hospital.

We stayed at Charlie’s house at 167 Bayview Avenue, Undercliff, NSW from the night of the 18th to the 22nd. Here I wrote a letter to Jeff, dated 20th May 1960 and another on the 21st May, 1960. In this letter I told Jeff that at Charlie’s house that day Dad and Mum and and my brother Graham and Joyce Rosser and Charlie and Beth had all got together to produce a half hour “radio program” to send to Maynard to cheer him up because he had been so unhappy about not being able to come with us to Sydney. While we were in Sydney the Sydney Conference was in progress too, so during this period and we went to some of the Conference meetings.

On the 23rd May we drove from Sydney to Port Macquarie, and on the 24th, from Pt Macquarie to Brisbane. We spent the 24th to the 29th of May in Brisbane at the house of the Baileys in Brisbane. I was very disappointed when I found out that the home we were to stay in was not the home of Stan and Sheila Bailey, my beloved hosts at the Southport Youth Conference, but a completely different family of “Baileys.” It was the home of a widower, Bro. Bailey and his two children, Russell and Alison Bailey. When we left the Baileys we drove drove from Brisbane to Bundaberg on the 30th where we stayed with Clare Bundesen’s parents. On Tuesday 31st we drove from Bundaberg to Rockhampton where we stayed with June Bundesen’s parents. On Wednesday the 1st June, we drove from Rockhampton to McKay. On the 2nd May we drove from McKay to Townsville.

In Townsville we stayed first at the home of Sis McCarthy of 41 Mitchell St North Ward Townsville. I slept in the car overnight and when I woke up in the morning, Dad came out with a letter for me from Jeff. Dad was not very pleased about it either because on the envelope Jeff had written several dire warnings to anyone, apart from me, who might decide to open the letter. Dad said “Does he think I want to read his jolly love letters?” And he stormed off. I opened the letter. It was a letter full of love and longing. With the letter was a poem Jeff had written, all 120 verses of it !!!, also full of love and longing.”

One of the things I found most embarrassing during our trip from Sydney to Townsville and back again was that Dad was now armed with the half-hour radio session our family had recorded for fun, and to amuse Maynard, back in Adelaide. Wherever we went and whomsoever we stayed with, Dad insisted that our long suffering hosts listen to our family’s recording. It had seemed such fun when we recorded it but so childish and “purile” after the umpteenth playing of it. I used to cringe with embarrassment but nothing deterred my Dad. We stayed also in Townsville with Joe Caltabiano and his family. On Sunday 5th June, 1960 we drove from Townsville to Bowen, then on Monday 6th from Bowen to Rockhampton. We stayed in Rockhampton with the Bundesens, with June Bendesen’s family. I think Lew Osborne was there as well, but can’t remember for sure. On the 8th we went back to Brisbane. On the 9th we drove from Brisbane to Tamworth, on the 10th from Tamworth to Sydney. Once more we stayed with Charles and Beth and stayed there until the Monday 13th.

On the 11th June, it was my brother Graham’s wedding to Joyce Rosser in Sydney. It was held at the Lakemba ecclesial hall. Wayne Crewes? Wrote a poem for the reception, which I thought might insert in my story, but it was altogether too long and full of private family jokes that few would understand. I received a letter from Jeff while we were in Sydney. We went from Sydney to Wagga Wagga where we stayed with the Lawless family. Sister Lawless was an amazing lady. She was young and very striking in her appearance. She was slim and beautiful, and though young, had the most beautiful cloud of pure white hair. She wore a black top and trousers which complemented the colour of her hair and she looked absolutely amazing. She and her husband had two children, Leonie and ? and years later, Leonie married my cousin Peter Dangerfield.

Sis Lawless was so kind to me. She made me a complete trousseau of negligee’s for my wedding and posted them to me before the wedding.

We finally arrived back in Adelaide and it was “down to earth” very quickly as I began to look for a new job.

DIARY ENTRIES

19600415,16,17,18 was the Easter break, and on Easter Monday the Young people went on a bus trip. Jeff was in hospital over Easter having an operation. I went on the bus trip and wrote him a letter when I got home.

Letter to Jeff from Fay – My Darling Jeffrey, — Don’t ever send me on a bus trip or anywhere else without you again! I’ve never felt so lonely and lost. Of course I had Wendy Jolly for company, but watching Peter Weller and Shirley Cobbledick and Lesley Rogers and James Luke together, each with their beloved, and knowing that you weren’t there was more than I could bear. Sharing a row of seats with Peter Mansfield and Wendy Jolly is not to be compared with sharing half a seat with you.

The bus trip was quite pleasant and Ron Hicks prepared my chops for me at lunch time. He cooked them whilst all the time making rude comments about my “awesome appetite.” He’s very rude to me! (but good fun).

We played softball in the afternoon when we stopped at an oval – our side won! Of course, everyone cheated, but we cheated fair, and so we won hands down! We did the readings and George Hawkins made quite a few comments. Poor George, he found himself in hot water because Don McColl has been studying the book of John and corrected just about every comment that Georgie made. George had just finished saying that there were seven miracles (signs?) recorded in John and gave a lengthy explanation about how “seven” means “completeness” but just as he finished his remarks, Don pipes up, “By the way, George, there were eight miracles performed, not seven. It kind of pulled the bottom brick out from under George’s argument.

Phyl Knowles was very peeved. John Knowles wouldn’t let her play softball because she is pregnant. She said she was perfectly well and she really wanted to play. “It’s all right for him ,” she grumbled, “look at him sitting out there on first base. He can have as much fun as he likes but just because I’m having a baby I have to sit here and fume.” Poor Phyl. When I marry you, Jeff, will you stop me playing softball when I want to?

Wendy Jolly and I went to Des Manser’s place afterward to play some records. Young Graham Manser is a real little live wire. He’s been bossed and bullied and loved so much that the results have made rather a queer mixture of the child. Des asked him to sing for us and he agreed to do so but only if “you all turn your backs and don’t look at me.” We turned our backs and Graham began to sing.

“Six little girls sittin’ in the back seat, ahuggin’ and a kissin’ with Fred. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel and your sloopy eyes…I’m not going to sing any more, Brian’s looking at me.” Graham’s nicknames at the moment are, “golly,” “chirpy” and “poppy.”

By the way, Lesley Rogers and Jim Luke, Max Kennett and Margaret and Clem and Peter Weller were also there at the Manser’s place. They managed to get “poppy” into bed at last but then in the midst of the Pastoral symphony a bellow came from the next room,

“Let me go, I want to go and sit with Fay.” I was suitably flattered. I’m progressing with “poppy” and he quite willingly kissed me goodnight when I left.

By the time you get this letter, your operation will be over. Please let me know how soon I can come to see you. I’m missing you dreadfully. I think we will be able to get a ride with Brian Briggs to Melbourne in his Volkswagen with Brian and Wendy Jolly in front and you and me in the back. He’ll let us know on Sunday.

By the way, Joe (the truck driver) is here. He came this afternoon. I wasn’t prepared and it was a bit awkward, especially as I had to go out to Des’ place, but no one noticed. Bill Gurd told me the other day that if we have definitely decided to live at West Beach and want a Housing Trust home we had better let Miss Lewis know as soon as possible.

Well, Jeff, since it is nearly half past ten, I had better get my beauty sleep. Sorry I wasn’t here when you rang this morning. Goodbye my Darling. I’ll ring you when you get back home. Love

Your fiance and bride to be, Fay.

19600419 Letter to Jeff from Fay – My Darling Jeffrey.

It is Tuesday morning and I’m still missing you. Now I’ve got to go to work and put up with Kempney and NAVM all day. If he raises my bristles too much I’ll bite him.

How are you getting back to the Scheers? If you want Dad to give you a ride will you please get somebody to ring him.

Wow my watch is wrong. It’s not 7.30 it’s 8.30. I ‘m going to be late,

Goodbye for now Hubsand,

I love you

Fay.

196005 I think it was somewhere in May 1960 that I finished working with North Americn Vending Machine Company.

19600517 Dad and Mum were due to left for Sydney. A day or so before they were to leave I came down with the ‘flu. They didn’t want to leave me home by myself whilst I was sick, so Dad made up a bed for me in the car and I went with them to Sydney.

Dad’s Itinerary

Tuesday, May 17, Adelaide to Benalla

Wednesday, May 18, Benalla to Sydney

Thursday May 19th in Sydney (Charles and Beth’s place at167 Bayview Ave, Undercliff, NSW.)

Friday May 20th in Sydney – 19600520 Letter to Jeff from Fay, written from Charles’ and Beth’s place at 167 Bayview Ave, Undercliff, NSW.

My Darling Jeffrey,

Greetings in Christ’s Name.

Darling I am missing you so much. I honestly don’t know how I can last out a month. I’m wearing your ring and kissing your photo, and it helps – a little.

Today Dad went out on business and Mum and Beth and I just stayed home and talked and talked and talked. It was so good and we had a great time. Mum isn’t very well though. We met Joe (Caltabiano?) on Tuesday afternoon.

This evening we went to the Conference Gospel Extension Society meeting. Lindsay Colquhoun wasn’t there so I presumed he was sick. The meeting started at 8.00pm and Beth and Charles and I arrived at a quarter past – feels quite like old times. I sat next to somebody called Saxon I met him in Melbourne but can’t remember his name. He seemed rather studious. He had a wide margined bible and actually turned up the three quotes one of the speakers gave in his address. The meeting was all right, but rather uninspiring. I guess I shouldn’t be critical. Everyone was very surprised to see me at the meeting but were not surprised when I told them I had only decided to come three days ago. They said it was typical! How would they know what is “typical?”

I am afraid I am not going to have an opportunity to get books from the ecclesial libraries as all the meetings are combined ones whilst the conference is on. Charles and Beth said they will do their best whilst we are in Brisbane.

I must go to bed now, sweetheart.

I love you,

Fay XX 00 XX

19600520 – Radio Program

Recorded in Sydney on May 22, 1960 by Dad, Mum, Fay, Graham, Joyce, Charles and Beth for the entertainment of the O’Connor in distant parts.

Good evening ladies and gentlemen – you are tuned to the Murqueerie Nitwork of Radio Stations, Station O.C. 167 B.A. and O.C. 6 E.R. NS Wales O.C. 118 G.O. and O.C. 10.F.F. South Australia, the first station past the gate.

—Theme Music—

Charles: In two minutes 37.5 seconds, we will begin our evening sobriety program . Until then we will hear a little music ….(Patetique- side 2, band 2, centre of band).

Graham: Bob, we’re not going to get through this piece in time — step it up a speed or two.

Graham: —— three bells ——

Charles: Now it is time for our evening sobriety program

Theme music plays softly during announcements.

Charles: This session is presented for your enjoyment by and impressive array of Bayview Avenue, Glen Osmond Road, Sproule Street, Ernest Street, and Florence Street foolanthroposts.

Charles: We present to you now our 8.75 news bulletin. This news service is brought to you with the compliments of Budgens, the Jewellers of Distinction.

Graham: Budgens the Jewellers of Distincition. Your watches from Budgens go best. We employ our own staff of pickpockets to ensure this. Your jewellery from Budgens looks superb, but we do not guarantee the culture of our pearls. Your ornamental pottery must be bought from Budgens. We have the sole rights to Woolworth’s rejects. Your engagement ring from Budgen’s glistens brightest. We are experts in cut glass. Your wedding ring is craftsman made at Budgens. We supply FREE with each purchase, a bottle of our patent verdigris remover.

Budgens! Buy Budgens! — Yes, BUY BUDGENS — We’ll gladly sell

— Theme Music ——

Charles: This is the Murqueerie Network of Radio Stations, Station O.C. 167 B.A. and O.C. 6 E.R. NS Wales O.C. 118 G.O. and O.C. 10.F.F. South Australia, the first station past the gate.

— Here is the News —

Holden Station Sedan arrives in Sydney: Containing luggage, more luggage, two human beans, one invalid and a tape-recorder. The occupants and even the invalid report that a concrete water tower, at one time on the right hand side of Liverpool road, is now on the left-hand side. The police have hurriedly abandoned the hunt for Simmonds and Newcombe in order to investigate.

Mr Crosschief last night came panting to the summit. He shocked the world by exposing Mr Eiseinowler of the Benighted Skates to the ridicule of the Parisites by demanding an apple-orgy over the Spy-plane incident.

The “headless body” murderer has been tracked down at last: But some of our listeners have asked us the question — “How does one murder a headless body?” We regret to announce that the defendant RM Terence Patrick O’Connor has not yet been persuaded to divulge his secret — but has instead, promised an early demonstration.

We announce a Royal Wedding — This important event will take place on 11th June in the Lakemba Cathedral. The marriage will be solomonised by the Right Reverend, Dr J.H. Crewes. This is Dr Crewes 250,000th wedding.

Graham. News flash! — World population has reached the record figure of almost 5,000 million — a further sharp increase is expected soon.

Charles: Federal Parliament has passed a bill permitting phone tapping in selected cases. The waterboard says the practice is in high favor with housewives whose throats grow hoarse during long conversations.

Dad. A police Message — The public is requested to volunteer for search parties to help find and rescue the driver of a Holden Station Sedan, lost in flood conditions between Lakemba and Earlwood. Skin Divers on their way to work have been alerted to watch for him.

Charles: A recent communique from Peking reports — that the China War is progressing well. Her aim is straight, but he is an artful dodger!

Charles: We bring you now our weather report. It is wet in Goulburn, and parents are complaining that their children are playing in the puddles. The sun is shining over Sydney — but boating parties in Bayview Avenue still present a major traffic hazard. We repeat — it is wet in Goulburn. (in 2014, the only person who would know what this is about would be Nancy King)

Charles: The stork has just dropped us a message. It reads, “Hello Beth, I’ll be seeing your later my dear. “

Charles: Adelaide News. We have just been informed that Suzanne has a brother. His birth weight was 3 oz. His length from nose to tail was 3 and 5/8th inches. Already he has trebled his birth weight as he continues to eat by the thimbleful.

Charles: That is the end of the News, presented to you by Budgens. The time is now 8:80 before supper.

— Theme Music —

Gr-r-r-r, barking — ends in a gurgle.

Joyce: Ladies! Does your iddy-biddy playful pet persistently puke up his provender? Are your peaceful pastimes punctuated by his tummy rumblings? Purchase Pet-Passion Pasteurised Pet Foods. They pleasantly pamper his precious paunch. Remember the name. Pet-Passion Pasteurised Pet Foods.

Graham: By courtesy of Pet-Passion you are to hear one of the most popular features of Australian Radio – Murqueerie Nitwork’s “Dramatic Poem.” Tonight we promise your most thrilling suspenseful listening ever. The drama is set amidst wild animals of the jungle. The opening scene takes us to the dark foreboding seashore, while this enthralling epic closes in the Courts of British Justice. Now..on with our “dramatic poem.”

Charles: Recites “Albert and the Lion” (by Stanley Hollway).

After — Seaside…………………………………….Slop bowl of water

“ “ Fun…………………………………………Laughter

“ “ Drownded…………………………….….gurgle

During — Paid……………………….…clink money

After — Lions…………………………….Roar

“ “ Tigers…………………………………..….Female Roar

“ “ Camels………………………………..…..Grunt

During — Ferocious…………………..Roar

After — Ear………………………………Pop

During — With ‘im……………………Scream

After — ‘ole……………………………..gurgle

“ “ Said……………………………………….Ohhhh!

“ “ ‘Et Albert………………………………..gurgle

“ “ Purse…………………………………..…chink of money

“ “ Pay …………’…………………….……..jingle of money

“ “ Station……………………………………march of feet…7 steps

“ “ Opinion.………………………………….mallet, order! Order!

“ “ Name…………………………………….1,2,3.4, decrescendo

— theme music — crescendo

— theme music — decrescendo

Charles: Now a word from our sponsor

Graham: BALDO. Gentlemen — does your head slip off the pillow at night?

Are you hounded by officials of the Egg Board? Use BALDO! It does not make your hair grow, but merely shrinks your skull so that your present hairline fits. BALDO! The best of all hair raisers.

— theme music — briefly

Charles: Present with us at the special request of BALDO is Madam “Satchmo” Tchaikovski to introduce our Rotten Roll program. I am sure most of you will know Madam Tchaikovski as the talented nasal guitarist who has done so much to promote the cause of Rotten Roll in Australia. Now over to Madam Tchaikovski.

Fay: G’devening Ledeez ‘n Gennermen. Wereeragen. Ternight’s muzickis unniquee in theistry of Rotten Roll. It begins rowdy on the G string by a baboon. On the musik sheet it ‘as pee, pee, pee, whatever that means. The composer conducted the furst perfourmance ovvit in the Star Theeter, Parkside, before ‘s became a star the other side of the big stone wall — auso in Parkside.

The skippun verve ovvitul thrill thatlottaya.

Now, Uhlets uh’av uh Muzick, Maestro.

1st movement of Pathetique – 1 minute.

Charles: After that delightful interlude, we enter the thriller department of our evening’s entertainment.

Holdfast Chewing Gum Confectionary Products have generously sponsored tonight’s thrilling “Marsh Mello Drama.” So here are the “Holgum Conprod Singers” to introduce the sponsor’s products.

All: Chew — Chew — Chewgum

Chew — Chew — Chewgum

(to the tune of Good King Wenceslas)

Holdfast Chewgum is the best

Holdfast Sweets pass every test.

When your teeth are failing fast,

Holdfast Sweets remove the last .

Holdfast is the great Sweet’s name

Holdfast Chewgum does the same.

Chew your Holdfast as you rise,

It will much increase your size.

Holdfast Chewgum is a wizard

Guaranteed to glue your gizzard.

Chew your Holdfast, chew, chew, chew

It will only poison you.

Charles: We present to you now the producer-narrator of our griping Marsh mello Drama,” Mr Ham O’Coroner.

Graham: The night was dark outside. Night is usually dark. The light was on inside. The four sat in sombre silence. The tension mounted. The electricity bill mounted. Killawatt upon Killawatt went on the metre. One did not move. The others sat still. The head of the house sat rigid, tensely concentrating on controlling his knocking knees, his chattering teeth, his trembling hands, his twitching eyebrows, his floating kidneys.

Where, where, where would he find the answer to their problem?

Eight gogglint eyes swung to the door as the knob slowly turned. On well-oiled hinges the door swung noiselessly inwards.

Dad: Have you got it?

Graham: said the head of the house.

Four: Have you got it?

Graham: Echoed the three

Beth: Yes!

Graham: Came the answer

Dad: Then put them in the frying pan and let’s have tea.

— Theme Music —

Charles: This network acknowledges that it is greatly indebted to Woodley Wines for the Marriage Guidance section of this Sobriety Program. In attendance to conduct this session, at the request of Woodley Wines, we have Father Aggona, President of Alcoholics Sinonymous. Before we introduce Father Aggona to you, our sponsor has a word to say about his superb range of wines, beers and whiskeys.

Mum: Buy Woodley Wines

Fay: Why buy Woodley Wines?

Beth: Because Woodley Wines are most demented.

Mum: Buy Woodley Wines

Fay: Why buy Woodley Wines?

Beth: Because Woodley Wines grow in your neurotic state.

Mum: Buy Woodley Wines.

Fay: Why buy Woodley Wines?

Beth: Because Woodley Wines keep you always on the hops.

Mum: Buy Woodley Wines.

Fay: Why buy Woodley Wines?

Beth: Because Woodley Wines are flavor free and a vinted pest.

All: But don’t ask questions! Buy Woodley Wines.

Charles: It is our pleasure to introduce “friendly” Father Aggona, world renowned as president of Alcoholics Sinonymous. Father Aggona is a new perdition to our long, long lust of Clerical gentermen in this program — Now — Father Aggona to conduct the Marriage Guidance Session for the Soon-to-be-weds.

Dad: Hic! Ladies and Gennermen and all others contemplating marriage. Our question for this week has been sent in by a young man who signs himself P.W. Goodwood. It is a difficult question which has worried young men since Adam was a boy.

The question is: Do married men live longer than single men? Now I know all you Gennermen listening are anxious to hear our reply, so we will not keep you in dispense.

Our Answer. No, married men do not live longer than single men, it only seems longer.

Gennermen, don’t let this deter you from getting married. Marriage can be successful if based upon the golden rule of give and take. You give—she takes. We hope this answers your question P.W. of Goodwood.

Goodnight all, until this time next week.

— hic!

Charles: The wide rumifications of the Murqueerie Nitwork enable us to present in conjunction with Woodley’s a program of delightful classical music.

Our program coordinator, who is adept in counter points is here to compare it, Madam Fay Aconeseur, direct from Paris.

Fay: Good evening Mesdemoysells and Messers, Ve haf ay delicieuse program for tonight. Glorieuse Classicale Musique, beautifully exacuted by von of Eurowpes most tres bienne Orchaystras. It is a magnifique Choral Sympathy by Bite-offen. This recording is on sale from all stations in thees nitwork— so you can each possess your own copy. Plees send your name, address, phone number and nights allowed out with your order.

Now, I will pairsonally will marche the machine to play this beeootiful musique. Air vous on the “que-vive?” Vun, deux, trois.

Pheugo Lenio 1 1/2 minutes.

Charles: What a wonderful choice of musique Mademoysle has.

Dad: Blows hard through fingers.

Graham: You can depend on Gas — all the time.

Joyce: Gas cooks bitter

Graham: All mother ‘s meetings invariably use Gas.

Joyce: Gas cooks far less.

Graham: There is no waiting while hot plates heat — with Gas, hot plates stay cool.

Joyce: Gas does not burn water.

Graham: it is simple to use Gas — even the least experienced can despatch himself with ease.

Joyce: Gas is 100% safe.

Graham: Remember, our Gas is non-inflammable.

ALL: Gas — Gas — Gas — Gas — Gas — Gas — Gas.

Charles: The Australian Gas Light Company sponsors our “Cookery Nook” in which we give you the best recipes from Australia and Overseas. Our culinary artist for tonight is Miss Juicy McRosser, recently returned from and extensiv intercontinental fat finding tour. Miss Juicy McRosser is a specialist chef so we feel sure you will be delighted with what she will pass on to you. It is a suspicious occasion Ladees when I can introduce such an important personage as Miss Juicy McRosser to you — Miss McRosser.

Joyce: Good evening Dear Ladies! Tonight’s recipe is a luxury item….It is quite exotic because it comes to us direct …..from Hinley Street.

Now dear ladies, have you your notebooks and pencils ready? Be careful to take particular note of this recipe as I am sure that you will not have the opportunity to hear this one again.

The Recipe — How to make tasty, home made sausages — with a difference.

The ungredients you will need are:

1 Daschund. These make the VERY best sausages. (If possible obtain one with a rug on, as this adds to the flavor.

2 buckets of DEAD crumbs. (In lieu of DEAD crumbs, if unobtainable, we suggest toasted, crumbed CORK)

In order to season these sausages well, ladies, you will need to combine the following ungredients.

1 bundle of Clothes — unwashed.

1 Mace, ground fine

1 Royal Mint— and of course, Pa’s Sleeve.

The quantities of seasoning to be added will of course be largely dependent on the weather.

Have you got that all down ladies? Be careful to take careful note of the METHOD as there is an art in cooking these sausages.

All the ungredients must be half cooked before placing in your skins because this does enhance the flavor.

If desired well cooked, place one AXE in the pan with the sausages. When the AXE is nicely tender you can be sure that the sausages will be done to a turn.

You may desire to toss out the sausages at this stage and serve the AXE. However if you prefer to eat the sausages be sure to remove the buckles from the rug first, as some may find these to be a slight cause of irritation to the duodenum.

Now Dear Ladies, I do wish you every success with this Delec-table Recipe

I would like to back hand you all to our kind announcer.

Good evening, ladies.

— Theme music —

Charles: Thank you indeed for such an interesting Recipe Miss Juicy McRosser.

In a few moments it will be time for us to sign off.

Meanwhile here is the 11.69 time signal.

Graham: 6 pips.

Charles: From all the staff at Murqueerie Nitwork, Station O.C. 167 B.A. and O.C. 6 E.R. NS Wales O.C. 118 G.O. and O.C. 10.F.F. South Australia, the first station past the gate, here is our epilogue.

We’ve each tried so hard here to please you,

The efforts of all have gone in.

Many hands made like work of the labor

At times you could hear drop of pin.

The fun cames from brains mighty fertile

The soil there collects through the ears.

How oft we have laughed our fat ‘eads off

And giggled ourselves nigh to tears.

You cannot imagine our struggle

To find enough things for to say.

But when it’s for you folks we’re trying

Since there’s a will, there’s a way.

Script-writers, typistes and workers,

Technicians, advisers an’ all.

We found out in this little effort

We’re all the time right on the ball.

We ‘aven’t a thing to complain of.

Why should we? We’re a marvellous team.

In hours upon hours of ‘ard labor

Not a word did we ‘ear off the beam.

Juicy’s the name we have chosen

For one of our up-coming stars.

She’s plotting cloak-and-dagger in secret

To put artless ‘Ham behind bars.

But we’re well-wishers despite that

We think they’ll go well in a pair.

We know they’ll succeed in their home life.

Our Cook Nook’s disposed of that care.

But others have home life in Sydney

A babe’s to be born, did you know?

And Bessie’s the name of the Mother

We won’t tell the father’s name though.

Now Father and Mother Aggona

Won’t take ‘Oly Orders, we find.

With a frown and a shake of their foreheads

Said “We’ve got other things on our mind.”

But that makes us ‘appy as could be

They’re best as they are each one thinks.

And mixed with the frown on the forehead

We all saw terrific broad winks.

A fairy we have in our midst now

But tripping up north she will go,

To spy out the land it’s quite likely

The honeymoon spots for to know.

It ‘s not now so long to her wedding,

The date has been fixed well before.

Her Jeffy can’t wait for the moment.

Oh why won’t it hurry some more.

Now Midge’s a nice little fellow

I see all agree with me here.

We wonder just what he does look like

But we’ll see in time never fear.

Our memories quite clear, sort of Bell like

For faces of four still at home.

We see every inch of their features

And those words aren’t just for our poem.

— Theme Music to fade —-

19600521 Saturday in Sydney – Letter to Jeff from 167 Bayview Ave Earlwood, NSW

My Darling Jeffrey,

Greetings in Christ’s Name. Darling I’m being shockingly lazy. Yesterday we finished breakfast, had our showers and got dressed in time for dinner at 2 o’clock. Isn’t that disgusting? Still I am beginning to feel human now. I’m still coughing but not as bad as I was. Mum’s not 100% though either. Jeff, I wish you were over here. You’ve never seen us all as a family and some of the fun things we all get up to when we are together. Graham and Joyce came for supper and Charlie had a plan for us. We knew that Maynard was very miserable at having to stay back in Adelaide and miss Graham’s wedding, so we decided to do something to cheer him up. When we were children we used to do lots of acting with the boy up the street on the back of an old truck in his backyard. So we decided to record a “radio program.” Truly, Jeff, I haven’t laughed to much for years. Charlie hasn’t changed. He laughed so much too and once he had to go to the toilet in a big hurry because he had laughed too much. Joyce and Beth at one stage exchanged sympathetic smiles and commented that when we all get together it is like “electricity” as we all spark off each other. They said they could “almost see the sparks flying.”

We put together a radio program. Graham was the elected “chief thinker-upper” of commercials, I looked after the “Classical music program.” We wrote a melodrama. We have worked out all the details but still have to record it and will do that soon. It even includes a jazz session and we formed a band which included drummer using spoons, 3 comb players, one radiogram playing a song sung in Greek whilst the band played “Rock around the clock.” We all agreed that the end result sounded like the after-meeting talk coming over the micro phone at Lakemba.

By twelve o ‘clock we had it all pretty well roughed out and only had to record it. It was like old times. We had a “Marshmallow” drama, News flashes, “Leave it to the girls”, a religious session conducted by Father Aggona, two Dramatic poems, a book review, a children’s session, a bed time story and our sponsors were “Wettex.” By the time it was ready to record, we all had the “stitch” in our sides and our eyes were sore with crying from laughing too much and we wondered whether the neighbors might call the police.

I wish you were here. I got so excited that I couldn’t unwind enough to go to sleep, still, I’ll have a lazy day tomorrow. Beth is four months into her pregnancy but she doesn’t look very big. They say they are going to call the baby “Agatha” after me if it is a girl or “Egbert” after Charlie if it is a boy.

Can’t wait until we are married, Darling.

I love you.

Fay

Sunday May 22nd in Sydney

Monday May 23, Sydney to Pt MacQuarie

Tuesday May 24, Pt MacQuarie to Brisbane (contact c/- Bro F Bailey, Glory St Ashgrove, Brisbane Qld)

Wednesday May 25th In Brisbane

Thursday May 26th In Brisbane

Friday May 27th In Brisbane

Saturday May 28th In Brisbane

Sunday May 29th in Brisbane

Monday May 30, Brisbane to Bundaberg, (c/- Clare Bundesen’s parents.)

Tuesday 31, Bundaberg to Rockhampton (c/- June Bundesen’s parents.)

Wednesday, June 1, Rockhampton to McKay (c/- Bro. Smith, Recorder, back of Shield.)

Thursday June 2, McKay to Townsville (c/- Mrs (Sis) McCarthy, 41 Mitchell st North Ward, Townsville.)

Friday June 3 in Townsville

Saturday June 4 – in Townsville – Jeff letter and poem —

JEFF’S POEM (a selection because 120 verses way too long for here).

1. My love has gone away from me ,

To distant towns afar

O’er mountains high, my eye can’t see,

My loved one in the car.

2. ‘Twas suddenly, one morning bright

The message came to me,

“Goodbye, my love, I’ll be all right,

I’m off to Sydney.”

3. I felt a burning pain inside,

It was the word, “Goodbye,”

That opened up a wound so wide,

I felt that I would die.

4. My mouth went dry, no words would come,

No protest could I give

“To Sydney with Dad and Mum,”

— I’d rather die than live.

5. Her lovely voice came o’e the phone

So beautiful and clear,

“Goodbye my dear, I’ll soon be gone.”

— I couldn’t see for tears.

6. One sweet and lovely kiss she made,

And then the phone went “click.”

It’s metallic sound still lingers now,

To make my heart feel sick.

7. An awful silence then prevailed

And then the dialling tone —

My fingers fumbled as I dialled

— no answering voice, she’d gone.

8. The urgent ring of my phone

Was laughing back at me.

Her final words raced in my mind,

— “I‘m off to Sydney.”

9. The rasping phone was laughing now

With a maniac’s delight.

I flung it down — an awful row —

And sat with tear-filled sight.

10. My love had gone away from me

To distant towns afar

O’er mountains high my eye can’t see

My loved one in the car.

11. Why have you gone, my precious one?

I love you, can’t you see?

Please tell me Darling what I’ve done

That you should tire of me?

12. I fear that somewhere you may find

A new love to enjoy,

A fine young man — and then cast me

Away — a useless toy!

13. My Darling, turn again, I pray

Return O love to me,

O hasten now that longed for day

That together we may be.

14. “Forget me not” I ask of thee

My cry goes out aloud.

Return, return O lovely one;

My love to thee I vowed.

15. I gave to you one night this year

A token of my love,

I vowed to you my love, O Dear

My only one, my dove.

16. Your journeying far has left me now

So desolate and lost,

No sleep has come to my tired eyes,

But I have turned and tossed.

17. I’ve sought thee, dear, throughout the nights

Oh! Why so far from me?

Your place is here close by my side,

That together we may be.

18. Before my eyes you ever are

A vision beautiful.

Attractive, lovely, pure and sweet;

My hear strings it doth pull.

19. Countless long hours throughout the nights

Have fled as if on wings

For you have been my rich delight

— a feast of lovely things.

20. Into the dark I strain and stare,

And hope to picture thee;

Not as a vision just there

And coming close to me.

30. Remember dear, the love we vowed

Upon the windy hill

Above us then the heavens towered

The air around was chill.

31. We knelt together on that dark night

A blessing we did seek,

We bound ourselves ever so tight —

A love so strong, not weak.

32. The rushing wind around us went

— It’s cold and chilling bite

Had no effect, nor would us rent

— We clung together tight.

35. All that I have I’ve given thee

And yet ‘tis not enough

No substance of a man will be

The equal to thy love.

36. For though were given all to me

The wealth of this wide world

I vow I’d give it in exchange

For love — for it has ruled.

38. Together in the dark we’ve lain

And talked of many things,

And shared the secrets of true love

—And time has flown on wings.

44. My love has gone away from me

To distant towns afar

O’er mountains high my eye can’t see

My loved one in the car.

120. My love has gone afar from me

To distant towns away

But she’ll come home again to me

My Only one,

Dear Fay.

Sunday June 5 – Townsville to Bowen (c/ Bro F Stoneham c/- PO Bowen)

Monday June 6 and Tuesday 7 – Bowen to Rockhampton to Brisbane (same address)

Wednesday June 8 – in Brisbane

Thursday June 9 – Tamworth

Friday June 10 – Tamworth to Sydney

Saturday June 11 – Graham and Joyce’s wedding.

Sunday June 12 – in Sydney – (Charles and Beth’s place)

Monday June 13 – in Sydney (Charles and Beth’s place) – Letter to Fay 65 Elizabeth St Norwood.

My Darling Fay, Greetings in the Name and the Hope.

Thank you darling for your reply to my letter. After many days of waiting and frustration it finally arrived Saturday morning. The thoughts expressed greatly stirred me. Your absence is continually coming to mind and I get lonely – a real empty, lost feeling. Whatever I am doing or wherever I am I miss your presence. No-one siting next to me, or just talking or walking, or working with me, no-one in the car with me, noone at nights — terrible! Look out when you get back home! Xxx

The following items of interest will bring you up to date with happenings in Adelaide.

Brigitta Lucinski was baptised out at Cumberland over a week ago at Brother Lawrey’s place. Both Brigitta and her mother were deeply affected – her mother is bubbling over now with fervor and excitement and joy.

Woodville Young Folks was held a week ago last Saturday and John Knowles spoke on the prophecy of Jeremiah. He dealt with the subject in quite an impressive way. Three particular prophecies were demonstrated. The clean linen girdle (of Jeremiah 13) was bound around the speaker. He carried it (using a map) and buried it (under the table). He made the second journey, using the map) and produced the “girdle marred and profitable for nothing” (using a dirty shrunken chamois). The potter’s vessel of Jer 18, 19, 20 was shown using a replica of a 400 BC vessel. The drama was enacted, the potter’s vessel smashed before their eyes and the exhortation given (and Paul’s exhortation Rom 9:20-23). The “Yoke” prophecy of Jeremiah 27,28,29 was demonstrated using a wooden yoke (which was broken by false prophet Hananiah) broke at appropriate time. The night was a visually impressive night. Word pictures were quite tangible for the young folk.

Bro HP Mansfield exhorted in Adelaide on that Sunday morning. He dealt with Heb 11 and 12 in an impressive way – the theme of “looking forward to the future” – make it living and tangible.

Your brother Maynard has bought an elaborate Phillips tape recorder and several tapes. He has quite a lot of Perce’s addresses recorded including the above exhortation.

Tuesday evening was the final Rose Park Class before Perce goes away. I think it has been recorded. He was presented with a leather brief case from members. In return Perce offered good words of advice and instruction.

Wednesday night was the combined farewell evening for Perce in the Temple. Over 300 attended to hear two addresses on the “signs of the times” – the first by John Martin on Turkey (delivered with usual fervor) and the other on Israel by Alan Dangerfield (delivered with usual quotes). Perce outlined his itinerary using a large world map and was in sparkling witty form, supplemented by uproarious extracts from his correspondence with the American brethren on arrangements etc. The total length of their air tickets (stapled together) was 22 feet. This was unfolded and held upright across the stage. Perce solemnly presented them to Peter Mansfield with dire threats of punishment if lost.

Friday night Perce delivered the GES lecture at Salisbury. About 75 turned up (very few attended from Adelaide ecclesia other than the young people ).

The three visitors were brought along by Enfield. Frank Windsor and his wife were baptised at Woodville by Enfield ecclesia Saturday night.

Young Folks was held in Adelaide last Saturday night. I was chairman. The subject was “Hast thou considered my servant Job?” Ken Stewart dealt with the subject quite commendably.

Don McColl and Lois Hawkins were over and Sis Betty Steele from Townsville.

Sunday night Perce lectured in the Temple. His subject “The earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.” It is down on tape and well worth hearing.

Please note that HPM and Peter will be leaving Adelaide Airport at 5 pm (I think) Tuesday evening. Wednesday morning will probably be spent at Brother Jim Mansfield’s. They leave Sydney for Honolulu on Wednesday afternoon about 3 pm (please check). The slides on GES were ready a week ago.There are 50 and I am glad they are finished. I indexed all Perce’s slides and filed them in a special carrying case we got for him. In all there are about 165 slides on GES, Tabernacle, Hebrew Poetry, Campaigns of David, Bible marking, Prophecy of Daniel, Deity manifested in the flesh etc.

The next effort is the Enfield Hall opening campaigh from July 23 -31st. You guessed it, more big charts! I also have to address the combined Elpis Israel Class night during the campaign.

Barbara Foulis and Roger Stokes are having their kitchen evening on July 9th. I have been asked to be MC. I want to make a set slides on “Ruth” depicting the characters, types etc, to use in about 8 weeks time for the Bible Class in Adelaide. It will be a bit of a rush.

Conference work now is beginning to increase in tempo. Perce has left a tape with his suggestions on Conference notes for John Martin and Frank Russell to work on. I have got the rest of the notes on Hebrews (from Ch 10:12 to end) typed out by Anne Mansfield. When you get back we will soon need those shorthand notes of yours on Chapter 8, 9 and 10 translated and typed.

What has been done in regard to old works of the pioneers, early Christadephian publications such as booklets, pamphlets etc? Have Beth and Charles had any success? Can you get to one or two of the ecclesial libraries in Sydney and when in Melbourne and hunt among the old dusty shelves? I know you will do your best.

John Martin was saying that Perce was due to be at the Hall opening of Yagoona Ecclesia and campaign with Granville ecclesia at the end of October and beginning of November. Perce has written to Keith Cook and it looks like John Martin will be going over. Would this be a good way of spending our honeymoon ??

You could mention this to Charlie (about John going over) He might be able to help in planning the effort.

When Perce arrives back in Darwin (DV) he plans to go to Perth and conduct a short campaign before coming home to Adelaide.

Had some encouraging news about the house, the style we want (54-5) may not be quite the price that has been stated. We may be able to get it (but will have very little else to go with it ).

When you get back we had better plan our furniture necessities and bare minimums required.

The rear hall will be all right for Friday night and I will book it. What about caterers? I have to fix up with Brother L Jolly on the use of the Temple for the service and yet to see sister Francis about the flowers. Should be all right.

My mother came home last week after about 9 or 10 weeks of treatment (shock- same as Keith I believe). I have not seen her yet but will do so when appropriate.

The Scheers want me back again now that the old chap has died. They are going to repaint the room first and clean up everything. It will be at least a fortnight! Do you want me to go back? Perhaps we can talk it over when you get home.

How is Charles and the work in the ecclesias. What is news about mother-to-be Beth? How was the wedding? Where did Graham and Joyce go for their honeymoon? Where will they live? What about the trip? How did it go. How are your Mum and Dad? A little news would be appreciated.

I am writing this letter (reclining in bed) on Monday night. Today w as the Queen’s birthday holiday. All the young people went to Gum Oval, National Park. There was an exciting softball match in the morning and a more exciting football match in the afternoon. Final scores were 11- 9 to 10 – 11. Our team won.

I have lost several layers of skin covering a large area under my big toe (right foot) The flesh has lifted away leaving new raw skin underneath. It hurts! I am bruised and weary.

Remember the hike we went on finishing up at the Clothiers. Remember how you felt when you got home, even after the hot!! Bath and horse liniment? Well I feel like that, but worse, because you are not here.

The month that you have been away has been very long. Your prolonged absence has been a heavy trial. I have been very busy – often falling into bed, weary and tired out, but the fact of you not being here has been felt. I need you home very soon. The continual reminders, the thoughts, the memories are always coming back. I am feeling like I wrote to you in the poem. I don’t know how many times I have read your reply. I can’t wait to marry you on 21st October, God Willing. When you come home we will have to plan our future in earnest. It is fast approaching and the sooner it is the better. Darling hurry home to me please.

Lots and lots and lots and lots of love, Jeff xxxxoooxxx

Tuesday June 14 – Sydney to Albury

Wednesday June 15 – Albury to Melbourne

Thursday Jun 16 – In Melbourne

Friday June 17 – in Melbourne

Saturday June 18 – Melbourne to Tintinara or Keith – Hope to stay with and meet with Bro Malcolm Pitt at Bunbury

Sunday June 19 – Keith to Adelaide.