Hi
If there is anyone out there following "Mum's Diary" I have decided to start again from the beginning of the family with the direction of Mum she can be the editor.
Mum told me something today that she said she has not told anyone except her Mother and that was that she wanted to be a Nun. Very interesting, I would not be writing this if she was!!! Now I can understand why Nanna took her out of College and sent Val her Sister (who only lasted a few weeks before running away) there. A method in Nanna's madness, hooray for Nanna I love her even more.
Mum and I will get together once a week and start the new blog, there is just so much interesting material to publish, court details of our convict ancestor, his Ticket of leave, pictures of early irons, & telephones etc. Then once we have done the early lives ofthe family I will continue on with Mum's Diary and include present day family life.
I hope the one or 2 of you following will be so excited about all this I know I am.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
William the convict
Hi, I know I am out of context but have just been given these beautiful old photos I have not seen before and feel they need to be posted. Maybe I should start again from the beginning of the family history of Mum. I am too far into it now so will continue with "Mum's Diary" once I include the early life history of the family.
I might as well go back to our dear convict ancestor if it was not for him we would not be living in this wonderful Country.
In County Down, Northern Ireland about 1792 there was born to Mr & Mrs William Lemon a son, who was named William after his father. At this stage his Mother's name and anything else about the family is unknown. Young William was to become a muslin weaver by trade - perhaps his father was also a weaver, as the weaving trade tended to be a family concern, even a community business in some small villages at this time in history.
William's first step towards Australia came in August 1820, when he was arrested and convicted in the County Down Courts for passing forged notes. The sentence for this not too drastic crime was life. The first year of his sentence was spent in County Down prison. Then as one of 100 male convicts he was transported to Australia on the vessel "Southworth". They sailed via Teneriffe in the Canary Islands and Cape Town. These places were used by the Convict ships as stops to re-stock water and food. The "Southworth" was a vessel of 350 tons, built in Chester in 1821 - so this was probably its maiden voyage. The Master was David Sampson and Joseph Cook the ship's surgeon - according to his log, there were no deaths during the voyage.
From the time of his arrest and conviction William lemont became known as William Lemon - a very common surname in Ulster. This was most likely to protect his family, especially if they were of some standing in the community.
Ship's indent and all other documents that have been researched in connection with him as a convict besr the name William Lemon. From the indent for "Southworth" we find this description -besides deatils of his conviction - age 30, 5ft.101/2inches, fair complexion, brown hair and grey eyes.
On arrival in Australia the convicts were drafted into Government work or assigned as labourers to the free settlers. The Governemnt used the Convicts for works in towns - Sydney, Parramatta and later Hobart. Here they lived in barracks and regulations provided adequate food and clothing, but their happiness and well-being depended entirely on the character of the overseer. William Lemon found himself assigned to the Female Orphanage at Parramatta as a Stockman.
By the 1820's there was a recognized system for granting a Ticket of Leave. Men and Women sentenced to 7 years could apply after serving 4 years of the sentence.
William applied for and was granted a Ticket of Leave in 1829, taken into the fact that he apprehended three bushrangers. He was allowed to remain in the district of Parramatta to which he had been assigned, and to present himself to Police when Quarterly Musters were held. Once a Convict has been granted a Ticket of Leave he could then hire himself out for wages. This may explain the different occupations that William was supposed to have followed - labourer - bullock drover and shoe maker. It was noy until 1844 that William did anything about a Conditional Pardon, why he waited so long I don't know.
It wasn't until 1st February, 1845 that it was officially handed to him. A conditional Pardon meant that a convict's sentence had been remitted on the condition that he did not return to his home Country.
I might as well go back to our dear convict ancestor if it was not for him we would not be living in this wonderful Country.
In County Down, Northern Ireland about 1792 there was born to Mr & Mrs William Lemon a son, who was named William after his father. At this stage his Mother's name and anything else about the family is unknown. Young William was to become a muslin weaver by trade - perhaps his father was also a weaver, as the weaving trade tended to be a family concern, even a community business in some small villages at this time in history.
William's first step towards Australia came in August 1820, when he was arrested and convicted in the County Down Courts for passing forged notes. The sentence for this not too drastic crime was life. The first year of his sentence was spent in County Down prison. Then as one of 100 male convicts he was transported to Australia on the vessel "Southworth". They sailed via Teneriffe in the Canary Islands and Cape Town. These places were used by the Convict ships as stops to re-stock water and food. The "Southworth" was a vessel of 350 tons, built in Chester in 1821 - so this was probably its maiden voyage. The Master was David Sampson and Joseph Cook the ship's surgeon - according to his log, there were no deaths during the voyage.
From the time of his arrest and conviction William lemont became known as William Lemon - a very common surname in Ulster. This was most likely to protect his family, especially if they were of some standing in the community.
Ship's indent and all other documents that have been researched in connection with him as a convict besr the name William Lemon. From the indent for "Southworth" we find this description -besides deatils of his conviction - age 30, 5ft.101/2inches, fair complexion, brown hair and grey eyes.
On arrival in Australia the convicts were drafted into Government work or assigned as labourers to the free settlers. The Governemnt used the Convicts for works in towns - Sydney, Parramatta and later Hobart. Here they lived in barracks and regulations provided adequate food and clothing, but their happiness and well-being depended entirely on the character of the overseer. William Lemon found himself assigned to the Female Orphanage at Parramatta as a Stockman.
By the 1820's there was a recognized system for granting a Ticket of Leave. Men and Women sentenced to 7 years could apply after serving 4 years of the sentence.
William applied for and was granted a Ticket of Leave in 1829, taken into the fact that he apprehended three bushrangers. He was allowed to remain in the district of Parramatta to which he had been assigned, and to present himself to Police when Quarterly Musters were held. Once a Convict has been granted a Ticket of Leave he could then hire himself out for wages. This may explain the different occupations that William was supposed to have followed - labourer - bullock drover and shoe maker. It was noy until 1844 that William did anything about a Conditional Pardon, why he waited so long I don't know.
It wasn't until 1st February, 1845 that it was officially handed to him. A conditional Pardon meant that a convict's sentence had been remitted on the condition that he did not return to his home Country.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
War years at Weja
During the war years when engine drivers were unavailable, Walter's responsibilities included the receival of the wheat, he drove the engines and trucks without any extra pay.
Eileen and Walter's home was destroyed by fire on 29th January, 1956 - taking all their possessions.
Walter started to build again, when in April, 1958 Eileen died in Temora District Hospital aged 55 years. They had in the years spent at Weja raised 3 daughters - Marie, Valerie & Beverley.
Also during the war years Walter & Eileen fostered a young girl from Sydney.
Owing to the scare of possible attack on Sydney, many parents sent their children to the comparative safety of the Country. The young girl was Joyce Coates, born in Sydney on 2nd March, 1936. Joy arrived by train to Weja in 1941 at the tender age of 5 years and was welcomed into the family. After 2 years Eileen and Walter wished to adopt Joy as she had become part of this happy family. It was'nt to be as her maternal Mother wished to keep her.
However Joy was allowed back for school holidays and she has continued over the years to visit the family at Weja whenever she was able.
Joy still feels part of the family who lovingly took her in those many years ago as is very much a sister to Marie, Val & Bev. She is married to George Gilbert of Woollongong. They have a family of 3 girls and one boy and now live in Queensland.
Update on Joy: 2010 Joy moved to Coffs Harbour to be close to Bev who now resides there.
Walter died in the Ungarie Hospital at the age of 75 on 15th september, 1976 and is buried by his wife in the Church of England portion of the Ungarie Cemetery.
Eileen and Walter's home was destroyed by fire on 29th January, 1956 - taking all their possessions.
Walter started to build again, when in April, 1958 Eileen died in Temora District Hospital aged 55 years. They had in the years spent at Weja raised 3 daughters - Marie, Valerie & Beverley.
Also during the war years Walter & Eileen fostered a young girl from Sydney.
Owing to the scare of possible attack on Sydney, many parents sent their children to the comparative safety of the Country. The young girl was Joyce Coates, born in Sydney on 2nd March, 1936. Joy arrived by train to Weja in 1941 at the tender age of 5 years and was welcomed into the family. After 2 years Eileen and Walter wished to adopt Joy as she had become part of this happy family. It was'nt to be as her maternal Mother wished to keep her.
However Joy was allowed back for school holidays and she has continued over the years to visit the family at Weja whenever she was able.
Joy still feels part of the family who lovingly took her in those many years ago as is very much a sister to Marie, Val & Bev. She is married to George Gilbert of Woollongong. They have a family of 3 girls and one boy and now live in Queensland.
Update on Joy: 2010 Joy moved to Coffs Harbour to be close to Bev who now resides there.
Walter died in the Ungarie Hospital at the age of 75 on 15th september, 1976 and is buried by his wife in the Church of England portion of the Ungarie Cemetery.
Mum's Mum & Dad
Before I go to much further into Mum's future her is a little information on her Mum and Dad.
Walter Lemon was the youngest son of the family, being born at Nubba on 19th March, 1901. Walter would have been about 5 when the move was made to Mildil, so his schooling would have been there. After school he was also drawn to the land.
He married Eileen Elliott on 25th February, 1925. Eileen was born at Yalgogran on
24th December, 1903, the daughter of Mr & Mrs Fred Elliott who were farmers.
After 12 months share farming with Walter Worner in the Wyalong area, Walter and Eileen moved to Weja Siding. They took up residence there in March, 1926 and Walter began to build their home.
On 15th June the same year Walter became the local Post Master, succeeding George Wallace. Eileen managed the Post office, her work on the exchange especially during the bush fires, was commended by all.
Walter also had a carrier business - 5 trucks spread over many districts carrying grain and wool. Walter held the position of Post Master until his death.
He was entertained by the Weja district residence as a tribute to his 50 years of loyal friendly service in 1976. Both Eileen and Walter were popular fugures in Weja and Ungarie, and took an active interest in the community.
Eileen was one of those responsible for founding many of the organisations which kept Weja a thriving centre, she was secretary of the Weja Tennis Club for many years and an active supporter of the Cricket Club.
Walter took a very active role in the sporting field, playing Rugby League, Cricket - representing the O'Farrell Cup, Tennis and in later years Lawn Bowls.
Walter was President of the Ungarie Bowls Club for many years, being Vice President at the time of his death. Walter was also Silo Manager at Weja from the time they were built, until the early 1950's.
Walter Lemon was the youngest son of the family, being born at Nubba on 19th March, 1901. Walter would have been about 5 when the move was made to Mildil, so his schooling would have been there. After school he was also drawn to the land.
He married Eileen Elliott on 25th February, 1925. Eileen was born at Yalgogran on
24th December, 1903, the daughter of Mr & Mrs Fred Elliott who were farmers.
After 12 months share farming with Walter Worner in the Wyalong area, Walter and Eileen moved to Weja Siding. They took up residence there in March, 1926 and Walter began to build their home.
On 15th June the same year Walter became the local Post Master, succeeding George Wallace. Eileen managed the Post office, her work on the exchange especially during the bush fires, was commended by all.
Walter also had a carrier business - 5 trucks spread over many districts carrying grain and wool. Walter held the position of Post Master until his death.
He was entertained by the Weja district residence as a tribute to his 50 years of loyal friendly service in 1976. Both Eileen and Walter were popular fugures in Weja and Ungarie, and took an active interest in the community.
Eileen was one of those responsible for founding many of the organisations which kept Weja a thriving centre, she was secretary of the Weja Tennis Club for many years and an active supporter of the Cricket Club.
Walter took a very active role in the sporting field, playing Rugby League, Cricket - representing the O'Farrell Cup, Tennis and in later years Lawn Bowls.
Walter was President of the Ungarie Bowls Club for many years, being Vice President at the time of his death. Walter was also Silo Manager at Weja from the time they were built, until the early 1950's.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Update
Those of you who are following each day I have not forgotten about adding another page. Before I get too far ahead I want to include some more information on the era I am at. I will see Mum tomorrow to get what I need so I can continue on. I know I have a copy of a cricket match that took place with a lot of the local players from Ungarie and feel it would be fitting to include here as well. I will look for it tonight and hopefully be able to post it tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
War Years
After I left college the war was still on and all Males eligable were being called up for duty. One such person was the teacher of the Weja School so it looked like closing for the 15 students that attended it. That was if they could not find a replacement.
One day an inspector from Parkes made the trip to the school and called on me to see if I would carry on as a subsidised teacher as he knew I had been to college and he did not want the school to close, that was how I became a teacher.
I was scared and said to him do you think I can do it. He gave me a briefing and said he would send me correspondence to tell me what to do. Being a Taurus I said yes I will give it a go.
It was going to be difficult for me as I knew all the students and wondered would they respond to me as three were only a couple of years younger than me and I was only 18 years of age.
I loved it from the start and studied very hard to make a go of it. I must mention my younger sister Bev was also a pupil but she soon learnt to call me Miss in class outside was a different matter.
I stayed there until the school finally closed and those still of school age went to Ungarie and not one had to repeat a class.
Ann Burdack one day caught up with me in Queensland and asked did I have a photo of the pupils I taught and to my surprise she gave me one. Three students are missing they are Phyllis & Eric Peacock and Kevin Coates an evacuee from Sydney. They only attended to keep the school open and did their course by correspondence which I had to help and check.
One day an inspector from Parkes made the trip to the school and called on me to see if I would carry on as a subsidised teacher as he knew I had been to college and he did not want the school to close, that was how I became a teacher.
I was scared and said to him do you think I can do it. He gave me a briefing and said he would send me correspondence to tell me what to do. Being a Taurus I said yes I will give it a go.
It was going to be difficult for me as I knew all the students and wondered would they respond to me as three were only a couple of years younger than me and I was only 18 years of age.
I loved it from the start and studied very hard to make a go of it. I must mention my younger sister Bev was also a pupil but she soon learnt to call me Miss in class outside was a different matter.
I stayed there until the school finally closed and those still of school age went to Ungarie and not one had to repeat a class.
Ann Burdack one day caught up with me in Queensland and asked did I have a photo of the pupils I taught and to my surprise she gave me one. Three students are missing they are Phyllis & Eric Peacock and Kevin Coates an evacuee from Sydney. They only attended to keep the school open and did their course by correspondence which I had to help and check.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
First Boyfriend
During the late 20's and early 30's my parents looked after a cousin Lila Bannon she was Mum's sisters youngest child. We treated her as a sister and over the years always kept in touch. When Lila was to be married she went back to Sydney to be near her Mum and Sister Sadie and on 4th September, 1940 she married Jack Griffiths a police officer and Mum & Dad together with their friends The Haubs drove down to Sydney to attend the wedding.
(My daughter Judy and I visited Lila 2 days ago)
My youngest days were spent playing tennis every Saturday in tournaments and on Sundays if it wasn't cricket season.
Dad and I played a lot together, won some but mostly were runners up as we had a big handicap as Dad was so good. Our handicap sometimes was minus 40, that meant we had to win 3 strokes before we started.
Dad was good at all sport especially cricket, we used to follow his team around, one day he got 9 wickets for 9 runs. I remember as I used to do the scoring.
Going to dances was the other favourite past time, we would go up to 40 miles to attend a dance or Ball but of course we were lucky as Mum and Dad were good dancers and Dad had a car and they loved to go dancing. Dad was always the MC and would always put on dances that were our favourites.
Weja dances were always a success as they were known around the country towns as the best cooks and the suppers were great with all the home cooking. Mum was the Secretary for the dances.
If we were having a good time at a dance they would take the hat around for a collection to pay the band to play longer, they would play to about 2am or later.
It was at one of these functions that I met my first boyfriend, he was a banjo player in the band and a good dancer as well.
(My daughter Judy and I visited Lila 2 days ago)
My youngest days were spent playing tennis every Saturday in tournaments and on Sundays if it wasn't cricket season.
Dad and I played a lot together, won some but mostly were runners up as we had a big handicap as Dad was so good. Our handicap sometimes was minus 40, that meant we had to win 3 strokes before we started.
Dad was good at all sport especially cricket, we used to follow his team around, one day he got 9 wickets for 9 runs. I remember as I used to do the scoring.
Going to dances was the other favourite past time, we would go up to 40 miles to attend a dance or Ball but of course we were lucky as Mum and Dad were good dancers and Dad had a car and they loved to go dancing. Dad was always the MC and would always put on dances that were our favourites.
Weja dances were always a success as they were known around the country towns as the best cooks and the suppers were great with all the home cooking. Mum was the Secretary for the dances.
If we were having a good time at a dance they would take the hat around for a collection to pay the band to play longer, they would play to about 2am or later.
It was at one of these functions that I met my first boyfriend, he was a banjo player in the band and a good dancer as well.
Monday, June 14, 2010
1942
End of term and I said goodbye to my school mates as I was going to Mount Carmel College in Yass the next year. It was a Catholic college even though I was C of E but it was the only vacancy my parents could get. It was the done thing for girls to try and finish their schooling at college and make a Lady out of them???
There were quite a lot of Church of Englands attending there and we all became friends and did so until we gradually got married and went our seperate ways. The food was very basic. Our Saturday morning special was to line up and get a dose of epson salts, some of us rectified that as we put a glass in our apron pocket and emptied the dose in that, we managed not to get caught.
Living away from home was different, I missed my parents very much as we were a close family. Mum did visit a couple of times coming by train.
Whilst our uniforms were black we did look nice when we were all together and when we went out we certainly had to behave as thorough Ladies or be expelled.
I passed the intermediate with 3 B's and an A. The A was for art, I believe that I should have chose that as my field in life as I drew every day and never got sick of it mainly cartoon characters but I was not encouraged and the question was "Where would art get you"...
I wanted to go on and do my leaving as I had settled in and liked college but my parents thought my sister Val should go. As they could not afford the two of us it was decided I leave and let her go so my uniforms were all cut to fit Val and off she went.
I think she lasted a couple of weeks and ran away, she missed home too much. I guess she can say she went to college but not mention for how long.
There were quite a lot of Church of Englands attending there and we all became friends and did so until we gradually got married and went our seperate ways. The food was very basic. Our Saturday morning special was to line up and get a dose of epson salts, some of us rectified that as we put a glass in our apron pocket and emptied the dose in that, we managed not to get caught.
Living away from home was different, I missed my parents very much as we were a close family. Mum did visit a couple of times coming by train.
Whilst our uniforms were black we did look nice when we were all together and when we went out we certainly had to behave as thorough Ladies or be expelled.
I passed the intermediate with 3 B's and an A. The A was for art, I believe that I should have chose that as my field in life as I drew every day and never got sick of it mainly cartoon characters but I was not encouraged and the question was "Where would art get you"...
I wanted to go on and do my leaving as I had settled in and liked college but my parents thought my sister Val should go. As they could not afford the two of us it was decided I leave and let her go so my uniforms were all cut to fit Val and off she went.
I think she lasted a couple of weeks and ran away, she missed home too much. I guess she can say she went to college but not mention for how long.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
School Years
When I was 11 years old I was confirmed and one of the youngest to be done as Confirmation was only every three years and I would have been too old next time around. In those days it was a big thing to be confirmed and one had to have a white dress and veil and also know all the Catechism a full book of it.
I was Confirmed at St Dunstans Church in Ungarie in 1937.
Afterwards there was always a reception and the done thing was for the parents to give a present. My Mum & Dad gave me a gold bracelet.
Whilst with Gran my Mum gave me a birthday party every year. One that stays in my mind and remained precious was my 13th birthday as I got a bike a "Wynall" a maroon one. I can still see myself a frizzy haired kid riding and showing off as not too many had a bike.
Anytime Gran wanted something from the shop she did not have to ask me twice.
My 14th birthday I got a gold Cross and chain and recently I met an old school friend and she said "I can remember when you got a cross and chain as you were the envy of all the girls at school."
At 15 still at Ungarie and in High School by then. I was sports mad and was the Captain of the school. My Grandson Aaron also at 15 was the school Captain. I was not the best in the class but I was the neatest with my books. I used to win every year at the Show with them.
I was Confirmed at St Dunstans Church in Ungarie in 1937.
Afterwards there was always a reception and the done thing was for the parents to give a present. My Mum & Dad gave me a gold bracelet.
Whilst with Gran my Mum gave me a birthday party every year. One that stays in my mind and remained precious was my 13th birthday as I got a bike a "Wynall" a maroon one. I can still see myself a frizzy haired kid riding and showing off as not too many had a bike.
Anytime Gran wanted something from the shop she did not have to ask me twice.
My 14th birthday I got a gold Cross and chain and recently I met an old school friend and she said "I can remember when you got a cross and chain as you were the envy of all the girls at school."
At 15 still at Ungarie and in High School by then. I was sports mad and was the Captain of the school. My Grandson Aaron also at 15 was the school Captain. I was not the best in the class but I was the neatest with my books. I used to win every year at the Show with them.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Living with Gran
At nine years of age I left Winnunga school and went to the Ungarie Public
School in 1935 staying with my grandmother Mary Ann Elliott.
Grandfather Fred died on 21.10.1935 aged 77 so it worked out that I would be company
for Gran. I loved her very much and she completely spoilt me, she used to call me 'Petty". We got on so well together and I believe I was her favourite also.
We used to sit in front of the fire in winter in the dining room and she would tell me stories of her childhood and about her brother Christopher who was burnt to death in a fire in Redbridge near Wombat. Thank goodness I remembered that story as in later years when searching for her ancestors I knew where to start looking for her family.
One night Gran said would you like to hear me sing. I can still see her sitting in her rocking chair warbling away, believe me she was no Joan Sutherland, I doubled up in laughter and fell on the floor and had an accident, poor Gran she had to wash the mat after me so that ended her singing to me ever again.
Gran had six children Harry.. William.. Kathleen.. Nellie.. Annie.. & Eileen my Mum.
In those days there was no such thing as radios so we mainly read and played sport.
Every Sunday come 3 o'clock Gran and I would walk to the cemetry to visit Grandad's grave it was about three miles from town and she was a fast walker.
School in 1935 staying with my grandmother Mary Ann Elliott.
Grandfather Fred died on 21.10.1935 aged 77 so it worked out that I would be company
for Gran. I loved her very much and she completely spoilt me, she used to call me 'Petty". We got on so well together and I believe I was her favourite also.
We used to sit in front of the fire in winter in the dining room and she would tell me stories of her childhood and about her brother Christopher who was burnt to death in a fire in Redbridge near Wombat. Thank goodness I remembered that story as in later years when searching for her ancestors I knew where to start looking for her family.
One night Gran said would you like to hear me sing. I can still see her sitting in her rocking chair warbling away, believe me she was no Joan Sutherland, I doubled up in laughter and fell on the floor and had an accident, poor Gran she had to wash the mat after me so that ended her singing to me ever again.
Gran had six children Harry.. William.. Kathleen.. Nellie.. Annie.. & Eileen my Mum.
In those days there was no such thing as radios so we mainly read and played sport.
Every Sunday come 3 o'clock Gran and I would walk to the cemetry to visit Grandad's grave it was about three miles from town and she was a fast walker.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Mum's Diary from 1926 - The girl from Weja
My Life 1926
I was born on Sunday 9th May 1926 at West Wyalong Private hospital to wonderful parents Eileen & Walter Lemon who had me 15 months after they married on 25th February, 1925.
I was named after a great singer (I cannot sing a note) Mum always told me but I could not remember her name so upon research in the Chronicle of the 1920's I came across a Marie Lloyd who was the only Marie around at that time so guess thats who I was named after.
My Mum was to suffer through my birth as her Doctor went on holidays and a replacement medic delivered me, he was no better than a novice as he stitched her insides wrongly preventing her going to the toilet. So I guess that was the start to the many operations she was to have in her life.
November 1919 Colin Ingram took charge of a Free Bag service for residents of Weja and got 1 pound per year. There were 14 residents at that time living there. On March 24th 1922 Mark Emmerton succeeded Mr Ingram and Mr John Daniels became Postmaster on 1st Feb,1923 and that year the telephone was connected on 23rd August 1923. Because of ill health Mr Daniels had to resign and Mr Emmerton came back but on 1st April,1924 a telephone exchange was opened to to three subscribers. Mr George Wallace took over on 6th Nov,1925 and my Dad Walter Lemon became Postmaster on 15th June,1926 and stayed 50 years until it closed in 1976.
I was the only child for the next three years then along came a sister Valerie and eight years after that another sister Beverley.
My Childhood was a happy one except for a bad accident when I was around three I was playing with matches in a hessian cooler and got 3rd degree burns to my legs taking some 12 months to heal after skin grafts, you can still see faintly on occasions where the skin was taken from. Don't think I ever played with matches again after that.
My first school was at Winnunga 6 miles from home and I was taken by horse and sulky by the Arundels who also attended.
I was born on Sunday 9th May 1926 at West Wyalong Private hospital to wonderful parents Eileen & Walter Lemon who had me 15 months after they married on 25th February, 1925.
I was named after a great singer (I cannot sing a note) Mum always told me but I could not remember her name so upon research in the Chronicle of the 1920's I came across a Marie Lloyd who was the only Marie around at that time so guess thats who I was named after.
My Mum was to suffer through my birth as her Doctor went on holidays and a replacement medic delivered me, he was no better than a novice as he stitched her insides wrongly preventing her going to the toilet. So I guess that was the start to the many operations she was to have in her life.
November 1919 Colin Ingram took charge of a Free Bag service for residents of Weja and got 1 pound per year. There were 14 residents at that time living there. On March 24th 1922 Mark Emmerton succeeded Mr Ingram and Mr John Daniels became Postmaster on 1st Feb,1923 and that year the telephone was connected on 23rd August 1923. Because of ill health Mr Daniels had to resign and Mr Emmerton came back but on 1st April,1924 a telephone exchange was opened to to three subscribers. Mr George Wallace took over on 6th Nov,1925 and my Dad Walter Lemon became Postmaster on 15th June,1926 and stayed 50 years until it closed in 1976.
I was the only child for the next three years then along came a sister Valerie and eight years after that another sister Beverley.
My Childhood was a happy one except for a bad accident when I was around three I was playing with matches in a hessian cooler and got 3rd degree burns to my legs taking some 12 months to heal after skin grafts, you can still see faintly on occasions where the skin was taken from. Don't think I ever played with matches again after that.
My first school was at Winnunga 6 miles from home and I was taken by horse and sulky by the Arundels who also attended.
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