There is a little known Law in Scotland that says a person has the legitimate right to assume the title of Laird, Lord or Lady when they own a piece of Scottish Land, but it is impossible to 'buy a title'. There are websites that claim to sell Royal titles and titles of nobility but these sites are fakes.Owners of Scottish land have the legitimate right to assume the title of Laird, Lord or Lady in place of the title of Mr, Mrs or Miss that they already use.
I came across the website www.highlandtitles.com and thought, great, about time I was recognised as a lady, especially in this Aussie land full of yobs and boguns, so I set too and looked it all up and basically find that all is above board, by purchasing my little plot of land, I opted for the smallest piece and made my date of the bestowing of my title, the same day as my 70th birthday. Now it appears that I cannot sell this little piece of land but I can leave it in my Will to those that will inherit from me!!! It is one square foot of land at Glencoe Wood, Keil Hill. Highland. Scotland and is actually more about preserving land for nature than providing Titles for snobs. Still I may buy a plot or two for some of my snobbish relatives for birthday presents!!! No they aren't really snobbish but some would be just slightly chuffed at the idea. A really nice idea of conserving a piece of land and restoring it to it's original condition.
signed and sealed by Lady Pamela Harrod
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
TICKMOREND HOUSE, TICKMOREND, HORSLEY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Tickmorend House circa 1867
Tickmorend House is an English Heritage Grade II Listed Building. The listing states the property was built in the late seventeenth century. There is very little remaining of the earlier building, it was in a derelict state and rebuilt in the 1830's.
The first recorded document referring to dwellings at Tickmorend is in 1562 but it is not possible to identify the location of the preoperties. Various documents continue to mention Tickmorend in 1615, 1624, 1638 and 1676 but unfortunately there are no maps therefore it is not possible to pin=point houses. The spelling of Tickmorend has had a number of changes over time: Tickmoor, Tickmore, Tickmore End, Tickmorend and finally Tickmorend.
In 1718, Tickmorend House was purchased by one Samuel Cambridge from an Nathaniel Sparks. The Cambridge Family resided in Horsley since 1600. Samuel Cambridge married Hester Marmon in July 1732 at St Martin's Parish Church, Horsley.
Tickmorend House remained in the Cambridge Family until 1776 when it was purchased by one John Harvey, timber merchant, who obtained a mortgage from Mark Beavington, tanner, of Chipping Campden.
John Harvey was born in 1724 in Horsley. He was the son of William and Jane. John Harvey married age 31, one Elizabeth Nicholls age 19 on the 28th September 1755 at St Martin's Parish Church, Horsley. John and Elizabeth had four known children: John in January 1756, William 1757, Edward 1760 and Hannah 1761.
Elizabeth Harvey died, age 50 on the 17th August 1777. John Harvey senior died age 73 in 1797 and Tickmorend House passed to his surviving son John.
John and Elizabeth's son John married, age 38, to one Sarah Ball on the 26th March 1794 at St Martin's Parish Church, Horsley, John and Sarah had six known children: Hannah in 1792, Elizabeth in August 1794, Sarah in March 1798, John on the 29th November 1799, Mary in March 1803 and Harriet in November 1805.
In 1815, John Harvey age 16, fought at the Battle of Waterloo. He was in the 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards under Lieutenant Colonel Dawkin and received a Waterloo Medal.
Battle of Waterloo Medal
John Harvey died age 60 in 1816 and Tickmorend House passed to his only son John. In the 1830's John made extensive repairs and alterations to the house.
The 1841 Horsley Census Survey Returns state;
Tickmorend House
John Harvey, head age 40, gentleman of Independent Mans.
Elizabeth Roberts, age 25 farm servant.
John Harvey married, age 48 to his servant Elizabeth Roberts, age 35 on the 26th September 1848. Elizabeth was born in Stonehouse in 1813 but very little is known about her before her marriage.
John and Elizabeth had two children: Elizabeth Isabella on the 12th March 1859 and Sarah on the 15th June 1853.
The 1851 Horsley Census Survey Returns state:
Tickmorend House
John Harvey, head, age 50, gentleman and landed proprietor
Elizabeth Harvey, wife age 35
Elizabeth, daughter age 1
Sarah Taunilow age 15, servant.
John Harvey died age 54, on 11th January 1854 at Tickmorend House. The will states:
I John Harvey of Tickmorend give and bequeath all my real and personnel estate to my friends Thomas Henry Kingscote and Thomas Stokes, Surgeon. To hold in Trust and administration for my said children by my wife until they attain the age of twenty-one and to their heirs. To give my said wife an income from my estate as long as she remains a widow. I also give and bequeath to my natural son, John Harvey Howell nineteen guineas.
John's will was very carefully worded to ensure his wife, Elizabeth, was unable to have access to any money. Thomas Henry Kingscote was a Colonel of the Royal North Gloucester Regiment of the Militia and resided at Rockness Hill. Thomas Stokes was a Colonel in the Militia and a Surgeon. The Trustees immediately applied to Chancery for Elizabeth and Sarah Harvey to be made Wards of Court.
John Harvey Howell was born in 1825 in Horsley, the son of John Harvey of Tickmorend House and Charlotte Plummer. John (a Paddington Railway Policeman) married Grace Pride(who was also born in Horsley) in 1854 in Tetbury. In 1871, John was employed as the South Lodge Keeper, Kensington Place. London. Grace died in July 1863 and John remarried in 1865 at St Margaret's Church, Westminster to Elizabeth Fisk who was born in Scotland and also predeceased him by a year.
The 1861 Horsley Census Returns state:
Tickmorend House
Elizabeth Harvey, head 48 widow
Elizabeth, daughter age 11
Sarah daughter age 8
Harriet Woodland, age 19, general servant
Thomas Henry Stokes died in December 1861 and was replaced as Trustee by George Birt Smith, solicitor.
Sarah Harvey died age 17, on the 17th December at Tickmorend House.
Elizabeth Isabella Harvey married, age 21, one Thomas Benjamin Maysey Mills, age 24, on the 30th March, 1871 at St Martin's Church, Horsley.
Thomas Mills was born on the 10th April 1846. He was the son of Joseph (fellmonger - a dealer in animal skins and hides) and Ann (nee Maysey), Joseph and Ann had five known children: Joseph in 1835, Samual Willis in 1839, Benjamin Thomas in 1841, Catherine Maria in 1844 and Thomas in 1856.
Joseph Mills died, age 61, on the 5th February 1864 in Nailsworth. The probate states he left an estate valued at three thousand pound sterling.
Joseph Mills 1802 - 1864
Ann Mills (nee Maysey)
The 1871 Horsley Census Survey Return states:
The 1871 Horsley Census Survey Return states:
Tickmorend House
Elizabeth Harvey, head, 59 widow and occupying farm of 40 acres.
Elizabeth Cleveland, niece age 36.
Elizabeth Cole, age 17, general servant
Thomas and Elizabeth were on honeymoon in London and not recorded in the Horsley 1871 census.
Thomas and Elizabeth had a very large family with thirteen known children, six of who emigrated to Canada and Australia:
Thomas John Harvey born on the 16th February 1872, and died in 1946.
Joseph William born on 20th February 1873 and died in 1940 in Brisbane, Australia.
Egbert born on 27th April 1874 and died in December 1945 in Saskatoon, Canada.
Percy Edward born on the 15th September 875 and died in 1940.
Harold born in 1877 and died in December 1949 at Saskatoon, Canada.
Wilfred Claude Giles was born in 1878 and died in 1926.
Sarah Laura Elisabeth (Elsie) was born on 5 September 1881 and died in April 1906 at Tickmorend House.
Carl Maysey was born on 14th May 1882 and died in December 1950.
Gwendolin Maud Elizabeth was born on the 15th November 1883 and died in October 1967 at St. Kilda, Victoria. Australia.
Zoe Annie Wilhelmina was born on 25th March 1885 and died in 1965.
Lionel Fred was born on 31st January 1890 and died in 1970 at Carisbrook, Victoria. Australia.
Walter Roy was born on the 4th April 1892 and died in July 1972 in Sydney. Australia.
Harvey/Roberts family group circa 1867
John Harvey Howell died, age 50, on the 24th May 1874 at 14 Young Street, South Kensington but was still employed at Kensington Palace. The probate states he left an estate valued at three hundred pounds to Thomas Howell, Cabinet Manufacturer of 119 Drummond Street, Euston Square. Thomas was the son of John and Charlotte (nee Plummer) Howell and was born in August 1839 at Horsley. John and Charlotte had seven known children: William in 1830, Sarah in 1833, Charles in 1835, Thomas in 1839, Harriet in 1843, Walter in 1846 and Fanny in 1855. John and Charlotte resided at Nupend with Charlotte receiving benefits from an annuity.
Lodge Gate Place Kensington
Elizabeth Harvey, widow died age 64 on the 7th October 1877 at Tickmorend House and the probate states she left an estate valued less than one hundred pound and all her effects passed to her daughter, Elizabeth; she also left a bequest of five pound to her servant, Emily Marks.
Thomas Stokes, the Harvey family Trustee died, age 86 in August 1880 and was replaced by William Henry Smith, solicitor.
The 1881 Horsley Census Survey Returns state:
Tickmorend House
Thomas Mills, head, age 34, farmer
Elizabeth wife age 31
Thomas son age 9
Joseph son age 8
Egbert son age 7
Percy son age 5
Harold son age 3
Wilfred son age 2
Sarah daughter age 2 months
Annie M Manners, age 17 servant.
Thomas and Elizabeth Mills
Tickmorend House 1883
The 1891 Horsley Census Survey Returns state:
Tickmorend House
Thomas Mills, head, age 44, farmer
Elizabeth, wife, age 41
Thomas, son, age 19
Joseph, son age 17
Percy, son, age 15
Harold, son, age 13
Wilfred, son age 12
Sarah, daughter, age 10
Gwendolen, daughter age 7
Zoe, daughter, age 6
Lionel, son age 1
Elizabeth Mills, widow, age 64
The 1901 Horsley Census Survey Returns state:
Tickmorend House
Thomas Mills, head, age 54, farmer
Elizabeth, wife, age 51
Joseph, son, age 28
Sarah, daughter, age 20
Lionel, son, age 11
Roy, son, age 9
Robert Bragin, age 15, visitor
Elizabeth Mills died, age 52, on the 26th December 1902 of Tuberculosis.
Thomas Mills died, age 59, on the 18th February 1906 of natural causes accelerated by excessive drinking. The Gloucester Citizen reported: After lunch he retired, as was his custom, to the summerhouse with his pipe and papers. Shortly after 4.00 pm his son-in-law went to call him for tea, and found him dead. In May 1896, the family sold the summerhouse via the small advertisements in the local paper.
Tickmorend House (referred to as Tickmorend Farm in the sales details) and Estates was sold at auction on the 23rd May 1906 at The George Hotel, Nailsworth; on direction of surviving Harvey family trustee William Henry Smith
Tickmorend House was purchased by one Hugh Percy Witchell (known as Percy). He was the son of Thomas (Landlord of the Rose and Crown, Nympsfield) and Charlotte Edith (nee Daniels) Percy married Eliza Kate Chappell Bell in March 1886. Percy and Eliza had three known children: Edith on the 16th November 1886 - 1973, Henry in 1889 and Norman George in 1895.
Percy and his family had previously resided at the Rose and Crown where Hugh had taken over the tenancy of public house from his father.
The 1911 Nailsworth Census Survey Returns state:
Tickmorend
Hugh Percy Witchell, head, age 46 farmer
Eliza Kate, wife age 47
Edith daughter, age 23
Norman, son age 15
Edith Witchell married one Gilbert Tudor in October 1912; they had one child Edith Mary on the 10th October 1914.
Gilbert died, age 30, on the 13 July 1916 in a shooting accident in woods near Uley, Dursley. The probate states: Gilbert Tudor, Butcher of Rushmire Farm, Wotton-under-Edge an estate valued at Five Hundred and Nineteen Pound sixteen shillings and eight pence.
Hugh Percy Witchell died, age 62, on the 14th August 1927 at Tickmorend House. The funeral took place at St Martin's Church, Horsley. The Probate states he left an estate valued at Two Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty One Pound thirteen shillings and three pence.
Gloucester Citizen 27th August 1927:
Death of a Horsley Farmer - Sequel to kick from a cow.
We regret to announce the death of Mr Percy Witchell of Tickmorend House, Horsley, which occurred during the early hours of Sunday morning. The deceased who was 62 years of age was a well known agriculturist having farmed at Horsley for over 20 years. Amongst other activities he had taken a keen and practical interest in the Nailsworth Horse Show. It appears than on August 5th he received a slight kick from a cow, of which at first he took little notice. Five days later he consulted a doctor, his condition being serious. Further medical advice was called in. but death took place on Sunday. The Inquest on Monday afternoon the Deputy Divisional Coroner (Mr R H Smith) sitting without a jury, held an inquiry at Tickmorend House, Horsley, into the circumstances attending the death of Mr Witchell. A verdict was recorded that death was due to septicaemia, the result of a kick by a cow on August 5th.
Edith Mary Tudor, married age 19, to one Frank Comley Garlick on the 4th August 1934 at St Martin's Church, Horsley.
Eliza Witchell died, age 79, in June 1941 at Tickmorend House and her estate passed to her son Norman. Edith and Frank Garlick came to live at the house with Norman.
The 1954 Horsley Telephone Directory states: F. C. Garlick, Tickmorend House, Nailsworth. 4469
Norman George Witchell died, age 74, in January 1970, without issue and Tickmorend House passed to his sister, Edith.
Edith Tudor died, age 86, on the 7th April 1973 at Tickmorend House and her estate passed to her daughter, Edith Garlick and her husband Frank.
In 1974, Tickmorend House with 20 acres was purchased at auction by Roger Franklin for Thirty Siz Thousand Pound.
The 1901 Horsley Census Survey Returns state:
Tickmorend House
Thomas Mills, head, age 54, farmer
Elizabeth, wife, age 51
Joseph, son, age 28
Sarah, daughter, age 20
Lionel, son, age 11
Roy, son, age 9
Robert Bragin, age 15, visitor
Elizabeth Mills died, age 52, on the 26th December 1902 of Tuberculosis.
Elizabeth Mills
Thomas Mills died, age 59, on the 18th February 1906 of natural causes accelerated by excessive drinking. The Gloucester Citizen reported: After lunch he retired, as was his custom, to the summerhouse with his pipe and papers. Shortly after 4.00 pm his son-in-law went to call him for tea, and found him dead. In May 1896, the family sold the summerhouse via the small advertisements in the local paper.
Tickmorend House (referred to as Tickmorend Farm in the sales details) and Estates was sold at auction on the 23rd May 1906 at The George Hotel, Nailsworth; on direction of surviving Harvey family trustee William Henry Smith
Tickmorend Farm a compact and exceedingly useful hill dairy farm.
The Homestead comprises a substantially stone-built and stone tiled Cotswold Farmhouse, containing Drawing Room, Morning Room, Living Room, Kitchen, three bedrooms, three good Attics. Back kitchen with spring of water, Larder and Cellar. Pleasure and Kitchen garden. Farm buildings with cow shed, Stables, Coach-house, Pig-styes and Fowl-houses.
Four stone-built cottages. And 17 acres of pasture land and orcharding.
Tickmorend House was purchased by one Hugh Percy Witchell (known as Percy). He was the son of Thomas (Landlord of the Rose and Crown, Nympsfield) and Charlotte Edith (nee Daniels) Percy married Eliza Kate Chappell Bell in March 1886. Percy and Eliza had three known children: Edith on the 16th November 1886 - 1973, Henry in 1889 and Norman George in 1895.
Percy and his family had previously resided at the Rose and Crown where Hugh had taken over the tenancy of public house from his father.
The 1911 Nailsworth Census Survey Returns state:
Tickmorend
Hugh Percy Witchell, head, age 46 farmer
Eliza Kate, wife age 47
Edith daughter, age 23
Norman, son age 15
Edith Witchell married one Gilbert Tudor in October 1912; they had one child Edith Mary on the 10th October 1914.
Gilbert died, age 30, on the 13 July 1916 in a shooting accident in woods near Uley, Dursley. The probate states: Gilbert Tudor, Butcher of Rushmire Farm, Wotton-under-Edge an estate valued at Five Hundred and Nineteen Pound sixteen shillings and eight pence.
Hugh Percy Witchell died, age 62, on the 14th August 1927 at Tickmorend House. The funeral took place at St Martin's Church, Horsley. The Probate states he left an estate valued at Two Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty One Pound thirteen shillings and three pence.
Gloucester Citizen 27th August 1927:
Death of a Horsley Farmer - Sequel to kick from a cow.
We regret to announce the death of Mr Percy Witchell of Tickmorend House, Horsley, which occurred during the early hours of Sunday morning. The deceased who was 62 years of age was a well known agriculturist having farmed at Horsley for over 20 years. Amongst other activities he had taken a keen and practical interest in the Nailsworth Horse Show. It appears than on August 5th he received a slight kick from a cow, of which at first he took little notice. Five days later he consulted a doctor, his condition being serious. Further medical advice was called in. but death took place on Sunday. The Inquest on Monday afternoon the Deputy Divisional Coroner (Mr R H Smith) sitting without a jury, held an inquiry at Tickmorend House, Horsley, into the circumstances attending the death of Mr Witchell. A verdict was recorded that death was due to septicaemia, the result of a kick by a cow on August 5th.
Edith Mary Tudor, married age 19, to one Frank Comley Garlick on the 4th August 1934 at St Martin's Church, Horsley.
Eliza Witchell died, age 79, in June 1941 at Tickmorend House and her estate passed to her son Norman. Edith and Frank Garlick came to live at the house with Norman.
The 1954 Horsley Telephone Directory states: F. C. Garlick, Tickmorend House, Nailsworth. 4469
Norman George Witchell died, age 74, in January 1970, without issue and Tickmorend House passed to his sister, Edith.
Edith Tudor died, age 86, on the 7th April 1973 at Tickmorend House and her estate passed to her daughter, Edith Garlick and her husband Frank.
In 1974, Tickmorend House with 20 acres was purchased at auction by Roger Franklin for Thirty Siz Thousand Pound.
Roger Franklin
This History of Tickmorend House was commissioned by Roger.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Life Goes On
Many years ago when in my teens, I met and became good friends with a girl of the same age as me. Her name was Lynne Sentance, we were soul mates, at least we thought we were like teenage girls do. We shared our thoughts and our dreams and our hopes for the future, but I think that the most important thing in our lives at that time was whatever the latest fashion trends were. On occasion I spent sleepovers at Lynne's place and she at my home. I was just a little bit jealous of Lynne because she had such a groovy with-it Mother in the shape of her Mum Carol whose real name was Audrey, but always called by her middle name as many people are. Lynne also had a younger sister called Felicity and two younger brothers, Kingsley and Warwick, altogether they were a nice family and all had much affection for each other. Carol and her husband had split up, his name was Mark I think, never met him and I know that Lynne did not like him as he was not her father, but her step father. That was another thing we had in common, I also had a step father whom I did not like. Lynne's birthday was on the 15th January and mine was the 14th, my parents lived in Northcote Ave, Caulfield when I was born and Lynne lived but one street away in Fitzgibbon Crescent, but we were destined not to meet for another sixteen years. I was going to Dacomb Business College in Little Collins Street, Melbourne when we first met. A group of us used to go across the road up into the Coles Cafeteria during breaks and one of the girls from the college had a friend called Lynne who on occasion would join us. I lived at Macleod in those days and Lynne lived at Caulfield, but my father lived at South Caulfield with his sister and mother, so there were times particularly at the end of the week when I would head to their home where many of my weekends growing up were spent, thus my friendship with Lynne grew. By the time we had passed our teenage years we had gone off on our different paths of life and not seen nor heard of each other again for many many years.
About 18 months ago, I by chance while looking for something on the internet found a death notice for Lynne's mother Carol, she had passed away back in 2006 I think, I then typed in several names and when I typed in Felicity's name an address and phone number came up, so I wrote to her and included a long letter to Lynne and asked her to pass it on. Not only did she do this, but she also rang me the night after she had received the letter and explained to me the things that had happened to Lynne throughout the years that we had not been in touch. Felicity passed my letter to Lynne and Lynne also rang me as well as writing to me and sending a current photograph, yes it is fifty years plus since we knew each other and yes we have both changed somewhat, I think she looks really good, but I would not have known her had we passed in the street, but tell me what 67 or 68 year old still looks as they did when in their teens. This is a photo of Lynne today
and she now has a current up to date photo of me. I hope we don't loose touch again. We may have, Lynne was staying at a place at Chelsea in Victoria and I think there may have been plans afoot for her to either go on a holiday with her daughter or to go and live with her in Cairns, not sure which, but I haven't heard from her since then back in January 2013.
Yesterday I had a bit of a look around on the Internet and typed in Lynne's married name and was stunned when the following story came up, it is a good story though.
As published in the Melbourne 'AGE' Newspaper on February 7, 2009
Generous soul won hearts and made a mark in Fitzroy and beyond.
Margaret Tomkins, with a photo of her lifelong friend Morris "Monty" James. Photo: Penny Stephens
Given little in his early life, Monty James went on
to help others, revealing an ever-curious, capable and compassionate
character.
THE odds were stacked against Morris "Monty" James early on in life. Born blind. Abandoned at six weeks old. Raised in an institution.
At his death, at 67, on September 27, Monty lived in a dingy bedsit in a less savoury part of Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.
But he was loved as a gentle and generous soul. He was a local identity in his North Melbourne jumper: white cane in one hand, transistor in the other as he walked.
This week, the RSPCA estimated that Monty had raised $300,000 to $500,000 for charity, tin-rattling at Queen Victoria Market. For more than 35 years, he collected for the RSPCA, the Royal Women's and Royal Children's hospitals and The Alfred hospital burns unit.
In the latest RSPCA News, he is pictured grinning and cradling a baby possum. Living in institutions and rented rooms, however, meant he never owned a pet.
Monty's sister, Lynne Rodan, says their mother, Audrey, a single milliner from Elsternwick with strict parents, fell pregnant at 20. Soon after Monty was born in 1942, she relinquished him to the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind.
Margaret Tomkins, a blind girl then aged 11, was among students and staff who looked after Monty at the RVIB's Prahran nursery. They became lifelong friends.
"He was a very curious kid, he loved pulling things apart, loved exploring, he had an incredible memory. He could tell you what cricket team played on what day and date and how many runs they made," Mrs Tomkins said.
He lived at the institute until he was 15 when he was sent to Kew Cottages, a home for mentally ill children, but Mrs Tomkins helped lobby for him to leave the home "because he wasn't retarded, and his behaviour was not inappropriate. He was a lot brighter, but less able to get around."
For the next 30 years, he lived at an RVIB hostel in Prahran, then a Canterbury rooming house, working in factories.
About 1990 he moved to Fitzroy, where he would visit the Indian nuns in Gore Street, the Brotherhood in Brunswick Street, and a Johnston Street gym. He was a regular at the St Vincent de Paul soup van.
Mrs Tomkins said Monty was "a gentle person. Friendly and outgoing, but a bit removed, and a bit remote in some ways."
RSPCA fund-raising manager Yvonne Steiner said the amount he raised was "an outstanding achievement for anyone, let alone someone who has overcome a life of hardship and lived with a disability".
Although his mother, Audrey, contacted him when he was 35, the relationship failed. She died in 2007. Mrs Rodan did not know Monty existed until she was 35 and he 37; they became close. He had two sisters and two brothers.
Mrs Rodan often asked Monty to live with her in Cheltenham, but Fitzroy was where he felt at home. She scattered Monty's ashes in her garden. "I can go out every night and talk to him. I say, 'Hi Monty, I'm thinking of you. You're here amongst family and friends.' "
Since all of the above we have been in touch with each other on quite a few occasions. Life has been a bit heavy handed on Lynne, a couple of marriage breakdowns and the sudden death of her last partner which left her in a very delicate state. However she has hopefully turned the corner and is now heading into a more positive phase of her life. The sudden death of her young brother Kingsley was a dreadful upset to her and the rest of the family, it is as if all of these awful things have been sent to test her. She has survived and will continue to do so with the love and support of her family.
About 18 months ago, I by chance while looking for something on the internet found a death notice for Lynne's mother Carol, she had passed away back in 2006 I think, I then typed in several names and when I typed in Felicity's name an address and phone number came up, so I wrote to her and included a long letter to Lynne and asked her to pass it on. Not only did she do this, but she also rang me the night after she had received the letter and explained to me the things that had happened to Lynne throughout the years that we had not been in touch. Felicity passed my letter to Lynne and Lynne also rang me as well as writing to me and sending a current photograph, yes it is fifty years plus since we knew each other and yes we have both changed somewhat, I think she looks really good, but I would not have known her had we passed in the street, but tell me what 67 or 68 year old still looks as they did when in their teens. This is a photo of Lynne today
Yesterday I had a bit of a look around on the Internet and typed in Lynne's married name and was stunned when the following story came up, it is a good story though.
As published in the Melbourne 'AGE' Newspaper on February 7, 2009
Generous soul won hearts and made a mark in Fitzroy and beyond.
Margaret Tomkins, with a photo of her lifelong friend Morris "Monty" James. Photo: Penny StephensTHE odds were stacked against Morris "Monty" James early on in life. Born blind. Abandoned at six weeks old. Raised in an institution.
At his death, at 67, on September 27, Monty lived in a dingy bedsit in a less savoury part of Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.
But he was loved as a gentle and generous soul. He was a local identity in his North Melbourne jumper: white cane in one hand, transistor in the other as he walked.
Advertisement
More than 150 people attended his funeral at the Brotherhood of St Laurence in Brunswick Street.This week, the RSPCA estimated that Monty had raised $300,000 to $500,000 for charity, tin-rattling at Queen Victoria Market. For more than 35 years, he collected for the RSPCA, the Royal Women's and Royal Children's hospitals and The Alfred hospital burns unit.
In the latest RSPCA News, he is pictured grinning and cradling a baby possum. Living in institutions and rented rooms, however, meant he never owned a pet.
Monty's sister, Lynne Rodan, says their mother, Audrey, a single milliner from Elsternwick with strict parents, fell pregnant at 20. Soon after Monty was born in 1942, she relinquished him to the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind.
Margaret Tomkins, a blind girl then aged 11, was among students and staff who looked after Monty at the RVIB's Prahran nursery. They became lifelong friends.
"He was a very curious kid, he loved pulling things apart, loved exploring, he had an incredible memory. He could tell you what cricket team played on what day and date and how many runs they made," Mrs Tomkins said.
He lived at the institute until he was 15 when he was sent to Kew Cottages, a home for mentally ill children, but Mrs Tomkins helped lobby for him to leave the home "because he wasn't retarded, and his behaviour was not inappropriate. He was a lot brighter, but less able to get around."
For the next 30 years, he lived at an RVIB hostel in Prahran, then a Canterbury rooming house, working in factories.
About 1990 he moved to Fitzroy, where he would visit the Indian nuns in Gore Street, the Brotherhood in Brunswick Street, and a Johnston Street gym. He was a regular at the St Vincent de Paul soup van.
Mrs Tomkins said Monty was "a gentle person. Friendly and outgoing, but a bit removed, and a bit remote in some ways."
RSPCA fund-raising manager Yvonne Steiner said the amount he raised was "an outstanding achievement for anyone, let alone someone who has overcome a life of hardship and lived with a disability".
Although his mother, Audrey, contacted him when he was 35, the relationship failed. She died in 2007. Mrs Rodan did not know Monty existed until she was 35 and he 37; they became close. He had two sisters and two brothers.
Mrs Rodan often asked Monty to live with her in Cheltenham, but Fitzroy was where he felt at home. She scattered Monty's ashes in her garden. "I can go out every night and talk to him. I say, 'Hi Monty, I'm thinking of you. You're here amongst family and friends.' "
Since all of the above we have been in touch with each other on quite a few occasions. Life has been a bit heavy handed on Lynne, a couple of marriage breakdowns and the sudden death of her last partner which left her in a very delicate state. However she has hopefully turned the corner and is now heading into a more positive phase of her life. The sudden death of her young brother Kingsley was a dreadful upset to her and the rest of the family, it is as if all of these awful things have been sent to test her. She has survived and will continue to do so with the love and support of her family.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Sixty and 64 Years Ago
I remember in 1949 being so terribly disappointed because there was to be a Royal Visit when the then King George 6th and Queen Elizabeth (later The Queen Mother) were to visit Australia, not sure but I seem to correctly or incorrectly remember that the then Princess Elizabeth was also coming. I remember my Mother telling me that the Princess could not come because she had just had a baby, that of course was Prince Charles. I think that perhaps as a then five year old, I was simply wanting to see a real Princess and I think that excuse was given to me as a child because it was an easier one for my Mother to use rather than trying to explain the state of the King's ill health to a child. My Mother bought a makeup mirror for her handbag that was sold as a souvenir of the 1949 Royal Visit that didn't happen, I have photographed it, not easy to photograph as it reflects being a mirror, so this is the best that I could do.
It is only about 5 x 8 cms.
It is sixty years ago since a Royal Visit by Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh that I remember well. It was 1954 and during the previous year myself and a number of other girls in my class at Graham Street State School in Port Melbourne were chosen to dance the floral dance before the Queen and Duke. There had been a visit by Princess Elizabeth prior to this, I think, can't remember the previous one too well, but I do remember being taken with my brother Sid and Mum to St Kilda Road where we waited among the throngs of people to get a glimpse.
Three times a week at school, we were to go to a section of the play ground where we learned the steps to the Floral Dance that we were to perform. I don't know how many hundred children were there to perform but there was a combination of the Floral Dance and the Maypole performed and it culminated in Spelling out the words "Welcome ER11'. I found this old photo on later which would have been taken on that day.
Each child was given two tickets so that parents could come along and watch as it was performed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (M.C.G.), my Mother was too busy to go so I gave my tickets to Auntie Hilda who was a keen supporter of the Royal Family, she and her friend and next door neighbour came along as there was also a chance of a close up look at the Queen.
Picture shows both sides of the medal.
This all took place back in the days when we had school assembly every Monday Morning, we all stood at attention and the boys would salute the flag and then all children would place their right hand over their heart and repeat the following:-
I will Love God and my country,
I will honour the flag,and cheerfully obey my parents,
Teachers and the Law.
I like to believe that we tried to live up to it.
My Mother used to tell me a story about the 1944 Royal Visit to Australia by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. At that time as part of the war effort Mum was working as a Tram Conductress, Men had always held the jobs as conductors until then, but as they were in short supply all being off at war, women were allowed to hold those jobs. During their visit to Australia, it was known that part of their route was to be along St Kilda Road, Melbourne which was a major tram route, and as Mum for some unknown had me with her when I was only a few months old was standing on the running board of the tram nursing me whilst the tram was halted for the Royal cavalcade. The Royal car which also held the Lady in Waiting drew up along side the tram, with no hesitation the Lady in Waiting reached up to Mum and asked could she have a quick nurse of the baby. Mum handed me down to here where she cooed etc at me and I gurgled in return, she then handed me back to Mum and Mum was so embarrassed to see a very obvious wet patch down the front of the Lady in Waiting's silk shantung costume. So there you are, even though I have no memory of it, I have it on good authority that I have peed on Royalty.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The Changing Faces of George Harrod
This one would have been taken about 1950-1951
This one was 1972 at Rosebud during an athletic meeting
on George's left is Peter Chisnell and on his right is Gil Lockhardt
This shot was taken to appear in a Senior Scene magazine in an article on
keeping fit as you age, he was about 50 years old here and had just run hisfirst Marathon.
This was in Bangkok April 1992 on route to England
he was 62 then.
2002 Taken at Nagoya Castle in Japan
age 73
and finally here he is at age 82 at the end of 2012
proudly showing off the Safari Suit that he had tailor made
in Singapore in 1981, proud of the fact that it sill fits.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Our Backyard
A hive of activity in the garden today, at least it was for this pollen collector doing the rounds to take back to the bee hive.
The Cattleya Orchid is showing us an early bloom this year.
It's a Tibouchina, isn't it lovely, no it's not ours,
three of them were growing together in a neighbours front yard
and their fences are in the midst of being replaced, so they have been
dramatically cut back and put into buckets to hopefully be able to replant.
Video taken on 21 May 2019.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
World Champion Octogenarians
This shot of George and his compatriots was taken at the Pan Pacific Games in November 2012 just after they had broken the world record for the 80-84 year age group 4 x 400 metre relay.
I think they were on top of the world that day, they were not inspired by Usain Bolt, the cardboard cut out was the idea of the photographer that took this picture, these old fellows being on top of the world at that time went right along with it.
In the photo it is from left to right, George Harrod, Richard Hughes, David Carr, Usain Bolt in cardboard and Leo Coffey. The photo was then chosen for the cover of the Pan Packs Magazine 'Masters Action' on
Harrod's in Retirement
I must take a more up to date picture of our house, this was taken as we moved in back in July 2007 and those tiny plants are now all taller than four feet.
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