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0:09

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[JD]Welcome to the Dapto Oral History project. Today we're speaking with Einir Bronkhurst, nee Jones, of [Clearwa?] [JD]Welcome to the Dapto Oral History project. Today we're speaking with Einir Bronkhurst, nee Jones, of [Clearwa?]
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Einir was born on the 25th of June 1940 in a little village in Wales, and that's pronounced how Einir was born on the 25th of June 1940 in a little village in Wales, and that's pronounced how
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Einir? [EB] Brynrefail. [JD] Lovely, where was that anyway? [EB] It means, um, the Hill of the Anvil, Einir? [EB] Brynrefail. [JD] Lovely, where was that anyway? [EB] It means, um, the Hill of the Anvil,
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where, where the shoer lives, you know, the horse shoe man. [JD] Ok and whereabouts in Wales where, where the shoer lives, you know, the horse shoe man. [JD] Ok and whereabouts in Wales
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was that? [EB] It's in North Wales not far from the foot of Mt Snowdon. [JD] Oh beautiful. [EB] It's gorgeous country. Absolutely beautiful. was that? [EB] It's in North Wales not far from the foot of Mt Snowdon. [JD] Oh beautiful. [EB] It's gorgeous country. Absolutely beautiful.
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[JD] And what year did you come to Australia? [EB] 1952. [JD] In 1952, you came with your family? [EB] I came with my  [JD] And what year did you come to Australia? [EB] 1952. [JD] In 1952, you came with your family? [EB] I came with my 
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beautiful little family, yes. Um, it consisted of Mum and Dad, of course, Jenny [out of ?Von Williams?] beautiful little family, yes. Um, it consisted of Mum and Dad, of course, Jenny [out of ?Von Williams?]
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and Owen [??] Jones, and of course our name was Jones. And I have two brothers, and Owen [??] Jones, and of course our name was Jones. And I have two brothers,
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One is called Heddwyn, One is called Heddwyn,
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H-e-dd-w-y-n, and it means perfect peace, would you believe, but it's H-e-dd-w-y-n, and it means perfect peace, would you believe, but it's
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a beautiful name. And the other one is Llion, Ll-i-o-n, a beautiful name. And the other one is Llion, Ll-i-o-n,
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pronounced "thleon", and that means the same as lion, pronounced "thleon", and that means the same as lion,
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means lion in Welsh. [JD] Beautiful names. And you speak Welsh don't you? [EB] I can still speak Welsh to some extent, anyway. means lion in Welsh. [JD] Beautiful names. And you speak Welsh don't you? [EB] I can still speak Welsh to some extent, anyway.
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Yeah. [JD] So tell us Einir, ah, what memories you have of arriving in Australia? Yeah. [JD] So tell us Einir, ah, what memories you have of arriving in Australia?
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[EB]Arriving in Australia was very, very confusing for me. Um, we were sent as [EB]Arriving in Australia was very, very confusing for me. Um, we were sent as
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a family to a family to
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a camp called Bonegilla. It's, I think in Victoria, yes it's in Victoria, a camp called Bonegilla. It's, I think in Victoria, yes it's in Victoria,
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and and
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a lot of migrants were sent there at first. We got off the ship in Melbourne and we a lot of migrants were sent there at first. We got off the ship in Melbourne and we
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were taken by train to this Bonegilla place, which consisted of Nissen were taken by train to this Bonegilla place, which consisted of Nissen
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huts and set around like huts and set around like
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a village with a huge dining hall in the middle. And the families were just given a village with a huge dining hall in the middle. And the families were just given
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camp beds and things in them, blankets and so forth and so on, and that's where we lived for camp beds and things in them, blankets and so forth and so on, and that's where we lived for
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a short time before we were sent down here, or up here, to New South a short time before we were sent down here, or up here, to New South
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Wales. And, um, I think we were in that camp I would say at least 5 to 6 weeks. Wales. And, um, I think we were in that camp I would say at least 5 to 6 weeks.
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we were moved. And when we were moved we had to travel half of the way on we were moved. And when we were moved we had to travel half of the way on
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one sort of one sort of
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a train, and we had to change the train part way up because the train lines were different a train, and we had to change the train part way up because the train lines were different
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from one State to the other, they had different widths or something, so we had to change trains. It was from one State to the other, they had different widths or something, so we had to change trains. It was
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a long, a long,
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 journey, a cold journey, but they had those foot warmer things on the trains. Um, they were great  journey, a cold journey, but they had those foot warmer things on the trains. Um, they were great
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big iron receptacles filled with really hot water, and you could put your feet on there and keep your [?] big iron receptacles filled with really hot water, and you could put your feet on there and keep your [?]
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I remember that because children remember stuff like that, you know. And it was I remember that because children remember stuff like that, you know. And it was
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a long, long, long, long journey. And after that we were sent to a long, long, long, long journey. And after that we were sent to
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Berkeley hostel here, in this area. And by this time it Berkeley hostel here, in this area. And by this time it
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was winter time, and it was wet and cold and miserable. was winter time, and it was wet and cold and miserable.
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and Berkeley hostel was and Berkeley hostel was
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a brand new hostel, which was very nice except they hadn't as yet put pathways a brand new hostel, which was very nice except they hadn't as yet put pathways
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down, so everything was mud outside. We had the heaviest rain, even heavier than we down, so everything was mud outside. We had the heaviest rain, even heavier than we
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had in Wales I think. We had had in Wales I think. We had
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terrible rain and all the ground outside was very muddy, and it didn't matter what terrible rain and all the ground outside was very muddy, and it didn't matter what
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you wore on your feet it was just, it was ruined by the mud outside. And it was a - I wasn't very happy at ?first? you wore on your feet it was just, it was ruined by the mud outside. And it was a - I wasn't very happy at ?first?
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And then of course, um, I had to go to school. [JD] Yes, which school did you go to? And then of course, um, I had to go to school. [JD] Yes, which school did you go to?
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[EB] A little local school, um, not far from the hostel. It was called the Berkeley School, the Berkeley Primary School. And  [EB] A little local school, um, not far from the hostel. It was called the Berkeley School, the Berkeley Primary School. And 
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I was very afraid of going to school sometimes because there would be, uh birds I was very afraid of going to school sometimes because there would be, uh birds
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who would swoop down, but I can't remember what they're called now. [JD] Magpies? [EB] Magpies. The Magpies would dive who would swoop down, but I can't remember what they're called now. [JD] Magpies? [EB] Magpies. The Magpies would dive
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down on our heads and try to peck our hats off, or, you know, peck, peck down on our heads and try to peck our hats off, or, you know, peck, peck
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peck our heads, and it was just awful, I hated that. Um, and I didn't like peck our heads, and it was just awful, I hated that. Um, and I didn't like
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school very much here. I loved school back in Wales, but I felt so totally school very much here. I loved school back in Wales, but I felt so totally
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out of place. Absolutely out of place. And they didn't seem to know what to do with me at school, because even out of place. Absolutely out of place. And they didn't seem to know what to do with me at school, because even
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though I spoke perfect English and had done since I was though I spoke perfect English and had done since I was
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a very small child because we always had the B.B.C. on, a very small child because we always had the B.B.C. on,
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on the radio in Wales where we, when we lived there. And of course they had Welsh on the radio in Wales where we, when we lived there. And of course they had Welsh
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programs as well, but we listened to the English ones, and that's where I got my programs as well, but we listened to the English ones, and that's where I got my
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English from. I learned English by listening to the B.B.C when, from when I was English from. I learned English by listening to the B.B.C when, from when I was
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a baby right through, and ... [JD] Yeah, you probably had better English than a baby right through, and ... [JD] Yeah, you probably had better English than
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a lot of the Australian kids. [laughter]. [EB] Anyway, um, they didn't quite know what to do, with me there. a lot of the Australian kids. [laughter]. [EB] Anyway, um, they didn't quite know what to do, with me there.
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But fortunately we weren't there all that long and we finally were given But fortunately we weren't there all that long and we finally were given
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a house here in Dapto. And people used to call these houses, which were a house here in Dapto. And people used to call these houses, which were
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supplied by the government, Pommy Hill. [JD] Aha, okay. [EB] And our house was at number 42 Mulda Street, Dapto. supplied by the government, Pommy Hill. [JD] Aha, okay. [EB] And our house was at number 42 Mulda Street, Dapto.
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Which is now number 8, it's all been renumbered. And we were very happy Which is now number 8, it's all been renumbered. And we were very happy
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to have our own to have our own
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house and to move in there, and that was really good. And then I, they, they wanted house and to move in there, and that was really good. And then I, they, they wanted
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me to go to primary school here, and I just did not fit in, because I, I was me to go to primary school here, and I just did not fit in, because I, I was
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far in advance of some of the children here. My English was perfect for instance, and far in advance of some of the children here. My English was perfect for instance, and
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I could also speak this strange Welsh language, which nobody had ever heard I don't I could also speak this strange Welsh language, which nobody had ever heard I don't
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think. They don't, I don't think they could have heard it because they didn't seem to know what it think. They don't, I don't think they could have heard it because they didn't seem to know what it
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was at all. And they didn't know what to do with me, it was really strange, and I was at all. And they didn't know what to do with me, it was really strange, and I
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felt terrible at the Dapto primary school, and I'm sorry to say it. The teachers were nice but I felt terrible at the Dapto primary school, and I'm sorry to say it. The teachers were nice but I
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couldn't feel that I fit in with couldn't feel that I fit in with
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the children very well. I found the children really rough, and I was scared of some of them. the children very well. I found the children really rough, and I was scared of some of them.
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'Cause some of them, like they are anywhere, and have been I suppose always, some of them were bullies 'Cause some of them, like they are anywhere, and have been I suppose always, some of them were bullies
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and I, I just kept away from them. But anyway, I eventually was sent to high school. I went to  and I, I just kept away from them. But anyway, I eventually was sent to high school. I went to 
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the girls high school in Wollongong. [JD] Smith's Hill? [EB] Smith's Hill Girls High School, and the the girls high school in Wollongong. [JD] Smith's Hill? [EB] Smith's Hill Girls High School, and the
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wonderful, wonderful headmistress was called Miss Farmer. She was so lovely to me, she was really lovely. wonderful, wonderful headmistress was called Miss Farmer. She was so lovely to me, she was really lovely.
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She discovered that I could sing. [JD] Oh, okay. That's not unusual for a Welsh person though is it? She discovered that I could sing. [JD] Oh, okay. That's not unusual for a Welsh person though is it?
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[EB] No, it's not unusual but, ah, I had [EB] No, it's not unusual but, ah, I had
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a sweet little voice in those days, I hadn't matured yet and I still had this really nice little voice. And she just, she soon a sweet little voice in those days, I hadn't matured yet and I still had this really nice little voice. And she just, she soon
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discovered that, you know, she knew I was Welsh, and she, she brought the subject up, and I did some singing discovered that, you know, she knew I was Welsh, and she, she brought the subject up, and I did some singing
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in concerts at the school and concerts that the school gave at various in concerts at the school and concerts that the school gave at various
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other places, like one of the theatres in Wollongong for instance. And, um, Miss Farmer became my other places, like one of the theatres in Wollongong for instance. And, um, Miss Farmer became my
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champion, she was lovely, she was absolutely lovely to me. And, and she made sure that champion, she was lovely, she was absolutely lovely to me. And, and she made sure that
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nobody bullied me and that they, they were to be nice to me and so forth and so on. I was much nobody bullied me and that they, they were to be nice to me and so forth and so on. I was much
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happier there. [JD] Did you make some friends there? [EB] Yes I did, I made some friends there. And, um, happier there. [JD] Did you make some friends there? [EB] Yes I did, I made some friends there. And, um,
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at the time I, we had to go to, we had to go to school on the train every morning, and I at the time I, we had to go to, we had to go to school on the train every morning, and I
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used to dread that, it was terrible because I, I still found the kids here really rough compared to the kids used to dread that, it was terrible because I, I still found the kids here really rough compared to the kids
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I used to go to school with in Wales. And I was, I was scared of being bullied because I used to go to school with in Wales. And I was, I was scared of being bullied because
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there were some bullies on the train. But I discovered there were some bullies on the train. But I discovered
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a way to get them to leave me alone - I would help them with their homework on the a way to get them to leave me alone - I would help them with their homework on the
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train on the way to school every morning. [JD] Very wise. [EB] And that kept me from being bullied. They were nice to me after that. After  train on the way to school every morning. [JD] Very wise. [EB] And that kept me from being bullied. They were nice to me after that. After 
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I started helping them with their homework, and, um that was my way of fitting in and I started helping them with their homework, and, um that was my way of fitting in and
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and being left unbullied [laughs]. [JD] Ok, yes, well that's a good strategy. [EB] And, or else I'd have my nose and being left unbullied [laughs]. [JD] Ok, yes, well that's a good strategy. [EB] And, or else I'd have my nose
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in in
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a book, that sort of thing. But, 'cos I was, I still, I still felt strange, it just took, it took me a book, that sort of thing. But, 'cos I was, I still, I still felt strange, it just took, it took me
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quite a long time to feel comfortable with the Aussie kids. They were so different to the quite a long time to feel comfortable with the Aussie kids. They were so different to the
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Welsh ones that I grew up with. [JD] How about your brothers, did they fit in okay? [EB] Yes, They.... Welsh ones that I grew up with. [JD] How about your brothers, did they fit in okay? [EB] Yes, They....
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Well, yeah, they had Well, yeah, they had
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a little bit longer than I did in primary school to get used to things. Although my a little bit longer than I did in primary school to get used to things. Although my
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smallest brother got bullied, but, um, he went to high school. [JD] So you were the oldest of the three children Einir, so... [EB] Yes, that's right, I'm smallest brother got bullied, but, um, he went to high school. [JD] So you were the oldest of the three children Einir, so... [EB] Yes, that's right, I'm
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the eldest, and I have two brothers. Um, One brother is about five the eldest, and I have two brothers. Um, One brother is about five
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years younger than I am, and the other one's eight years younger than I am. So... [JD] Ok, so you're right they would have had ... years younger than I am, and the other one's eight years younger than I am. So... [JD] Ok, so you're right they would have had ...
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[EB] They were three, three and five and I was almost twelve. [JD] More time to grow into the place? [EB] That's right, yeah. [JD] What [EB] They were three, three and five and I was almost twelve. [JD] More time to grow into the place? [EB] That's right, yeah. [JD] What
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did you, as children what did you do in Dapto during those days, um, for entertainment or leisure time? did you, as children what did you do in Dapto during those days, um, for entertainment or leisure time?
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[EB] Well I loved going to the movies on a Saturday afternoon. [laughs] I was always allowed to go to the movies [EB] Well I loved going to the movies on a Saturday afternoon. [laughs] I was always allowed to go to the movies
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here in Dapto. There was here in Dapto. There was
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a big movie theatre in Dapto in those days, very large on the main road, and I was allowed to go there on Saturday a big movie theatre in Dapto in those days, very large on the main road, and I was allowed to go there on Saturday
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afternoons. And that was my treat, my Saturday afternoon treat and my relaxation. afternoons. And that was my treat, my Saturday afternoon treat and my relaxation.
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And then I read And then I read
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a lot. I'm, I'm still a really inveterate reader, I just, always have books going and I was the same a lot. I'm, I'm still a really inveterate reader, I just, always have books going and I was the same
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when I was a child, I always read the whole time, and that was good. Um, and when I was a child, I always read the whole time, and that was good. Um, and
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I made some reasonably close girlfriends, um. [JD] Did you play any sport? I made some reasonably close girlfriends, um. [JD] Did you play any sport?
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No, that's, that's probably where I, I went wrong. I didn't enjoy sport okay, No, that's, that's probably where I, I went wrong. I didn't enjoy sport okay,
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I was not a child, not I was not a child, not
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a girl who liked sport. And I didn't like anything that was rough, and I was made to a girl who liked sport. And I didn't like anything that was rough, and I was made to
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play hockey at the girls' high school and I hated every moment of playing hockey. I really play hockey at the girls' high school and I hated every moment of playing hockey. I really
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hated it [laughs]. [JD] Oh, no. [EB] I preferred sitting, sitting somewhere with a book hated it [laughs]. [JD] Oh, no. [EB] I preferred sitting, sitting somewhere with a book
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in my hand, I really did. I wasn't the sporty type at all. I'm more a in my hand, I really did. I wasn't the sporty type at all. I'm more a
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cerebral, cerebral stuff. [JD] Yes, there's still children like that today, isn't there? [EB] Yes of course there are lots of children like cerebral, cerebral stuff. [JD] Yes, there's still children like that today, isn't there? [EB] Yes of course there are lots of children like
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that, but I was that, but I was
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very much like that. [JD] Yeah. How about your Mum and Dad, did they settle into Australia very much like that. [JD] Yeah. How about your Mum and Dad, did they settle into Australia
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okay, or...? [EB] Yes, my mother had okay, or...? [EB] Yes, my mother had
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a job at Wollongong hospital. She worked there as a domestic, and, ah, she, you know, doing a job at Wollongong hospital. She worked there as a domestic, and, ah, she, you know, doing
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cleaning and sometimes taking food to the patients and all that sort of stuff. And she worked there for cleaning and sometimes taking food to the patients and all that sort of stuff. And she worked there for
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a long, long time. My father had a long, long time. My father had
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a job at the Steelworks in Port Kembla. Yeah, he worked there. But, ah, Dad, a job at the Steelworks in Port Kembla. Yeah, he worked there. But, ah, Dad,
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after after
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a few years there moved to the Water Board. And, ah, he, when a few years there moved to the Water Board. And, ah, he, when
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he died, which he did at the age of 48, which was far too young. He had a pretty high position with the Water Board. He was some sort a supervisor. he died, which he did at the age of 48, which was far too young. He had a pretty high position with the Water Board. He was some sort a supervisor.
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So that was very sad. Yes, very, very sad. And, ah, my Mum only lived till 56. She died at the age of 56.  So that was very sad. Yes, very, very sad. And, ah, my Mum only lived till 56. She died at the age of 56. 
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We three orphans [laughs]. Well I felt like an orphan, of course I'm, I'm grown up now. We three orphans [laughs]. Well I felt like an orphan, of course I'm, I'm grown up now.
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[JD] Did any of your other family from Wales come out to Australia? [EB] Oh, only on visits. [JD] Okay, yeah. [ED] Well [JD] Did any of your other family from Wales come out to Australia? [EB] Oh, only on visits. [JD] Okay, yeah. [ED] Well
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actually one uncle and aunt and cousin did come, but they didn't stay as long as my family. actually one uncle and aunt and cousin did come, but they didn't stay as long as my family.
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[JD] They went back to Wales did they? [EB] Yes. Well, um, my uncle and aunt went back to Wales, but my cousin stayed on here [JD] They went back to Wales did they? [EB] Yes. Well, um, my uncle and aunt went back to Wales, but my cousin stayed on here
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and he married and he married
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a local girl here, and he's still here, but his wife unfortunately has died. She died quite young. That was very sad. But both a local girl here, and he's still here, but his wife unfortunately has died. She died quite young. That was very sad. But both
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my brothers are married and have children, and, um, I have no children. my brothers are married and have children, and, um, I have no children.
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[JD] But you still live not far from... [EB] No. [JD] You're in Koonawarra now? [EB] That's right, yeah, I'm in Koonawarra [JD] But you still live not far from... [EB] No. [JD] You're in Koonawarra now? [EB] That's right, yeah, I'm in Koonawarra
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which is, if I were to walk from here, I'd probably get to Mulda Street where I used to live which is, if I were to walk from here, I'd probably get to Mulda Street where I used to live
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in about 10, 15 minutes, so it's still in the same area. [JD] So you've seen a fair bit of change in in about 10, 15 minutes, so it's still in the same area. [JD] So you've seen a fair bit of change in
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Dapto over those years? [EB] Oh yes, huge changes, great changes, yeah, it's ah... For instance Dapto over those years? [EB] Oh yes, huge changes, great changes, yeah, it's ah... For instance
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where we live now, ah, was just wilderness before. where we live now, ah, was just wilderness before.
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This was just all open fields, ah, with a couple of small farms out towards the lake. This was just all open fields, ah, with a couple of small farms out towards the lake.
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The boys in my area where we lived, used to always come cantering along The boys in my area where we lived, used to always come cantering along
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these, along these, um, fields and go and, go and play on the edge of the lake over there, these, along these, um, fields and go and, go and play on the edge of the lake over there,
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but me, being but me, being
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a girl and, and loving to curl up with books, I usually stayed in Mulda Street. a girl and, and loving to curl up with books, I usually stayed in Mulda Street.
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Unless I was sent to look for my brothers. [laughter] But truly there were no buildings here at all. There was nothing here. Unless I was sent to look for my brothers. [laughter] But truly there were no buildings here at all. There was nothing here.
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It was just all open fields, and it's all houses now. Yeah. It really is different. It was just all open fields, and it's all houses now. Yeah. It really is different.
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But, um, yes Dapto's different, but here I am back home in Dapto. [JD] Yes, yes. So you, um, But, um, yes Dapto's different, but here I am back home in Dapto. [JD] Yes, yes. So you, um,
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did you graduate from Smith's Hill High? [EB] Yes I did, yes I, I graduated. [JD] And then what did you do Einir? [EB] I did you graduate from Smith's Hill High? [EB] Yes I did, yes I, I graduated. [JD] And then what did you do Einir? [EB] I
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left school at the age of 15, having graduated with ... left school at the age of 15, having graduated with ...
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But I wanted to go to work and earn some money. And so I became a switchboard operator at the local telephone exchange. That was my first job at the age of 15, But I wanted to go to work and earn some money. And so I became a switchboard operator at the local telephone exchange. That was my first job at the age of 15,
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just after I left school. [JD] Okay, is that exchange the exchange in Wollongong? [EB] No, in Dapto. [JD] In Dapto, okay? [EB] It was, um, it just after I left school. [JD] Okay, is that exchange the exchange in Wollongong? [EB] No, in Dapto. [JD] In Dapto, okay? [EB] It was, um, it
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was a manual exchange where you had to use plugs, you put plugs in holes and connected was a manual exchange where you had to use plugs, you put plugs in holes and connected
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people up. You know, they'd ring in and you'd ask them number pleaseand so forth and so on. And they'd give you the number and if it was Sydney, you'd dial it for them and put them through. Sometimes the calls  people up. You know, they'd ring in and you'd ask them number pleaseand so forth and so on. And they'd give you the number and if it was Sydney, you'd dial it for them and put them through. Sometimes the calls 
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They were just local calls, from one local phone to another local phone and so forth. Yeah. And that was shift work. They were just local calls, from one local phone to another local phone and so forth. Yeah. And that was shift work.
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Oh, yeah, yes, I've got Oh, yeah, yes, I've got
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a really nice story about that. [JD] Please tell us. [EB] One of the, one of the stories, I've got a really nice story about that. [JD] Please tell us. [EB] One of the, one of the stories, I've got
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a lot of stories, but one in particular is a nice one, really nice one. Two ladies in a lot of stories, but one in particular is a nice one, really nice one. Two ladies in
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the town of Dapto or the village of Dapto, whichever you want to call it - it was more like the town of Dapto or the village of Dapto, whichever you want to call it - it was more like
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a village in those days really. Um, they would ring each other up, and they'd be on the a village in those days really. Um, they would ring each other up, and they'd be on the
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phone on Saturday nights for hours on end to each other. And one time, and phone on Saturday nights for hours on end to each other. And one time, and
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if that happens and somebody else was calling for one of those numbers, you had to tap on the, on if that happens and somebody else was calling for one of those numbers, you had to tap on the, on
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the number to see if people actually are talking, or if phones are off the hook or whatever. the number to see if people actually are talking, or if phones are off the hook or whatever.
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So one evening when I was doing So one evening when I was doing
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a Saturday night shift, I tapped and there they were yakking away a Saturday night shift, I tapped and there they were yakking away
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and they'd already been yakking for hours and then all of a sudden they started and they'd already been yakking for hours and then all of a sudden they started
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playing music to each other, and they were playing piano rolls to each other. And, and the, one playing music to each other, and they were playing piano rolls to each other. And, and the, one
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would play would play
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a certain piano roll and the other one would have to guess what music was. And it was like a certain piano roll and the other one would have to guess what music was. And it was like
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a musical guessing game that they had every Saturday night. And that was a musical guessing game that they had every Saturday night. And that was
17:54

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interesting. [JD] Oh, that's lovely. [EB] It was interesting. [JD] Oh, that's lovely. [EB] It was
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a lovely, it was, it's a lovely story. [JD] That was their Saturday night. [EB] Yes, that was their Saturday night, it was lovely. [JD] I'll bet you a lovely, it was, it's a lovely story. [JD] That was their Saturday night. [EB] Yes, that was their Saturday night, it was lovely. [JD] I'll bet you
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experienced a few things while you were on that exchange. [EB] Oh there were quite experienced a few things while you were on that exchange. [EB] Oh there were quite
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a few things which I, I can't even talk about right now, and I wouldn't. [laughter] I knew a few things which I, I can't even talk about right now, and I wouldn't. [laughter] I knew
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a lot of secrets that nobody else has ever heard of. Yes, yeah. [JD] So how long did you do that? a lot of secrets that nobody else has ever heard of. Yes, yeah. [JD] So how long did you do that?
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for? [EB] I did that until I was, oh, I guess I for? [EB] I did that until I was, oh, I guess I
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did that until I was almost, about 20, yes. did that until I was almost, about 20, yes.
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Yeah. [voice in the background] Oh yes, yes, my husband just reminded Yeah. [voice in the background] Oh yes, yes, my husband just reminded
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me of something I'm missing here. I left, I left the Post Office at me of something I'm missing here. I left, I left the Post Office at
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19. No, younger than that, 17 and a half I left the Post Office, and I went to work 19. No, younger than that, 17 and a half I left the Post Office, and I went to work
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at the Tallawarra Power Station. [JD] Okay, what did you do there? [EB] I was telephonist and receptionist. at the Tallawarra Power Station. [JD] Okay, what did you do there? [EB] I was telephonist and receptionist.
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I would welcome all the people who came in to see the, the various engineers and so forth, and [coughs], and help I would welcome all the people who came in to see the, the various engineers and so forth, and [coughs], and help
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people find people on the phone. Get them all connected up and all that sort of stuff. people find people on the phone. Get them all connected up and all that sort of stuff.
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And that was And that was
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a nice job, it was a good job. I got along with the other girls very well, 'cos there were other, other young women working there at this stage, and they were doing various office jobs, and, so forth, and ah, after a nice job, it was a good job. I got along with the other girls very well, 'cos there were other, other young women working there at this stage, and they were doing various office jobs, and, so forth, and ah, after
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I first came back to live in Dapto, we had lunches together. Some of the girls I used to work with at I first came back to live in Dapto, we had lunches together. Some of the girls I used to work with at
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Tallawarra and myself. But, some of them are no longer with us unfortunately. And others have moved. I haven't seen any body else for a long long time now. Were lots the staff at Tallawarra  Tallawarra and myself. But, some of them are no longer with us unfortunately. And others have moved. I haven't seen any body else for a long long time now. Were lots the staff at Tallawarra 
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were local [indistinct]. [EB] A lot of them were local people, yeah, people from the were local [indistinct]. [EB] A lot of them were local people, yeah, people from the
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Wollongong area and Dapto. Dapto and Albion Park and places like that, but we also had Wollongong area and Dapto. Dapto and Albion Park and places like that, but we also had
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a lot of, um, people from Europe who worked there. Yes, they were migrants from various parts of Europe. a lot of, um, people from Europe who worked there. Yes, they were migrants from various parts of Europe.
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I had to get used to these European names, um, because they would get phone calls too. And, um, that I had to get used to these European names, um, because they would get phone calls too. And, um, that
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was good for me, because I only, at that stage, my only knowledge of other was good for me, because I only, at that stage, my only knowledge of other
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languages was a little bit of French which I'd done in a school in Wales. But it was wonderful to hear all these languages was a little bit of French which I'd done in a school in Wales. But it was wonderful to hear all these
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exotic names from different parts of Europe, and I loved it, I loved it. And, um, so... [JD] It was a good place to work? exotic names from different parts of Europe, and I loved it, I loved it. And, um, so... [JD] It was a good place to work?
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[EB]It was, it was very interesting and it was very nice - yes, it was good. And every, every year they'd have [EB]It was, it was very interesting and it was very nice - yes, it was good. And every, every year they'd have
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a ball towards the end of year. There'd be a Christmas Ball, and everyone would go to the ball and a ball towards the end of year. There'd be a Christmas Ball, and everyone would go to the ball and
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All the girls would be looking around wondering who was going to ask to partner them, and so All the girls would be looking around wondering who was going to ask to partner them, and so
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forth. It was quite, quite interesting. forth. It was quite, quite interesting.
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After that I [pause] when I, I stayed home till I was After that I [pause] when I, I stayed home till I was
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21. [JD] As good girls did in those days? [EB] Yes, they did, yes. And 21. [JD] As good girls did in those days? [EB] Yes, they did, yes. And
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then I told my parents that I wanted to go and live in Sydney so that I could get then I told my parents that I wanted to go and live in Sydney so that I could get
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a bit more experience of life and so forth and so on. They didn't like it very much. Especially a bit more experience of life and so forth and so on. They didn't like it very much. Especially
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my father didn't like very much. But I was determined that I was going to be able to do it, and I did do that. I mover to Sydney my father didn't like very much. But I was determined that I was going to be able to do it, and I did do that. I mover to Sydney
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after I was 21. And, ah, I'd been in Sydney for some time before I met my husband Leigh.  after I was 21. And, ah, I'd been in Sydney for some time before I met my husband Leigh. 
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He and I met on the 1st of April 1962, He and I met on the 1st of April 1962,
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April's Fools Day, 1962, was the day we, oh, the evening we met. April's Fools Day, 1962, was the day we, oh, the evening we met.
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I was sharing a flat with, with I was sharing a flat with, with
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a young woman from the country. Her parents had a, a country, a country property, and, ah, she a young woman from the country. Her parents had a, a country, a country property, and, ah, she
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had advertised for someone to share the flat with and I answered the advertisement. had advertised for someone to share the flat with and I answered the advertisement.
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So there I was sharing this flat in Sydney with this girl. [JD] Was that quite a daring thing to do in those days? [EB] Oh yes. So there I was sharing this flat in Sydney with this girl. [JD] Was that quite a daring thing to do in those days? [EB] Oh yes.
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[JD] days, for single girls? [EB] Well ... a little, a little bit dare, [JD] days, for single girls? [EB] Well ... a little, a little bit dare,
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a little bit daring, yes. Anyway, um, this, there were a little bit daring, yes. Anyway, um, this, there were
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people living downstairs from us in another flat, and they were an American couple, and they people living downstairs from us in another flat, and they were an American couple, and they
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invited me and my friend, well my flat mate, um, to invited me and my friend, well my flat mate, um, to
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go down there one evening because they were having a group of Americans come to have coffee. go down there one evening because they were having a group of Americans come to have coffee.
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And I thought, "Oh, yes, alright. I may as well go." And I did, and And I thought, "Oh, yes, alright. I may as well go." And I did, and
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as soon as I walked in, I saw all these people sitting on all these chairs, and there as soon as I walked in, I saw all these people sitting on all these chairs, and there
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were no chairs left, but Leigh, my husband, was one of them. And he got up were no chairs left, but Leigh, my husband, was one of them. And he got up
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and gave me his chair and sat down on the floor next to the chair and leaned over and gave me his chair and sat down on the floor next to the chair and leaned over
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and said to me, "What is your name again?" And I told him, and he asked me what sort and said to me, "What is your name again?" And I told him, and he asked me what sort
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of name it was, where, where did it come from. And I told him it was a Welsh name. And he was very interested in that. And he said  of name it was, where, where did it come from. And I told him it was a Welsh name. And he was very interested in that. And he said 
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"I'm just trying to decide whether to "I'm just trying to decide whether to
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learn Irish Gaelic or Welsh." [laughs] And so, and he was! It's true, he learn Irish Gaelic or Welsh." [laughs] And so, and he was! It's true, he
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really was. [JD] I bet meeting you made that decision for him. [EB] I think it might have actually. really was. [JD] I bet meeting you made that decision for him. [EB] I think it might have actually.
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That's fantastic, I loved hearing those memories. And Einir thank you so much for sharing That's fantastic, I loved hearing those memories. And Einir thank you so much for sharing
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them with us. [EB] And when, when we left that night he walked me upstairs to my flat so he them with us. [EB] And when, when we left that night he walked me upstairs to my flat so he
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could see where I lived [laughs]. And, ah, we, we made a date to get could see where I lived [laughs]. And, ah, we, we made a date to get
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together, oh, a few nights later, and, but he turned up early. The meeting had together, oh, a few nights later, and, but he turned up early. The meeting had
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been on a Sunday night and he turned up on the Tuesday, and I think I wasn't expecting him until been on a Sunday night and he turned up on the Tuesday, and I think I wasn't expecting him until
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the Thursday or something. So when he came unexpectedly, I had rollers in my hair, cream on the Thursday or something. So when he came unexpectedly, I had rollers in my hair, cream on
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my face and I was wearing my old ... my face and I was wearing my old ...
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and I went to answer the door and there he was. So what could I do but invite him in, and I went and and I went to answer the door and there he was. So what could I do but invite him in, and I went and
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got out of the ski pajamas, cleaned the cream off my face and combed my hair, and that got out of the ski pajamas, cleaned the cream off my face and combed my hair, and that
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was it. [JD] And you've been together ever since. [EB] We have indeed. [JD] Yes, that's a fantastic story. was it. [JD] And you've been together ever since. [EB] We have indeed. [JD] Yes, that's a fantastic story.
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How very nice. [EB] That was in '62, and we got married in 1964 in Sydney, How very nice. [EB] That was in '62, and we got married in 1964 in Sydney,
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25 January 1964 we got married, yeah. [JD] Thank you so much for talking to us today Einir, it was wonderful. 25 January 1964 we got married, yeah. [JD] Thank you so much for talking to us today Einir, it was wonderful.
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[EB] Pleasure. [JD] Thank you. [EB] [Laughs] I'm glad if you enjoyed hearing it. [EB] Pleasure. [JD] Thank you. [EB] [Laughs] I'm glad if you enjoyed hearing it.