All At Sea by Sue Bavey
On a dull and cool 6th February, 1960, I set sail from Tilbury, England on the P & O ship the S. S. Orcades for Fremantle, Western Australia. It would be a three-week voyage which took me via the Suez Canal.
The night before my departure my mother, father, sister and I stayed at the Cumberland Hotel in Tilbury, which in itself was a special treat.
“Oh Wow, Joan, look at this room! Such luxury! I hope my cabin on the ship will be this fancy, but I very much doubt it will!”
Being a farming family we had not had a lot of spare money for holidays or hotels.
“I know, Liz, imagine if boarding school was like this! I’d never want to go home!” My sister, Joan was enjoying the grandeur of the hotel room just as much as the rest of us!
The following morning, on the 6th, we were joined by friends and family who had come to see me off on my adventure. Mum and Pop accompanied me on board the ship and had a look around before we sailed at 2.30 pm. I was emigrating to Australia as part of the “Assisted Passage Migration Scheme”, created in 1945 by the Australian government as a means to attract people to live and work there for a minimum of two years. This scheme was known colloquially as the "Populate or Perish" policy. In those days you could emigrate to Australia for a minimum of two years for the princely sum of £10.00, as long as you had someone willing to sponsor you. A friend of my mother, who lived in Perth, Western Australia, had agreed to sponsor me and host me while I got my bearings, so I paid my money and became what was known as a “Ten Pound Pom”. My passport was taken away from me and was to be returned after a minimum of two years of living in Australia. I ended up staying for almost exactly three years, leaving Brisbane on 9th February 1963 and heading to New Zealand.
The letters included in this portion of my story are all transcripts of airmail letters I wrote home to my parents from aboard the S.S. Orcades, as we made our way to Australia via stops in Gibraltar, Naples, Cairo, Aden and Colombo.
The night before my departure my mother, father, sister and I stayed at the Cumberland Hotel in Tilbury, which in itself was a special treat.
“Oh Wow, Joan, look at this room! Such luxury! I hope my cabin on the ship will be this fancy, but I very much doubt it will!”
Being a farming family we had not had a lot of spare money for holidays or hotels.
“I know, Liz, imagine if boarding school was like this! I’d never want to go home!” My sister, Joan was enjoying the grandeur of the hotel room just as much as the rest of us!
The following morning, on the 6th, we were joined by friends and family who had come to see me off on my adventure. Mum and Pop accompanied me on board the ship and had a look around before we sailed at 2.30 pm. I was emigrating to Australia as part of the “Assisted Passage Migration Scheme”, created in 1945 by the Australian government as a means to attract people to live and work there for a minimum of two years. This scheme was known colloquially as the "Populate or Perish" policy. In those days you could emigrate to Australia for a minimum of two years for the princely sum of £10.00, as long as you had someone willing to sponsor you. A friend of my mother, who lived in Perth, Western Australia, had agreed to sponsor me and host me while I got my bearings, so I paid my money and became what was known as a “Ten Pound Pom”. My passport was taken away from me and was to be returned after a minimum of two years of living in Australia. I ended up staying for almost exactly three years, leaving Brisbane on 9th February 1963 and heading to New Zealand.
The letters included in this portion of my story are all transcripts of airmail letters I wrote home to my parents from aboard the S.S. Orcades, as we made our way to Australia via stops in Gibraltar, Naples, Cairo, Aden and Colombo.
S. S. Orcades (posted from Gibraltar)
Monday 8th February 1960
Monday 8th February 1960
Dear Mummy & Daddy,
I have written a postcard to home but perhaps this will reach you before you leave Enid’s. Anyway I’m sure she will send it on to home if you’ve left. Today we have been sailing down the Spanish Coast and could see Lisbon in the distance. The weather has been beautiful all day and the sea has been very calm all the way. Since you went it hardly seems believable that we’ve been at sea two days now, as there is always something to do. We had our life-jacket practise the first night - just in case! They also had Housey-housey in the lounge that night and my cabin mates and I were roped in for selling tickets but they were sold before we got there so Jane and Jenny (two young Aussies: Jenny Paterson, from Bicton, W. A. and Jane Donohue from Tasmania, but getting off at Perth where she is staying for a while) & I explored the 1st Class decks before the crew got to know everyone! Very nice too - plenty of space compared to us: we’re more like sardines but it’s comfortable. They also have more easy chairs and carpets about the place. Last night Jane had to collect a parcel from the Purser’s Office in 1st Class so went with her and Mary (a wee Scotts lass going out to marry an Australian in Sydney) and saw a friend of Mary’s who invited us into her cabin - a 2 berth with a porthole and pictures on the wall and more woodwork - otherwise not a great deal of difference. Today I’ve played in a competition at deck quoits (out first round! At least I learned how to play!!); done some knitting; reading; washing and this afternoon played in a Whist Drive (nine tables!). Have only just come away from Cha cha lessons! Tonight at dinner we have to think of a film, play or book title and draw it, e.g. “The Sea Around Us”!! Tomorrow a.m. we call at Gibraltar so I am going to look at the shops, take some snaps and go up the Rock - I hope! We are already booking for trips at Naples - think I shall go to Pompeii and Sorrento then look at Naples itself. Have already got two Gibraltar stamps - perhaps you will save all the used ones I send. Hope you are enjoying your stay with Enid and getting about a bit. Wasn’t it wonderful getting flowers from the Lancasters, Wilsons and Baystons and a telegram from Enid’s Miss Payne? The flowers were daffodils, jonquils, violets, freesias, tulips and anemones and are heavenly. Will write and thank them all eventually and won’t be long before I write to you again.
Keep well and God Bless, Much Love Liz XXXX
I have written a postcard to home but perhaps this will reach you before you leave Enid’s. Anyway I’m sure she will send it on to home if you’ve left. Today we have been sailing down the Spanish Coast and could see Lisbon in the distance. The weather has been beautiful all day and the sea has been very calm all the way. Since you went it hardly seems believable that we’ve been at sea two days now, as there is always something to do. We had our life-jacket practise the first night - just in case! They also had Housey-housey in the lounge that night and my cabin mates and I were roped in for selling tickets but they were sold before we got there so Jane and Jenny (two young Aussies: Jenny Paterson, from Bicton, W. A. and Jane Donohue from Tasmania, but getting off at Perth where she is staying for a while) & I explored the 1st Class decks before the crew got to know everyone! Very nice too - plenty of space compared to us: we’re more like sardines but it’s comfortable. They also have more easy chairs and carpets about the place. Last night Jane had to collect a parcel from the Purser’s Office in 1st Class so went with her and Mary (a wee Scotts lass going out to marry an Australian in Sydney) and saw a friend of Mary’s who invited us into her cabin - a 2 berth with a porthole and pictures on the wall and more woodwork - otherwise not a great deal of difference. Today I’ve played in a competition at deck quoits (out first round! At least I learned how to play!!); done some knitting; reading; washing and this afternoon played in a Whist Drive (nine tables!). Have only just come away from Cha cha lessons! Tonight at dinner we have to think of a film, play or book title and draw it, e.g. “The Sea Around Us”!! Tomorrow a.m. we call at Gibraltar so I am going to look at the shops, take some snaps and go up the Rock - I hope! We are already booking for trips at Naples - think I shall go to Pompeii and Sorrento then look at Naples itself. Have already got two Gibraltar stamps - perhaps you will save all the used ones I send. Hope you are enjoying your stay with Enid and getting about a bit. Wasn’t it wonderful getting flowers from the Lancasters, Wilsons and Baystons and a telegram from Enid’s Miss Payne? The flowers were daffodils, jonquils, violets, freesias, tulips and anemones and are heavenly. Will write and thank them all eventually and won’t be long before I write to you again.
Keep well and God Bless, Much Love Liz XXXX
S. S. Orcades
Mid - Mediterranean Sea!
(posted from Naples)
10th February 1960
Mid - Mediterranean Sea!
(posted from Naples)
10th February 1960
My Dear Mums & Pop,
Have just realised that we have to get our letters posted by 6.00 p.m. tonight for Naples tomorrow so thought I’d better “get down to it” & write a few lines now instead of posting one at Port Said as they don’t recommend that for mail, as you will see on the list. I hope you got the last Air Mail - sent to Enid’s.
At the moment I’m writing this on “B” deck overlooking the Mediterranean! It’s a beautiful blue as I’ve always been told and there are only wisps of cloud in the sky. Do wish you were both here because I know you’d enjoy it even more than me. It was lovely to get your letter at Gibraltar, Mummy.
As regards seeing Gibraltar - what do you mean “if you are awake” - indeed!! Actually we put our clocks forward an hour the night before so it was dark when we arrived and before you could see the outline of the Rock, there were the lights of the town itself. Then the light broke through behind and the Rock really did look like a jewel shining in the sea with its lights ablaze. We had about 1.5 hours on shore which just gave you time to see the apes or the shops - I chose the latter and went swimming. I bought two pairs of castanets (one for Joan!); a pair of Toledo earrings; a white belt with bull-fighting on it (it will go with my thick skirt) and other odds and ends. The shops were very fascinating with brightly coloured carpets hanging out, etc. I had a look in the Anglican Cathedral which was quite small, spotless and rather nice and then walked up the Main Street to a Moorish Wall. I took some photographs of these places so am praying they will come out. I also took the ship on the way back as she anchored out in the bay and we came ashore by steam lighter.
I’ve met all sorts of people and no doubt will meet more. At the table I’m next to a New Zealander called John & two families of Scots (one of three & one of 4). We get on all right but am not thrilled - it takes some doing to understand some of the Scots! However one doesn’t like to move at this hour and they are not so bad.
Am looking forward to getting another letter from you.
Oh, we have all been invited to cocktails with the Captain and officers this evening and then in the evening we are having a Gala Dance so will have a look-see although there isn’t a great deal of talent on board!!!
Last night we had the last film that Kay Kendall made - “Once More With Feeling” and it was good - what I could see of it! Things were a bit crushed.
Well, my dears, until Aden - cheerio and keep well, bless you both.
Have just realised that we have to get our letters posted by 6.00 p.m. tonight for Naples tomorrow so thought I’d better “get down to it” & write a few lines now instead of posting one at Port Said as they don’t recommend that for mail, as you will see on the list. I hope you got the last Air Mail - sent to Enid’s.
At the moment I’m writing this on “B” deck overlooking the Mediterranean! It’s a beautiful blue as I’ve always been told and there are only wisps of cloud in the sky. Do wish you were both here because I know you’d enjoy it even more than me. It was lovely to get your letter at Gibraltar, Mummy.
As regards seeing Gibraltar - what do you mean “if you are awake” - indeed!! Actually we put our clocks forward an hour the night before so it was dark when we arrived and before you could see the outline of the Rock, there were the lights of the town itself. Then the light broke through behind and the Rock really did look like a jewel shining in the sea with its lights ablaze. We had about 1.5 hours on shore which just gave you time to see the apes or the shops - I chose the latter and went swimming. I bought two pairs of castanets (one for Joan!); a pair of Toledo earrings; a white belt with bull-fighting on it (it will go with my thick skirt) and other odds and ends. The shops were very fascinating with brightly coloured carpets hanging out, etc. I had a look in the Anglican Cathedral which was quite small, spotless and rather nice and then walked up the Main Street to a Moorish Wall. I took some photographs of these places so am praying they will come out. I also took the ship on the way back as she anchored out in the bay and we came ashore by steam lighter.
I’ve met all sorts of people and no doubt will meet more. At the table I’m next to a New Zealander called John & two families of Scots (one of three & one of 4). We get on all right but am not thrilled - it takes some doing to understand some of the Scots! However one doesn’t like to move at this hour and they are not so bad.
Am looking forward to getting another letter from you.
Oh, we have all been invited to cocktails with the Captain and officers this evening and then in the evening we are having a Gala Dance so will have a look-see although there isn’t a great deal of talent on board!!!
Last night we had the last film that Kay Kendall made - “Once More With Feeling” and it was good - what I could see of it! Things were a bit crushed.
Well, my dears, until Aden - cheerio and keep well, bless you both.
Much love from
X Elizabeth X
X Elizabeth X
P.S. Love to Joan and tell Mrs. Nelson I’ll be writing.
S. S. Orcades (posted from Cairo)
13th February 1960
13th February 1960
Dear Mum & Pop,
Hope you received the postcard from Pompeii all right. We had a wonderful day in Italy. I didn’t see much of Naples itself, apart from going through on the coach, though. Anyway, the thing that strikes you at once is the washing hung to dry across the streets everywhere and evidently every day! It seems a dirty place and we went through a lot of slums and even families live in shacks - just like the refugee ones we heard about. Anyway, we left Naples and stopped first at a place where coral necklaces and cameo jewellery is made. There were some beautiful cameos and I bought a ring. We watched the men making them - they go blind after a while. Then we went to Pompeii and it was a beautiful sunny day just right for sightseeing there. It is wonderful what has been unearthed there - whole streets still showing the chariot wheel marks and complete houses. We went into what had been a banker’s house and a great deal of the paintings on the walls in the rooms were still intact - really wonderful. Evidently, Pompeii was only covered by ashes whereas Herculaneum was covered by lava and they have to get through solid rock to find the buildings etc. After Pompeii, we had a beautiful drive by coach along the Bay of Naples to Sorrento. We had lunch at a hotel first and I tussled with a large plate of spaghetti with just a fork!! Sorrento was rather a sweet place - nice little squares, donkey carts, palms everywhere and we saw no end of orange groves and lemons growing on trees and ate some too. They cover the trees with screens made of palm leaves etc. to keep off the frost. I took some photographs there of the Bay of Naples so hope all of them come out.
How did you enjoy your holiday with Enid - what a lovely surprise seeing Deirdre and family - yes I remember the photographs of her holding me. Yes I felt a little sad when you went and waved ‘til you were out of sight. Thank you Pop for the few lines. Hope to get some more!! Wish you were both here to enjoy the voyage. I’m looking forward to Aden and Colombo then Fremantle!
Hope you received the postcard from Pompeii all right. We had a wonderful day in Italy. I didn’t see much of Naples itself, apart from going through on the coach, though. Anyway, the thing that strikes you at once is the washing hung to dry across the streets everywhere and evidently every day! It seems a dirty place and we went through a lot of slums and even families live in shacks - just like the refugee ones we heard about. Anyway, we left Naples and stopped first at a place where coral necklaces and cameo jewellery is made. There were some beautiful cameos and I bought a ring. We watched the men making them - they go blind after a while. Then we went to Pompeii and it was a beautiful sunny day just right for sightseeing there. It is wonderful what has been unearthed there - whole streets still showing the chariot wheel marks and complete houses. We went into what had been a banker’s house and a great deal of the paintings on the walls in the rooms were still intact - really wonderful. Evidently, Pompeii was only covered by ashes whereas Herculaneum was covered by lava and they have to get through solid rock to find the buildings etc. After Pompeii, we had a beautiful drive by coach along the Bay of Naples to Sorrento. We had lunch at a hotel first and I tussled with a large plate of spaghetti with just a fork!! Sorrento was rather a sweet place - nice little squares, donkey carts, palms everywhere and we saw no end of orange groves and lemons growing on trees and ate some too. They cover the trees with screens made of palm leaves etc. to keep off the frost. I took some photographs there of the Bay of Naples so hope all of them come out.
How did you enjoy your holiday with Enid - what a lovely surprise seeing Deirdre and family - yes I remember the photographs of her holding me. Yes I felt a little sad when you went and waved ‘til you were out of sight. Thank you Pop for the few lines. Hope to get some more!! Wish you were both here to enjoy the voyage. I’m looking forward to Aden and Colombo then Fremantle!
Look after yourselves and all my love and xx
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
S. S. Orcades (Posted from Aden)
16th February 1960
16th February 1960
Dear All,
Thought I would write you a few more lines to go from Aden which we should reach by 6.00 pm tomorrow night.
Since last writing we’ve called at Port Said which was really fascinating. We left there at about 7.00 am but I was up at about 6.15 am to see some of it. The ships were all in convoy ready for going down the Canal and it was a beautiful morning. I took some more photographs there. Little boats came up to the ship selling their wares - chiefly things (bags; sandals; pouffes; hold-alls) made of leather and some wooden things. They started off by asking for a high price and then after bartering with them the price would come down somewhat. There was also a shop on board and I bought a wooden plate inlaid with different woods and mother of pearl, a bag for George’s little kiddy, two little purses, a souvenir camel and some postcards. I got all of them for less than the set price except the P.C.s. After bargaining, I went and sat in the sun - really warm as no breeze for the first time - and watched camels go by! We passed small villages, miles of sand and a few towns for about two hours then the convoy tied up in a sort of by-pass while the north-bound convoy overtook us - there were roughly 30 ships in it. We had a magician (Egyptian) called Gully-gully in the evening to entertain us and he was really good - very quick and I wouldn’t like to play cards with him!
Darkness comes down here rapidly at about 6.00 pm. We’ve put our clocks on 3 hours now.
At present, we are in the Red Sea (about halfway) and there isn’t a thing in sight and it’s getting very warm - yesterday it was 74°F at 12 noon and today will be warmer as it is much more humid. I see from the Wireless News that you are in the midst of snow again - seems odd doesn’t it?!
We are having Danny Kaye’s film “Five Pennies” tonight so that should be good.
From what I can gather things like transistor wirelesses and records are very cheap in Aden so shall be sorely tempted!
All being well I’ll be writing again from Colombo and then from Auntie’s. I wrote to her the other day so hope it gets there all right.
Have had an invitation to Tasmania already!
No more news at present - hope you are all well and looking forward to hearing from you again.
Thought I would write you a few more lines to go from Aden which we should reach by 6.00 pm tomorrow night.
Since last writing we’ve called at Port Said which was really fascinating. We left there at about 7.00 am but I was up at about 6.15 am to see some of it. The ships were all in convoy ready for going down the Canal and it was a beautiful morning. I took some more photographs there. Little boats came up to the ship selling their wares - chiefly things (bags; sandals; pouffes; hold-alls) made of leather and some wooden things. They started off by asking for a high price and then after bartering with them the price would come down somewhat. There was also a shop on board and I bought a wooden plate inlaid with different woods and mother of pearl, a bag for George’s little kiddy, two little purses, a souvenir camel and some postcards. I got all of them for less than the set price except the P.C.s. After bargaining, I went and sat in the sun - really warm as no breeze for the first time - and watched camels go by! We passed small villages, miles of sand and a few towns for about two hours then the convoy tied up in a sort of by-pass while the north-bound convoy overtook us - there were roughly 30 ships in it. We had a magician (Egyptian) called Gully-gully in the evening to entertain us and he was really good - very quick and I wouldn’t like to play cards with him!
Darkness comes down here rapidly at about 6.00 pm. We’ve put our clocks on 3 hours now.
At present, we are in the Red Sea (about halfway) and there isn’t a thing in sight and it’s getting very warm - yesterday it was 74°F at 12 noon and today will be warmer as it is much more humid. I see from the Wireless News that you are in the midst of snow again - seems odd doesn’t it?!
We are having Danny Kaye’s film “Five Pennies” tonight so that should be good.
From what I can gather things like transistor wirelesses and records are very cheap in Aden so shall be sorely tempted!
All being well I’ll be writing again from Colombo and then from Auntie’s. I wrote to her the other day so hope it gets there all right.
Have had an invitation to Tasmania already!
No more news at present - hope you are all well and looking forward to hearing from you again.
Much love from Elizabeth XXX
S. S. Orcades (posted from Colombo)
18th February 1960
18th February 1960
My Dear Mums & Pop,
Thought I would start this letter now and finish it probably nearer our arrival in Colombo. One soon forgets what one has done if not!
On Tuesday evening we saw a film up on “A” Deck - with the stars over us (lovely and warm too!) and it was very good. Danny Kaye was in it - “The Five Pennies”. I think Joan would like it if she hasn’t already seen it. Afterwards, we (Jane & I) had a drink with Joe & Ariah, two Singalese. Joe is studying to be a doctor & Ariah is in Ceylon House or something similar. Very interesting to talk to.
Yesterday I joined in the Deck Quoits Singles and got knocked out first round! Did quite a bit of sunbathing and got a bit burnt so am keeping out of it today. The swimming pool on “A” deck has been filled now but haven’t been in yet!! Someone was telling me that this ship was built for an aircraft carrier, but was altered into a passenger ship. I keep getting little trips to 1st Class with Mary to see her friend Mrs. Bain - don’t think they know which class we belong to! It’s lovely and cool inside with air-conditioning but most people (me included) seem to get a bit of a cold and sore throat - nothing much, just with the change in temp. I’d rather have it like this than baking hot all day.
Well, fancy, only one more stop to come before Fremantle & then I shall have to come back down to earth! Been so lazy!
Last night we anchored in the harbour at Aden and it was fascinating watching us coming in & to see all the lights both on land & to see the ships lit up too. We’ve caught up with our sister ship the “S.S. Orion” which had to turn back to have its engines seen to - in fact we’ve overtaken it this morning & I believe it should have been in Melbourne now!
We seem to go at quite a speed & passed quite a number of oil tankers in the Red Sea.
I had great fun with Mary - shopping in Aden - as the shops kept open for the ships. Mary keeps getting things in the clothes line, as she is getting married about a week after arrival in Sydney. Her surname is Church so we go together rather well - (A)Isle & Church!! Ha Ha!
I bought an Orlon twinset for $2.10 (American); a dress; blouse for Auntie; sandals; a viewer for snaps (small hand one which I bartered down in price) and three postcards. You had to barter like mad so am getting to be a dab hand! Transistors and anything in the electrical line, also fishing gear, typewriters & photographic equipment are very cheap there but didn’t get anything in that line as I’m OK for the present and don’t need a wireless (transistors - £5 and upwards and some English makes). There were wonderful mechanical toys too and most of the kiddies on this ship seem to have got some - cars worked by battery and will reverse, go left or right, also dogs on leads which walk and their eyes light up - all operated by hand! Hope I can get some on the way home if I don’t come home the other way, via Panama, which is more likely!! Hope you are both well and keeping warm! Love to the Wilsons - will write actually.
Thought I would start this letter now and finish it probably nearer our arrival in Colombo. One soon forgets what one has done if not!
On Tuesday evening we saw a film up on “A” Deck - with the stars over us (lovely and warm too!) and it was very good. Danny Kaye was in it - “The Five Pennies”. I think Joan would like it if she hasn’t already seen it. Afterwards, we (Jane & I) had a drink with Joe & Ariah, two Singalese. Joe is studying to be a doctor & Ariah is in Ceylon House or something similar. Very interesting to talk to.
Yesterday I joined in the Deck Quoits Singles and got knocked out first round! Did quite a bit of sunbathing and got a bit burnt so am keeping out of it today. The swimming pool on “A” deck has been filled now but haven’t been in yet!! Someone was telling me that this ship was built for an aircraft carrier, but was altered into a passenger ship. I keep getting little trips to 1st Class with Mary to see her friend Mrs. Bain - don’t think they know which class we belong to! It’s lovely and cool inside with air-conditioning but most people (me included) seem to get a bit of a cold and sore throat - nothing much, just with the change in temp. I’d rather have it like this than baking hot all day.
Well, fancy, only one more stop to come before Fremantle & then I shall have to come back down to earth! Been so lazy!
Last night we anchored in the harbour at Aden and it was fascinating watching us coming in & to see all the lights both on land & to see the ships lit up too. We’ve caught up with our sister ship the “S.S. Orion” which had to turn back to have its engines seen to - in fact we’ve overtaken it this morning & I believe it should have been in Melbourne now!
We seem to go at quite a speed & passed quite a number of oil tankers in the Red Sea.
I had great fun with Mary - shopping in Aden - as the shops kept open for the ships. Mary keeps getting things in the clothes line, as she is getting married about a week after arrival in Sydney. Her surname is Church so we go together rather well - (A)Isle & Church!! Ha Ha!
I bought an Orlon twinset for $2.10 (American); a dress; blouse for Auntie; sandals; a viewer for snaps (small hand one which I bartered down in price) and three postcards. You had to barter like mad so am getting to be a dab hand! Transistors and anything in the electrical line, also fishing gear, typewriters & photographic equipment are very cheap there but didn’t get anything in that line as I’m OK for the present and don’t need a wireless (transistors - £5 and upwards and some English makes). There were wonderful mechanical toys too and most of the kiddies on this ship seem to have got some - cars worked by battery and will reverse, go left or right, also dogs on leads which walk and their eyes light up - all operated by hand! Hope I can get some on the way home if I don’t come home the other way, via Panama, which is more likely!! Hope you are both well and keeping warm! Love to the Wilsons - will write actually.
Very much love, Elizabeth xx
P.S. Seem to have filled this one up so will probably write another before getting to Colombo. Hope to go on a tour there! xxx
S. S. Orcades (posted from Colombo)
20th February 1960
20th February 1960
My Dear Mum & Pop,
Just a line or two as I promised to let you know what has been happening!
On Thursday evening we had a Race Meeting on board. The “horses” were ridden by lady jockeys and were owned by gentlemen! We had six races and there was a Tote so it was almost like the Point-to-Points - the jockeys had to wind wooden horses towards them for about 20 yards. It all seemed to go off all right anyway and was followed by beer and hot dogs etc. then dancing so was a very enjoyable evening.
Last night the film “Follow a Star” was shown - the one I saw with Mary and Elizabeth before setting off, so I didn’t go to that but went to the Housie-housie [Bingo] instead and sold tickets for them! Didn’t win anything though.
Tonight it’s the Fancy Dress Ball and I might go as the “Ship’s Cat” but I don’t know. The children had theirs yesterday and some of them (194 on board in Tourist Class!!) looked really grand.
On Monday we arrive in Colombo and spend the whole day on the island of Ceylon. I hope to go on a coach tour to Kandy (the old capital, it’s now Colombo) and believe we see rubber trees growing, go on a tea farm, see elephants bathing etc. but some of the stewards say that there is a strike on in Colombo and so we may not stay there.
This morning the Swimming Sports were held - quite funny.
Yes, I got some lovely flowers from Mrs. Wilson, also the Lancasters and have written to them both today. Also a telegram from Miss Payne - I thought it was from Ian Payne at first.
Have written nineteen letters and ten postcards on board and still have some to write but am afraid they may not get done until after I arrive in Fremantle.
We have a very nice cabin steward - Trevor Nutall - and have quite a few chats with him.
My table mates are quite nice too - seven Scots and one New Zealander!
Have finished the back of my sweater and have done (almost) the two fronts of a baby jacket to give to George all being well with a pair of mittens and bootees for the twins. Hope they won’t be too big for them!
Well, I must go and book my trip as the Purser’s Office will be open now and also post these so will say Cheerio for the present.
Keep well and looking forward to a letter at Colombo!
Just a line or two as I promised to let you know what has been happening!
On Thursday evening we had a Race Meeting on board. The “horses” were ridden by lady jockeys and were owned by gentlemen! We had six races and there was a Tote so it was almost like the Point-to-Points - the jockeys had to wind wooden horses towards them for about 20 yards. It all seemed to go off all right anyway and was followed by beer and hot dogs etc. then dancing so was a very enjoyable evening.
Last night the film “Follow a Star” was shown - the one I saw with Mary and Elizabeth before setting off, so I didn’t go to that but went to the Housie-housie [Bingo] instead and sold tickets for them! Didn’t win anything though.
Tonight it’s the Fancy Dress Ball and I might go as the “Ship’s Cat” but I don’t know. The children had theirs yesterday and some of them (194 on board in Tourist Class!!) looked really grand.
On Monday we arrive in Colombo and spend the whole day on the island of Ceylon. I hope to go on a coach tour to Kandy (the old capital, it’s now Colombo) and believe we see rubber trees growing, go on a tea farm, see elephants bathing etc. but some of the stewards say that there is a strike on in Colombo and so we may not stay there.
This morning the Swimming Sports were held - quite funny.
Yes, I got some lovely flowers from Mrs. Wilson, also the Lancasters and have written to them both today. Also a telegram from Miss Payne - I thought it was from Ian Payne at first.
Have written nineteen letters and ten postcards on board and still have some to write but am afraid they may not get done until after I arrive in Fremantle.
We have a very nice cabin steward - Trevor Nutall - and have quite a few chats with him.
My table mates are quite nice too - seven Scots and one New Zealander!
Have finished the back of my sweater and have done (almost) the two fronts of a baby jacket to give to George all being well with a pair of mittens and bootees for the twins. Hope they won’t be too big for them!
Well, I must go and book my trip as the Purser’s Office will be open now and also post these so will say Cheerio for the present.
Keep well and looking forward to a letter at Colombo!
Very much love
Elizabeth xx
Elizabeth xx
P.S. I just had a letter from you at Naples - hoped there would be one from Joan but I expect she hasn’t the addresses.
S. S. Orcades (posted in Fremantle, Australia)
26th February 1960
26th February 1960
My Dear Mum & Pop,
Once again a few lines to let you know what has been happening. This will be my last letter from the ship I expect & it will be posted from Fremantle so at least you’ll know the ship has arrived! I believe we arrive fairly early in the morning and the ship is in for quite a few hours. Hope George will have got over his appendix and be there with Auntie and Uncle to meet the ship! I hope the three weeks have gone as quickly for you as they have for me!! On the whole, I’ve liked the journey - the weather has been kind - but shall be glad to get there. I’ve had lots of fun with my cabin mates Jenny & Jane and incidentally, Jenny was pushed in the pool last night with a boy we’ve met - Bob. High jinks - they’d had Chianti for dinner and we had fun sobering Jenny up! We’ve had a gem of a steward - Trevor Nutall from Dover and had great fun and games with him all the voyage - think he’ll be lost without us!! (or relieved).
Thank you so much for your letter which I received at Colombo and also for sending Joan’s on. Had one from Mollie, Enid and Babs again. I also had a card from Auntie Elsie which was a lovely surprise.
Am so glad you enjoyed your stay in Canterbury & hope you are settled in again & not getting too much snow. The play would be good I expect. Would like to see the Tommy Steele film myself - we are having one tonight, Alec Guinness in “My Man in Havanna” & the other night had “Doctor at Large” which I’d seen but saw again.
Have got quite a few stamps “en route”. Have finished knitting a little jacket for one of Jean’s twins.
Packed a bit of luggage today. They changed my money into Australian currency today.
On Monday our two Singalese friends left the ship to go home. Joe goes back to England after a holiday to study to be a doctor in Sheffield. Both he and Ariah took some friends round the island & to meet relatives but Mary & I had fixed for a tour to Kandy - it was fabulous. The whole island - as far as we saw - and the drive was 72 miles - was covered in banana and coconut palms, bamboos, tea, rubber and rice. The houses are all single storey ones - a few larger. We saw wayside stalls for baskets, pineapples, pottery, etc. and also stopped to see the ex-Prime Minister’s tomb. The tour guide was excellent and told us the names of flowers etc. We went round a tea factory and I bought 1 lb of Orange Pekoe. They drive like madmen on the roads - 1 in 10 has a car! We saw the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, very old but not terribly interesting. There were snake-charmers, crowds of beggars, Buddhist priests in their yellow robes, elephants bathing in rivers, beautiful views and a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens, where we saw an orchid house and trees such as the Cocaine, Cintinella, Nutmeg etc. Took about 20 photos but not too bright so keeping fingers crossed. Bought one or two serviette rings in Kandian brassware and an elephant (ivory). Everything was very expensive on the island. We had some Kandian dancers on board at night - very good. I went to the church service on Sunday morning and to a Whist Drive the other day! Must say cheerio now.
Once again a few lines to let you know what has been happening. This will be my last letter from the ship I expect & it will be posted from Fremantle so at least you’ll know the ship has arrived! I believe we arrive fairly early in the morning and the ship is in for quite a few hours. Hope George will have got over his appendix and be there with Auntie and Uncle to meet the ship! I hope the three weeks have gone as quickly for you as they have for me!! On the whole, I’ve liked the journey - the weather has been kind - but shall be glad to get there. I’ve had lots of fun with my cabin mates Jenny & Jane and incidentally, Jenny was pushed in the pool last night with a boy we’ve met - Bob. High jinks - they’d had Chianti for dinner and we had fun sobering Jenny up! We’ve had a gem of a steward - Trevor Nutall from Dover and had great fun and games with him all the voyage - think he’ll be lost without us!! (or relieved).
Thank you so much for your letter which I received at Colombo and also for sending Joan’s on. Had one from Mollie, Enid and Babs again. I also had a card from Auntie Elsie which was a lovely surprise.
Am so glad you enjoyed your stay in Canterbury & hope you are settled in again & not getting too much snow. The play would be good I expect. Would like to see the Tommy Steele film myself - we are having one tonight, Alec Guinness in “My Man in Havanna” & the other night had “Doctor at Large” which I’d seen but saw again.
Have got quite a few stamps “en route”. Have finished knitting a little jacket for one of Jean’s twins.
Packed a bit of luggage today. They changed my money into Australian currency today.
On Monday our two Singalese friends left the ship to go home. Joe goes back to England after a holiday to study to be a doctor in Sheffield. Both he and Ariah took some friends round the island & to meet relatives but Mary & I had fixed for a tour to Kandy - it was fabulous. The whole island - as far as we saw - and the drive was 72 miles - was covered in banana and coconut palms, bamboos, tea, rubber and rice. The houses are all single storey ones - a few larger. We saw wayside stalls for baskets, pineapples, pottery, etc. and also stopped to see the ex-Prime Minister’s tomb. The tour guide was excellent and told us the names of flowers etc. We went round a tea factory and I bought 1 lb of Orange Pekoe. They drive like madmen on the roads - 1 in 10 has a car! We saw the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, very old but not terribly interesting. There were snake-charmers, crowds of beggars, Buddhist priests in their yellow robes, elephants bathing in rivers, beautiful views and a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens, where we saw an orchid house and trees such as the Cocaine, Cintinella, Nutmeg etc. Took about 20 photos but not too bright so keeping fingers crossed. Bought one or two serviette rings in Kandian brassware and an elephant (ivory). Everything was very expensive on the island. We had some Kandian dancers on board at night - very good. I went to the church service on Sunday morning and to a Whist Drive the other day! Must say cheerio now.
Very much love, Elizabeth x-x-x
****
“There she is!” I heard the excited voice of my Mum’s friend “Auntie” Elsie Fawcett before I saw her frantically waving arm. On arriving at Fremantle, Australia, on 29th February 1960, I was met by Elsie, her husband, John and their son, George. “Hello love, come and meet the family!” She welcomed me, warmly. They had earlier emigrated and share-farmed in the wheat and Merino sheep belt about 200 miles inland at Corrigin, but were now retired and living in Floreat Park, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. George still lived inland at Corrigin and the rest of John’s family had gone on to New Zealand. George was luckily in town when I arrived, having just had his appendix out and so was able to come and meet me.
My uncle had more recently worked for a firm in Calcutta, India, before retiring. That evening, after I had settled in and done some unpacking, while we were sitting at the dinner table enjoying a welcome cuppa, he put forward a suggestion:
“Listen, Liz, I’ve been offered some work for my old firm in India and I thought it would be a good idea for you to stay here at the house with Elsie and have use of my car while I’m gone. You should be able to find a job locally, no worries. I’ll be away for about six months. I’d hate for my Holden to fall into disrepair through lack of use while I’m gone!”
This seemed like a wonderful idea to me! Companionship and the use of a car while I found my feet in my new home town, how perfect! I excitedly agreed and determined to apply for as many local jobs as possible right away.
Auntie had a lovely little pet budgerigar called Joey. He was a pretty turquoise blue and able to say “Clever boy, Joey” and “Naughty boy”. We taught him to say “Where’s John?” and “Where’s George?” while I was living there and I became very fond of him. He was a cute little fellow and would sometimes sit on the end of my pen when I was writing my frequent letters home.
I was immediately made to feel right at home and settled in really quickly. I could tell I was going to have a wonderful time “down under”.
My uncle had more recently worked for a firm in Calcutta, India, before retiring. That evening, after I had settled in and done some unpacking, while we were sitting at the dinner table enjoying a welcome cuppa, he put forward a suggestion:
“Listen, Liz, I’ve been offered some work for my old firm in India and I thought it would be a good idea for you to stay here at the house with Elsie and have use of my car while I’m gone. You should be able to find a job locally, no worries. I’ll be away for about six months. I’d hate for my Holden to fall into disrepair through lack of use while I’m gone!”
This seemed like a wonderful idea to me! Companionship and the use of a car while I found my feet in my new home town, how perfect! I excitedly agreed and determined to apply for as many local jobs as possible right away.
Auntie had a lovely little pet budgerigar called Joey. He was a pretty turquoise blue and able to say “Clever boy, Joey” and “Naughty boy”. We taught him to say “Where’s John?” and “Where’s George?” while I was living there and I became very fond of him. He was a cute little fellow and would sometimes sit on the end of my pen when I was writing my frequent letters home.
I was immediately made to feel right at home and settled in really quickly. I could tell I was going to have a wonderful time “down under”.
