Migrantweb.com Hostels Forum

McGrime

Hi Guys,
We were a family of 6 in 1966 when we arrived.
Jack & Betty with 4 Kids Martin (Me) 10, Elaine 8, Philip 6 & Anne 4.

We had many friends mostly Scottish, The Carlings, The Grey's, The Merino's & Bob & May Knatt (Pommies) were the closest friends to us.

Dad coached Heathcote Hearts during our time there & I played still remember the big Red V probably St George jumpers...lol.
I remember scoring a goal against Liverpool Rangers we were in front with the wind only to go down 7 - 1.

I married a girl that I met in 1972 in Green Valley only to find out later that she lived in the Naval Camp across the desert with her family in those years.

I attended Heathcote Primary & can remember walking to school through the bush collecting cicadas & any other beasties we came across.

Many a day would be spent climbing the water tanks at the top of the camp or venturing into the army base on the other side of Heathcote road to play on their training grounds & collect dummy bullets.
Dropping bricks off the East Hills walking bridge onto the unsuspecting jellyfish was also a favorite pass time.
It's a wonder we didn't loose anyone after closing time at the East Hills Pub as they wandered back to camp.

Mum is still alive 83 very soon and has excellent memories of this time Dad Jack passed many years ago from Asbestosis he pick up from working in the ship engine rooms during his merchant navy days.

I know I have some old pics somewhere I will try to find and post.

Anyway Cheers to those Years. Martin.

Bluebird · Active Member Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 31

Memories flooding back of days spent hitch hiking along Heathcote Road....to Deadman's Creek.....we were just kids....we got picked up by an army truck.....and told off quite sternly for being reckless....they took us back to Heathcote Hostel. That was the very last time we hitch hiked I may add. Shocked

chrisnic · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2012 6:01 am Post subject:

I once wandered off into what I was soon to discover was army land near Holsworthy. I was bailed up by a guy in a suit flanked by 2 soldiers in a jeep. He escorted me off the area, explaining it was an old artillery range and may contain unexploded shells. I don't remember seeing any signs, but maybe that was just an excuse to see me off.

Bluebird · Active Member Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 31

I played in the Heathcote Hearts for a short while.....some of the girls in teams we played were so big and tall.....and I didn't handle the heat very well!! That would have been an experience on the army base...the things we got up to...it's a wonder we survived!! Laughing

Bluebird · Active Member Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 31

It was a softball team.....had the same name!! Smile

Norm Faint · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 2:18 am Post subject: Good Years

Bluebird and Chrisnic, what years were you there. As teenagers we had a great time at Heathcote (56 to 60), we found a way to walk through the bush to Deadmans after being 'told off' for hitch hiking. We also found our way through the bush in the old Artillary range to a place called Scouts Pool with nearby cave for week end camping. At a time when we all 'scrounged' push bikes we rode to Wonnieora (?) Dam past Lucas Hieghts, great day but a hard ride back to Heathcote after the swimming. Activities at the Rec Hall and dancing at East Hills Hostel Rec Hall (Sunday night ?). Pictures at the Dining Rooms both Heathcote and East Hills (Friday and Saturday nights or week about ?)
_________________
1954, Cabramatta Hostel from England aboard S.S.Strathaird, followed by Matraville, Marybrinong, Broadmeadows, Williamstown, Heathcote Road and Bunnerong (various moves as dad was later in '54 engaged as a Hostel Manager.

chrisnic · Posted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 9:19 am Post subject:

Hi Norm I was there 1960 -61. The name of the dam was Woronora, I swam there a few times, also played around in Deadman's Creek

Bluebird · Active Member Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 31

I was there from Oct 66 to April 67...I remember Deadman's Creek ...my how the years have flown by....yesterday was our arrival date. 10/10/66

Norm Faint · Posted: Thu Oct 17, 2013 7:48 am Post subject: Woronora Dam

Thanks CHRISNIC for the correct spelling on the dam. Did you also do 'the walk' to the Scouts Pool, there was a cave close by, also across the Heathcote Road from Deadmans a track through the bush a couple of hundred metres in and upon an escarpment right hand side another cave.
_________________
1954, Cabramatta Hostel from England aboard S.S.Strathaird, followed by Matraville, Marybrinong, Broadmeadows, Williamstown, Heathcote Road and Bunnerong (various moves as dad was later in '54 engaged as a Hostel Manager.