Migrantweb.com Hostels Forum

Christopher · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 2:35 pm Post subject: Nunnawading Migrant Hostel 1962

Hi my name is Christopher Nelson, in 1962 on board the Orsova I emigrated with my Mam IVY nelson and Dad nelson when I was 11 years old from Grimsby in Lincolnshire. I went to the Eastbridger Hostel, although we all called it the Nunawading Hostel. I loved it, the bush, the jam donutts and all the girls to lay with wow.
I love Australia very much, I also loved the hostel, it became my womb, a place of safety and solace. I also loved the jam donuts on fridays.
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Christopher NELSON
From Grimsby
Love Queensland
Miss 1961

Phyl · Posted: Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:46 pm Post subject:

Chris.,
What a tragic story.I wish I could wave a magic wand and you would be reunited with your family.
My late husband as assistant manager at Nunawading but sadly it was long before you were there, 1955.
Please accept at this late stage my deepest sympathy for the sadness and grief you have suffered.
I was pregnant with my beloved twins at Nunawading and 11 years ago my youngest twin died of cancer,he died in my beloved eldest son's arms, one hour before I got back to him, and my son has taken all those years to recover so it must have been a tremendously traumatic experience for you.
We were in hostels 18 and a half years and when we left it was like being in a wilderness outside a completely different way of life ,guess the same sorta like a secure womb.
Chris maybe your family will come across this site, or your friends, and make contact with you.
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Kind regards,
Phyl

richardhallford · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:07 am Post subject:

Hi Christopher. I stayed in Eastbridge (Nunawading) for a very short three weeks in 1978. Ive been dong the nostalgia thingy and have been conducting some personal research. My main focus is East Hills Hostel in NSW, but if I can help in any way to perhaps at least point you in the right direction for information, I would be glad to help. Kindes Regards, Richard Hallford.
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East Hills Hostel Aug 1966 to 1968. Nissen Huts 81 and 83d

richardhallford · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:09 am Post subject:

Re your post, in another area, I have posted some information which basically says that you MAY be able to get copies of address books from Nuna Hostel. They are available on the National Archives site. They are supposed to contain forwarding addresses, which, even after this time, may give you some clues to freinds names, familiar families etc. Richard.
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East Hills Hostel Aug 1966 to 1968. Nissen Huts 81 and 83d

Len · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:18 am Post subject:

Hi Christopher welcome to our forums.
What a sad and tragic story you�ve told us. I cant imagine what it must have been like for you and the rest of your family. I probably wont even get close.
I really do hope that one day you will eventually reunite with everyone again.

Good Luck!

GinaKate · Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:07 pm Post subject:

You certainly did it tough Christopher, but I don't think you need a poll to judge whether or not to try to re-unite your family and contact old friends, you have answered your own question just by asking it. It's what you want, and it's right for you. I'm sure your search will be fruitful. All the best.