June Caunt

Story

My husband’s work was very sporadic due to strikes within the car industry. We lived in a dirty smoke-laden industrial town – I preferred the open country I had been used to.

Left Nottingham 2 days before Christmas 1965 dreadful weather in the Bay of Biscay – so bad an oil rig in the North Sea was wrecked. Being 6 months pregnant and having 2 small girls the voyage was less than peaceful. Met my soldier nephew in Aden and toured the city -frightening. Landed in Fremantle 109 (44?) degrees – had to wear the coats we had worn to the boat as there was no space in the luggage. Crowded onto a bus with my girls and taken to Point Walter Migrant Hostel. My husband came later with the luggage. Douglas (my husband ) could not find work in his trade and eventually took a job with the Forestry Dept. in Pimela about 350 miles from Perth. Arrived mid March and produced Gareth in April – Wonderful Australian neighbours who cared for the children again when my daughter Kylie was born 15 months later.

Left Pimelia and came to live near Fremantle. My husband’s job prospects improved and so did my life. We bought and built on a 10 acre block, kept greyhounds and ponies for the children. I became a Shire Councilor and my four childen went to University they are now pursuing satisfying careers. They are scattered throughout Australia and I have 7 grandchilden. I worked for many years as a Librarian, and in retirement I have gained a Masters degree and I am currently studying for a PhD -subject – British migration to Western Australia in the 1960s.

Australia offered opportunities which would not have been available in England and we have made the most of them. There have been hard times of course, especially at first, but I am sure we made the correct decision when we decided to come to Western Australia.

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