|
Judith ( known as - Judy) Thompson is the elder
daughter of John Thompson
granddaughter of Nell (Ellen Edith) nee George Thompson 1897 - 1982
great granddaughter of Agnes nee McLachlan George 1866 - 1946
great great granddaughter of "McLachlan of Avondale"
in Australia since 1850
Memories of
Nanna Nell
Nell -Ellen Edith - George - dau of Agnes
McLachlan
This is a Tribute to Nell nee
George Thompson
daughter of Agnes nee McLachlan George
granddaughter of "McLachlan of Avondale"
in Australia from 1850
My fondest memories of Nanna Nell
were between about 1966 to 1972 when we would visit her at her home.
There was always that welcoming smell of roast dinner in the oven & a
happy smile.
Alison & I would spend hours
playing in the gardens, amusing ourselves with hide & seek getting tangled
in the blackberry bushes up the back or playing croquet on the immaculate
mini croquet lawn.
There always seemed so much to do
& I remember if we stayed the night , Nanna would listen as we recited the
Lord's Prayer while kneeling next to our beds.
Nell with her mother Agnes nee McLachlan
George at Stewarts Brook NSW
We always enjoyed the slide nights
of her trips around Australia taking in all the sights of those far away
placesa. I particularly remember her fondness for the Caloundra area &
also her collection of coloured sands.
Nanna Nell, through my eyes at the
time, was always happy & caring & very generous of her love & care.
Judy
written by her granddaughter, Judy Thompson
in Hobart Tasmania, AUSTRALIA during June 2002
Alison Thompson is the younger daughter of John
Thompson
granddaughter of Nell (Ellen Edith) nee George Thompson 1897 - 1982
great granddaughter of Agnes nee McLachlan George 1866 - 1946
great great granddaughter of "McLachlan of Avondale"
in Australia since 1850
Memories of
Nanna Nell
Nell nee George - with husband Jack Thompson &
son John
This is a Tribute to Nell nee
George Thompson
daughter of Agnes nee McLachlan George
granddaughter of "McLachlan of Avondale"
in Australia from 1850
My memories of Nanna Nell
are enveloped in the succulent smell
of roast pork on Sunday;
Crisp crackling that languishes in your mouth;
Potatoes that are roasted to perfection,
firm, crunchy & golden brown on the outside with a velvety white interior.
Moist lemon slice cool from the fridge, inspires that tangy zing on the
palate;
Chocolate Royals with their soft
pink centres & just a dollop of jam in the middle that cannot be left
until the packet is finished.
In the front room of Alexander
Street, the gramaphone took pride of place. This long solid cabinet was a
permanent fixture in the far corner; & on many an afternoon everyone's
soul would be enlightened by the sounds of Frank Sinatra & Patti Page.
I would take great pride in being
given the responsibility of placing the needle in just the right spot on
the record to ensure it didn't jump or scratch. After succeeding in this
achievement I would tiptoe gently backward being careful not to bump the
floor & interrupt the songs. The musical notes that escaped from this
timber reservoir carried a dense strength that lifted the spirit &
encouraged many spontaneous dances.
Nell in centre - father & mother Andrew &
Agnes George on her right - husband Jack & son John on her left
This was a room for entertainment,
talk, laughter & fun --- four of the characteristics that describe my
grandmother. She was a very sociable lady who enjoyed company & the
benefits that this offered.
Nanna Nell's love for my step
father was very strong & this union was an affectionate one that appeared
to be based on a comfortable acceptance of the other person, a firm
commitment to communication, & a general pleasure in life & what it has to
offer. In many ways this relationship showed me the positive aspects of
happiness & solidarity that elderly couples can achieve in later life.
As a family we would often visit
the Airforce Club in Davey Street, Hobart.
It was here that Judy & I learnt
to play indoor bowls. After a couple of raspberry lemonades, we would be
firing the ball down the green in an attempt to get as close to the white
ball as possible. We soon realised, however, that hurtling it down to the
kitty was not always the best approach. A slow relaxed shot generally
came closer to the mark.
This is a lesson I have learned in
life. It is better to take your time & try to resolve things than rush in
with a quick answer that solves the moment's crisis.
Nell nee George in centre grandau Judith in
front & son John Thompson on her right - on her left is - dau in law
Margaret & other granddau Alison Thompson
I love you Nanna Nell.
I know that you are a part of me
& I thank & love you for giving me a fantastic & optimistic outlook on
life.
written by - her granddaughter,
Alison Thompson
in Hobart Tasmania AUSTRALIA during June 2002
|
