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The Avondale Poets
Memories of Nanna Nell


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
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
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
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
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
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


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