Modbury Primary School - Unlock the Past PS reunion... · Modbury Primary School. 1950s era reunion. ... Modbury Old Scholars biographical details memories copyrighted to individual

Modbury Primary School

1950s era reunion

biographical register and memories

this record is compiled from information supplied by former students on the occasion of the 1950s era reunion held 3 May 2014

this copy of the book is a display copy only for the reunion it is incomplete. unedited and not checked

not all biographical information and memories submitted to Glenda has been included at this stage

it is a guide only to what it will finally consist of

all contributors will be invited to:• review and revise biographical content memories

• submit photos they may have relating to the school

if you are not already submitted something you are invited to do so

__________________________________________________

you are further invited, if you have not already done so, to submit photos and information on you wider family for inclusion in a separate photographic/family publication

this will be published in digital form only on CD, part of a dual CD/DVD product, including also a photographic and video record of this reunion

this book and CD/DVD compilation, production and sales are handled for the union organisers by Alan Phillips (Modbury PS 1952–1955)—see separate leaflet for further details costs and order form

© 2014 Modbury Old Scholars biographical details and memories are copyrighted to individual contributors

It is privately published for use by old scholars and close relatives

Use of this information for any purpose other than for and by the Modbury old scholars is not permitted

Published for reunion organisers by Gould Genealogy & History PO Box 119 St Agnes SA 5097 www.gould.com.au

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher.

Printed by Gould Digital, Ridgehaven, South Australia

Contents

Old scholars biographical register ................................................................................................................5

Other old scholars........................................................................................................................................23

Old scholars memories ...............................................................................................................................24

1950s Modbury Primary School photos ......................................................................................................57

Modbury old scholars

biographical register

from information supplied by old scholars

Modbury Old Scholars biographical details memories copyrighted to individual contributorsfor and limited to old scholars use only

Use of this information for any purpose other than for and by the Modbury Old Scholars is not permitted

6 Modbury Primary School — 1950s era reunion

Trevor Alexanderborn: 8th April 1948married: Elizabeth married 42 yearsaddress: 31b Dewer Avenue Ridgehaven SA 5097phone: 8263 9207 Mobile: 0439 850 322email: [email protected] children: 1 boy 1 girl, 6 grandchildrenschool: Modbury PS from Grades1 to 7

career: Left school and attended trade school as part of a 5 year apprenticeship in hard plastering whilst fully employed by a builder. Worked as a plasterer for a few builders and worked at various places including the country for 13 years. In 1977 applied for a job with the Highways Department and within a year became a Leading Hand and spent the remaining years of his career working on bridge maintenance around the State of South Australia. This involved being away from home for weeks at a time. Retired from the Highways Department in 2006 after hip replacement surgery.

interests: Now retired, Trevor enjoys fishing and camping especially up the River (mainly with long time mate Malcolm Burrows). Enjoyed the shack life at Fisherman’s Bay for many years using the family shack which has since been sold.

Kenny Bullwritten by John Wilkey

I was also in the same class as him in high school. Bumped into him a couple of times in the late 60’s or maybe early 70’s but lost contact after that.

He did have his own car wrecking yard.I’m pretty sure it was in Jennifer Ave. Ridgehaven where the

Flemings once lived.But I really know nothing about his adult life.A while back Sandra and I were looking around in the

Golden Grove Cemetery trying to find a family friends grave.By chance we found Kenny’s grave, also his brother and

mother and fathers. There was no mention of a wife or any children on his headstone.

All it said was Kenneth James Bull son of Gloria and the late Frederick Brother of Robert .Passed away 18th Oct. 1992 aged 45 years.

It has to be him because I know his father’s name was Fred and his young brother was named Robert.

There is one strange thing Kenny his brother and father all died in their forties. Hope this clears up the Kenneth Bull mystery.

Malcolm Burrowsborn: 28th September 1946married: divorced:address: 595 Milne Road Tea Tree Gully 5091phone: 83962613children: 2 Sons 1 Grandchildschools: Modbury PS and Strathmont HS

career: apprenticed then qualified aAircraft sheet metal worker. Worked at Parafield, Edinburgh and Adelaide airports. Currently working as an orchardist, general and sheep farming

interests: fishing (mainly at Pt Clinton) and occasional tennis.

Graham Camacborn: 2 July 1942married 1. divorced

2. widowed 3. Lorna [is this correct?]

address: 2 Henry Evans Drive Warwick 4370 Qld phone: 07 46615745 mobile: 0428 155654 children: 4 married, 1 single. 1 lives in WA, 3 in Adelaide 1 Qld. grandchildren: 8schools: Modbury PS, Adelaide Boys High School

Career: Worked on the family farm Truck driver owner driver for 40 years and still working. Moved to Brisbane Qld in 1980 to 1995 Moved to Warwick 1995 to 2013-06 Warwick is 160 klm from Brisbane. Hobbies: gardening, Rugby League, movies

David Carragher married: Deniseborn: 11 February 1950address: PO Box 137 Yankalillaphone: 8558 2495email: [email protected]: 2 boys, 4 grandchildren

career: electronics, geophysics at Woomera & Joint Defence, Phillips, at Yankalilla, odd jobs including dairy farm work

interests: bushwalking and sailing (catamaran)

Ruth Cliftonborn: 12 June 1947

married: 1. ? Greenfield, 2. Leon Feely

address: 525 Kensington Rd, Wattle Park SA

phone: 8333 3565, mobile 0427 715 247

email: [email protected]

school: Strathmont Girls Tech

career: secretary to Manager West Theatre

1st marriage lived South Gap Station north Pt Augusta 20 yrs. Happliy retired

Irene Elliottborn: 6 March 1942

married: Herbert Mendt 1963 He died 16/10/1989 58 years old of a heart attack

address: Unit 4/61 Bridge Street Kensington SA 5068

phone: 8333 2423

children: Ashley, aged 46

grandchildren: 2 boys aged 13 and 8 years

schools: Modbury PS, Muirden Business College for 3 years gained Intermediate Certificate. Irene hated school.

career: Worked in offices clerical shorthand typing last job at Reliance Copying Office in Pirie Street. Community Volunteer.

Old scholars biographical register.....7

family background: The Elliott family migrated from Northumberland and arrived at Holdfast Bay Glenelg in a ship in 1842. The report states that the females on board the ship for 2 days waiting for the weather to improve sufficiently for them to be transported to the mainland.

After Irene’s marriage she did not pursue paid work. Her parents had gifted her a double block at 44 Golden Grove Road which was part of the original land her great grandfather had purchased many years before. Irene and her husband built their house there and 6 years later Ashley was born. Irene embraced the transformation and growth of Modbury and environs; she saw opportunity in the 4 laned highway, new buildings, schools, houses, shops and infrastructure. Her father was diagnosed with leukaemia and Irene nursed him until he died. Irene’s Mother was able to live in the family home all her life until her death. Irene remained active in Modbury and volunteered: she was Secretary of the Modbury Methodist Ladies Guild for many years, Continued on her duties as a Sunday School Teacher Secretary of the Modbury school Council. She considers her proudest achievement in the establishment and acquiring of the old Stockwell Primary School Building (closed Barossa Valley School) and transformed it into a boy and girl dormitory accommodation for school camps. Having a double block of land Irene and Herbert had a lovely garden and Irene hosted 3 garden parties in her garden for charity.

interests: travel, overseas and Australia, live theatre, drama, art galleries, and is a member of the Adelaide Library. A particular pleasure is going interstate to see a show.

Irene had a heart attack 4 years ago and has a stent fitted. When her brother John’s wife died (aged 42) leaving him with 2 teenager girls, Irene took over many of the motherly roles for them continuing through their adolescence, loves, marriages and still remains very close to both girls who now live overseas. Her brother John and sister Bernice are both deceased.

Faye Flemingborn: 9 July 1942

married: Roger Harris

address: 156 Woodgrove Close Via Hall ACT 2618

phone: 02 6230 2583 mobile: 0419 242 147

email: brindabellahills.com.au [email protected]

children: Michael and Benjamin.

grandchildren: Emily, Chloe & Amy.

schools: Modbury PS, Nailsworth Girls Technical High School

career: I worked in various secretarial/administrative jobs starting at G & R Wills in Adelaide and finishing at the Academy of Science here in Canberra. My hobbies are reading biographies and gardening. I have been working here with my husband Roger at Brindabella Hills Winery just outside Canberra since 1989 and we have established a good reputation for top wines which have been recognised in James Halliday ratings and other recognition such as magazine articles.

Jennifer Claire Fleming called Jen

born: Adelaide, lived in Plympton until 6 years old. Moved to Modbury in 1951

married: 1. Graham ? 1966, 2. Michael Downing Graham and I had 3 sons and adopted a daughter. We lived at Edwardstown and Aldgate. Graham was to die of bowel cancer at the age of 45. I remarried Michael and gained 2 more sons. We lived at Stirling.

address: 3, Maitland Terrace, Maitland SA 5573

phone: 8832 2394, mobile: 0428 855 400

email: [email protected]

children: Andrew 44, Timothy 41, Tricia 41, Benjamin 39, step children Christopher 40 Timothy (TD), 36

grandchildren: Aimee 21, Emily 14, Joshua 11, Timmy 10, Brianna 9, Suki 6, Poppy 4

schools: and attended Modbury Primary School and then Nailsworth Technical High school - finishing after 4th year.

career: started work at ANZ bank at 16 years of age and worked there for 6 years. After completing a year as a receptionist at General Electric. I left to start a family. After children had own photography business as Wedding consultant. Sales person and administration. Budding writer.

My second stint in the workforce began in 1987—in our photography business as a wedding consultant, sales person and administrator. I finished my working life in the mid 1990s due to developing chronic fatigue. In 1997 we moved in with Lois and Royce at Paracombe for 6 years. Michael then returned to pharmacy and we moved to Maitland in 2003. We took to country life like a duck to water, it reminding me of life in Modbury. As a result we have built our retirement home, which is opposite the golf course, the town dam and gives us distance view of the sea ( the Spencer gulf) We have been in our new house for two years now and just love it!! I have been to New Zealand twice, Hong Kong with Lois and Germany with a friend. whose family still lived in a small village in western Germany (1981) I also had a brief trip to England on this trip

interests: Reading biographies and real life stories Also collecting books of all kinds. Have been called a bookaholic! Recording life via journaling (for nearly 30 years) Also recording life—with photography. Writing—using real life experiences. Homemaking and gardening Friends and family Religion. I have been a Christian for over 50 years and have attended a number of different churches. Presently Maitland Uniting.

Lois Flemingborn: 30 August 1948married: Royce Bunch, 3 February 1996email: [email protected]: Aust (08) 8380 5061, USA (775)

857 7045address:

Australia: 70 Paracombe Rd. Paracombe SA 5132 USA PO Box 34711 RENO, Nv USA 89533-4711

children: from first marriage—Merrilyn, 1965 and Amanda (Mandy), 1967

grandchildren: Mitchell, 1995 and Zoe, 1997


stepsons in Reno: Martin (1963) and Maure Bunch (1965) One grandaughter in Reno Kate Bunch (1992)

I have lived at Paracombe for 48 years. Six of those years were spent working in the Apple and Pear Industry. 1977 - 1988 School Assistant in Special Education at Gepps Cross Senior Special School 1988 - 1999 Tour Guide for Adelaide Sightseeing. Lois and Royce (an American) married in 1996 and so began our International Lifestyle. We live one year in Paracombe and then one year in Reno, Nevada. Lois will become a dual citizen (Australian/American) in the latter part of 2013** and then return to Paracombe (with Royce) for the whole of 2014. Royce is one of a family of twelve from Oregon. He has approximately 200 nieces and nephews and four remaining siblings.

interests: family, Christianity, travel, reading, world affairs, history, politics. Lois enjoys writing.

Norma Ruth Fleming called Normaborn: 11 October 1943 in Adelaide moved

to Modbury when I was 7married: Gerry Young 1963address: 4 Athos Crescent Robina, Qldphone: (07) 5593 1304,

mobile: 0405 526 988email: [email protected]: Bank ledger machinist,

Administration in schools. Job Title: Retired 2001

children: Peter 47, married to Michelle with two boys David 44, married to Søs with two girls Simon 42, unmarried no children

grandchildren: Brodie 12, Cooper 10, Molly 6, Emma 2. schools: Modbury PS, Nailsworth Technical High School.

career: Left school at 15 years of age and worked for 6 years in ledgers for Bank of New South Wales until 1965. Was a home mother for the next twelve years then we were transferred (for 5 years) to Port Pirie (my husband also worked for Bank of New South Wales—later Westpac). There I started working in administration in schools which I continued on with, on return to Adelaide. I worked at many schools both Primary and High, and finished my working life in 2001 at Brighton Secondary School.Interests: grandchildren, singing, gardening, films, reading,

travel, fitness, friends and family

During the latter part of my working life we were involved in looking after my parents, and after Dad died my mother’s last years were spent with dementia problems.

In 2004 Gerry and I decided to move to Queensland as our three sons had moved to the Gold Coast over the years, and grandchildren were now arriving, and we wanted to be involved in their growing up too. We have now been in Robina, Gold Coast, Queensland for eight years and we have loved our time here. I joined a women’s singing group (Sweet Adelines) upon arrival, and have made many wonderful friends. We have travelled overseas twice—England and Europe for 10 weeks the first time, and England, Europe and Scandinavia the second time for 9 weeks. Also we have been to New Zealand twice and all states of Australia except the Northern Territory.

Paul Flemingaddress: 48 Paracombe Road Paracombe

SA 5132phone: 8380 5569 0412 969 790email: [email protected]

Cynthia Myrtle Harknessborn: 26 July 1951 , Medindie and lived

in Modburymarried:

1 Trevor Whaites in March 1972 and we had two children together, Travis (1974) and Leanne (1976). We were divorced in 1977. 2. I met Barry Bateman in 1984 and we became a couple that same year. Because we both had broken marriages we were too nervous to marry for a second time, but after 25 years decided to make it legal and we married in July 2009.

address: 23 Norfolk Road Marion SA 5043phone: 8298 4514, mobile: 0424 747 471 email: [email protected]

children: Travis 1974, married to Alison with one son Leanne 36, married to Jason with one daughter and one son Grandchildren: Tahlia 4, Jethro 2 and Robbie 5 months Step- Children: Teresa 40, married to John with 4 sons Donna 37, married to Andrew with one daughter Grandchildren: Alex 13, Jacob 9, Chelsea 7, William 5, and Oliver 4

schools: Modbury PS until 1960 when we moved to Myponga, attending Myponga PS until 1963, then Willunga HS until 1966. We then moved to Darlington and I went to Muirden Business College for 1 year and completed Year 11 Leaving Certificate and received a Secretarial Diploma. I completed school in 1967.

career: work with S C Ward & Co, a stockbroking firm, in 1968 where I was a scrip clerk until 1973 when I left just before the birth of Travis. Was a home mother for the next six years (during this time my first marriage ended), then started working part-time for Coles Supermarkets on check-out to supplement my pension. I met Barry in 1984 and when Travis and Leanne were older commenced full time employment again with Stockbroking firm Morgans as a Word Processor Operator. After about 7 years the company was taken over and I was made redundant. My next job was with PowerState Credit Union as a Personal Assistant in their Financial Planning Department where I worked for 13 years until my retirement in 2004 due to Barry’s ill health. During the latter part of my working life we were involved in looking after my parents, Dad succumbed to Alzheimers in 2001 and mum went into care in 2005 and passed in 2006. Career: Personal Assistant— Financial Planning. Retired 2004.

Interests: grandchildren, gardening, reading, travel, photography, ballroom dancing, fitness, friends and family. We have travelled overseas twice—England and Europe for 4 weeks the first time, and England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland the second time for 4 weeks. We also have a River Cruise booked for June 2014 from Hungary to Amsterdam, should be very relaxing!! Have also been to the South Island of New Zealand. We have a caravan and have travelled to all states of Australia except Tasmania where we are hoping to go in October.


Bronwyn Harrisborn: 1946, died 1977married: David Williamschildren: Megan 1975schools: Modbury PS from about 1953,

completing Grade 7 in 1957. From 1958 to 1962 she attended Adelaide Girls High School. She then gained a diploma in medical laboratory technology.

career: worked in the laboratory at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide. In the late 1960s she moved to Canberra to take up a position in a research laboratory at the Australian National University. She continued working at ANU as a medical laboratory technologist for some ten years.

Although Bronwyn’s life ended too soon, it was a life that fulfilled many of her dreams. She had a happy childhood, making firm friends at school and through the local tennis and basketball clubs. Bronwyn was also a successful fundraiser, gaining a “Miss Modbury” title. She led an active social life. After meeting and marrying David in Canberra, Bronwyn took great pleasure in designing their new home, seeing it take shape, and then making it into a lovely family home. One of her interests was weaving, and she made some beautiful woven items to decorate the home. She also travelled with David and Megan to Scotland, living there for a year while David carried out research in his field of environmental science. Bronwyn’s cancer was diagnosed in 1976. She was brave and composed throughout the months of treatment, right up until her death in June 1977. Family, friends and colleagues remember Bronwyn as a cheerful, resolute, capable, kind and thoughtful young woman.

Donald Harrisborn: 24 September 1938married: Marie Jenette 21 September 1963 at Essendon,

Victoria. Marie died 14 December 2010address: 23 Elijah Court Greenwith SA 5125 since year 2000phone: (08) 8289 8831, mobile: 0410 451 268email: [email protected] places lived:

13 Sunnyview Cresc Ridgehaven 1963–2000children:

Mark, 1965, married, no children Donna, 5th Dec 1968Married Jackson (9) & Tyson (6)Craig24th March 1970Married Toby (10) & Nickolas (7)Live in Adelaide suburbs of Rose Park, Kensington Park & Modbury.

schools: Modbury PS 1944–1950, Adelaide Technical HS 1951–1954, Adelaide University 1955–1959. Qualifications—Degree of Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering

career: 2 Years at Horwood Bagshaw as structural engineer at Edwardstown SA, 2 Years M.C. Wood as field engineer Stage 1 Bolivar Treatment Works, 3 years Theiss Bros as field engineer stage 2 Bolivar Treatment Works, 4 years Stabilisers Aust as construction engineer, 28 years Boral Aust as Technical Manager for all quality assurance. Retired in 1998

Interests: member of Modbury Lawn Bowls Club, member of Wynvale Probus Club, Member of New Life Club (Persons without Partners), Member of Australian Retired Persons Association, Computer Club, listening to music & playing my Gulbranson Theatre Organ. Grandchildren after school care

Early life interests—football, tennis, cricket & table tennis

for Modbury, badminton, playing saxaphone at the Modbury dance—Mum on piano, Dad on drums & Reg Wilkey on the trumpet. Build a houseboat & launch it at Blanchetown. Vineyard at Nuriootpa.

Julie Harrismarried: Robert (Bob) Crosby 4 October 1969address: 13 Domain Commons Highbury SA 5089phone: 8263 1909, Mobile: 0408 846 616children: 3 boys married. One son and his family live in

Queensland.grandchildren: 3 boys, 3 girlsemail: [email protected]: Modbury PS grades 1 to 7. Strathmont, Girls Technical

High years 8–10, Pride Business College for 3 terms

career: worked for 7½ years for a chartered accountant as a clerical shorthand typist. Stayed home on marriage in 1969 until youngest son was in Grade 3. Spent 13 years working at NAB. Became Function Co-ordinator at Tea Tree Gully Golf Club for 6 years until retiring. Whilst working at the Golf Club Julie won “Function Co-ordinator” section at the Australian Bridal Industry Award (SA Division).

interests: Julie played tennis for many years for Pana/Prospect/Golden Grove and joined the TTG Golf Club in 1967 – her current handicap is 18. Robert ( Julie’s husband) is currently in his first of a three year term on the Board of Golf Australia. Robert and Julie also travel overseas for Golf Tournaments where Robert officiates as referee. Sons activities: Brett, was SA Amateur Golf Champion in 1999. Andrew is a SANFL League umpire and a qualified Music Teacher teaching in a Catholic School. Jed (ex RAAF) is a Fireman for Qld Fire & Rescue and is trained for Urban Search and Rescue. He served in Sumatra as part of the Australian contingent.

Julie, Peter and Don’s mother, Mrs Mavis Harris, known to many Old Scholars as the Modbury Methodist Church organist for some 32 years and our piano teacher died 4 weeks short of her 101st birthday. A highlight of her 100th birthday celebrations was a visit to the Adelaide Crows who presented her with a jumper with 100 on the back. Mavis’ sister, Grace Walkely, mother of Vernon (Dec’d) and Josie, died on 23 August 2013. Grace celebrated her 100th birthday in June 2013?.

Kathryn Harris married name: Kathryn Kang (from marriage which ended in

divorce 1986)born: 1950partner since 1988: Adrian Carter address: 3 Ferry Rd, Glebe NSW 2037phone: 02 9552 4047, mobile: 0434830427 email: [email protected] children:

one daughter, Taissa 1968 step-daughters: Lyndell 1974, Alice 1978

grandchildren: three boys and a girl; youngest is 3 years old and oldest is 10 years

schools: Modbury PS 1955–1961, Adelaide Girls High School 1962–1966. I later obtained Bachelor with Honours degrees in Arts and in Economics at the Australian National University, and the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Sydney (conferred 2005).


career: I worked as a statistician at the Australian Bureau of Statistics in Canberra from 1972 to 1978. I then worked for some 20 years as an economist, in the Commonwealth and NSW public service and in consulting firms. I retired from the paid workforce in 2005 (had enough!).

interests: I am actively and happily involved in looking after my grandchildren. Adrian and I are both keen cyclists—I have a snazzy road bike. I also read widely, and enjoy the calming effects of knitting.

Peter Harrisborn: 15 February 1943married: Janette 7 January, 1967address: 60/4-30 Homestead Avenue Walkley Heights SA 5098phone: 8368 1660, mobile: 0407 511 357children: 2 boysgrandchildren: 2 boys, 1 girlschools: Modbury PS, Nailsworth Boys Technical High School

for 3 years

career: Clarkson Ltd worked at for 10 years as a cadet salesman (sports goods general hardware). Then went as a rep on the road Multiple Sales Engineer worked as rep selling truck refrigerator units and multiple agency for 5 years J.D. McDonalds Engineering which specialised in Garbage Trucks. Opened a new branch as manager stayed for 29 years (until retirement aged 59 years). At the time of retirement Peter had built up the business and was in charge over 9 employees.

interests: on retirement Peter and Jan purchased a 22 ft caravan with Nissan 4x4 Patrol and travelled Australia until health issues slowed them down. Their exploration of Australia only requires a section from Sydney to Mornington Peninsula to complete their dream.

Plays golf (handicap between 18–27 depending on time played. Plays Lawn Bowls for Modbury but Peter and Jan have a shack at She Oak Flat (10 km from Pt Vincent) and fishing takes up 20% and bowls 80% of Peter’s time available for sport. Peter retired from tennis aged 24. He played 2 years in the under 19 yrs Linton Cup and represented South Australia with 3 others twice. Played State tennis 1 year. Memorial Drive had become his tennis club. Editor’s note: there is no old scholar who did not admire Peter’s prowess in sport generally. We all wanted him on our team.

Trevor Harrisborn: 9 February 1946married: Sue 1996 (2nd mariage)address: 288 Paracombe Road PO Box 75 Paracombe SA 5132 children: 3 step children, 11 grandchildrenschools: Modbury PS grades 5–7. Urrbrae Agricultural College

for 3 years

career: Trevor worked for Tolleys Winery at Hope Valley for 35 years starting in 1963 as a cellar hand and taking over from Fred Dunn when he retired as foreman until Tolleys’ closure in 1997. After that he did 2 vintages with Mildara and then Barossa Vintners.

Trevor was one of 10 children (5 boys, 5 girls) and lived at Flinders Park with his family until he came to live with his aunt and uncle Ricketts on Reservoir Road. His grandfather had a dairy at Kilkenny near the Actil factory and his uncle had a milk round delivering milk by horse and cart. Trevor

worked for him whilst still at school and after leaving school. When his uncle started using a vehicle and trailer for the milk round he retired his horse. The horse enjoyed his retirement and lived until he was 31 years old. His aunt was a trainer of trotting horses and Trevor helped her with the horses. The whole family were involved with horse racing and trotting.

In 1975 he purchased 10 acres of land at Paracombe and grew grapes and supplied local wineries. The 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfire ravaged the hills including Paracombe and Trevor saved his house but was unable to save his friends caravan which was parked near the house and housed his friends worldly goods as they prepared to move to Qld to live. When his aunt and uncle could no longer manage living at Reservoir Road Trevor built on at Paracombe and they lived with him there until their deaths aged 92 and 88 years, one year apart. In 2003 Trevor gave up growing grapes and sheep now graze the vine paddock while a 30 years old horse, pig and dog also live on the farm.

Semi-retired in 2006 – 2008 Trevor worked as manager on a farming property which specialised in cattle breeding and a horse stud in Geelong Victoria. In 2009 Trevor and Sue returned to Paracombe and now he is enjoying the quiet, rural lifestyle with the family.

Beverly Huntborn: 28 May married twice. Lives on own now address: 182/25 Rundle Road Parafield Gardens SA 5107 children: Carolyn and Peter grandchildren: 5career:

1. Stenographer/secretary 2. Fashion industry for 13 years 3. Nanny for child with autism and 2 other children for 13 years retired: at 62 yrs of age

interests: Travel, music, time spent with friends lunch/dinners & love cinema, movies.

Dorothy Hyndborn: 6 July 1946 in Scotland

came to Australia in 1951married to Roy Leslie Trueman address: 19 Gilbertson road, Seacliff Park phone: 08 83770169 mobile: 0400030619email: [email protected] children:

Byron Lee Griffiths (rural Telstra technician NT) Priscilla Rae Griffiths (social worker & OH&S supervisor NT)

granddaughter: Sky Marcusschools:

Modbury PS Adelaide Girls High School Muirden College

career: stenographer – Secretary to Owner Manager of Vinten Communications, Secretary to Advertising Manager News Ltd., - secretary to Sales Manager, Hoover Australia – Completed courses in Retail Selling Skills after children were older – employed in promotional and retail selling all over Adelaide. Have been in business with husband Roy for some 24 years- Warwick Art Centre, 1099 South Road, Melrose Park SA – 08 82772968


John Mowbrayborn: 1 August 1940married:

1. 1962 2. married to Margaret in 1975 John’s wife abandoned him and their 2 children and they divorced in 1971. Around the corner was a divorced lady who had 1 child and was looking for work and so John approached her to help him with his children. Romance soon blossomed and they have now been married for 38 years.

address: 12 Arrow Avenue Banksia Park 5091phone: 8264 5443 Mobile: 0417 811267 email: [email protected] children: 3 (adopted step-daughter)grandchildren: 13 great grandchildren: 2 schools: John started school at Beachport and Mr Birchall

was the teacher. The family shifted to Seacliff and then moved to Modbury where John started school in 1948 and Mr. Birchall became his teacher again. Attended Urrbrae Agricultural College for 1 year

career: worked for father on the dairy farm. Worked for Levin & Co Irrigation as a general hand before joining the Army aged 18 years for 6 years. He did lots of courses whilst in the Army: scuba diving was one and he started to learn parachuting but did not complete as he was transferred to Maralinga Atomic Range. He is one of the survivors. Out of 12,000 who did a tour of duty working for the Commonwealth 11,500 are dead 99% died of cancer related illnesses. 1964 John left the Army and drove a garbage truck for the Elizabeth/Salisbury Council for 5 years then driving for a Building Company and a concrete truck before buying his own truck and becoming self-employed. He drove for 30 years delivering for S.A. Sand & Metal, then Monier’s out of Golden Grove Retired,now John and Margaret enjoy family life. They have a Toyota Land cruiser with tandem wheeled Compass caravan and have travelled Australia. Health: John has survived 2 heart attacks, a life time smoker who gave up finally in 2012. He has survived prostate cancer and has mild emphysema. Margaret is currently recuperating from shoulder reconstruction surgery and when she has sufficiently recovered John will have a hip replacement.

Janet Monfriesborn: 1946 in Melbourne then went to New Guinea till 10

years of age. Returned to Australia in 1956married: Denis Cocks in 1969address: 15A Munster Street, Windsor Gardens, SA 5087phone: (08) 8266-292 mobile: 0410 647 361email: [email protected] children & grandchildren: 2 children. Todd lives in Germany

is married and has two daughters Ella and Sienna. Mark lives in Perth and will be getting married in August 2013.

schools: Modbury PS fom 1956, grade 6 at aged 10. Left Modbury PS in December 1957 at end of Grade 7. Attended Adelaide Girls’ High School from 1958 to 1962. Attended teachers college 1963 and 1964.

career: started teaching at Gilles Plains PS in 1965 and remained in the teaching profession until 1974.

interests: travel—I do a lot of travelling and enjoy it very much. We have a caravan and spend 3-4 months each winter in the warmer weather of Queensland. I have also caravanned through most parts of Australia including NT and Northern WA. As we have a son in Perth I fly there to visit regularly. In Germany we have granddaughters and visit them regularly, while there we also do many side trips as it is very close to everything. Sewing;I am an avid sewer and spend many hours at the sewing machine doing general sewing and machine embroidery most of it is for the grandchildren. Lawn Bowls;During summer I play lawn bowls 3 days a week and I am currently in the state side and have represented the State for the last 8 years. Gardening;I only have a small garden and enjoy my plants and flowers

Sina Oberdanborn: 2 January 1948married:Tony Dimasi address: 17 Delamere Avenue, Springfield SA 5062phone: (08) 8379 4851 mobile: 0434 522 161 fax: (08) 8379 4851email: [email protected] children: Alex, 44 and Joanne 41 grandchildren: Gabrielle 17, Kristian 15, Christopher 8 and

Isabelle 6

Vince Oberdanmarried: Ginaaddress: PO Box 1756 Cairns Qld 4870phone: Vince: 0412 210 982 Gina: 0414 817 525 email: [email protected]

Alan Phillipsborn: 10 January 1946married: Anthea Hannaford, 11 October 1969address: 69A Retreat Valley Rd, Gumeracha,

SA 5233phone: (08) 8189 1043email: [email protected]:

Stephen (Gumeracha), married Alison—6 children Alona (Hermitage), married Daryl—no children Timothy (deceased)

schools: Modbury PS 1952-55, Cudlee Creek PS 1955-1958, Birdwood High School 1959-62 SA & WA institutes of technology (incomplete courses)

places lived: Modbury, 1946–1955 Cudlee Creek: Nov 1955–1969 Perth 1969-1971 Cudlee Creek 1971-1981 Gumeracha 1981–present

career: civil engineering draftsmen 1963-82 own business 1976–the present


- Gould Genealogy & History 1976–present - Gould Publishing Services 1992-96 - Archive Digital Books Australasia 2003–present - Unlock the Past 2009–present - Family Photo Book 2009–present - Unlock the Past cruises 2013-present www.unlockthepastcruises.com.au

I have both a personal and business interest in family and local history—as a reseller, publisher and organiser of innovative major events in the field.

I am still heavily involved in our various businesses—with my whole family involved. Alona (daughter), is in charge of our shop at RIdgehaven (oppposite St Agnes shopping centre)—call in sometime! Stephen (son) and my wife and I work from our homes at Gumeracha. We began a part-time business in the field of family and local history 1976 and went full-time in 1982, operating variously Gumeracha, Ridgehaven and North Adelaide. A number of related brands are now operated:

• 1976—booksellers publishers• 2003—established Achive Digital Books Australasia

to digitise and make available old and rare books for researchers—and now parther with the three largest international online content marketers to make it accessible globally.

• 2009—we established Unlock the Past to run innovative major events in the field, including expos, seminars and roadshows around Australia and New Zealand—and Australia first ever battlefiel tour (to Darwin in 2012, the 70th anniversay of its bombing in 1942).

• 2009—Family Photo Book—set up your own photo book• 2013—Unlock the Past cruises (international)—running

history and genealogy conferences at sea with groups from 75 to 250—out of Australia and Britain/Europe

interests: business allows too little time for other things, but I enjoy reading, having time with grandchildren (all live at Gumeracha), armchair astronomy and participation in the life of my church. I enjoyed cricket in earlier years, including coaching a local colts team.

sisters and parents: Lynette, b 1947 now lives in Tasmania. Raelene b. 1949 would had one year at Modbury before we moved away—died 1963 just before her 14th birthday. My father, Ron (1921-2007), also attended Modbury school in the 1920s as did his siblings. My mother Valda still lives in the Lutheran Village, Hope Valley. My father worked for Tolleys vineyards until November 1955 when he and his brother, Eric, bought a property of their own at Cudlee Creek in the Adelaide Hills—when I was 9 year old.

David Glen Phillipsmarried: 26 August 1979 Julie Marion Williams, b. 2 May 1958born: 18 February 1955career: teacher, now School Sports Officer of South Australia.

Teaching degree in Physical Educationchildren:

Lauren Claire born 3 June 1984 Joel Leslie born 31 August 1987 Zane William born 21 August 1992

grandchildren: none

interests: all sports and current affairs Hobbies: Home projects Sport: golf, cycling Arts: Musicals.

Now Living in western suburbs of Adelaide after 27 years in

the SE of SA. Lived in different countries for over 1 year each as part of 3 teacher exchanges. Parents owned the corner shop and post office in Modbury before Tea Tree Plaza was built. Parents and one brother, John, all passed away. Bob, his twin, resides in southern suburbs with his wife.

Ian Phillipsmarried: Margaret 20 June 1964born: 24 May 1943address: 4 Oswald Drive Port Lincoln 5606

PO Box 1440 Port Lincoln 5606phone: 8682 1697 mobile: 0429 821 697children: girl and boygrandchildren: 5 (daughter who lives in Sydney presented

them with twins this year)schools: Modbury PS grades 1 to 7, Urrbrae for 7 months until

family moved to Cudlee Creek when Ian was 13 years old and then went to Birdwood High until 4th year but left to Start work on family farm which was mainly an orchard.

career: worked on farm from 16 to 19 years old. Trained 2 years as Methodist Minister. Became a local preacher. Worked 6 months doing odd jobs. In July 1964 started work for Gumeracha Council and became Inspector of building, health and weeds. Married that year. 1967 Shifted to Eyre Peninsula and worked for the Cleve Local Government and then to Cummins doing similar work as Inspector of Building, health and weeds. 1973 Started with the Port Lincoln Council as Inspector and town planning. During this time Ian did 9 years of correspondence lessons to further his qualifications. He retired from the Port Lincoln Council in 2001

interests: Ian and Margaret have been involved over many years with many organisations. Ian played tennis and cricket in the hills and then at Port Lincoln he joined the Sailing Club starting in 3 centreboard classes and then to 24 ft keel boats which were ocean sailing and had a crew of 3 to 4 sailors. Ian has had a lifetime love of Classic cars and has owned a MGB for 20 years and is currently restoring an MG TD. He has been a Rotarian for 35 years and has been involved with Student Exchange and visited UK, Finland, Netherlands, Belgium and Japan in that capacity and held many positions in Rotary over the years. He is an active member of the Friends of Lower Eyre Pen National Park, Riding for the Disabled, Ex member of the Royal District Nursing, Pony Club and has held official positions in most of the above organisations. He is currently involved as a volunteer for the local tele-cross ring around and is on duty every couple of months. Margaret and Ian are keen on caravanning and have a Landrover Discovery and off road caravan. They have explored most of Australia and are just back from an outback trip.

John Phillipsborn: 1942 died 2009married: Janice Secomb children: 2 boys and 1 girlgrandchildren: 3 boys and 2 girlsschools: Modbury PS, Adelaide High School 2 years

career: work in the family business Phillips 4 Square Store and Post Office. John’s duties were to deliver the groceries and deliver the letters and he trained his twin brother Robert (Bob) to do the same. John assisted Janice at the Clovercrest Post Office until they took over the management of the


Other old Modbury scholarsSuggest we add a list of names of other students known to have attended Modbury in the 1950s, but who have not submitted information

please submit names of others that come to mind

Just a few to kick off with [known to Alan]• Kaye Haynes – her father was Methodist minister in 1953-54. Presumably Kaye attended those years grades 2 and 3

[she was in my class — Alan]• Christine Moffat• Helen Wilkey• Lynette Phillips (1953-1955)• Patricia Usher

Modbury old scholars

memories


Modbury old scholars memories in the following pages are copyrighted to individual contributorsfor and limited to old scholars use only

Use of this information for any purpose other than for and by the Modbury Old Scholars is not permitted

The disclaimer of Jim Hynd probably applies to all The following memories of events are the memories of one Jim Hynd. They may not be exactly as others remember the

alleged events. Any challenges and/or corrections will be happily accepted or denied by the said Jim Hynd.

further memories are welcome please submit to Alan Phillips

Old scholars memories.....25

Ruth CliftonI remember my first day at Modbury Primary School – my Mother made me wear

“A DRESS” I never wore dresses I was a farm girl, you didn’t wear a dress to ride a horse, milk a cow or chase sheep, consequently I hated school right from day one.

I do remember Mrs Birchell with the dangly piece of skin under her arm which was quite terrifying when she came close to point something out at my desk. Isn’t that sad when it’s the only thing you remember about your first teacher?

Mrs Hancock was the teacher I remembered most fondly, she was strict but had a good heart and I think Erica Mickan stayed in contact with her for many, many years.

School Assemblies in the school yard were held in all types of weather where we sang “God save the Queen” and swore allegiance to the Flag. When the Queen came to South Australia I remember the whole school going to see her but don’t quite remember where, the day was very hot and ambulance officers were kept busy with people fainting. We were all given a copy of the “New Testament” which I still have.

My first classmates were Erica Mickan, Lennie Usher, the Wilkey twins, Dianne White, Julie Harris and Lynette Phillips.“Aahh” the bottles of milk we were made to drink , not refrigerated, a great dob of cream on top in which I used to poke my

finger making a hole then pour in raspberry cordial brought from home. Monty the sausage dog owned by Mr Redstone seemed to always be in the school yard recess and lunch times. We were

told by Mr Redstone not to feed the dog or pat him but it was hard to resist Monty with those big brown eyes eyeing our food as we sat in the lunch shed. Looking back I think it was meant to be a lesson on self control. I can never remember seeing the dog before or after school hours.

One year we put on a play called “Little Women” I think Mr Chandler was the teacher at the time and he asked me to play the youngest of the March sisters who I think was Little Jo. Being pretty shy I flatly refused but later relented when he told me I only had two words to say. It was probably something like “Goodbye Papa” I can’t quite remember but I’m sure he only picked me because I was the smallest kid in the class

I do remember taking raspberry cordial to put in those ghastly bottles of milk to make it more palatable, I still hate milk to this day

Mavis CongdonI attended Modbury Primary School when I was 5 years old. I spent the first three years in the small class room.

I was quiet and never said much in class.We had hot soup day on occasions and the Mum’s cooked it and we could have it for 6 pence a serve.When I reached Grade 1V I went into the main School house Room then the Birchall’s left and I had Mr Redstone. I’m not

sure of the years so I won’t commit myself. It’s been a long time.In Grade 1V there were seven girls and one boy. His name was Melville Carmichael and he was a slob.We had to stand by the desk until we were told to sit down and the seat would fall off.On Fridays it was Test Day and I was no good at thinking of answers quick enough so I knew I would get the ruler across my

legs. I was never a Teacher’s Pet because I was only average.Some days when it was hot the teacher had us sitting on a bench around the tree learning our times tables. If he asked

for a certain times table and we didn’t know it, the next day we would have to say the times table we didn’t know instead of Good Morning, so we really had it drummed into us.

During the years between 4 to 7 we were all in the one class room. There used to be a boy called Kenneth Bull. His Mum would clean his shoes like a mirror. The teacher would have him up the front of the class on display and would expect us to be like him, but it didn’t happen.

Our outings were a nature study walk to the creek and we would bring back a leaf and hve a drawing lesson.

THE OLD REPORT BOOKThe marks reflect how

much I enjoyed school.


There were old roads covered with grass and rocks around Modbury. For us to get to school there were no bridges over the creek. In the winter we had to carefully cross over on a log.

For recess at school Mum would pack cake for me and I used to swap for a vegemite sandwich from Janene Marrett and Kayreen Tonkin.

If my Mum was generous I was allowed to play at friend’s houses on odd occasions. One Saturday I went to Ruth Clifton’s house. She had a horse and jinker. I was sitting on the strap instead of the seat and got my ankle caught and dragged underneath and ground my ankle bone: but I had to go home and tell a white lie because Ruth said she would have her horse taken away – o what pain – we were angels.

When we had concerts in the local Hall Nerine and Glenda Wright used to sing with their Dad playing the music: it was fantastic to listen to.

Then also later, the Strickland girls, Jennifer and Rosemary, doing gymnastics. It was so great to watch.Our school concerts were held at our local Hall and I was chosen to swing the hula hoop whilst hardly moving.I used to hate doing compositions which now are called essays because I could not create imagination quick enough. We

had to write about being invisible so I became brain dead so I wrote “this essay is written in invisible ink” and handed it up. I was marked badly.

I also have a confession to make. We were having Assembly and the teacher was grumpy because we were not lining up properly. So he said we had to do it again and I gave a loud sigh. He said “who did that?” “Get out the front” This day I am letting you know it was me.

Faye FlemingThe only thing I remember was when I, Norma and Jennifer first started at Modbury Primary. We had moved from Plympton and I think I was about 10 years old so I didn’t go to school in the small room.

Our first day was a little embarrassing because we were all very self conscious as we were the new kids and went running around the playground and slipping and sliding on the sloping bitumen, much to the amusement of everyone else. I do remember really enjoying received the book prizes at the end of the year.

Jennifer FlemingMy earliest memory of Modbury Primary is our first day at school.

My two older sisters and I arrived at the school in the third term of 1951. We were early and had some time to play before going into the class room. I can remember the three of us just running around nervously and falling over, as most of the other students watched us. I wonder if anyone else remembers this.

I have a clear picture of that play yard. The stack of crates that held our recess time treat of lovely cold milk.Also the corrugated iron lunch sheds - one for the boys and one for the girls, where we were supervised as we ate our

lunches.The Fleming children never had cakes or biscuits in our packed lunches, but I remember that Mavis Congdon did.I remember that I used to look longingly at the contents of her lunch, then, when she would shake the cake crumbs on to

the ground - I would wonder if it would be alright if I picked some of these up. I think I may have done this once!! I don’t remember anyone else having these treats in their lunch boxes.

When I was in Mrs Hancock’s room, I use to look longingly at what I think she called “The Freework” sitting on the shelf at the side of the room.

These were for the children who were extra good or who finished their work early. These brightly coloured blocks and puzzles were something new to our family and I longed to play with them. Over the years I have still have had warm memories whenever I saw these toys in an op shop or a garage sale. I have collected some of these now and they are proudly on display in my “Grandma’s toy cupboard!” Sadly they don’t have the same enticement for our much indulged grandchildren.

When I moved up to the “Big Room” I used to love learning songs from the radio programme, which was designed for schools.

I remember learning such songs as “Riding down from Bangor, on an eastern train” When Mr Redstone came to our school, he discovered to his horror, that we didn’t know our tables. We were put to shame

over this by being compared with the children from his previous school at Tintinara.I was determined to be as good as, if not better, than these children and I used to study the tables at home until I had them

thoroughly memorised.I remember how Mr Redstone used to take us outside and we would sit on a rug in the sun while he tested us. I was so

thrilled when he chose my raised hand and I was able to give the right answer.We lived in a time when children didn’t receive a lot of affirmation - so I remember Mr Redstone saying two positive things

about me.He was speaking to another student about posture and he told whoever it was to look at the way Jennifer was sitting up

straight at her desk.(By the way our mother was big on posture) He also commented on my straight eyebrows, when the school photos came back - this was said in a very positive voice. I

never forgot these two compliments.Also I was to find an old report cards years later - where he had written the words “I will help you” this came after him

commenting about my fearfulness and how I got flustered. This told me that he was tuned in to my sensitive nature and why I loved and respected him as my teacher.

I only have good memories of our old school. My main playmates were Kayreen and Lonnie and we used to play house in


Anonymous — supplied by Kevin MoffattOur Mums used to cut chicken, chop eggs and spread butter on bread on the same cutting board with the same knife and no bleach, but we didn’t seem to get food poisoning..

Our school sandwiches were wrapped in wax paper in a brown paper bag, not in ice pack coolers, but I can’t remember getting e. Coli Almost all of us would have rather gone swimming in the lake or at the beach instead of a pristine pool (talk about boring), no beach closures then, no stingers and crocodiles.

We all took PE ...... And risked permanent injury with a pair of Dunlop sandshoes instead of having cross-training athletic shoes with air cushion soles and built in light reflectors that cost as much as a small car. I can’t recall any injuries but they must have happened because they tell us how much safer we are now.

We got the cane for doing something wrong at school, they used to call it discipline yet we all grew up to accept the rules and to honour & respect those older than us. We had 50 kids in our class and we all learned to read and write, do maths [and add up in our head] and spell almost all the words needed to write a grammatically correct letter......., FUNNY THAT!!

We all said prayers in school irrespective of our religion, sang the National Anthem and no-one got upset.

Staying in detention after school caught all sorts of negative attention we wish we hadn’t got.

I thought that I was supposed to accomplish something before I was allowed to be proud of myself. I just can’t recall how bored we were without computers, Play Station, Nintendo, X-box or 270 digital TV cable stations. We weren’t!!

Oh yeah ... And where was the antibiotics and sterilisation kit when I got that bee sting? I could have been killed! Never knew anybody allergic to peanuts.

We played “King of the Hill” on piles of gravel left on vacant building sites and when we got hurt, mum pulled out the 2/6p bottle of iodine and then we got our backside spanked. Now it’s a trip to the emergency room, followed by a 10 day dose of antibiotics and then mum calls the lawyer to sue the contractor for leaving a horribly vicious pile of gravel where it was such a threat.

To top it off, not a single person I knew had ever been told that they were from a dysfunctional family. How could we possibly have known that?

We never needed to get into group therapy and/or anger management classes. We were obviously so duped by so many societal ills, that we didn’t even notice that the entire country wasn’t taking Prozac!

How did we ever survive?

LOVE TO ALL OF US WHO SHARED THIS ERA.AND TO ALL WHO DIDN’T, SORRY FOR WHAT YOU MISSED.I WOULDN’T TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING!

Remember that life’s most simple pleasures are very often the best.

Ah, those WERE the days!!!!

Modbury Primary School

school photos


if you have any other school or class photos we would love to add them to the selection

please contact Alan Phillips



Modbury Primary School grade 2, 1953 [or was it grade 3 1954?] back: Malcolm Tonkin, Brian Teakle, Glenda Wright, Alan Phillips front: Dorothy Hynd, Bronwyn Harris, Christine Moffat, Kay Haynes, Helen Wilkey, Catherine Harris

Modbury Primary School grade 1, 1953 [or was it grade 2 1954?] back: Len Usher, ? Wilkey, ? Wilkey front: ?, Julie Harris, Ruth Clifton, Lynette Phillips, Erica Mickan


Modbury Primary School grade 7, 1955 back: names to come front: names to come

Modbury Primary School grade ? , 1953 or 1954? names to come

Modbury Primary School grade 7, 1962 back: names to come middle: names to come front: names to come


A selection of photos from Don Wilkey Date? Is anyone in the photos identifiable?


Documents

Modbury Primary School - Unlock the Past PS reunion... · Modbury Primary School. 1950s era reunion. ... Modbury Old Scholars biographical details memories copyrighted to individual