Disclaimer. In my writings here, I will be honest and very blunt about my impressions, in each part of “Somebody I Use To Know”.
My parental grandfather was born in 1911, in a very small village in Norfolk, England. It is located just across the county border with Suffolk. I have had the fortune to have visited the village. (More on my travels later.)
Little did my grandfather know that within a year he would set sail, with the rest of his family, and head to Australia. I can only imagine how such a long voyage would have on someone so young, plus the ordeal for his parents and siblings.
Confusion.
There appears to be some confusion as to where the family alighted from the ship. Besides that, they were to travel earlier on another ship but for some unknown reason didn’t. However, the shipping records show them on both ships, the earlier one showing them but with a line through all their names. (More on the Arrival in another writing.)
Records indicate the family were to disembark in Townsville. They actually arrived in Mackay. I am aware ships arrived on one of the small islands offshore and then transferred by boat to arrive in the town. I continue to investigate but it’s not a priority. There have been family stories about why they left the United Kingdom but these are for another day. It is known that my great-grandmother had a brother who had arrived earlier to live in the region. My grandfather is the second youngest of six siblings. (Regarding my grandfather’s parents and his siblings they will be featured in a future writing.)
Don’t recall.
When I arrived on the scene my grandfather was 44 years old. I was the first grandchild of many…
In my early years, I don’t recall much about my grandfather. I do remember his smile and laugh. He was a short man. He came across, to me, as a very gentle soul who would do anything for anyone. He was known to all the grandchildren as “Grandad”. As stated in my recollection of my parental grandmother, we lived close by, when I started school.
I cannot recall what Grandad did as a job in the early years. From the records found during my research, in particular electoral roles, they stated him as a lorry driver then there was nothing listed from 1972…
I don’t remember having many conversations with Grandad but I do remember he would tell many stories. It does annoy me now that I didn’t take a lot more notice of what he had said. One of my cousins has recalled many of his stories. I have no idea why I didn’t listen to him more. I never heard him swear. I do remember spending time with him, especially around Christmas time at Grass Tree Beach, south of Mackay.
Moved.
I had caught the travel bug. As previously stated in my writings about my parental grandmother, I didn’t see them that much. They had moved from the house near where we used to live, to a more out-of-the-way area. It was still accessible but not somewhere you go to just drop in when passing. This was about 1972.
They did move house again which was much easier to drop in with only a minor detour. It would have been like when you’re in “the town”, you go visit. My grandparents moved here in 1977.
Memories.
Grandad had a dog called Rastus. I’m not sure if the spelling is correct. From deep within my memories, I would say that both Grandad and his dog were inseparable. I can only imagine why – however, dogs can be the best companions. Some may think it strange… I can hear him call his dog as I write!
Telephone Calls.
Another memory comes to me from late 1978 when I was living and working in England. I had a phone call from my mother. She said I needed to come home as Grandad was very ill. You know what happened when I got home in February 1979!!
The last time I may have seen Grandad would have been about 1988.
Fast forwarding: I was sitting at my work desk in Bedford, England when I received a phone call from my mum. She said, “Grandad had passed away”. It was November 1992.
Sometimes, it is strange when the memories pop up into your head – some good, some bad, some make you cry and others make you laugh. I can see Grandad and, I think, that this lasting impression about my Grandad. A happy-go-lucky soul… a storyteller… an adventurer…
Note: Other details about my paternal grandfather in another writing…
Accreditations.
Norfolk, England map:
Map by Maphill. http://www.maphill.com/united-kingdom/england/east-anglia/norfolk-county/maps/physical-map/
Ancestor Family 
Grandad was a drover, then a timber cutter. He then worked at Pleystow Mill operating the maintenance loco, until he retired. Hope that helps 🙂
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I was going by what the official documents stated! Can’t trust them. Can we?
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