Immigration 1974
Friday 15 March 1974:
Ticket arrived today. Jackie phoned me at work to let me know; it is cabin 136 on the upper deck with 3 berths, toilet, shower and wash basin, no windows though (pity). Dawn is not particularly worried about the tickets. Only 24 days to go now.
Sunday 17 March:
Chris, David and Mark came for the last time today. They took out chest of draws for Mum; another hole in the home, first the tele then the organ. We took our pictures down and repacked the trunk in the evening. David seems to agree with our going, probably wants to get rid of us. Mark can be naughty and does not seem to possess the divinity attributed to him by Mum.
Monday 18 March:
I was late to work as the clocks went back. Only 10 more working days left. I started the process of handing over the office to Rodger, who says he will come and see us off. Chandris say sailing time will be between 8 and 9 (pm).
Wednesday 20 March:
I only had half a day at work. In the afternoon I listed all the records and did the books in the evening. Less than 3 weeks to go now but it still done not seem possible. To see the house you would not suspect tit was to be vacated in 10 days. All is very much as normal except for a few small gaps. Dawn seems irritable, probably excitement. Money seems to be running short!
Friday 22 March:
I had today and yesterday off to use up my leave. We almost finished packing the trunk and had to fill it up with books. We went out to buy stuff for dinner with the Sheldrakes tomorrow. Jackie went out this evening to do her dresses so I listened to the 9th for the last time in this country and strained my wrist conducting the finale. My jacket is packed in the trunk now, what will i wear? Not long to go now.
Saturday 23 March:
Dawn and I went exploring in Chatham to solve the mystery of the obelisk on the hill. After traversing the hazardous streets of Chatham we came to open ground that rose steeply in front of us. Upon reaching the summit we spied the famed obelisk; what mysteries did it hold? What strange creatures constructed it? When we approached closer it revealed its secret, it was a war memorial.
In the evening we had our parting dinner with the Sheldrakes Bob was ill and I ate too much but it was very nice. There were many silences and we talked about illness and Glen?
Sunday 24 March:
I dismantled Dawns wardrobe with minor interruptions but it all went well. Dawn seemed to think it was a splendid idea. Kerrie was asleep but looked rather astonished at the destruction I had wrought on her small world in such a short space of time. We also cleared out both kids toys that was met with mixed feelings.
In the evening we stuck labels all over the suitcases and the trunk, looks more realistic now.
Monday 25 March:
We went to the dentist in the morning; Dawn had a filling and seemed to enjoy it. I only had my teeth cleaned. We also had to go to the solicitor about some fence nonsense. I spent the rest of the day finally sorting our stuff out. I had to dismantle the Hi Fi shrine, a very sad, solemn occasion. ted came round to disconnect the washing machine in the evening (10 ish) We had a job packing the drum but finally solved the problem. The cat, Cleo seems a little put out by all this change. She will be put out permanently on Saturday – she is going two doors away.
Well there now stands downstairs the sum total of what we are taking to Australia, it does not seem very much; I just hope it arrives ok. It all seems rather unsettling but I suppose that is how it should be. Our home is disintegrating and we will soon be homeless NFA as they say.
Tuesday 26 March (B day):
B is for baggage. It was today that Faron came to collect our stuff. We had it all prepared so we just had to wait and wait and wait. they arrived at 1:45 just as I had comfortably seated myself on the toilet.
They were two young jokers who threatened to steal all that was of any value and break anything that wasn’t. I cringed as they removed my speakers. It was worse than having a tooth removed. The chest of draws was rather heavy and I had serious doubts as to whether it would take the strain.
By 4:30 it was all gone, after a return as one chap lost 2 . We will just have to pray that it arrives in the antipodes safely. the room downstairs looks dismayingly bleak. Rather upsetting. When will we see it all again? In the evening I managed to burn the coffee, it smelled foul. Well it’s back to work tomorrow, not many work days left (8).
Friday 29 March:
I had to book my tools in which seemed sort of final. I had the usual trouble with stores, they wanted a multitude of forms. It was the last day of travel to and from Cannon St. As we go to Mum s on Monday. I ve got a nasty cold and felt terrible in the evening and was sick later. A lot missed the toilet, was rather nasty, had a very disturbed night. Don t feel like a long boat trip at the moment.
Saturday 30 March 1774:
Most of the rest of our furniture went today. First the Pattenden bloke came to take some rubbish, then he took the dining room suite. Next the Balls came for the fridge and the bedroom suite but he didn t have room for the wardrobe, it will have to be left with Ted. The Scalescame in the afternoon for the coffee table and a single bed and Ted took the 3 piece suite in the evening.
It s looking very bare now but surprisingly not much worse than Tuesday. We will be glad to get out now. Dawn keeps saying she will have more space to play as each item goes from the organ to the complete nothingness of Sunday morning.
Sunday 31 March:
It has been another hectic day. We had to be up early as people were coming for our beds at 0830. We then had to move all our stuff to the Sheldrakes as we are staying here for the night as they are away. There seemed a mountain of stuff but when we sorted it out in the evening there seemed plenty of space in the cases. I took the wardrobe to bits with Phills screwdriver and Ted and I took it over in the afternoon. Jackie cleaned our house and eventually all seemed done.
We had a takeaway Chinese in the evening but neither of us could finish it. Tummies turned topsy with tension. Saw a programme on Australia The Green Centre It does not seem possible that we will soon be there. The cat has been a bit of a problem, she won t stop following us from house to house. Kerrie has cried most of the evening and is stirring now. Dawn is being quite good and seems thrilled to sleep in Martin s bed. I feel better today with just a slight sickness. Jackie seems to be taking the strain better than expected.
Monday 1 April:
This was completion day at last. I had the final look around the house. Seems rather sad to leave it. I collected the cheque from the solicitor 4349.90. I also paid off the cooker but as the meter man never turned up we were told to forget that bill.
I caught the 1 o clock train to take the cheque to the bank. It was a bit dicey as they would not let me take the letter round but I took a copy and they accepted that. I also had a spot of bother about the travelling cheques but it seems ok now with special clearance on the cheque. I ordered Dawns birth certificate.
Apparently Dad had trouble with our luggage and he is ill. Anyway it all turned out well in the end and we are all here at Mum s. Kerrie seems better tonight.
Friday 5 April:
After an uneventful few days at Mum s we got into the routine ok.
At lunch time I was given a silver plate from the blokes at work, which I thought was very nice as I have not been there that long.
Last Wednesday evening Jackie and I went for a Chinese in Croydon our last in this country.
Saturday 6 April:
We went down to say goodbye to Jackie s Mum; it was a long journey. Went for drink before dinner and did some shopping after dinner.
Auntie Marjorie came in the evening.
Monday 8 April 1974:
My last day at work but I didn t do any. I had to buy drinks at dinner time and then I collected my references, for what it was worth and left. I stopped of in Croydon on my way home to do some shopping. I was paid in the morning 112.
In the evening we packed some of the stuff then Dad and I bought some drink and we all got a bit merry, especially Jackie.
Tuesday 9 April 1974.
This was departure day. We finished packing then at 12 o/c Dad took us to the station and came with us up to Waterloo. It was sad saying goodbye to Mum and Lynne. An Italian woman threw a fit on Waterloo station and wet herself.
The trip to Southampton was a bit tedious and I was a bit sad saying goodbye to Dad. We missed the first train and had to wait for the next.
There was a huge queue at the dock to board the boat. Rodger met us as we boarded and gave us a present and Easter eggs.
The ship pulled out at about 2005. it was a very calm night, the kids slept well. I felt a bit restless. Anyway we are on our way now and I m glad.
Wednesday 10 April 1974.
Spent the day cruising down the channel, it was very calm just a gentle swaying. Dawn enjoys the play room. I had a Mu-Cron before breakfast and felt ill but soon got over it.
Thursday 11 April 1974.
The sea got a bit rougher today. it s fascinating to see walls and floor twist, the whole ship is creaking under the strain. Jackie is a bit frightened.
I bought a cassette/radio for 60 pounds, a bit rash but it will do to send tapes back home. England is well behind us now, it seemed it would never come but these things always do although it s hard to believe that we are on the way after all the dreaming.
Friday April 12 1974.
It was again a roughish day with 20 30 foot waves, it is very good. We had good food again but some people are moaning (whinging poms). We arrive in Las Palmas tomorrow, early.
Saturday 13 April.
We were up early for docking at Las Palmas. It seemed strange to see land again although it has only been 5 days since we left Southampton yet it seems aeons ago.
We went ashore after breakfast and walked around the town and spent a while on the beach paddling and got plastered with oil. Dawn loved it. The town was tatty. It was a tiresome crowded town to walk around. I had difficulty finding a toilet and had to queue for ages to change money. We spent a fair amount on drink and cigarettes which were extremely cheap. We had to be back on board by 1300.
We watched us sail off then ate. The weather was suddenly marvelous with a scorching sun. The decks which were empty yesterday were packed today. The sea is fairly calm again. We are now on our way to Cape Town, a much longer stretch. I hope the weather lasts.
Sunday April 14th 1974
We are well away from the Canaries now, steaming south. We crossed the tropic of Cancer this morning. Our midday position was 21N and it feels it. It was scorching hot all day.
The children were all given chocolate easter eggs at breakfast. We lazed about all day doing the usual things. The swimming pool was filled but our swimming things were in the baggage room so we had to pay another visit to that hell hole, although it was not as bad this time.
We arrive in Cape Town 23/24th, a fairly long trip. In the evening we all met the captain at a cocktail party, he s a little Greek man. We had the welcome dinner after that and it was extremely good. Salmon, roast turkey, more meat than veggies. After that was a cabaret which was good except for two of the singers who screeched corney songs and a corney compare, it was also rather holiday campish with everyone trying to look super posh. Kerrie cried all evening.
Monday 15th April 1974.
It was another stinking hot day and very calm, we must be entering the doldrums. Our midday position was 14N, it will soon be zero!
Dawn went in paddling pool. Kerrie slept well for a change. Jackie and I were very tired. I kept falling asleep on the promenade deck so we had an early night.
Tuesday 16th April 1974
It was my last day of employment with the Post Office. I’m not sorry but it seems a little sad. It was extreamly hot today, too hot in fact. The sea was greasy smooth, I have never seen anything like it. There are many flying fish about which fly for about 20 – 30 yards. The humidity was very high, stifeling. In the evening we went to the brain of the ship contest. I just got through to the last round, but it was only just, don’t know whether I’rl bother.
Wednesday 17th April.
Was struck down in the middle of the night by the dreaded bug that seems to be roving the boat. I was sick several times with chronic runs. Jackie went to the doctors for me in the morning and I got up about 1300 but I still feel crook; still, it seems to be passing. Felt really low about everything, about the whole project.
In the evening I had some soup and half a roll, then we played cards. It’s still very hot and humid. We crossed the equator.
Thursday 18th April.
I was feeling better today but not yet normal. It was a routine day, still hot but it is drying out a bit.They are painting parts of the boat that leaves wet paint everywhere. In the afternoon we stopped twice and tipped over a bit. They got us straight by bed time. There was no announcement as to whst was wrong so it can’t be much despite what Jackie thinks.
Friday 19th April.
It was Jackies turn to be sick today. It must be a bug of some sort. It was a hard day with the kids all day but it was not unpleasant.
They had a buffet in the evening, it was extreamly well laid out, and it tasted good, lobster and all. Jackie remained in bed and I sat with an Australian vicar and his wife. A rather strange experience. I read after.
Saturday 20 April.
Jackie was feeling better today but still a bit queasy. Kerrie was sick at lunch time. The sea is building up again but is not as bad, as we are heading into the waves. i felt perfectly normal but will still take it easy on the food. When we went to bed Kerrie was being sick again and she was several times after. After about 0100 she seemed to settle down. Only Dawn to go now.
Sunday 21st April.
It was much rougher, colder and windier today and it is now over a week since we have seem land. Kerrie was not sick any more but she won’t eat. Dawn is not showing any signs of getting it yet. perhaps she will escape it.
The pools were empty today. In the evening we went to a cockney show, it was quite good. The kids slept after an initial scream.
Monday 22nd April.
It was another routine day here on the boat. The sea was much rougher.
Tuesday 23rd April
We docked at Cape Town at about 0730. It was most impressive. We went achore about 0930 and wandered around. We then went up Table Mountain, it took 2 busses and a cable car. Jackie did not come on the cable car which had a vertical climb of 2300 feet. It was fantastic although it gave me the willies a bit. The view from the top was the best I have ever seen. The weather was clear and we could see for miles. Dawn and I that is. After this we had a meal wandered around and went to the botanic gardens, which were extreamly well laid out.
On the whole it is the best sizeable town I have ever seen. Aparthied is not very apparent and everyone, black and white is very friendly. Jackie forgot to post her card to Judy and as there was not time before the boat sailed the pilot offered to take it for me.
We did not sail on time supposedly because of high winds. In fact we did not sail at all. As Jackie was a bit ill all day she went to bed when we got back. i read and watched the tugs mess about.
Wednesday 24th April.
We were still in Cape Town in the morning and we were there till about 1700, and we were not allowed off the boat that was most annoying. When we eventually left there was a strong wind and a large swell.
Thursday 25th April.
Well on our way into the Indian Ocean but we are still of the coast of South Africa. It was a routine day, quite pleasant but Jackie had the runs and I had the kids. She was up for dinner.
Friday 3rd May
After a week of sailing we are now nearing Fremantle. In the evening we had plenty to drink (as the last 2 nights). John was with us and another couple. An odd fellow turned up at 0430 and we went to bed.
Saturday 4th May.
The great day has arrived at last when we say (not just pictures) and trod on Australia.
There was a dreadfull few hours while they cleared our passports. There was a huge queue and it was very hot. We were at the pilot station at about 1330 but we were not allowed off till almost 1700. We all went for a walk round Fremantle, it was nicer than we expected. it seemed really unbelievable to be there.
The first thing facing us as we crossed the port railway was a Hotel (pub) After the kids dinner Jackie and I went to do our postcards and as they were sound asleep decided to risk a chineese meal and got a taxi, the driver of which persuaded us to go to Perth which we did and had a very nice meal with wine. Perth is a marvellous place but it was dark and we must have missed most of it. Phill and Mavis got off there so we will have peace at dinner now. We are getting the South Africans.
Jackie wanted to stay up till we sailed but we waited till 0400 and it showed no sign of moving so we went to bed. We have to use Aus money now.
Sunday 5th May
When we awoke we were on our way to Menbourne. It was a pleasant, routine day as they all were till we reached Melbourne.
Wednesday 8th may
We arrived off the coast of Melbourne in thick fog. It was wierd seeing the pilot ship appear out of the mirk. As we entered Port Phillip bay the fog cleared and we got some good views of the bay. It was about 1900 when we docked. We went with David and Eilien to have a quick look round.
Thursday 9th May
We were not up early and we spent most of the day wandering around Melbourne. It was unimpressive but quite pleasant. It is all planned in blocks.
We sailed about 2000. It was a long drag out of the bay. For docking and undocking we did not use tugs.