Anzac Day 2025_John James Charles WILSON

 

John James Charles Wilson: A Soldier’s Story of Love, Grit, and Duty

Let’s talk about John James Charles Wilson—better known to his mates and family as Jack. Born on 13 December 1892 on Hill Street in North Sydney, Jack grew up in a big, bustling household with his siblings Aleane, Harold, Mary, Archiband (Ben). Life was busy, noisy, and full of the kind of everyday challenges that shape strong, dependable people. That’s exactly who Jack turned out to be.

From Carpenter’s Tools to Combat Boots

In March 1916, Jack was a 23-year-old builder living in North Sydney. He had a good job, a close-knit family, and a future laid out in front of him. But the Great War was raging overseas, and like so many Aussie lads, Jack felt the call to serve. On 23 March 1916, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force as a Sapper in the 9th Field Company Engineers. Two days later, he reported to Rosebery Park to begin training.

John James Charles Wilson No. 10014

And while preparing for war, Jack also prepared for a new chapter in life. On 12 May 1916, he married the love of his life, Catherine Teresa Baker (Kate), at the Blessed Joan of Arc  Presbytery in Haberfield. The newlyweds settled into a home at 77 Lane Cove Road, enjoying a brief moment of peace before the storm.

Heading into History

Just weeks later, on 5 July 1916, Jack boarded the HMAT Ajana, bound for Europe. 

A boxing match betwen troops on board ship bound for Europe

Boxing Competition Winners on board Ajana, August 1916

He arrived in Plymouth, England by 31 August and was soon in France by November, right in the thick of it. Back home, while Jack was navigating trenches and battlefields, Kate gave birth to their first child, John Victor, on 26 November 1916. Jack wouldn’t meet his son until after the war.

His job in France was tough and dangerous. As a Sapper, Jack built trenches, laid down communication lines, and helped keep operations running under constant threat. His courage stood out—in February 1918, he was promoted to Lance-Corporal. Then came a moment of true heroism: for his bravery during an operation at Tailloux Wood, he was awarded the Military Medal on 8 August 1918.

But war has its price. In September 1918, Jack was admitted to field hospitals in France and then England, suffering from myalgia and other conditions brought on by exhaustion and exposure. Even after the Armistice, Jack’s health remained shaky.

Homeward Bound

Finally, in January 1919, Jack headed home on the City of Exeter, arriving in Melbourne on 2 March. By 2 May, he was officially discharged from the AIF—medically unfit, like so many of his fellow Diggers. Returning to civilian life wasn’t easy, but Jack was never one to give up.

Rebuilding Life—Literally

Jack and Kate raised a big family. They lived in Haberfield, then Yenda, and eventually Narrabeen. Their children—Jack, Bill, Margaret, Hoc, Pat, Mary, Monica, Bern, and Michael—filled their homes with noise and love. Tragedy struck in 1923 when their house in Yenda burned down, destroying precious records and Jack’s war medals. But as always, Jack rebuilt.

He returned to what he knew best: building. Brick by brick, he supported his growing family. And in 1941, when World War II erupted, Jack—now almost 49—enlisted in the Citizen Military Forces. Though he didn’t serve overseas this time, his knowledge and experience helped the war effort from home.

The Later Years

The postwar years saw Jack living at 57 Rickard Road, Narrabeen. 

He kept working as a bricklayer, stayed active in family life, and watched his children grow and start families of their own. Despite serious health issues—including glaucoma that eventually took his eyesight—Jack faced life with the same grit that carried him through war.

On 20 February 1973, Jack passed away at the Concord Repatriation Hospital. He was laid to rest at Mona Vale Cemetery after a service at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Narrabeen, surrounded by family who remembered him not just as a soldier, but as the strong, quiet man who built their world.

He served, he suffered, he loved, he built. Jack’s legacy is written in stone and memory.

Lest We Forget.

Prepared with the help of AI (Chatgpt)

 

Robert John Brudus ROMERIL - a great find!! (thanks Norma)

My interest in researching family history began when my paternal grandmother, Josephine Annie (Nana Rom) visited Sweden in 1954 to meet her father's family.  She returned to Australia with many stories and souvenirs and to my 8 year old brain - it was so exciting and began a life-long journey.  Read about Josephine's journey here.  

My mother was researching our maternal ancestors, and so over the years, together with a couple of paternal cousins, we found quite a few mysteries on our paternal side.  Most of them we have solved.  Read about Edward Thomas Romeril (my paternal great grandfather from Jersey, Channel Islands),  and the mystery surrounding my Swedish great grandfather, Johan Magnus Brudus here.

As an extended family we are really living the "family" connections.  The journey has provided many of us with exciting and interesting adventures.  Several of the family have travelled to Jersey, Sweden, Ireland and England to "tread" the lands of our ancestors.  We have connected with cousins (who have visited us here in Australia). And connected 2nd cousins x 3 times removed!!!! 

However, there are still "surprises" appearing!  

A few years ago, my son, Sean alerted me to a recording on the Northern Beaches Library site.  It is my mother, Patricia Joan Romeril (nee Wilson) telling her story of the family's arrival in Narrabeen, New South Wales.   What a treasure of a find.  You can here the interview here.

And so after all these years, it is such a pleasure to have access to as yet unheard recordings, photos etc. Last night my brother, Andrew, send me a copy of a voice recording of my father taken at Christmas in 1980 talking to his youngest sons.  Andrew's mother, Norma, had forwarded it to him.  Dad is expressing his delight at receiving gifts.  Oh to hear his voice after 40+ years!!!

My father, Robert John Brudus Romeril, was born on 22 November, 1923 in Northcoate, Melbourne, to Robert William Edward Romeril and Josephine Annie Brudus.   He died on 23 November 1981 in Sawtell, New South Wales.  He would have been 100 years old on his last birthday.  

We still have at least one more "surprise".  My cousin, Peter, in Sweden has found a recording of my grandmother taken in Sweden when she was visiting with his dad, Sven.  As the recording is on a steelwire recorder he is waiting to have it transferred to MP3.  What amazing information will this recording hold and how exciting to hear the voices from the past.

Introduction

Patricia Joan Romeril (Wilson) died in 2013 and she left behind a wonderful collection of Family History, including a coffee table book compiled in November 1992 which followed her direct Wilson family back to 1813.  During the 50s and 60s this was no easy feat as certificates etc were obtained by mail and money orders.  A much more difficult process compared to today with computers, social media and direct debit!!


Family was Patricia's passion and she was the "keeper of the past" when it came to photographs of immediate and extended family.  She was also a profilic writer and kept over 30+ years of diaries and left us hundreds of poems and short stories to share.

And so ..... today a parcel arrived from Wagga Wagga  (weighing over 15 kgs) where my sister has been protecting this paperwork.  And it is my intention to slowly digitise Mum's work and share parts of it here in this blog.  No way will I every finish this project in my lifetime and so I hope that this prompts someone else to take on the task in the future!

I am also intending to share ancestor's stories (and we have some very interesting family members). See See blog here  Hopefully this will prompt other family members to send me any research they may have of interest to us all.

Update..... April 2024

Whilst trawling through the many boxes of documents etc I found reference to an interview that Mum did in 2000 with the Northern Beaches Library History Hub.  Here she recollects the family's early years in Yenda and their settlling in Narrabeen .  A link to the interview is here.

There is also a transcript of the interview here

Our Unsung Hero - by Patricia Romeril (nee Wilson)

My favourite photos of Poppy Joe - a young JJC, with his beloved Kate, his family, his last years!

My unsung hero is renowned in many circles, even by a generation that never met him.  Tales of his courage, kindness, humour and fortitude have been related again and again.  

John James Charles Wilson was born the eldest son of a well-known North Shore family in the year 1892.  His love of music caused his father to turn him out at the age of 14.  Never daunted he found refuge with his music teacher, who lived across the road, and when his dad went to work, he slipped back home to sing and play to his mother, Ann Jane.  This love of music lasted all his lifetime.  Wherever he went he tucked his sheet music under his arm just in case.  He learnt the bricklaying trade and travelled New South Wales in search of work.

When World War 1 broke out, he answered the call for volunteers, joined the A.I.F in March 1916, married his sweeetheart, Kate in May, and the next week sailed for France.  

On the troop ship he became the lightweight boxing champion 

and in the two and a half years he spent in France, he earned the Military Medal and was Mentioned in Despatches for bravery. 

 He never spoke of these deeds, but his array of friends invented many a humorous reason why he received them.  His war records are available here.

On his return in 1919 he applied for a Soldier's Settlement in the Riverina at Yenda .... where after many setbacks he realised he wasn't a farmer and came to Sydney with his ever-growing young family, where he built a house in Five Dock.  There the depression caught up with him again.  The bank foreclosed on his castle, but never daunted he moved his brood to Narrabeen Lakes, where he brought a block of land with his remaining money.  Here he carved a home out of the wilderness.  The nucleus of this home was a tent and by bartering he managed to keep adding to the structure until, with the help of the vines he has planted, they had a home to be proud of.

57 Rickard Road now

Here his pioneer spirit and adventurous nature and resourcefulness came to the fore ... he planted vegetables and flowers ... he traded for a cow and an old horse and cart with which he carted his produce all over the district.  His wares became famous, people coming from the suburbs to buy.  He was satisfied ... because his beloved wife and nine children were sheltered from strife, the world in depression hardly ruffled their life.

He worked long and hard, building when work came his way, but still found time to form Narrabeen's first swimming club on the lake.  Because they lived so close to the beach and lake he taught all his children to swim in a most unorthodox way, which never affected their love of swimming.  They were encouraged to obtain the bronze medallion.  

Wilson girls in swimming competitions

Joe, as he was affectionately known by all who knew him believed in cutting corners, so when one child had to have a tonsillectomy, he said "one in all in", and as he marched his whole tribe up the hill to Manly Hospital he promised them a tram ride down and an ice cream each.  After the operations the kids were put into beds, top to toe, where Joe tended them lovingly until it was time to go home.  He kept his promise and looking at his pallid brood, all licking ice-cream, he was thankful they all survived until one child threw up, starting a cavalcade of chain events.

Their home was short on material possessions but long on love, security, plenty to eat and lots of laughter, every night Kate played the piano and encouraged the clan to gather around to sing.  Joe's only vice was his tobacco and he was rarely ever without a very thin "roll your own" stuck on his llip, but always a week or two before Christmas and each birthday, he seemed to be content to chew a match, and every child had the thrill of a surprise on his or her special day.  Boiled lollies or broken biscuits or maybe a couple of humbugs, acid drops or a licorice strap brought squeals of delight.

As Australia was recovering from the depression, the dark clouds from Europe brought about the family's major upheaval.  The three older boys joined the forces, so Joe coloured his silver tips with black shoe polish, and went to join up too ... much to his disgust he was sent to Cowra to guard the Italian P.O.W.s, but never daunted, he applied himself to obtaining the best for his country from his situation. Cowra P.O.W. information can be found here.  With the help of the local R.S.L. he hassled the Federal Government to allow the land-loving Italians to grow vegetables for the hungry people ... result a contented camp.

This article is in Pop's diary - unfortunately the articles are not references with date etc.  I am working with Cowra Museum to assist in referencing them.

Concerned for the morale of the surrounding country folk, he became involved in the formation of a Concert Party, and travelled the district entertaining the war weary with good music and laughter.  The profits from these were channelled into the war effort.  

On transfer to Sydney he continued his involvement and obtained a full library for the 22nd Garrison.

After discharge he returned home and to bricklaying, but Kate, his wife of 48 years became an invalid. He refused to hospitalise her, tending to her lovingly, unselfishly and uncomplaining for 10 years.  

Some years later he lost his eyesight but never daunted, would go for walks along familiar places.  

This marvellous man's last act on earth was a positive one.  After a week in and out of a coma he passed away singing "Ave Maria" to the amazement of all the staff.  

This same unsung hero, who sang with great gusto many years before "The Entry of the Gods of Valhalla" in the Jenolan Caves when he was on his one and only holiday.

"Valhalla" was in Norse mythology, a banqueting hall in Asgard, where Odin received souls of dead heroes.

Asgard being the home of Gods and slain heroes entered via the Rainbow Bridge.

How about that for an ending!!

The above article was written by Patricia Romeril (nee Wilson) for the 1988 Bicentenary.

I am still in the process of trawling through the many boxes of documents Mum has left all of us for our enjoyment.  I am slowly sharing the stories, etc, and they certainly belong with all the family.  If any of these posts bring up memories, I would love to hear them.  Perhaps you could comment on the end of each post.  As we were a very large extended family, I am sure that each of us have our own special memories.  Sandra

 

London to home

Sunday 25th April, 1982       Anzac Day      fine     

Up after a lie in and began our big cleanup - before mass in the nearby town of Debden - all into Lee's van and off to a lovely church with the poorest and nicest priest we have met on our trip.  It turned out funny.  After a nice sermon and friendly mass he drew the 10 seats for the Pope's visit to Wembley - it turned out funny - first two draws went to husband and wife - he wanted the priest to redraw - "no you won it- you do what you want with it" then next draw was the lady who was going to country anyway even despite the luck of the Irish - then on next draw was a Mr and Mrs on one ticket.  Well that caused consternation - he said "Mr and Mrs so and so have only one seat between them" - then came the draw for the terrace - Mrs ? - has to bring her own chair.  We left then but there were two positions on the pitch and 10 car park spaces.  They sang the Communion hymn to Edelweiss.

A quick visit to Kings Head hotel and home to lunch and finished doing van out - a busy time was had by all.

All hands on deck!  Van clean up in London

Monday 26th April, 1982

Into Crystal Palace camping area.  We all went in to London for a look-see and to show Marie and Lee.  Next day John and Sandra took van down to Hungerford Bridge - rest wandered into town - all tired now and keen to go home.  Two weeks before departure day.

First week in London we saw changing of guards, Westminster, St Paul's and tried for a boat ride.  They were on strike as usual.

Friday 30th April, 1982

We moved into a flat at 29 Hestercombe Rd, Fulham.  

Great interest shown into vans and 10 people - and Aussies to boot.  The Davansos had lower floor we top.  Still no buyers for van, one party interested - John worried.

I had my hair permed at Debenhams by a young Canadian - best yet.  Cost £50 - Sandra and Rae had hair trimmed same salon - lovely results for both.  Sandra looks 16 years old.

Funny lady upstairs keeps coming down for 50p piece or to ring Dr.

Hurray van sold - despite being outsmarted everyone happy £4275 - so wasn't bad.

Sunday 2nd May, 1982

All went into Tower by bus passing Lady Di's hairdresser, Harrods etc, too solemn Mass at Westminster Catholic Cathedral - preparing for Pope's visit.  Outside gathered many beggars.  We lunched in a restaurant whilst kids ate MacDonalds again then walked to Speakers Corner and what a revelation the people there.

Windy conditions cut short our visit so home to flat - Marie hired a TV for kids.

Monday 3rd May, 1982

May Day here-lots of activity in town.  Rain and showers intermittently, so walked from Westminster to Oxford circus.  Lunched at Debenhams, then Sean and I went out to St John's Wood to Lords Cricket club.  The first game of the season was on - enjoyed our stay there seeing the ashes and history of cricket.

Cricket used to be called Trap Ball - the Italians called it Enniss Pallone and David and Bathsheba played it - a little bit of trivia.

Trafalgar Square, London, UK

Last days in London

Last trip on a London bus

Tuesday 4th May, 1982

We all went out to Bernie and Eunice’s at Kingsdown in Kent - bus to Victoria Street, then train to Swanlea.  Ernie met us and we had a pleasant time.  We walked to the 1000 year old church St Edmunds King and Martyr.  A beautiful old Yew tree stands guard amongst the graves of yesteryear.  We had a stroll along the woods track.  Eunice is a great walker.  Bluebells were in full bloom amongst the daffodils - a lovely lovely area - Eunice and Ernie are selling up, I hope they don't leave this beautiful spot.

A late afternoon drive through the Kent countryside completed a pleasant day, Renée and Troy were very good and arrived home at Fulham station to find Marie and Lee waiting to help us with three tired kids.

Wednesday 5th May, 1982

Marie, Sandra and I spent the day in Harrods strolling.

Thursday 6th May, 1982

Packing ready for our flight to Hong Kong.  Three hours spent ringing cabs for the morning.  John came home tiddly.  I think he's sorry to leave old England.

Tuesday 11th May, 1982         goodbye London we love you

Up real early, ready for cabs to transport us to Victoria station - then out to Gatwick by train -checked our luggage through.  Despite our worry everything was allowed through, even gave us boxes.  Then we were on our way.

Thanks Mum for your wonderful record of our trip.

(John) ... We did fly to Hong Kong and had a few days there. It seems that we flew from London on 7^th May & flew from HG on 10^th May. We stayed at the Mirimar Hotel.

Hong Kong, May 1982

We flew from Hong Kong to Manilla, then to Melbourne, and then to Sydney.

Qantas menu, May 1982

York to London

 Wednesday 21st April, 1982                  camping York             fine and sunny

Lazy morning - up into town - some to see the museum and Minster.  I walked around shops and visited the museum.  The camp is right near town on the banks of the “Ouse” so it's only a short and pleasant walk to town centre - pity the new owner wasn't as pleasant - he wouldn't let the kids play ball, gave them lectures - no washing.  The camp looked like an army camp -all lined up like tanks - patrons comfort forgotten.  Glad to see last of him.  Across country, past Selby to Lincoln where we found the Caraville which has about six plots for transits - the funniest washing facilities - one toilet - the slowest washing machine, but quickest dryer.  The people were nice - we had drinks and Sandra went to bed - we all read for awhile then followed Marie and Lee, having to wait for the slow washer, walked up to pub.  Sandra not too well - Sean improving.

Thursday 22nd April, 1982                 camping Lincoln                     overcast

Slept in till 8:30 a.m. then up and off this a.m. early, as water was too cold to shower.  On past the Boddington airbase were lots of activity spells possible war.  Then on through Spalding where acres and acres of tulips lined the road side - more than we saw in Holland.

We lunched in Spalding - a nice town - then on through St Ives where Oliver Cromwell was born, past another airbase and on to Cambridge.  A lovely camp, the nicest facilities we have seen - in a huge paddock - kids are running wild.

Friday 23rd April, 1982               camping Cambridge                fine and cold

Up and lazily packed ready to leave.  We hate to leave this Caraville - lovely facilities, washing machine, dryer - small personal cubicles.  On to the War Museum at Duxford - too early so we went into a nearby village of Thriplow - a lovely little one-shop village with lovely people.  The 10 of us took it over, the Post Office wasn't big enough to take parcels.  Back at 11 a.m. to Duxford War Museum - very well done.

Luxford air museum, UK

We inspected the Concord - won't be flying in one.  Too narrow!  Spent two hours there - loved the old posters put out during World War II.

Arrived at Saffron Walden for lunch - lovely little village - sent 2 parcels - books, crochet rug, tablecloths and Koblenz in one and a Cuckoo clock in other £32 - wow!  

Saffron Walden, UK

Off then down to Audley End to view the Castle which belonged to Lord Audley who was given it by old Henry VIII -a lovely old home and the gardens were magnificent with a tree 440 years old - beautiful! 

Audley End, UK

On then to visit Trudy and Brian - we had passed Beckett's farm when Brian jumped out on Lee so we had to backtrack.  Live in a lovely area.  Anhesden, in Saffron Walden spent a pleasant couple of hours, then along through lovely country to Duddenhoe End where we spent the night at the "Woodman" camping behind a pub.  Had a nice evening in the pub.  Rae lost watch - the ablutions were clean but antiquated - the doors were like stable doors.  Two weeks to D Day.

Saturday 24th April, 1982            fine but cool

Up and on winding country roads through small villages - Linton - brought food - had a lovely pub meal at  "The Duck and Dog" on then to Bumpstead - lovely but no Park - on to Bumpstead South - no Park - so through green country to Finchingfield a village with a village green, a typical one that you read about in books, a pond with ducks, the bridge, children playing on the green and people picnicking.  

 

Finchingfield, UK

We had lunch, then walked around and then headed for Thaxted - a nice little town with an old Guildhall built in 1300 and a mediaeval church being restored to its beauty.  

Thaxted, UK

Sandra saw a lovely set of Punch Books for £18 in Mary Poole's bookstore, a lovely windmill.

Essex is lovely, so green.  We came to Dunmow and spent a bit of time browsing through antique shops and lovely streets.  They have a pub called " Kicking Dickie", lovely English name.

Then through High Roding, Anythorpe Roding - where windmills lined the road side, then Leaden Roding on then to Chigwell and Grange farm camping area.  Next door is Spanish Circus the first one to visit -English - washing on after a lovely hot shower - a wind blows over the green.  Sandra found Rae's watch.

York to Chigwell UK

Wells to Yorkshire and visit with George and Enid

Thursday 15th April, 1982                     misty and cold

Up early and wash hair - very foggy and cold - the van wouldn't start so everyone out and pushed it till it started - Lee singing out to "stop stop" Marie answers "we haven't started".  On the road again through Wells to Avon county - Marksbury - the most beautiful white magnolia trees I've ever seen.  Into Bath - no Park so on again through Burton and Castle Combe where Dr Doolittle was filmed, a lovely village but the park was 2 miles up the narrow road.  We had morning tea there and off - again through old Sodbury to the Severn River where we lunched in a huge service station overlooking the river and Wales.

Off across the bridge to Wales on to Tintern Abbey, which stands in ruins. 

Tintern Abbey,

A thriving abbey which fell foul when Henry VIII axed the Catholic religion.  Beautiful countryside in Wales as we meandered along the country roads - through Pen Crag and crossed the Wye River to England again and on to Ledbury where we shopped.  A lovely old town with its mediaeval marketplace - it boasts a " Full Pitcher Inn ".  On then about 8 miles to the caravan Park.

Met five girls from Bathurst.  Met a gentleman with relatives in Aussie who had a map of Australia on wall of shop. 

Friday 16th April, 1982               sunny but cool

Left Brompton Yard caravan Park after walking up to the village for some cough mixture for kids - lovely town.  Through Tenbury on a lovely spring morning, stopped at Bewdly for morning tea - hoping for scones and cream.  The innkeeper was very nice and put a coffee pot on for us - said you can bring in anything nice out of van - was funny - beautiful hot coffee, nice host and over own bickies all sitting around bay window of the "Hop Pole Inn" in the Hop Pole Lane - such great names.

Hop Pole Inn, Bewdley, UK

On to Much Wenlock for petrol where John just made it.  We stopped for lunch and just made it.  On then through Telford - birthplace of industry, where so much industry was commenced.  We had a misunderstanding between driver and navigator - a beauty this time, and whilst I kept thinking we were going to end up in the bushes - we did - in a car park in the bushes miles from all but Coalport Museum - the Leyland Brothers. We lunched, made friends and went to find parking for Ironbridge the oldest Iron Bridge still in use, built in 1779.  First ever built using mortise and tenon joints, with wedges and dowels - no nuts or bolt used.

Walked across and then to a little market and on to Wellington - Shrewsbury - Wem - along narrow roads to Whitchurch.  Then we were only a half hour to Chester.  Had tea and shower and whilst Sean and Brett walked the wall we went for a stroll up town.  The kids found a fish and chip shop and for 20p got a feed. Marton Mere camp - lovely hot water.

Saturday 17th April, 1982                       sunny and warm         

Up early, breakfast and up to town to shop - love Chester - brought jumper, singlets and a new overcoat - good bye to my old coat of 16 years old.  I am set right now for home.  Sandra fitted Rachelle out with new jackets, shoes and pyjamas - no American express - Sandra owes $28 on my master charge account.  Across to highway and on to Blackpool, only to find after a dash into town, everything closes at 7 p.m.  Still the kids enjoyed what they saw and the rides they had.  Enjoyed the stroll along the promenade - fish and chips - watching the parade of people - coloured hair, chains, dresses etc a real education for the kids.  Lee and Brett say they will start new Nambucca fashions with what they have seen

Sunday 18th April, 1982              lovely

Up early and washed clothing and to mass across the road at St Monica's.  A lovely little church and a lovely little priest.  Rae just saw a cow giving piggy back?  Morning tea and across country through Church town, Lancaster, Melling, Kirkby Lonsdale where we had lunch in town - everyone comes out in the sunshine on a Sunday.  On through Hawes, Aysgarth and Leyburn where John rang George Shaw - we retraced our drive to Aysgarth where we met George and he showed us over his Carriage Museum - Dorothy and Sid, Enid's sister and brother-in-law kept us entertained till George arrived - the falls are beautiful right outside his door.  

View of the Dales; money washing with Brett, John, Lee; the boys with George and George's Roller

There is a carriage at George's Carriage Museum that has a ghost story attached to it - when a photographer took a photo of the gig and developed it,  a man was sitting in it with a tam-o'-shanter - rumour goes he was killed by this gig in the garden.

George then took us for a drive to Bolton Castle where the Queen,Mary of Scots was imprisoned.  

Rumour has it that when she escaped she dropped her shawl and that town was known as Shawl near Leyburn; over hill and dale through beautiful Yorkshire countryside we came into Richmond caravan Park - showered, ate and up to George and Enid's via taxi.  We didn't arrive home till 2:30 p.m.  John better - Sean sick.  Enid arrived home from feeding Liz's animals in the lovely fur coat and expensive dress.

Monday 19th April, 1982                   Brompton on Swale

Up into Richmond to shop and wash - brought 2 nice Constable plates.  Sean to doctor at 5 p.m., he has bad bronchitis again.  George took Marie, Lee, John and Brett out to Bowes Museum in his Bentley - the kids loved the ride yesterday.  Lazy afternoon and parcel packed ready to go.

George told us about a little cafe where we could have fresh scones, jam and cream - closed Monday - so we began our trek till we ended up at the Castle restaurant - we had dined there before - had scones, jam and cream, those that wanted them.  I had a sandwich - some of the kids had chicken, peas and chips.  So much for the jam scones.  

Out to tea with George and Enid.  They came to pick us up at 7:30 p.m. in Enid's Saab - funny we were all ready - George put his cane out the window - singing out Tally Ho and away went the convoy the long way around past green fields and small villages till we came to "A66 Motel" where the vans parked straight out of door within sight - we were at Smallways about 4 ½ miles from Richmond.  Had drinks and then tea - Liz joined us - and it was a lovely evening - meal was superb - company great, returned to bar where we stayed till 12 midnight.  Into cars and off home on convoy - bed and a beautiful sleep.  Marie and Sandra fell in love with the man in the suit of armour - rang John and Elsie - the dinner went on my MasterCard as John and Lee had American express £71 for eight of us not bad $13 each

Tuesday 20th April, 1982                        lovely and sunny

Sleep in and awake about 9 a.m. - shower. lovely day again - up to George and Enid's for morning tea - a lovely two hours spent again with mine host.  They have been "splendid" to all of us - sorry to say goodbye - off on village roads to Ripon.

No Park so on to an area outside for lunch.  Marie and Lee drove back into town for toilet.  We all looked anxiously towards town until they appeared in the horizon.  Then on to York where we arrived at 4 p.m. and walked into town to shop.  Lovely York - early bed.

 

Wells to York, UK