Fairbridge Farm Pinjarra - History through photos, magazines and memorabilia

News, Notices and Events

06 November 2011:.

One of our esteemed OFA's commented to me the other week that his aging eyes are losing their hearing and he sometimes needs to use a magnifying glass to read some of the text on this site. Well, I have increased the font size across the site so I hope now it is a bit easier to see! It certainly is for my fading eyes.

05 November 2011:.

We have received a note from Mr Colin Marsh who taught at Fairbridge Primary School in 1958 and 1959 and who has wonderful memories of that time. He would be delighted to hear from any of his ex-students. If anyone would like to correspond with Colin then please write to either Gordon or Mike - addresses are on the front page of this site.

25 June 2011:.

Over the last month or two I have added another 50-60 photographs of Fairbridge Village as it is today. These either fill in some gaps or simply provide updated views. Too many locations to list here. Have a flick through the locations and you can see those pictures with a 2011 date.

06 June 2011:

I really should update this section more often. This website has undergone some changes most significantly the photos pages have been re-designed with larger thumb-nail pictures so you can see before you click to enlarge, plus I've put in extra navigation on the photos pages (Menu, Next, Back) so you don't have to keep going back to the menu? I also think the layout on the photos pages looks cleaner. Much work! Any feedback?

A very belated welcome to the new OFA Committee and farewell to members who retired. The new Committee is working on a number of new initiatives that they will report on as they bear fruit.

There has been an OFA newsletter that came out a month or two ago which I received and will try and precis it in the next week or so. Meanwhile, I continue to tidy up this website and make it more presentable (I hope). Any suggestions welcome, please.

11 December 2010:

I have updated details of memorials from the Memorial Rose Garden and the Memorial Wall.

30 October 2010:

The Hon. Mike Barnett, former W.A. M.L.A. and Fairbridge boy, recently wrote to many members of the OFA. The letter was:

"In February this year I was asked by the UK Government to be a part of a small group of Former Child Migrants from around the world to come to England, meet the Prime Minister, and to hear the public apology in the U.K. Parliament. The visit was organised by the Child Migrant Trust on behalf of Prime Minister Gordon Brown. In was in my view a moving, emotional and sincere apology, delivered not just in the Parliament, but also later in the day at a private function in the Palace of Westminster by the Prime Minister. The apology was immediately supported by speeches in the Parliament by the leaders of each of the other Political Parties. The apology was accompanied by a commitment to provide six million pounds to allow former child migrants to travel to the U.K. to be reunited with their relatives. This sum is in excess of AUD $12 million. The second delivery in the Palace of Westminster was very sincere and displayed the P.M. had a deep understanding of the consequences of child migration. This part of the proceedings was filmed and a video will soon be available for those who wish to view it. Over the last months a massive amount of work has been done between the U.K. Government departments responsible and the Child Migration Trust to develop the process by which Former Child Migrants can apply and access funds to facilitate travel. In a short space of time I believe this process will be in place and details of how to access these funds will be available to former Child Migrants"

Mike has since forwarded a package containing details on how to apply for travel funding, plus an Information Pack and an Expression of Interest Application Pack to those OFA's whose addresses are known. For those who who are interested and would like to know more, you should be able to obtain the packs from the Child Migrants Trust Inc. at 8 Sunbury Road, Victoria park, Western Australia 6100.

You can also obtain details from the OFA. This is a really highlights a benefit of why Old Fairbridgians should belong to the OFA. Why not contact the OFA and take out membership today? Write to

mike@fairbridgekids.com

04 September 2010:

I have been replacing more photos with standard sized images (ie 900 pixels wide or high, depending on the aspect of the original photo). In some instances (like when 60% of the photo is sky, I have cropped and enlarged the resultant image.) Rather than try and list them all here, you can see which ones have been replaced - the photo reference number, e.g. PIC61001 has been changed to red. I'll do a whole lot more next Saturday (11th September).

28 August 2010:

My photos of Perth has become a project in its own right. Those photos used to live here but I've now moved them to www.mingor.net where they seem to be quite happy. Have a look in from time to time please!

28 August 2010:

I have replaced a number of old photos with larger, better images. So far - 1962 (Cont) Page, images pic62013,14,15 &17. 1963 Page 1, images pic63001,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,14,16,17 & 18.

10 May 2010:

Added are a handful of photos from 2010 Fairbridge Festival & 2010 OFA ANZAC Day Service. These are to be found under "Present Times".

07 May 2010:

Any would-be researchers might like to look at this new National Library of Australia website, Trove. http://trove.nal.gov.au - try a search on Fairbridge.

07 April 2010:

Notices & correspondence from the OFA:

1. Carolyn, daughter of George Hudson (now deceased) would like to hear from anyone who remembers him.

2. Patrick Neailey (at Fairbridge 1954 - 1962) would like to contact other Fairbridgians from his era.

3. Denis Dawe - Hi, I am an old Fairbridge kid - myself and my 3 brothers were sent to Western Australia 1954 onwards - William (Bob), myself Denis, Raymond, and Aubrey Dawe, we have recently heard a lot of interest in the way we were sent as child migrants to Fairbridge farm, we all carry happy memories of our time there and would like to be included on the old Fairbridge farm list and would like to be in touch with other members. Myself and brother Bob, live in England, but brother Raymond still lives in Perth and Aubrey lives in Canada.

4. Ronnie Sabin's book "The Long Way Home" is now available. The book is Ronnie's story at Molong and includes a brief introduction to other Fairbridge sites and a story from our own Vince McFagan. Contact OFA (email below - Jan) for ordering.

5. The OFA Museum is seeking Volunteers. The Museum will be open to the general public from 10:00am to 3:30pm on the first and third Sunday of each month and needs volunteers to assist. Basic training and volunteers information hand book will be provided together with overnight accommodation if required. Being a Museum Volunteer is an important role and assures the Fairbridge story is available to not only Fairbridgians but also the general public. Contact - mike@fairbridgekids.com for further information.

15 March 2010:

I have added a few short videos - purely as a test - they are fairly basic and I doubt they will work particularly well with anyone who doesn't have fairly decent broadband Internet access. Shall I continue with this concept? Well, have a look and please let me know, good, bad or indifferent .... gordon@fairbridgekids.com .... and I'll be guided by you. The videos are in a section in Present Times - you'll see it. The actual videos are hosted from www.youtube.com

05 March 2010:

Congratulations to Lyn Alfonsi who was elected President of the OFA at the AGM held on Sunday 21st February. Mark Anderson addressed the meeting and presented an uplifting and inspirational account of how Fairbridge is being pivotal in turning around the lives of many young people who, for various reasons, have fallen by the way-side. Mark also provided an outline of the final major stage of the Fairbridge village re-development. The President advised that David Buck, old Fairbridge boy and long-time stalwart member of the OFA, is gravely ill in hospital.

04 March 2010:

Fairbridge W.A. has updated and over-hauled its website and its well worth a look. There is a link to it on the Links page.

11 February 2010:

I keep on adding more "Perth" photos. On our latest outings we went to Nedlands, Mosman Park & Wanneroo Botanic Gardens.

George Braithwaite kindly sent a couple of photos of his brother Bill, and Ian (Dave) Pickering, taken in their army days in 1971. These are in Old Photos, 1965-1973 section.

11 February 2010:

The other day I was at Buckland Hill in Mosman Park and there is a sign/map there depicting the changing sea-levels over the past 10,000 years (See pic on this site - Present Times, Perth Photos, Mosman Park). It's quite topical. In the little narrative accompanying the photo I made mention of the work that Rhodes Fairbridge undertook at Rottnest as part of his sea-level research. Small world. Anyway, if anyone would like to see a short memorial to Rhodes and his work, have a look at this page: http://www.lavoisier.com.au/articles/greenhouse-science/solar-cycles/ollier2008-25.php

07 January 2010:

Looking back over the last year, it's been a pretty lean year for contributions to this site. I haven't had any correspondence from Fairbridge (or nor did I expect to), and the year has just flown by and contact with the OFA has been low. Seems the older we get the faster time goes and the less we achieve :) It would be good to receive something from time to time - even just an email with some news but that's the way it goes. I must thank that small core of OFA's who regularly front up at every OFA function and also contribute to this site with photos etc! Let's hope for a bit more action in 2010.

28 September 2009:

Fremantle Arts Centre Press & The West Australian published a book in 1999 entitled "Western Australia in the 20th Century" by Patrick Cornish. There is a small chapter devoted to Barbara Rowley "A Daughter's Tribute to the Fairbridge Pioneer". It's only about 7-8 pages and includes a couple of photos of Barbara and a few historic Fairbridge pictures. The ISBN is 1 86368 274 0 and it probably can be found in some libraries or gotten from the publisher. Barry Stuart has a copy of this book.

28 September 2009:

Barry Stuart has a copy of a Perth street directory from the 1940's which I've scanned and included here. 25 pages of maps in all. You'll find it under "Memorabilia", right up the top. Perth looks familiar, but nothing north of Osborne Park, nothing south east of Victoria Park and nothing south of Fremantle. I wonder whether anyone can provide an exact year?

26 September 2009:

Added some more Perth photos. Some more of Yanchep, Subiaco, Perth (Foreshore + Convention Centre) plus a few of Two Rocks.

03 September 2009:

Norman Heslington has written about his life and Fairbridge and beyond and this can be found under "Present Times" then "Reflections". This narrative more or less centres on Pin's escapades with his best mates Ian (Dave) Pickering and Bill Braithwaite, both of whom were tragically killed in a car crash on 30th November 1974. Pin's narrative is a sort of memorial to Ian (Dave) and Bill - many of us would remember these two Old Fairbridgians.

21 August 2009:

For anyone who looks to this section, I've added a few more photos in Perth Photos. We did a trip to Dwellingup, plus a few more photos at Mandurah, Rockingham, Claremont, Northbridge & Osborne Park.

10 August 2009:

I have finally added twenty photos taken on the July 2009 Founder's weekend. You can find these under "Recent Times" then "Fairbridge People - Recent". Many thanks to Mike Barnett and Norm Henshall for the photos. Pretty good photos this year!

08 August 2009:

Walking around the village a couple of weeks ago, a couple of things struck me. First was the fact that the South Dandalup river was flowing higher past the Pump House & the old swimming pool than I have seen in the last 7-8 years. That's despite lean rains earlier during winter but June/July have been good months. Really good to see.

The second thing was the buildings/cottages. So much fabulous work has been done by Fairbridge on building restoration but unless someone actually lives in these buildings then they can fall into disrepair so quickly, and the able maintenance crew at Fairbridge only have limited pairs of hands. Wouldn't it be great to have some worthy OF's who could actually live in some of these buildings and maintain them? Just a thought.

26 July 2009:

I have added about 60 new photos of Fairbridge Village and they can be found in "Present Times", then "Fairbridge Village - Recent". There are too many locations to list here - new photos all over the place including Evelyn, Exeter, Saumarez, School, Church, Newton, Darwin, Farm, Oval, Roads, Nightingale, Clive, Office, Store, Jenner ... many more.

21 July 2009:

Founder's Day this year was more a "Founder's Weekend". Some 14 friends - OF's and partners - journeyed up or down (depending on your perspective) to Fairbridge on the Saturday and stayed overnight in Fairbridge House. It was a great atmosphere - lovely fire glowing in the lounge room grate as the Dockers v Brisbane progressed on TV with partisan comments aplenty. Many of the Saturday stayers were escorted up to Basin Pool in the hills on Saturday afternoon via the least arduous route. Being a rainy day, they all got soaked to the skin in the heavy showers. A fabulous supper was taken in Fairbridge House dining room (through the fabulous efforts of the ladies) and after that a few beers and wines; tales, memories and laughter, flowed on into the late evening. Despite the stormy weather a group of ladies still managed a late-night torch-lit stroll around the village! Making up for the night before, it was noted that one very esteemed male OF slaved over a hot stove producing a delicious breakfast of bacon, eggs, mushrooms and other culinary delights (oh, he did have help)! Hands up all those who want to be a part of this next year!

Norm and Pat Henshall are off the the UK next weekend and we wish them a safe and rewarding trip.

Founder's Day had a good turn-out despite the rain. It was great to see "new" Old Fairbridgians Pat Doran (over from South Africa) with sisters Betty and Isabel Steer in the Clubhouse. The west wing of the Clubhouse (now minus the accommodation cubicles) was officially named the Belinda Barry Wing recognising her work and dedication to Fairbridge.

I hear that friend and OF Paul Boyland over in the UK is sick and we wish him all the best, and a speedy and complete recovery. It doesn't seem like a minute since we last saw Paul but in fact it was 29th July 1990 - 19 years ago! Far too long. All the very best wishes to you, Paul.

10 March 2009:

At the AGM of the OFA held on February 22, the committee was wholly re-elected into the same positions apart from Lyn Alfonsi who is now also Assistant Secretary.

Mark Anderson, Fairbridge C.E.O., presented an outline of Fairbridge Village Redevelopment Program Stage 7. This Stage includes upgrades and renovations to Darwin, Jenner, Saumeraz, Evelyn, Rhodes and the workshop facilities, plus the completion of Fairbridge House. Included in the plans are also a Multi-use & Environment Centre, an upgrade to the Community Education Centre as well as the construction of a 1,500-seat multi-use pavilion area. We wish Mark and his team every success in these endeavours.

25 February 2009:

The OFA has been in touch with Wim Plink who was one of the Dutch children who were evacuated to Australia towards the end on WW2 and consequently spent some time at Fairbridge Pinjarra. We are indeed proud to present Ernst Kollmann's narrative and some photos of the Dutch children at Fairbridge. See these under "Our History", then "Dutch Children". Many thanks to Wim Plink and our other friends over there in the Netherlands!

03 January 2009:

Michelle Arthur has written to a couple of websites seeking information about her grandparents - Old Fairbridgrians Fred Arthur and Hilda Whitworth. There are a few mentions of both in some OF Magazines here. Michelle's email address no longer works. Please drop us a line if you see this Michelle and we can point you to the pages!

22 December 2008:

With great pleasure, courtesy of the O.F. Museum, now published are many pages from 10 more editions of "The Fairbridgian" Magazine. This magazine provides a wonderful insight into the life and times of Old Fairbridgians throughout its 1929-1956 publication lifespan. We now have a pretty comprehensive coverage of magazines over this period. I hope those who are interested in this history enjoy the new pages. They can be found under "Our History" then "Old Fairbridgians Association".

19 November 2008:

Over the past 2-3 years I have taken a lot of photos in and around Perth. I had them published on another website but have decided to move them here as they might be interesting to any ex-Fairbridge people who have not had the opportunity to visit Perth recently. Take them for what they are - I'm not the greatest or most imaginative photographer in the world! Mostly quick pics whilst trying to keep my little boy in eye-shot! You'll find them under "Present Times", right down at the bottom of the page.

11 August 2008:

Official Opening of the Renovated Clubhouse. The OFA wishes to advise that the Official Opening of the Renovated Clubhouse will be performed by the Governor of W.A., Dr Ken Michael, together with Mr David Buck officiating on behalf of the OFA, on Tuesday 2nd September 2008 at 9.45am. All Old Fairbridgians are invited to join the OFA Committee at the ceremony. The Governor will also declare open the newly renovated Nightingale hospital. Further details can be obtained from the OFA Secretary by emailing: mike@fairbridgekids.com It would be great to see as many as possible OFA's there on the day!

21 July 2008:

2008 Founder's Day has come and gone but what an inspiring way to spend the day. A crisp sunny winter's day presented Fairbridge Village beautifully. Don Findlay led the Church Service after which OFA President Stuart Law, and Fairbridge WA Board Member John Clegg led the wreath laying. A hearty lunch was had in the Clubhouse and it was great to see the OFA Museum opened again. Special guests were John and Judy Chiffings, and son Peter. Judy is the great granddaughter of 1930's Principal Alfred Joyner. The Chiffings family donated to the OFA Museum the inscribed silver trowel that Alfred Joyner used to lay the Church Foundation Stone in 1931. Peter gave a great speech with some amusing anecdotes about his great-grandfather and we hope to see them back again another Founder's Day!

Espied in the crowd this year were mostly evergreens. Not many "younger" Old Fairbridgians - pity. It was great catch up with the Committee and many guests including Maxine Ellison, Alwyn Bridges, Mike Barnett, George Braithwaite, John Galsworthy, Christine Downs, Lois Elliott, Richard Stewart, John Cooper, Lynne Rainey, Graham Bennett, Pat Hutchinson, Norm Henshall and Frank Richardson. So many others, again I'm sorry I didn't get all the names!

A special memory for the late John Lane was observed.

08 July 2008:

This is to announce that our dear friend John Lane passed away recently at his home in Mandurah. John was a champion of Fairbridge, an ex-Fairbridge boy who served the OFA later in life oh so faithfully, and then benefactor in building the replica boy's cottage, Rosa Nobes. Please see the obituary (press cuttings) so well written by Torrance Mendez and Jan Churchill. A finer gentleman you could not find. We will miss you dearly, John.

30 June 2008:

The a wee reminder that Founder's Day this year will be held on Sunday 20th July at the Clubhouse. As always, all are welcome.

15 May 2008:

Jim Arthur, ex-Fairbridge Pinjarra boy from the 1950's has been in touch and given us a few photos to publish. Many thanks Jim. When I've finished publishing them I'll advise where they can be found on this site.

15 May 2008:

We'd like to welcome some Molong history into the pages. Molong was established in 1938 and disbanded in the early 1970's. Ex-Molong boy Ian Bayliff has supplied us with a huge volume of Molong photos and other historical bits and pieces which I will gradually publish. I have split up the "Fairbridge History" page to try to separate photos & history that pertain to Fairbridge as a whole, those pertaining specifically to Pinjarra and those pertaining specifically to Molong. I'll fine tune it as I go along. Welcome ex-Molong people - I hope you enjoy viewing your history as represented here. Many thanks to Ian.

15 February 2008:

The Annual General Meeting of The Old Fairbridgians' Association will be held at the Club House, Fairbridge on Sunday 24 February, 2008 commencing at 10.30am. The agenda includes the President's Report, the Treasurer's Report, and the election of officers for 2008. Only Financial Members can stand for office and partake in the election. The Election will be for President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Auditor and for five Committee Members. Interested Members should attend.

15 February 2008:

Announcing a Fairbridge Reunion for those arriving in 1978. Did you come to Australia in 1978 sponsored by Fairbridge? You are your family and friends are invited to attend a 30-year re-union on Saturday 3 May 2008 from 4pm in Ardross W.A. Please contact this website (gordon@fairbridgekids.com) to contact Valerie who is hosting this reunion. RSVP by April 1st, 2008.

14 February 2008:

We have received a letter from Geoff Welburn (ex Hull Grammar School, East Yorkshire U.K.) who is seeking to contact his old school friend, Jesse Shirtliff who migrated to Australia in 1968. If you see this Jesse, or anyone who knows Jesse - please pass the message on. Please contact me - gordon@fairbridgekids.com for Geoff's contact details.

14 February 2008:

We had a letter from Vicki Doherty of Melbourne: "I came across your fascinating website and noticed a reference to the SS Asturias. You might be interested to know that I have set up a website which is solely devoted to the SS Asturias and its service as a ‘migrant ship’. I’ve started uploading some passenger lists so you might like to let anyone interested know. My father came to Australia on it in 1950 as a young boy. The site is at : http://www.ssasturias.net. I have included this on our links page. Great to see - I know setting up a website like this is a lot of hard work!

22 January 2008:

Today, Stuart Law and myself (Gordon Stuart) enjoyed a lunch with our old Pinjarra High School teacher from 1965-66, Mr Jeff Carroll. It was great to re-establish contact with Jeff and to sit down and go over very old times. He's looking very fit and well! Jeff has long since given up school teaching and these days is an accomplished musician, composer and music teacher. If any old friends would like to contact Jeff then please write to us at Fairbridgekids. The email addresses are on the Home page.

19 January 2008:

On December 18th 2007, the Fairbridge Board met at the Farm School. It was also the day selected to open the replica cottage "Rosa Nobes". John Lane is the principal benefactor in funding the construction and on that day he formally declared the building open. The Governor of Western Australia, Dr Ken Michael was guest of honour. The ceremony was attended the members of the Fairbridge Board, many people who worked on the project and many friends of Fairbridge.

06 December 2007:

Had a lovely letter from Graham Blanksby who was in Nelson 1952 through to 1960 and his cottage mother was Mrs Barns. Graham lives in Victoria (soon to be Tasmania) and is seeking to contact old friends. He remembers Marcelle O'Brien, Ruby Campbell, Norma Beard, Barry King, Robyn Williams, Frank Fairbairn, Roy Maunders, Keith Willgoss and David Roberts. Would anyone who remembers Graham like to contact him? His email is blanks@keypoint.com.au

05 December 2007:

From reports the Christmas Party at Fairbridge went off well with over 100 people attending, which is good! Not many photos this year but someone managed to snatch a really good one of our Vice-President, Vince McFagan, which I have posted in the OFA Current Committee section. Speaking of photos, have a look at all the Village Recent pics. I have expanded them all out to cater for those who have high resolution screens (oops, and also Broadband networking!). We have to move with the times. I'm progressing through other photos and I have started on the People Recent pics. They all look fabulous!

07 November 2007:

Completion of the renovations of the Clubhouse has stalled because of lack of funds. This means that the Museum Wing of the building is incomplete and therefore the Museum can't move back in there. The President of the O.F.A. is seeking donations to fund completion of the works. All they seek is a modest $7,500. The total cost is $15,000 but if we can raise $7,500 the Fairbridge Board will contribute the rest. Can any Old Fairbridgians who has the means contribute to this worthy cause - to help preserve our history and help the O.F.A. Museum to re-open? Please click on this flyer for details. Donations Flyer.

03 September 2007:

Dear Members, I just wanted to personally let you know of the sad passing of Queenie Walsh on Friday after a long time in hospital. Queenie was the last Old Fairbridgian who knew Kingsley and Ruby Fairbridge personally. Below is an extract from an email from Queenie’s Grandson:

"We wanted to let you know that after a long time in hospital, Queenie Walsh sadly passed away today. She regularly talked with fondness of your get-togethers and meetings as well as the respect that you have shown her since your time at Fairbridge. We are obviously devastated that she is no longer with us all, but are at the same time relieved for her, that her suffering has come to an end. She always attributed so much of her success to the life philosophies and companionship in her early years to her time at Fairbridge that we wanted you to be one of the first to know. Please could you pass on the news to the Old Fairbridgians' Association too. We are still to finalise details with Bowra & O’Dea but it looks most likely that we will hold a service on Friday at Karrakatta".

I was fortunate enough to spend several hours with Queenie a week ago and we shared a beer together, her first since March, which she was very pleased about. She wanted to share her Sherry with me, which is our ritual, but it was locked in the hospital cupboard. Queenie was a most special person, a dear friend and a very passionate supporter of Fairbridge. Queenie was so pleased that the work of Fairbridge was continuing and she met many of the new ‘Fairbridge Kids’ over the years and enjoyed talking with them and encouraging them. She will be sadly missed. I will attend Queenie’s funeral on Friday representing Fairbridge. The notice of the funeral should be in the paper tomorrow as the family is finalizing the details today. I can just see Queenie, Kingsley and Ruby having a great old chat together right now !

All the best and kindest regards

Mark Anderson

Chief Executive Officer

Fairbridge Western Australia Inc

22 August 2007:

Whilst Founder's Day down at Fairbridge is a great gathering, often time is limited and perhaps many people can't make the trip due to the distance or family/work commitments etc. The OFA is always looking at different ways of getting Old Fairbridgians and friends together again. How about a BBQ later on in the year - somewhere in Perth - when the weather is better? Perhaps October or November? We'd like as many "Young" Fairbridgians as possible (plus of course all the regulars who come down to the Farm each July) to come! You "Young Fairbridgians" know who you are - those who were there in the 1950's, 1960's & 1970's and rarely get down to Founder's Day:) How about dropping Stuart Law (OFA President) a line and offering some support for the idea? Could be a great day - bring the kids & leave the laptop at home! Any takers? Can you email mike@fairbridgekids.com with support for this idea or for alternative suggestions? I think an annual Perth BBQ in the park would be great! Although without you it won't happen, so come on!

22 July 2007:

Staying overnight at Fairbridge is a great experience. Lois Elliott hosted John Galsworthy, Gladys Mares, Christine Downs, and Stuart Law & myself, Gordon Stuart, with fine country & Fairbridge style and hospitality in her home, "Elliott's Nest", the Saturday night before Founder's Day. We enjoyed dinner in Pinjarra and, before this and subsequent to the dinner and into the late hours, exchanged many recollections of Fairbridge life over assorted beverages! We were joined in all this by Sean Fairbridge, grandson of Rhodes Fairbridge (and therefore great-grandson of Kingsley & Ruby Fairbridge) who is over from the U.S.A. and I hope he enjoyed the impromptu partying! A million thanks to Lois Elliott and "Shadow", her dog, who enjoyed all the attention.

What a wonderful walk around Fairbridge at night, torch in hand to avoid the big puddles on the roads, and to see all the cottages brightly lit and occupied.

Founder's Day was a little wet this year but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the many people who made the trip. A big crowd was in the Church (it was almost full) to partake in the service and hear the addresses by Mr John Collett (Chairman of the Board of Fairbridge W.A.) and Mr Sean Fairbridge who delivered a eulogy for his grandfather, Rhodes Fairbridge. The service was conducted by the Rev. Don Finlay and the lessons were read by Old Fairbridgian Mike Barnett and Mrs Eve Bryason of the Old Fairbridgians, Molong, NSW.

Afterwards and back in the very elegant renovated Clubhouse, Fairbridge W.A. board members, Old Fairbridgians, their families and visitors were made every welcome by the O.F.A. President and Committee members.

So many old faces there and so little time. During lunch I was privileged to say hello to the O.F.A committee members, evergreen Alwyn Bridges, Mike Barnett, Bob Mitchell, Mark Anderson, Norm Heslington, Norm Henshall etc, and was especially pleasant to see John Lane again in the crowd! It was nice to welcome and meet again Mr Geoff Steer, an old Glasgow boy, who was visiting from Sydney. The Clubhouse was packed and I think the O.F.A. committee would be well pleased with the turn-out this year.

For the second year in a row we have had some of the Fairbridge family at the gathering. This year, Sean Fairbridge's "pilgrimage" from the U.S.A. again brought us all closer to the family. He is staying (and working!) in the Village for a week or so and I think his participation and presence will be inspirational to all who are associated with Fairbridge. A very pleasant young man. I hope our pre-Founder's Day evening didn't lead him too much astray!

17 July 2007:

Looking forward to Founder's Day now, only a few days away!. I have been quite busy reading through the Old Fairbridgians' Association newsletters from present day back to 1977 and I'm about 1/2 way through summarising the more newsworthy items. You can find these if you click on "Old Fairbridgians' Association" on the page header, then scroll down to "OFA News Letters". There is a lot of history in these News Letters and I'm enjoying reading and transcribing them.

29 May 2007:

At a recent meeting of the committee of the Old Fairbridgians' Association of Western Australia, they accepted at offer for this website to be the "official" website of the Association. Not really very much will change except that I have started re-designing the specific section of the site pertaining to the activities of the Association and thus we will provide more Association related news. The Association has kindly provided a huge lever-arch file full of back-issues of Old Fairbridgians' News Letters (which go back to 1997). I am in the process of publishing newsy excerpts from this file. Web-site space (or lack thereof) prohibits me scanning and publishing all the documents in full.

07 March 2007:

Congratulations to Stuart law on his ascendancy to President of the Old Fairbridgians' Association W.A. Full details of the new OFA Committee can be found under the OFA section.

26 February 2007:

If you can get your hands on a copy of John Lane's video "Fairbridge - A Vision Splendid" (2002 - STW9 Postcards), it's certainly worth a viewing!

The video (which runs for 59 minutes) opens with old (1920's?) footage from around the Farm then launches into some current Farm photos. John Lane, (complete with his Primary School tie) eloquently tells the story of Kingsley and Ruby Fairbridge including the origins of the Child Emigration Society in London; through to John's own experiences of emigrating in the 1930's and his early days at Fairbridge.

Barbara Rowley (first daughter of Kingsley & Ruby) is interviewed by John on camera. Her memories of the old Farm School, her Farm anecdotes and memories of early Mandurah Camps etc present a fascinating insight into her life at Fairbridge in the 1910's and 1920's.

Many times during John's discourse, the video interposes old footage including video taken in early England, of early Fairbridge, Pinjarra station and a train arriving, black and white film of kids playing sport, kids in the old swimming pool in the South Dandalup River, together with close up's of old stills. John's personal recollections include his placement in homes in England from a very early age, his memories of his arrival in 1933 and recollections of staff such as Colonel Heath (Principal), provide a direct link with our important history.

The video (on VHS or DVD) can be purchased from Fairbridge - it's for sale in the shop in Exeter. If you can't get there and would like a copy I'm sure the staff on the Farm can help. Visit their website www.fairbridge.asn.au Click on "About Us", then "Our Contact Details" and drop them a line.

14 February 2007:

Notice of the Annual General Meeting of The Old Fairbridgians' Association has been issued. It will be held on Sunday 25 February 2007 in the OFA Clubhouse at Fairbridge. The meeting commences at 10.30am. There will be election of Officers for 2007 as well as general business. Only financial members are entitled to stand for Office and vote for Officers.

The OFA Summer Newsletter reflected on the passing of Barbara Rowley and Rhodes Fairbridge, as was old cottage-mother Mrs Dorothy Roberts and Mr Jeff Cook who was a long-time volunteer at the Fairbridge Village. The OFA welcomes Mr John Collett who has succeeded Mr John Smith as Chairman of the Board of Fairbridge WA.

The Clubhouse renovations are nearly completed (and it looks very smart) however there is no date yet for the re-establishment of the Museum back into the Clubhouse.

10 February 2007:

I've had an email from the people at www.findmypast.com advising me that they've added shipping records for 1899-1909. So they're getting into meaningful territory for us. It must be a lot of hard work for those people doing it.

10 January 2007:

Yahoo news item today headlines "Historic Passenger Lists of Ships to Go Online". The article advises that the British National Archives is publishing on the Internet, passenger lists of all those who left the UK between 1890 and 1960. The item reports that the lists will be published on a commercial website, www.findmypast.com and be available from today.

I had a look at this website, registered for free then did a couple of searches with some success. However if you want to view most results then you have to pay! Not totally unreasonable as it's a commercial website so be careful with your search parameters and what you choose to look at. The website also includes births, deaths, marriages, migration, census and military records from the UK. My searches would only let me query shipping lists from 1890-1899 so I think it may be a while before all the data are available. It's certainly worth a look.

8 January 2007:

The "West Australian" newspaper today published a photo of a large group of children who arrived at Fremantle aboard the Asturias on September 22, 1947. (see Press Cuttings). There is planned a reunion of these children and I'm sure there would be some Fairbridge, Pinjarra children in the group. The reunion includes the other 1947 (December) Asturias voyage, plus the one in that year of the Ormonde. Details are in the press cutting.

15 December 2006:

The "West Australian" today reported the death of Rhodes Fairbridge, first son of Kingsley and Ruby Fairbridge who was born at the "Old Farm" in 1914. Rhodes died in New York at the age of 92 years. A copy of the obituary is included in "Press Cuttings 1983 to Present Day". Rhodes was a very important figure in the development of Fairbridge and for continuing his father's vision. Our condolences to his family.

27 November 2006:

Sadly, Mrs Dorothy Roberts - cottage mother Raleigh in the early 1960's - has passed away. Her funeral will be at Purslowes, 15 Scarborough Beach Road, Mount Hawthorn W.A. on Thursday 30 November at 10.30am.

2 October 2006:

From the 29th Sept visit: The Club House is still obviously being renovated although didn't go in there. The new replica-of-original cottage situated between Exeter and Elizabeth is coming along really well. A bit of activity around Mandurah bunk-house with bits of wood etc being carried in and out. The Museum is still located in the Store and perhaps that will move back into the Club House once work has completed. The Farm is a picture of green after good September rains. All was quiet and peaceful and, walking around, I am eternally thankful for its continued existence after all these years and the care and attention that's being afforded the place.

1 October 2006:

On Friday 29 Sept, we three intrepid lads (more of "The Last of the Summer Wine" variety) set off to find the Shangri-La of our youth. Well nearly. What we sought was Happy Valley, the most-favoured Fairbridge picnic spot up in the hills. Setting off beyond the Pump House was easy until we encountered the first of many new kangaroo-proof fences (the stiles and old fences are long gone), which we traversed puffing and panting with a variety of difficulty. Is Happy Valley this way or that? We followed some long-entrenched instinct and before too long we sighted our goal. Without the new obstacles the journey would not have been more than half an hour.

Happy Valley today looks much smaller than it did 40-odd years ago but then so does everything. The valley is pristine clean and green, many of the trees on the other side of the valley are gone as is the old tin shed. The leveled off ground where the old tin shed stood is still recognisable though. The really disappointing aspect is the disappearance of the creek at the bottom of the valley - well, there are still a few molecules of water left. And this is just at the end of winter too, when is should be flowing strongly. What little is left of the creek has been dammed a shade downstream to provide water for the cattle I suppose. Still a peaceful and picturesque place with typical Darling Scarp big grey rock formations a little further up the valley.

One of the lads decided to venture further up the escarpment seeking out Basin Pool and he succeeded in his venture but again no water! It's quite a climb for older legs but Fairbridge Kids of yesteryear would hardly have raised a sweat. It still amazes me that cottage mothers made the trip laden with lunch for 12-or-so plus all the necessary paraphernalia with hardly a blink - as far as Happy Valley anyway.

On the way back we passed the old orchard and market gardens and there are still some old fruit trees there plus many wooden poles that could have supported vines or another fruit. Directional instinct we might still have but who at Fairbridge in the old days would have stood pondering how to get over/under a fence, right on top of an ants nest, long enough for his shoes, socks and legs to become totally covered in big black biting ants?

Still a great view from the top of the hills. Mandurah estuary is easily seen as is Alcoa, and the really visible Fairbridge homing beacon is the new Barbara Rowley Centre! Some photos to appear in the next day or so!

29 September 2006:

We have been advised that the new-look and updated Fairbridge Association website is now live. Have a look at www.fairbridge.asn.au in its new green livery. Some pages are yet to be brought into full production but it's great to see the site being refreshed after so long!

24 July 2006:

Another Founder's day has come and gone. It was a great honour to see members of Kingsley and Ruby Fairbridge's family visiting the Farm and taking part in the celebration and memorial. After the 11.00am church service there was a service for scattering the ashes of the late Barbara Rowley, the elder daughter of Kingsley and Ruby, at the gravesite of Kingsley. Earlier in the day Stuart Law showed the Fairbridge family around the Farm. Coming from Queensland and the A.C.T, this was their first visit to the Farm but hopefully not the last. Later a fabulous lunch was served in the Club House. Early in the afternoon the opening of the new caretaker's cottage "Elizabeth" was celebrated by members of the Fairbridge family, the Hon Don Randall MP, Fairbridge W.A. Chairman John Smith, Fairbridge W.A. CEO Mark Anderson and a good crowd of OFA's and friends to take in this occasion.

The day was blessed by lovely sunshine and once again it was a pleasure for all to catch many old faces not least including Queenie Walsh who I believe is the only surviving Old Fairbridgian who was at the Farm when Kingsley was alive! Over lunch David Buck called for order in his fine voice, Mark Anderson gave us an eloquent update on Farm renovation activities (what a good speaker!) and members of the OFA were identified so everyone knew who they are!

Espied at the gathering included John Smith, Mark Anderson, Norm & Pat Henshall, Pam Wilson, David Buck, Noel Wishart, Irena Harrison, Rosemary Pearce, Lois Elliot, Veronica Devereaux, Alwyn Bridges, John Lane, "Pin" Heslington, Marcelle O'Brien, Wally & Jan Churchill, Lyn Rainey & Doug, Ted Mir - oh, sorry, I've missed so many as I don't know all the names. Oh, and we were there too - Stuart Law, Barry, Gordon and Tim Stuart. Thanks to all for a great day.

14 July 2006:

Following on from yesterday's posting. A stroll around the farm in crisp winter sunshine was a real pleasure. We ducked into the Club House and workers were painting and hammering and it looks fabulous and a credit to those people who have worked on this project and made it possible. Nightingale is coming along nicely - the inside is really starting to take shape. The roof of Evelyn is now being finished so the tarpaulins are coming down. The new Caretaker's Cottage (to be named "Elizabeth" officially on 23rd July) is finished and occupied and looking great. Work on the replica of an original 2-storey cottage (located between Exeter and the new Caretaker's cottage) is moving along rapidly and the woodwork and brickwork look great. A really enjoyable visit.

13 July 2006:

Yesterday we (Stuart and Gordon) went down to the farm with a view to "completing" the series of photos we have in the Present Times - Farm Recent - section of this production. We were welcomed by CEO Mark Anderson's staff; Julie, Iggy and Annette who looked after us well and kindly permitted us to go inside some of the buildings and take some photos! These included Fairbridge House, Heath House, Kitchener, Glasgow and Belfast. So look out for these new photos! It was really nice to catch up with Mark himself too. Fabulous to see Lois Elliott again and sit on the "Elliott's Nest" verandah and have a chat and pat the dog. Visited a former Fairbridge staff member in Mandurah on the way home, who hopefully will look in on us at Founder's Day.

25 June 2006:

Another alert for the approaching Founder's Day (July 23rd)! Please try and be there. We'll all be in the Clubhouse from around 10.30am-ish. Come and meet some old friends. This year some of Kingsley Fairbridge's family will be there so it's an extra special year for Founder's day. Have a look at the Clubhouse and Nightingale renovations and take a trip around the Farm and memory lane! For any information about the event please contact mike@fairbridgekids.com

25 June 2006:

Please have a look at the Staff List under "Our History" and if you see any errors or omissions or have a story to tell please get in touch!

17 May 2006:

Happy Birthday to us. This website was first established on this day in 2005 which makes us one year old today! Many thanks to all those people who have visited this site, and those who have contributed material, emailed us and those who have supported us along the way.

30 April 2006:

Please note that Founder's Day will be on Sunday 23rd July - not 16th as previously advised. Hope you can be there.

30 April 2006:

Anzac Day at Fairbridge, in beautiful weather, was a peaceful time of reflection. David Buck ably led the service. As many as 120 people were at the service which was held, as always, at the Memorial Gates. All the names of those ex-Fairbridge service people who lost their lives in WW2 and Korea were read aloud during the service. A good number of ex-servicemen were there who participated in an Anzac march. The service was musically enhanced by the Mandurah Youth Band. After the service many people went along to the Club House for lunch and as an opportunity to catch up and chat. It was pleasant to see Sid Stonehouse there celebrating his 87th birthday with his family and friends. Well done Lois Elliott and granddaughter for providing hundreds of cups of tea!

19 March 2006:

Up-and-coming events at Fairbridge:

ANZAC Day will be held on Sunday 30 April 2006. A Memorial Service will be held at 11.00am at the Memorial Gates. Afterwards everyone can meet up in the Barbara Rowley Centre for refreshments etc.

Founder's Day 2006: Is on Sunday 16th July - mark it in your diary, please do come along! Not sure of the venue yet as the Clubhouse is still in a state of renovation. More information to follow.

10 February 2006:

Just like to tell everyone that the OFA Museum has partially re-opened in the old Store. The premises are a little small and due to the fact that most opening times are unattended the display is fairly limited. However, do drop in if you get the chance when on the Farm as there is a great display of old photos etc in there! The Club House renovations are well underway and we're all looking forward to that building re-opening in its new livery!

10 February 2006:

We had a beautiful letter from Betty Steer and she would like to know if anyone has a contact address for Pat Doran? Can anyone help? Once again, please write to either me (Gordon) or Stuart. Our email addresses are on the front page. Thank you!

10 February 2006:

We've had some wonderful encouraging letters from Margaret Miller (Wolfe) and she's done a great job in helping identifying some of the people in the old photos.

10 February 2006:

Site of the Old Fairbridge Farm School. Information wanted!! The old school was locate some 3-4 miles (6-7 kms) south of Pinjarra and I (Gordon) would dearly like to pinpoint exactly where this is. I believe that some of the original buildings still exist wholly or partially so if anyone can direct me to this property it would be magnificent. I'd love to publish photos and details here and will do if I can ever find the place. If you can help, then please email me - the email address is on the first page of this website.

10 February 2006:

Stuart and I (Gordon) visited Mr Noel Wishart and his wife Jess at their home in Mandurah on February 5, 2006. Both Noel and Jess are in great shape and it was wonderful to catch up and have a yarn about the old days. Noel very graciously loaned us some of his original records especially swimming carnival results from 1965-1966 written in his own hand which we've reproduced here. Anyone wishing to say Hi to Noel & Jess, please contact us here! It was an enjoyable time and a privilege to be invited into their home.

22 November 2005:

The last few weeks have been spent on improving the Newspaper & Magazine Cuttings section. In essence, sorting into year order, splitting up those pages with more than one press cutting into individual pages, and making them bigger so that they can be more easily read. The downside of making these images bigger is that the files are bigger which is ok if you've got broadband Internet connection but not so good if you use a modem to connect to the Internet. The revised page will be published by November 26.

20 November 2005:

We received a couple of really encouraging emails from Mark Anderson (CEO Fairbridge W.A. Inc) and Veronica Devereux (Fairbridge W.A. Inc Board) regarding this web site. Thanks to both Veronica and Mark for their kind words and support. It's great to think that what we're doing here is worthwhile as the effort in putting all this material together is really enormous.

10 November 2005:

We received a couple of lovely letters from John Barns who was at Fairbridge in the 1950's. The letters have been combined and published with his consent under "Present Times" then "Reflections" If anyone who knew John would like to renew their acquaintance then please write to us for his email address.

1 November 2005:

Lots of new historic material added to the website courtesy of Jan Churchill and the OFA! It's also gratifying to see we've finally been picked up by the major Internet search engines - Google, MSN, Yahoo, Dogpile etc. It would be great to get some more personal contributions - anyone looking at this site, please, can we have your stories, pictures etc?

30 September 2005:

All Old Fairbridgians can join the Association simply by contacting the OFA Secretary at the address or email provided on the OFA page on this website.

27 July 2005:

Jan Churchill, curator of the OFA Museum, would like everyone to know that the OFA Museum is temporarily closed. Fairbridge Western Australia Inc. is commencing a major renovation and restoration program of the Clubhouse and therefore the Museum has removed the OF items for safe-keeping. Jan will advise when the Museum is up and running again and that advice will be published here.

22 July 2005:

Founder's Day 2005 was held on Sunday 17th July. Have a look at a brief write-up under the "Stories" section of this website. Plus the photos in the "Fairbridge Faces Recent" under "Images" section.

14 July 2005:

Spent a nice walk around the village yesterday and took a whole lot of photos which have today been published under "Recent Photos of Fairbridge Village".

10 July 2005:

Added to this site in during the last week - more historical people photos - created a 'History" section and added excerpts from Kingsley Fairbridge's book - also started to add a list of buildings with their origins and uses.

18 June 2005:

The Old Fairbridgians Society (Museum Project) is seeking an oral history of your memories and experiences as a Child Migrant. Please click here to see the details. OF Oral History. This is a tremendous initiative which will help record and preserve our valuable history. Please note that Jan's email address is a little indistinct in the OF Oral History document image (the dot between the names is very hard to see). The address is mike@fairbridgekids.com

5 June 2005:

Many people today gathered at Fairbridge to participate in the final goodbye to Auntie Kath Mir who passed away a couple of months ago. Today would have been her 80th birthday. The Mir family and ex-Fairbridge people and their families who were close to Kath gathered in the remembrance garden next to the church to hear Stuart Law farewell her. It was a touching ceremony and brought home to all of us that despite the fact that most of us had only spent a short part of our lives at Fairbridge, a lasting feeling of kinship rippled forward through our lives with those we lived and worked with. This is especially true of Kath who continued to care for many ex-Fairbridge boys from her departure from Fairbridge in the mid-1960's all the way to her passing in 2005. Some pictures of the ceremony and "her Hudson boys" can be found in "Photograph & Image Albums", "Fairbridge Faces Now" section of this website

5 June 2005:

Today was a day to view the Fairbridge Museum in the Clubhouse. This is a truly phenomenal place to visit for anyone having links with Fairbridge or just having a bent for history! Many thousands of hours must have been devoted by Jan Churchill and her assistants, supporters and the Old Fairbridgians Association in acquiring, cataloguing and presenting such a wide range of Fairbridge period artifacts, photos and documents. The historical scope covers the time from the inception of Fairbridge all the way to its closure. We took a few photos in there today and they are included under "Fairbridge Museum" in the "Photograph & Image Albums" section of this website. A sojourn in the Museum is a time of reflection, searching for familiar faces and a glimpse into the lifestyles of Fairbridge staff and children across the decades. Congratulations to Jan, the OFA, and the Museum.

4 June 2005:

A lot of historic pictures have been included on this site but alas we don't know many of the names, dates and locations. Can you help please? If so, please email us (addresses are on the Home page). Thanks!

2 June 2005:

Below message worked, Seems Derek has established contact with Roy. Thanks to anyone who helped!

26 May 2005:

Derek Smith was in Kitchener in the 1960's. He is seeking to contact Roy Andrews who was there at the same time. If Roy (or someone who knows him) reads this, please contact Derek at jabawok@global.net.au

20 May 2005:

Founders Day 2005 will be held at Fairbridge on 17 July 2005

A History of Fairbridge Farm School, Pinjarra, Western Australia