The Reed Family Picture Album (as drawn by Les)


Auntie Grace and Uncle Ern as I remember them.	Grace SMITH (right) as a teenager. Grace became Grace REED through her marriage to Ern. Her mother Daphne was Henry Melmoth's sister.	Grace during the WWII years.

I am the youngest grand-child of Henry Melmoth REED and his wife Rose, who was my Grandma. Through her and from her, I received a passionate fervour for History -- yes, British History mostly.

Grandma was old and blind as I remember her. She told me a tale of withering horror: a Scottish crew hunted and killed a young whale whose mother took the ultimate revenge on the killers of her offspring. She overturned their boat, and then would not allow any other boat to rescue the men, who thus perished on a dismal wave-splashed rock. (We'd send in a helicopter now, but let's not spoil the story.)

On the left, Rose Atkinson as a young lady.
And above, Rose Reed in her 70's with Mrs Graze and daughter.

Apart from Grandma, I saw a great deal of Megan (Auntie Meg, Syd's wife). We often visited them and when I married, Meg became like a surrogate mother to me. Now, not everyone knows this but Megan worked as a typist at Barrow Bros and (being so beautiful) sparked Les's interest. Les however realized that he was not in her league and set up a date for Megan and his older brother Syd. The rest (as they say) ...

For some reason there was a tartan thermos on the teve the other night: reminded me of going to the country race meetings with Meg and Syd. They had one of those marvellous old cars like an early panel van. We left in plenty of time to make it to the first race. You see, we had to stop on the way to gather firewood. Dressed up and with a smart hairdo, there you were in the bush gathering firewood. And then the obligatory morning tea with scotch buns as a treat. Meg was a superb cook. I have many of her recipe books, passed on to me from Syd. We stayed until AFTER the last race, watching all the nags being loaded into their floats. At Syd's funeral (after I related that yarn) other people came up and (chuckling) said: "Yes! They remembered going to the country races with Meg and Syd. And gathering firewood."

Auntie Alice had married Ron. She was another favourite. Alice had a delightful and fascinating way of speaking that was entrancing. I loved going to Box Hill to visit the Ron Reeds. And then there was Auntie Grace, who was just so interested in what a snot-nosed 8-year-old brat was doing. I adored her.

Rex resting. Rex was a great swimmer but he did like to rest occasionally on Stan's back.

"Big ring". Len says: "Murray Rivers and no fudging".

High tide and sunset at St Paul's Back Beach.

Nine keen fishermen for fish the bay did comb.

But two got sick so they came home. Coming home from fishing. Syd and Stan look green. They have evidently had (in the vernacular) "a technicolour yawn" or two. The more hardy fishermen can't help but wryly comment: "The berley sure brings the fish around." "Yes, we must bring them out again."
FOOTNOTE: during WWII, Bobby was one of only 4 men on a US troop carrier who was NOT at all seasick, thus winning the master's praise.

Horsham races. From left Unc McLean (Jim), Megan, Eddie Ryan, Syd.

Stans saves a sixer with dire results. A spectator remarks: If it hits the fence, it's OVER the fence!" Another onlooker comments: "That will be six." Les: "That will be sixteen stitches more likely ..."

As we learned on page F, Dad had a brother: William Ernest REED. Now, to say that Uncle Will liked the amber fluid would be to GROSSLY understate the case. (I have this from Bobby: apologies if incorrect.) At any rate, when William arrives at a convivial family get-together, Dad greets him with: "Hello, Will. How are you?" To which Will replies: "Hello, Harry. I'm thirsty." Les (ever the perfect host) gushes forth: "I'll get you a glass of water, Uncle Will." Hmm ... As Les remarks, How naive can you be!

Versatile Dad.

Ern, Syd and Les in middle age. They were devoted correspondents: Syd retained all their many letters.

Because of Les's cartoon regime, we are uncertain if Ern is dressed as he is for purposes of identification ... Or did he REALLY dive into the water in cap and gown? I go for the former. As Bobby says: "Yes. He's quite normal. He usually DOES take his gown and cap off to go swimming."

Sharing a cherry ripe ... or Polar Pies ... or anything ...

How can we express our gratitude for the great life we had, thanks to Dad and Mum?

Ern:I had a happy youth thanks to my parents. flat irons heated at the fire stove. No ice chest or refrigerator (those came later at Downs Street). Water for our bath was heated in the copper. When we were at Crook Street Mum was never able to afford a new dress. The Ł2 or so that Dad earned each week was barely able to stretch as far as necessities, let alone any luxuries.

Ron: Yes, we had a very happy family life, and I never cease to be grateful for it, and grateful for the parents who fostered it. There were arguments and squabbles, of course -- no group of 10 people can live together for years without some differences of opinion. Mum and Dad were intelligent people, determined to give each of us the best possible chance in life.

Dot: Mum was the eternal student.

Els: I feel that we were most fortunate children to grow up in a loving atmosphere with every encouragement to develop. We had books and music, many thanks to Ern, companionship, holidays and outings. Our environment was comfortable, happy ... We were encouraged to learn and develop as individuals, to be kind and polite.
Looking back, I offer thanks to our mother and father for providing such a home for us, for their patience, love, compassion and encouragement. We never heard swearing or bad language -- Dad would not have allowed it.

Syd: Sometimes today we pride ourselves that we are efficient household managers. How would we have fared with the income of those days? Certainly goods were cheap, but money was scarce. Dad was the provider, but Mum was surely a remarkably efficient housekeeper and family organizer.

Les: They were tough times. But it was marvellous the way the family stuck together, found our own happiness and so formed a blanket against depression. Dad was a good business man and a smart manager. He managed to save enough money out of meagre wages to buy the house and always enough left over for a football and cricket equipment. Mum was a saint.

Bobby: How Dad put up with us is beyond belief!