 |
|
C-BERSS EX-PRESS
December 2000
Issue 4, Vol 3
|
|
| |
 |
All Newsletters : December 2000 : Memories Of Christmas
Memories Of Christmas
At a time of year when most of us are extending wishes for happiness and joy to those who hold a special place in our hearts, many ex-residents can remember a time in their lives when Christmas was a far less festive occasion. At least that was the case for ex-residents Mal Fortin, Alf Spiteri and Jack Carvill who agreed to share their Christmas memories (via Counsellor Sjoukje Tarbox) with readers of C-BERS Express. As their stories reveal, more recent experiences have provided happier memories of the shared celebration of Christmas. We hope the same is also true for other ex-residents.
Mal's Story
 Mal Fortin is a former child migrant from the UK. He came to Australia in 1953 where he lived first at Castledare (for four years) before moving to Clontarf for another four years. Mal is pictured left with his sister-in-law Mary Anne.
“There is nothing memorable for me about Christmas at Clontarf.”
“But I did go to a family in Kalgoorlie on several occasions to celebrate Christmas with them — I don’t remember how it all started. The children of this family welcomed me with open arms. We had a good time. The parents were a little more cautious about me, however.”
“From a religious point of view, Christmas itself means nothing to me. It’s just a wind up of another year!”
“But, for me, Christmas is an excuse to have the family around. We all get together. This is a family tradition. Our home is our castle.”
“Christmas with all our children, grandchildren and my extended family from Mary Anne’s side, with a Christmas tree and all the trimmings is what Christmas means to me now.”
Alf's Story
 Alf Spiteri is a former child migrant from Malta. He came to Australia in 1950 and was placed in Tardun. On leaving Tardun he married Nell with whom he had twins Sandra and Michael. He also has a stepson Ian from Nell’s previous marriage. Sadly Nell died some years ago.
Alf doesn’t remember much about Christmas at Tardun. Nor does he remember anything special about Christmas in Malta. He says his family in Malta was too poor to celebrate. His only recollection is that they all had to attend Church several times on Christmas day.
These days, Alf cannot remember one Christmas when he and his now grown-up family and grandchildren have not all been together as a family.
“To have a family Christmas is the most important event of my life. Christmas and Boxing Days are always spent together, giving and receiving gifts, sharing food, wine, plenty of fun and lots of love!”
“My Christmas wish this year is to reunite with my own family of origin, both in Malta and in the UK.”
Jack's Story
 Jack Carvill is a former child migrant from Scotland. He arrived in Australia in 1950 and was placed at Bindoon where he spent the next seven years of his life. Jack now lives on his own in Australia. He is pictured left with his niece, Samantha, in Scotland.
Jack remembers his family in Scotland as being very poor which meant they couldn’t afford much at Christmas.
Whereas Christmas at Bindoon he describes as “a joke”. “It meant being woken up at midnight for Christmas Mass, then to the dining room for a bit of fruit cake, a cup of cool drink and back to bed! That was it, no “Merry Christmas”, presents, or a card, ever. Nothing to remember. Maybe a handful of lollies on Christmas Day.”
He remembers one year being invited by a family to spend Christmas with them. These days, Jack goes to Christmas in the Park organised by the Wesley Church where, as well as a beautiful sit-down Christmas dinner, he also receives a Christmas present.
“For me, Christmas means being with people that you can feel close to and socialise with. This is what is important to me”.
|
|
cberss.org