 |
|
C-BERSS EX-PRESS
September 1998
Issue 4, Vol 1
|
|
| |
 |
All Newsletters : September 1998 : Still the Best Mates - The Story of Richard and Paddy
Still the Best Mates - The Story of Richard and Paddy
Memories after 50 years ...
 The story of mateship of Richard Kenny (Bindoon, 1947-1951) and Patrick "Paddy" Cole begins in a very different time and place from present day Western Australia.
Richard and Paddy lived together as small children in war-ravaged England in Ditton Nazareth House, Widnes near Liverpool. There they became inseparable (like the closest of brothers), the one looking out for the other if he was "picked on" by bigger children.
The fondly remember snow-ball fights and sports(especially soccer, cricket, and rounders), playing musical instruments in the band, and singing in the choir.
Both of them, aged around 13, were thrilled at the idea of migrating to Australia together. They talked for hours about all the fun they were going to have, riding horses and enjoying Australia's famous sunshine, such a contrast with damp and dull Merseyside.
A Change of Plans
However, as Richard sat on the bus waiting to begin his journey to the other side of the world, he learnt that Paddy would not be joining him after all.
Apparently Paddy's mother had withdrawn her consent at the very last minute.
Richard says he would have got off the bus then and there if he had been allowed! When he found out Paddy would be staying behind, that's what he wanted to do - stay at Ditton with his best mate.
For his part, Paddy says he was "devastated" at having to stay behind. The loss of best friend made him "moody" for a great part of the following year. He had so very much wanted to share this great adventure to Australia with Richard.
Times Change
Richard and Paddy grew into manhood, and though on opposite sides of the world, they never forgot each other.
Letters were sent, but through unhappy chance, managed to find their way only once, in 1953.
Both men did a stint of National Service duty - Richard served with the Australian Army in Australia, whilst Paddy was sent from England to serve with the British Army in Germany. After his military duty, Richard signed on with the RAAF and served as a cook for six years in Victoria.
By the time Paddy discovered Richard had joined the RAAF, his friend had already ended his service and the RAAF couldn't provide him with Richard's address.
Paddy never lost his desire to migrate to Australia, always having it in mind that one day he would come out here and find his mate, Richard.
Australia - At Last
In 1963, some 16 years after the abandonment of their boyhood plan to share the Australian adventure together, Paddy finally emigrated from England to WA as a "£10 pom".
In the years that followed, Paddy did what he could to find his long-lost pal.
It took another 34 years before he finally "got lucky" discovering Richard's whereabouts via the Where are they now? slot on 6PR's "Talk-Back" radio show.
Reunited at last, Richard and Paddy now enjoy each other's company for a "couple of beers" on a very regular basis! The two can - as often as not - now be seen as part of a threesome in the company of a housemate of Richard's and a good friend of them both - Patrick Riley.
In the meantime, Richard has managed to locate some family members in England. Contact has been made with Richard's family and C-BERSS Counsellor Michael Anderson is providing some counselling in preparation for a visit to the UK in the not too distant future.
Paddy is hoping to be in England at the same time, to share the experience of re-visiting the site of the Nazareth House in Ditton with his old mate Richard, and maybe the odd snow-ball fight or two.
Paddy would also love to introduce Richard to Ireland and to his own family in County Offaly.
Since re-kindling their friendship so lately, Richard and Paddy have once again become inseparable. After more than 50 years they have a lot of catching up to do!
|
|
cberss.org