Updated 1st July 2010
Congratulations and
well done to Ethel (Tony)
Batten who has been admitted in the Grade of Serving Sister of The Most
Venerable
Order of the Hospital of
St John of
Jerusalem
as having made a significant contribution to St John in South Australia. The
Investiture by the Deputy Prior of St John, His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin
Scarce, the Governor of South Australia was held on Friday 8th May
2009 at Government House.
Appeared in 'Commonwealth of Australia Gazette' No. S253, Tuesday, 25th November 2008.
Ethel (Tony) Batten
has been a member of St John for over 20 years and during that time has
contributed a great deal to a number of Divisions. She regularly attends public
duties and is a significant contributor to the training of the Division where
she uses her skills of a Public First
Aid Instructor. In this role, Ethel (Tony)
Batten has worked with many new members and provided instructions and
encouragement to assist them achieve their first aid skills. In addition to this
she has also taken on the role of Divisional Rostering Officer.
Ethel (Tony) Batten attends many public duties, giving more than 700 hours during 2007. These hours, her training skills, rostering duties, divisional fundraising, and excellent uniform presentation means she serves as a significant mentor and role model for all members of the Division and the wider Region in general.
Miriam Smith with Grace Couch at The Every Generation Senior Citizens
High Tea to celebrate the valuable contribution made by senior community
members. (13th Nov 2008) Also pictured (at right) is Lawrie Wienert and Tony Batten (Grace's
Grandmother) with their awards presented to them by the Mayor for the valuable
contribution they have given to the community. Tony received her award as a
valued member of the Tea Tree Gully Division of St John where she is currently
the Training Officer. She is one of the Divisional Training Officers involved
with new members who attend Advanced First Aid Courses run by the Metro North
East Region. In this way she has been able to impart her skills and knowledge
to new members to give them an excellent basis to begin their time with St
John. Tony is a qualified first aid trainer, either leading or assisting in at
least 4 courses each year. She supports the Tea Tree Gully and
surrounding
communities by giving exceptional level of commitment by doing over 600 hours
to St John. Tony continues to be a valued member of the division who gives her
time and expertise whenever it is required to further the work of St John in
the community. Tony has served St John in many capacities as volunteer
for more than 25 years. Her commitment as a Scout Leader for more than 20
years was acknowledged as well as to the Girl Guides Association. Tony was
awarded the Medal of Merit - for Specially Good Service to the Scout Movement
in 1989 presented to her by the Governor of South Australia, Lieutenant General Sir Donald Dunstan.
(Pictured at right)
Voluntary workers are at the core of an accepting and supportive society. Well
done to Tony and all other volunteers who have made a wonderful contribution to
the community and recognition such as these awards are well deserved.
MICHAEL HARVEY CELEBRATES FOOTBALL VICTORY
Michael Harvey a well known
Riverton identity, and a member of the RSMU Hawks Football Team for many years is still
celebrating the Senior Colts Grand Final Victory on the 20th September 2008.
Michael was selected as second best player and his team only lost one match
throughout the entire season. The final scores were RSMU Hawks 11.8 (74) BSR
Tigers 6.13 (49) Well done Michael. Pictured at left is Michael No 32 reaches
for the 'mark of the day'. Michael is an ardent Port Power supporter and he
intends to offer his football success to them as a player.
WEDDING
The marriage of Kerri-Ann Louise Harvey to Adam George Lee (pictured above) was celebrated on Saturday the 16th August 2008 at St Stephens Catholic Church, Saddleworth, South Australia.
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Flinders University's Australian Science and Mathematics School has been praised by the United Nations Association of Australia for its focus on the environment, to the delight of students Aron Woosnam and Emily Wirth (Pictured at left) (Photo Courtesy Messenger Press)
(18th June 2008)
Australian Science and Mathematics School Students' Success At The New Media Awards,
On the 5th August 2008 a short documentary by
Emily Wirth and David Mikolaj (pictured at right) was
screened at the Mercury Cinema as part of the DECS NEW Media Awards ceremony.
Emily and David's work encourages people to understand the needs and aspirations
of people with disabilities. The production was one of four finalists in the
senior schools competition. The students were presented with a DVD camera and
tripod. The production also featured at a gala event staged by Minda Inc. at the
Adelaide Convention Centre in July. Emily and David appreciated the help of DECS
in funding the production and the work of Marion Zafry at Minda
in making the production possible. The documentary
produced
by the students is an example of
the opportunities ASMS students have to gain credit in SACE Media Studies as
well as in
competitions such as the New Media Awards, The Oliphant
Awards and The Sleek Geeks
Eureka
Prize.
Emily Wirth and Benny Wake announced their engagement on the 12th March 2010. Emily will complete her studies next year as a Registered Nurse and Benny is a qualified solar electrician.
Kaitlyn Batten
celebrated her
7th Birthday at a party on
the 28th November 2009. Kaitlyn is pictured (at left)
with Father Christmas.
Grace Catherine Couch celebrated her 1st birthday at a party on the 17th January 2009.
The party was held at the
Glandore Community Centre attended by over 100 family members and close friends
of Grace. Grace took the opportunity of welcoming all the guests prior to the
celebrations. Prior to the cutting of the cake ceremony Grace delightfully
demonstrated an artful display of
ballerina dancing. She was delightfully dressed in a ballerina which was a gift
from Perth.
After two attempts Grace successfully blew out the 'one' candle on her cake and then dipped her finger into the icing for a 'taste' before official cutting. Happy Birthday was sung and this could be heard throughout the centre and Grace cheerfully responded with a 'clap'. Grace then asked her father Adam to present her prepared speech to the guests as she was unable to speak due to excessive excitement. Grace received many presents, large and small, and Budget Vans had to be called in to transport them back to her home.
Pictured above are some party photos of Grace.
03-09-1960 :::: 03-09-2010
50 years on ..... we have become like willow trees; one that bends in the wind instead of breaking - and one that just grows stronger and becomes more beautiful with the passing of time. ::: Stan and Tony
Pictured at left in centre Ronald Elliott, our best man in our wedding on the 3rd September 1960.
He really hasn't changed in those 49 years. He still has the same outside interests and enjoys car racing. He enjoys fast cars and the latest models! He always attempts to get work in the pits with the 'latest models' and looking at Ron he enjoys it. Ron's good friend, pictured far left seems somewhat disappointed and I understand could be working in the pits next year as well.
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Today we not only mourn the passing of Cathy, but today let us also celebrate the life of Catherine.
I'm Stan, Cathy's Dad, and as my two young grand daughters, Emily and Georgina would want you
to believe 'I simply talk too much'.
Cathy came into this world under headlines in the Adelaide News on the 16th May 1964 - 'Baby was in time for tea'.
Can I begin by reading the extract from the 'Adelaide News'.
"It was 7 P.M. the Batten family of Northfield, were sitting at the tea table."
"Ten minutes later the family had been increased by one, with the arrival of 8 lb Catherine Teresa Anne".
"An ambulance took mother and baby to Burnside War memorial Hospital, where both are now 'very well'"
"Today, Mr Stan Batten had just about recovered from Saturday's shock."
"My wife, Tony, was the calm one" he said.
"Luckily my mother was visiting us and was able to help. It was all over by the time I had finished ringing the doctor".
The baby was not expected for another week.
The Battens now have two daughters. Debra will be three next week".
Family and friends, thank you for being here, supporting us and remembering and celebrating the life of Cathy.
During the next few moments I ask you all to ponder and reflect awhile on some very special memory you have of Cathy. Perhaps your special memory was back when she was beginning school, or more recently - reflect and hold onto your special memories.
Cathy our 3rd Child of 6 children lived at Northfield until she was four years of age and then moved to Blyth due to my transfer in employment from 1968 to 1973. During this time Cath, sister Debra and brother John went to the Methodist Sunday School at Norwood.
She began primary school at Blyth, this was followed in 1973 to Marion and then to Bordertown in 1974. She also went to school at Pinnaroo from 1974 to 1976 were she made many friends.
Her final school years were at Balaklava from 1976 to 1980.
It was at Balaklava on the 23rd June 1980 that Cathy commenced employment as a shop assistant at the Green and Gold Deli.
She left there on the 14th January 1981 and took employment at Roxy Fashions, Balaklava and commenced there on the 2nd February 1981. Only 17 years of age at the time she enjoyed being amongst fashions and worked there until the 18th March 1982.
We had now moved to Peterborough and Cathy now chose to move to the city and lived at Tranmere and commenced her new vocation as a Nurse at the Julia Farr Centre, Fullarton on the 27th April 1982. She worked there for 9 years and it was during this time she met with Darren Roger Wirth who also was working at the Centre. In May 1983, Cath then only 19 years of age and young brother Anthony 12 at the time and myself, just the three of us took a trip to Victoria along the Great Ocean
Highway. At every town we stopped, Cath would wonder off to the nearest pub and came out always with a beer can - she finished up with several different cans all of different labels - one I recall quite vividly - at Warrnambool, when she walked out with a beer can with 'Andy Cap' - the cartoon character on the label. At the time I never questioned her what these cans of beer were for, but I did eventually learn they were to be added to Darren's beer can collection.
Darren and Cath later announced their engagement.
She later worked for the Nurses Specialing Bureau as an Agency Nurse for 4 years until 1995 when on the 15th December of that year she joined with the Metropolitan Domiciliary Care (Southern Region) and only resigned on the 15th August - this year.
She married Darren Wirth at the Anglican Church at Maylands on the 9th February 1985, the very same church I was married in some 25 years earlier and it was also the date of Darren's parents wedding anniversary.
I commented that it was truly "Wirth the change".
Cathy and Darren became proud parents on the 25th January 1991 when Emily was born and then again on the 19th June 1995 when Georgina was born.
Cathy was to us all a very special girl, we all would have wonderful ways of our own in describing her qualities and attributes in life - as her Dad she was a loveable kid, bubbling with joy and excitement, an irresistible sense of humor, a laughter that was only unique to my daughter and fun and with outstanding energy of determination and commitment.
A tribute to Cathy in Saturday's Advertiser describes her well : "To a wonderful woman who cared for others with love and sensitivity. We will miss your infectious laugh, beautiful smile and your wicked sense of humour".
She excelled in needle work and had a brilliant talent for Folk Art and many an example of this work is pleasantly displayed in their new home. In this regard Cathy you have left your family a lasting memory. She loved music and enjoyed playing the piano with daughter Emily.
She has left us all a legacy of many special memories that we will hold very dear to our hearts and remember and endure for ever.
On the 9th February this year she celebrated her 17th Wedding Anniversary, a marriage that Darren and Cathy committed on strong family values.
At there wedding reception in 1985 in part I said : "May you both continue to succeed in life, if great results cannot be achieved at once, do not worry, we must be satisfied to advance in life just as we learnt to walk".
"I remind you both to maintain that family link of unity and communicate not only to your own familys but to each others familys. You will find as life goes on it is very difficult to live alone, and it is in these moments that our families are our greatest gift".
On the day of Cath's wedding anniversary, her and Darren moved into their new home at Craigburn Estate.
She worked hard, plans and goals for their new home - but as we know time and tide wait for no man observes an English proverb. For most of us time moves too quickly.
We simply cannot find enough time to accomplish all that we would like to achieve in life.
Early April of this year not long after settling into there new home, Cathy began to develop health discomfort, despite a lot of pain, and many physical difficulties no one was aware of this except Darren and her two girls.
The dogged determination and faithful fighting spirit I spoke about earlier in Cath continued on, what we now know under much difficulty she single mindedly fought on and put aside her own personal difficulties and continued to focus her energy on being a good and loving wife, a wonderful and loving mother and on the continual needs of others. This again was the very essence of Cathy's faithful commitment of inner determination and strength that she continued to rise above on so many occasions.
On the 25th April she and her family joined us at the Anzac Day Dawn Service in North Terrace and then on the 18th May this year she attended her sister's Tammy engagement party.
Her health began to decline, the pain and the struggle became too much for her to bear and she was admitted to the Flinders Private Hospital on Friday the 7th June.
For the weeks that followed the battle became harder, despite some ray of hope during that time, unfortunately her body was constantly plagued with more health difficulties.
However as hard and trying as it was for us all, Cathy already knowing that the path was now a difficult one she continued to fight and with the support of her dear husband Darren, and two lovely daughters Emily and Georgina, her extended family and her many friends we were all able to share some very special moments with her during those difficult days.
I recall one of these special times, on Thursday the 5th September when I travelled with Cathy in the ambulance from the Hampstead Centre to the Flinders Private Hospital the day she attended a medical appointment.
I spent many quiet hours alone with her on that day, we were able to shed many tears of joy, and tears of sorrow, we were able to laugh, we held hands together, we talked about many things, we shared many inner thoughts ---
We talked about Life's Realities, wiping tears away from our eyes, we talked about that death is an inevitable part of life, and together we shared encouragement that it was better to face it and accept the fact that we are mortal human beings.
We spoke about time, she asked me why is it happening to me, she spoke of her anger, and even confusion about God. Why me she asked me, why so young, what am I being punished for. The moments we continued to share and talked about her difficult but very sensible questions trying to find some answers.
We comforted each other that it was far better to live a full life of 38 years, rather than live to 70 and only actually have lived 20 years of them. We comforted each other that it was more important what we did with the time we have now, rather than the length of the time we live.
We talked about values, she looked at me with a smile, tears in her eyes and asked me to take good care of Darren, Emily and Georgina - she told me nothing else was important anymore, nothing else was of any value anymore.
I assured her clenching her hand, that the goals, ambitions she had for her family - that I will support that wish to the best I can to see that is carried through.
We rested, even slept for a while at Flinders, we were awoken I think by the sound of a helicopter hovering overhead.
We talked about God and concluded that even good people don't escape all troubles, and that the Lord is still helping us in every way. We searched and found some good, it brought the family together, it made us all stronger individuals, we all learnt about pain and suffering, we talked about how wonderful and blessed we were to have family around us to comfort us in the days ahead.
She took my hand often, she talked about what she called wrong decisions perhaps she might had made in her life, even about the new two story house, and now I will never be able to walk up the stairs she said.
I told her and assured her that every decision she and Darren had made was right and in my opinion she had never made a wrong decision as it was the right decision at the time, I talked to her about as life changes all we do is to make adjustments and review ourselves as we need to make changes to enable us to cope with were we are now.
I even had fun tickling her toes, and did can you keep a secret, one step two step like a teddy bear, and if I don't get a laugh I told her were I would tickle her.
Yes I got a laugh, what fond child hood memories we re-enacted.
We journeyed back to the Hampstead Centre in the ambulance late that evening, mother was waiting for us.
I was able to tell Cath, the hours spent with her on that day, were the most memorable and moving hours we have shared together.
We continued with our prayers and continued to hold hope, and Cathy continued to fight the journey with us - we tried that we may be given a break - it became all too hard to relieve the pain and suffering in life - Darren, Emily and Georgina and others softly spoke to Cathy and asked her to rest and fight no more.
Her pain and suffering finally came to an end at 11.00AM on Wednesday the 25th September, with family by her side.
Thank you Cath, dear Cath nothing has changed you are still our loving daughter, yesterday, today and for evermore - thanks Cath for the memory.
I will close by reading a verse from the Bible - John Chapter 16 Verse 33.
Jesus said " I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind.
Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.
But cheer up, for I have overcome the world".
Amen.
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A TRIBUTE TO ANNIE EDNA MAY HODGES : 22nd October 1914 to 2nd September 2006
Annie Edna May Hodges (nee- Hobby)
was born on the 22nd of October 1914 in the Rhine Villa Shop that is now the Cambrai General Store. Annie was the eldest of a large family and as was the custom in the early 1900’s the eldest child would raise the younger children in place of the Mother who was working along side her husband in the family business of General Carrier and Wood Carter.This was not a small task for her as she looked after 10 children while still a child herself. Annie walked bare feet to school at Cambrai along with her brothers and sisters covering a distance of approximately 3 miles each way. She completed her education to grade 5 and then worked at home.
Life was hard for her as she would milk the cows, separate the milk for cream, make butter and with her brothers & sisters help her parents load wood on the trucks for sale in Adelaide.
The family moved around in the early years from Williamstown to Black Hill but Cambrai remained the main centre of her life and activities.
Annie married Charles Hodges on the 18th of October 1934 in the family home that is still located across the road from the Cambrai Cemetery. (Charles Hodges died 8th September 1979)
During the first 15 years of her married life she lived in the house adjacent the southern entrance to the Cambrai Township, where they looked after the owner of the home and the property in lieu of rent.
Four of Annie’s five children were born while living there, Leonard Charles (Died 31st August 2008), Irene June, Betty Anne (Betty Ann Titcomb died 29th December 2007) and Robert Malcolm.
Annie’s extended family now totals 15 Grand Children, 31 Great Grand Children and 3 Great Great Grand Children.
With her husband having to ride his pushbike 12 miles to his employment on a farm in the Towitta area and by necessity being away from home during the week, these were not easy times for Annie as a young mother.
When her husband gained work as a Ganger the family moved into one of the railways cottages where Annie’s youngest son Peter Allen was born. In 1957 following Charlie’s retirement they purchased the home where Annie lived most of her life until mid 2003 when the living conditions in the home became intolerable after the worst sandstorm in the living history of the town occurred. Quote: "Annie said that I have lived here all my life and I have never, never seen a storm as bad as this." Annie and Peter purchased a property a short distance away in August 2003 where she has lived the remainder of her life with less hardships than she has ever had to endure before.
Annie did clothes washing for different families in the area & washed all the large tablecloths and tea towels for the Cambrai Hall for longer than most people have been alive and acted as caretaker for many years. With her and Charlie only receiving a single age pension for 20 years, money was scarce and with one child to still put through school once again she sacrificed everything for the family.
Helping her sister-in-law clean the Cambrai Area School was a job she carried out for many years as a way for her to supplement her income. For several years also Annie would cook meals 2 nights a week at the Cambrai Hotel and clean the Hotel on weekends.
Having 2 children either totally deaf or profoundly deaf and unable to talk it was a big decision in her life to seek out the latest help available for children with these disabilities in Adelaide at Townsend House. With no buses to take the children to Adelaide Annie would make room to go with them on the back of a truck with a load of wood by making a small cubby hole in amongst the stumps behind the trucks cabin.
The Townsend House School did not encourage parents to visit their children as they felt this would upset their learning during the year. Annie and her other children did make the effort to go to Adelaide by any manner of transport that she could find and catch the train to the Hove Railway Station to see Len And Betty at their new school. In later years Annie used Zimmerman’s Bus Service that operated from Swan Reach to Adelaide twice a week. It was always time for a big family celebration with one of Annie’s famous sponge cakes covered in whipped cream and jelly at the end of the School Year when Len and Betty came home for Christmas.
Annie Hodges joined as a member of the Black Hill C.W.A. on the 10th of August 1983 and remained a member until recently. Annie was an inaugural member of the Mount Pleasant Daycare Centre from its inception. She joined the Red Cross on the 15th of August 1980 and has been a member until her passing.
On the 22nd of October 2004 the Cambrai Hall Committee had a special Life Membership Presentation Lunch and Birthday Party for Annie where she was presented a framed Life Membership Plaque. This was received as a great honour by her and is something she cherished with fond memories. While being interviewed for a newspaper article about the presentation Annie said that she had been a member of the Hall for approximately 70 years.
Annie enjoyed knitting and crocheting all her life and made jumpers for her family and friends until her eyesight started to deteriorate to the point in the late 1980’s where she could no longer do what she loved the most. She knitted and sewed together many Children’s Toy Dolls and Black Golly –Wog Dolls that she would give away to special people in her life.
There were a couple of occasions when she was decidedly upset with her children for wandering of in what seemed to be no time at all. Betty was still in a nappy and could not walk but boy could she crawl backwards using her hands to shuffle along, in no time Annie was looking for her only to find that she had gone across the main road and had made it to the Private House of the hotel owners.
Another is when she had to go away from the home during the day and she had warned the children not go near the water in the Marne Creek and all had said we won’t go near the creek Mum! When Annie returned home there they were all wet and covered in mud and when asked if they had been down at the Marne all denied that they had been anywhere near there. After further questioning she had found out that they along with next-door neighbours children, had been playing on the muddy bank of the creek. Robert had almost drowned after falling into the raging water, had it not been for his sister and the boys next door this could have been a tragic day. The lesson was learned by all that in future you will do what Mum says or else!
Annie showed no ill will to anyone, she was open and friendly to all that came into her life. Many people in the community know and I’m sure they realize who they are of her generosity to help others out in a time of need due to hard times or family illness. When Annie would help in the home or cook meals to give to these people never expecting or asking for anything in return.
"Mum" always treated everyone as an extended member of her Family and this was evident with friends she made in Adelaide in the early 1970’s. When after the death of her Husband on the 8th of September 1979 Annie would often stay with her son Peter in Adelaide. She became known to this family and their children as Mum #2 and she is still thought of and loved by them in this way to the present time.
Many people in the community were used to seeing Annie riding her pushbike to the shop for milk or to the Post Office to get the mail until at least the early 1990’s when due to poor eyesight she had to stop and walk to the shop instead.
During the last 22 years she has lived with her son Peter who has looked after her and helped guide her around in areas unfamiliar to her vast memory. Annie was still preparing magnificent meals and making her wonderful Sponge Cakes right up until the end.
She has devoted the last 15 years of her life to Taking care of her son who being a Brittle Diabetic can have a dangerous life threatening Hypoglycemic episode at anytime. It is with as much love and fond memories as Peter, the Family and friends can give to Mum and Annie to wish her well with her husband Charlie, her Mother and Father and her brothers and sisters that have gone before her into Gods Care in Heaven.
Amen.
16/01/2008 GRACE CATHERINE COUCH, GLANDORE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 2 YEARS
14/02/1972 ANDREW KEITH AVERY, DAVOREN PARK, SA. 38 YEARS
21/05/1965 BEVERLEY JOY WIRTH, FLAGSTAFF HILL, SA 45 YEARS
19/06/1995 GEORGINA SARAH WIRTH, FLAGSTAFF HILL, SA. 15 YEARS
25/07/1990 BENJAMIN (BENNY) JOHN WAKE, CHRISTIES BEACH, SA. 20 YEARS
21/11/1985 ADAM GEORGE LEE, SADDLEWORTH, SA 25 YEARS
Pictured at right Kaitlyn, now aged 6 years holding her award received at the Elizabeth East Calisthenic Concert on the 30th November 2008. Well done Kaitlyn.
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Pictured at right Georgina Sarah Wirth of Flagstaff Hill taking her first pilot's lesson. Georgina is believed to be the youngest female in Australia to have such an interest.
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Pictured at right the proud parents Adam and Tanya Couch of Grace Catherine Couch.
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Pictured above (left photo) Thomas, Emily and Georgina + Emily and Bev pictured (right photo) at Kerri-Anne's 21st Party.
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Pictured at right Craig Batten, eldest son of Trevor and Josephine Batten and Naomi Wood daughter of David and Sue Wood on their wedding day 18th November 2007.
Following a time of great hardships in England, particularly among the farming community, caused by taxes and the failure of the potato crops following the potato blight, which began in Ireland and swiftly moved across England, a great many people were receptive to the idea of moving to a new country.
At this time, The South Australian Company had been set up, and land purchased, sight - unseen, by wealthy Englishmen, who planned to lease and sell this land to others at a profit, and this was done.
It is found by records that William Branson and his brother James, both sons of James and Sarah Branson of Titchmarsh, Northamptonshire, arranged Land Leases with the right to purchase from Robert Bevan Esquire. Having done this, James married Elisa Goss in a double wedding with his only sister REBECCA BRANSON and JOHN WEBB. William married Lois Walker and the three couples applied to come to South Australia as immigrants.
They were all accepted and sailed to Australia in 1848, arriving in Adelaide in November of that year.
REBECCA AGED 18 YEARS HAD BEEN BROUGHT UP TO DO NEEDLEWORK AND MAKE LACE, AND WHEN SHE DIED AGED 92 SHE STILL HAD SOME UNFINISHED WORK IN HER POSSESSION. SHE AND HER HUSBAND JOHN SETTLED AT NORTON SUMMIT, WHERE THE FIRST TWO OF HER CHILDREN WERE BORN, THEN SHE AND HER FAMILY MOVED TO BURTON AND JOHN WAS LISTED AS A SHOEMAKER, WHEN THE NEXT TWO CHILDREN WERE BORN. FINALLY IN 1858 THEY SOLD UP AND PURCHASED LAND A GREENOCK CREEK WHERE THEY LIVED AND FARMED FOR MANY YEARS. MR WEBB DIED IN 1883 AND REBECCA FARMED ON AND EVENTUALLY HER BROTHER JAMES AND HIS SON GEORGE BOUGHT MOST OF HER LAND AND SHE LIVED ON AS A DAIRYWOMAN UNTIL SHE COULD NO LONGER WORK, THEN A GRAND-DAUGHTER LOOKED AFTER HER UNTIL HER DEATH.
William and James took up their leases and eventually purchased them. This land was partly at Greenock Creek, County of Light, and some in the County of Nuriootpa. William and James were two of the original farmers of that district and both expanded their properties and both were active in the founding and building of the first Wesleyan Church, and both were the only resident Trustees. James Branson was a J.P. and he was for many years a member of the Nuriootpa District Council, both as Councillor for Greenock Ward and also as Chairman.
The next Branson to come to South Australia and settle in Greenock was a bachelor uncle of the first three. He too, was named William. He was aged 56 on arrival and is only known to have worked for his nephews and lived with them, and never to have taken up land for himself. Then came a younger brother Charles aged 19 years and 6 months on arrival. He also had a lease arranged from Robert Bevan Esquire. Charles settled in Greenock and leased land, but to our knowledge made money from selling his leases after a time and not purchasing in South Australia. His family were born at Greenock and Stockport and in 1881 he moved the whole family to Victoria where he purchased a property at Warburton.
In 1853, Thomas, his wife Mary, and 2 children migrated on the "William Stewart", arriving in July following a very bad passage. Their third child was born in September of that year at Greenock. Thomas died only 10 months after their arrival and 4 years later, his widow married Zaccheus Hutton.
James, aged 60 years, and wife, Sarah Branson, aged 57 years, the parents from Titchmarsh, together with their youngest surviving son, Jeremiah, aged 20, migrated to Adelaide and settled in Greenock in September, 1858, and so making it that the whole family had left their small village in a matter of 10 years.
John Webb had left family behind, where his father was the Church Sexton and to this day, Australian relations visiting Titchmarsh are warmly welcomed by their English cousins.
Jeremiah went to work for his older brother James and is known to have lived with the family of the farm until he accompanied his nephew William, the eldest son of James, following the purchase by James of land on which to settle William. This was in 1865, in the Hundred of Alma, County of Gawler, when the first payment was made of 799/2/6d. and the balance paid in the same amount on the same day in years 1868, 1871 and 1874. This land was eventually given to William and his wife, who then were not mentioned in the estate.
Jeremiah leased and purchased in the same section of the Alma Ranges, beginning in 1876 and he eventually established a substantial farming property and named it "Titchmarsh" and to this day it is still owned and farmed by Bransons.
James and Sarah Branson settled in a home in Greenock Township and at the back grew vegetables and made butter from the cows they milked and it is known that he used to walk into Tanunda to sell his produce.
His son James showed himself to be a man of many parts. He was a good farmer and is known to have gone twice to the Victorian goldfields during the days of gold fever. The first time, it is reported, he walked all the way. of his last gifts to the district, was a donation to the funds of the then new Institute of which he was a Trustee, as well as the Cemetery and Methodist Chapel.
The Branson family, who migrated, were all involved in farming in England and all of that generation involved themselves to varying degrees on arrival, and all their working lives.
Their children, grand - children and great grand - children are now engaged in many parts of Australia and overseas in all walks of life.
An address given by Stan Batten at the Branson Family Reunion at Greenock on the 16th November 1986. (Attendance approx 400)
I am Stan Batten of Peterborough, a descendant of Rebecca Webb – and proud to be related to you all.
I would on behalf of my own family, my brother and his family and on behalf of those that are here today pay a special thanks to Cara and Vern Moore who have made this day possible.
An event which will certainly be a day to remember. Cara and Vern have spent many months and many late nights in ‘tracking us down’. Checking and re checking on information in piecing us together has taken them hours.
I am delightfully proud to be here at Greenock which would be so vastly different to what it would have been like in 1848.
It has been said people will not look forward to prosperity who never look backwards to their ancestors.
Jubilee 150 certainly has been a time for celebrations in South Australia, celebrating together. It has been a time for renewing friendships, for re affirming lives, loves and enthusiasms – this reunion has been a perfect opportunity to do all this and to gather interests.
We have all remembered Sturt who navigated the Murray, Light who surveyed Adelaide and other early pioneers – today we look back and remember our pioneers, perhaps not recorded in history books like Sturt and Light, but recorded in our hearts as the ones that paved the way for us.
Today has for me and I would no doubt believe for most of us been the largest get together of family at any one time – and this will be a day I will long remember. For most this has been an opportunity of a life time.
Let our thoughts be with those who owing to distance of travel and other commitments are not able to be here.
To those of our pioneers who have gone before us – today let us remember them with pride and gratitude. It does not matter who our fore bears were, but it does matter who we remember they were.
The pace of events are so fast that unless we can find some way to keep our sights on tomorrow, we cannot expect to be in touch with today. Let us continue to look back and cherish our past, let us continue to live every day and let us look ahead to the future with hope and encouragement.
Cara and Vern, once again with much sincerity from us all ‘thank you’ for bringing the family together. To all of you that have assisted Cara and Vern my grateful thanks. To all of you for being here – thank you.
Pictured above is Stan Batten (5 months old) taken in 1939 with his parents LEN AND DOROTHY BATTEN.
A TRIBUTE SPOKEN BY STAN BATTEN AT THE FUNERAL OF HIS FATHER (LENNARD WILLIE ARCHIBALD BATTEN) 29th NOVEMBER 1994 AT MANNUM.
(09/12/1903 ::::27/11/1994)
Today we mourn the passing of a grand old man, my father – today we mourn the passing of one of the greatest men this state has produced.
Ask any one which qualities they most admire in people, - and chances are you’ll get a list including the following – honesty – determination – courage – commitment – persistence – a caring nature – generosity – and humanity.
Take a close look at this list and it vividly describes my father – he wasn’t born with any of these qualities – he developed them – he became that way because these qualities of life were important to him.
He was a man of unboundless personal integrity, a man of warm humanity, a man of simple faith, a man who had an unbounding sense of humour.
My father had peace with his inner self – and, he had a loving, kind and compassionate disposition to us all.
To me he was like a beacon – a light – a man of hope in your hour of darkness. I can hear it now - how could we ever forget it when he would gently and continually remind us – "there are better days ahead" – he was able to hold onto courage and hope – and in so doing gave us all inspiration.
He is to be remembered for his wit and unique sense of humour – at times we may have wondered – what will he say next.
In this mornings death notice column of ‘The Advertiser’ one of his grand children summed it up well –
"Remembered always by your wonderful sense of humour. The most wasted day of all is that on which we have not laughed".
He was a person who liked virtually everything about life. He was in my opinion a man that was able to refuse worry and keep himself free from anxiety.
He had the ability to live in the now, rather than dwell on the past or live in the future. Yes – he has lived each and every moment of his life.
He had the ability to live and give happiness – rather than chase after it.
Life is too short he told me once – live it fully.
Look around and you will see his memorial.
He loved us all – and this is now what he would say – "Don’t feel unhappy – honour my memory by seeing life’s beauty and sunshine even now – I understand – it is difficult indeed, - and yet, -it can be done. I want to see you happy as there are better days ahead".
Not only was he a farmer – he gave a commitment to the community – how he ever found the time I’ll never know – work killed no man he would often remark.
He worked at the old Super Mine at Black Hill from 1942 – 1946. He was poll clerk at the Walker Flat Polling Booth from 1949 – 1979.
He was patron of the Black Hill Tennis Club for many years.
He served on the Management Board of the Mannum Hospital for ten years from 1950 – 1960.
He was a Justice of the Peace from 1951 until not so many years ago.
He held office on the Walker Flat School Committee from 1948 – 1960.
He was a Councillor on the then District Council of Marne for an unbroken term of just over 16 years, and during that time he was the local fire controller.
He was also a member of the then Murray Valley Development League.
A man of unbounding integrity – and energy and dogged determination – his only education was at the old Hayward’s Hill School.
One of his greatest loves, was his commitment to the then Black Hill Congregational Church, he was Treasurer and Secretary for many years.
A man of incredible ability – can any one remember – the Len Batten – the ventriloquist – and his ‘talking doll’.
Crosswords – he should in my opinion be recorded in the Guiness Book of Records – no person that I know would have done and completed as many crossword puzzles than that of my father. It was only a few weeks ago when visiting him at Mannum his usual wit and at times uncanny sense of humour he remarked – glancing at a stack of crossword books – "I can’t die yet, I’ve got all these to finish yet".
He loved his cards, and in more recent times was still playing social card games.
It was only early this year at age 90 he surrendered his drivers licence.
I have often wondered with all that he did – that he never attempted to get into politics – my bet is because he knew if you won and went in with a lot of dogs you would come out covered with flees – he was a man of integrity.
In the Book of John – Chapter 14 Verse 27 Jesus said – "I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile – like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid".
Thank you dear father for your life – for your memory – and for the legacy you have left us all.
Pictured at right is Emily Wirth being nursed by her Great Grandfather Len Batten with Grand - Dad Stan Batten looking on.
Pictured at left is Emily Wirth born on the 25th January 1991 at the Ashford Hospital being nursed by Aunty Tanya. (Tanya Emma Louise Couch)
Pictured at right is Tony (Ethel) Batten and son John Batten. John was born in 1957.
