G’day and welcome.
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Last week I told you a little about Rupert Thorn’s experiences during WWII; also something about his wife Beverley and her way of dealing with his passing in 2014.
However, as I learnt more about Bev, I saw an interesting lady, who has taken life on.
One of Bev’s school friends had an older brother, Rupert, who worked at the City Council — which would have been a Borough when Rupert started there.
Like Bev, he enjoyed his sport, playing football, cricket and tennis.
Bev’s favourite occupation was netball (then called basketball).
She was working at Youngs of Fairway where she was busy altering ladies’ dresses to ensure a perfect fit.
Youngs was situated in the Fairway building, in Maude St, next to Maples.
However, after more than three years, Bev tired of the inefficacies she saw at that store and moved on to Rockmans.
That year, 1956, she and Rupert married.
They settled into a comfortable life with two daughters arriving.
At that time, from her garden, Bev could see the students of Sacred Heart College (now Notre Dame) playing netball.
There was no sport on the curriculum, but the girls obviously enjoyed it.
So, one day with her little ones in tow, she went to give them a bit of advice — as she was still playing and coaching netball.
Their teachers, with no experience in the sport, were appreciative; so Bev went back as a volunteer — for several years.
When sport was included in the curriculum, she was employed as a sports teacher — for two years part-time and the following four years full-time.
Bev was heavily involved with netball for a total of 62 years — also coaching at Bourchier St and St Mel’s schools.
The last game she played was in a team with both her daughters — Rhonda and Cheryl.
She knows she was fortunate that Rupert also loved sport and was always encouraging about her activities.
Bev’s other talents
As I mentioned last week, after Rupert’s passing in 2014, Bev began creating ‘works of art’ from his army coat.
It is not possible for me to describe these beautiful items — there are many of them and they are all different.
The photo is of a single bed quilt — but only half of it, so you can see it better.
It has been a very special way to deal with her grief.
The RSL suggested putting the quilt on display – but COVID came along and this didn’t happen.
In my opinion, Bev is a remarkable woman. For many years, she rode her bike around town; she tells me that, during her school years, she rode a 10-mile return trip daily.
Riding came naturally to her.
She takes great care of her home and garden and, these days, walks some distance to do her shopping and attend her medical appointments.
A neighbour of hers told me that, until recently, she could hear Bev chopping wood.
Her spirit is undaunted, and I wish her well. Bev turns 90 next year.
Don’t miss out
A sing-a-long does much for the heart and spirit.
Scientists say music affects several areas of our brain — releasing ‘feel good’ chemicals like dopamine and endorphins.
And a sing-a-long with Jeanette and Cindy Doherty will be fun, with familiar songs like My Bonny Lies Over the Ocean.
It’s taking place at Tallygaroopna Memorial Hall on Thursday, October 23 at 2pm — as part of the Seniors Festival and afternoon tea will be served. Entry fee is $8.
That’s it for this week, almost.
When we are not keeping warm, and we are not keeping cool, there are these delightful days.
Every window is open to a gentle breeze carrying a faint blossom perfume.
How I love these sweet, perfect, days.
May it be easy, my friends.
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Phone: Text or call 0409 317187