MY HERITAGE

My maternal grandparents are of Scottish descent, my grandmother Jane lived in Tasmania before being sent into service at the age of 12 yrs. on the mainland of Australia, it was here that she met grandfather George. One great, great, grandmother came from Ireland. Unable to read or write they raised 8 of 9 children, often the surname was spelt differently because they had to rely on the Registrar, hence - Smile, Smiley, Smilley and Smillie appeared. My grandmother was a fine seamstress and made most of the dresses worn by her 6 daughters, my mother Ruby being the 2nd youngest. Grandfather George was a small man, he died of Asthma before I was born, his wife Jane living on to 95 yrs, her Mother lived to 105 yrs. always smoked a clay pipe. My paternal grandparents came from Dorset and Cornwall in England. Grandfather Jack (Ernest Edward) was a tall jolly man and a trip to the market with grandmother Elizabeth was a big treat for me, I loved the horse (Betsy) and buggy. They raised 3 sons, my father Ted (Ernest Edward) being the eldest. I remember these grandparents did a lot of walking, perhaps that is where I get the habit. They always had a big bonfire on Guy Fawkes for the children of the neighbourhood, an exciting time for all, with spuds roasting and fireworks. I have fond and loving memories of 3 of my grandparents.