Gordon Boyack

1975 Letter written from Christie Downs, South Australia to Cousin Gordon Boyack in South Africa

I met Alice while in Fellowship at "Hope Hall", Plymouth Brethren, Leeds - that was the year 1962 and were married 2 years later at Oxford Place Chapel (Methodist). There were about sixty guests at the wedding. We had a little two bedroom house nicely situated, and being an end terraced type. We had our own driveway with ample garden, back and front.

With the coming of the 2 children, Carol and David, it was necessary to expand and in 1967 we secured a 3 bedroom semi with established garden. Although nearer the church, we somehow fell away from fellowship and with mother dying the following year I was left to settle the affairs at Glasgow which took up a lot of time. Little Andrew, the baby of the family was born in 1969. In 1971 we emigrated to Australia primarily thinking of the children, for weather and better opportunities and more scope. Have been out here for almost four years now, and things have not been going well at all as far as my job or work is concerned. There have been barriers and set backs since first setting foot - due to a run down in the economy of the country. It is a rather unfortunate state of affairs and we are in the process of packing u and returning to England. Have written to my old firm in Leeds asking them if they will reinstate me and have had word back stating that there is a vacancy and offering me a job. It looks like the good Lord is guiding us, for we have had prayers and things seem to be falling into place with the booking of the ship this extra money coming at just the right time. The folk at the church (Christian Revival Crusade) are very helpful and sympathetic.

If all goes smoothly we should be leaving approx mid October and it looks like we wont get round to seeing those Melbourne Boyacks after all. Apart from all this, we quite like the country - we have been going off on trips in the car and there have been several church outings. The beaches are fine for a "dip" with lovely sandy spots and have been having a few games of tennis. Friends at the church have a farm and have been going there quite a lot - the children look forward to this.

Pleased to hear Aunt Mabel is keeping fit - we send our regards and love to her. Perhaps when things settle down and the children grow up we may be able to come over and see you all.

This is all for now - we send our christian love to everyone, Wallace, Alan, Ian, Wenda and Brink. Still have that post card when we corresponded during the war Gordon - your number 223507. We have something in common, both ex Tobruk lads, though no doubt you do not wish to be remembered of that particular time.

Yours affectionately Gordon