Emergence of Eunice

By Eunice Neale

My autobiography 'Emergence of Eunice' continues directly on from 'Eunice'.
It is 1960, having moved alone to the city to escape the regimented farm life and strict upbringing, I am unwittingly discovering a whole different world.

I am twenty years old, marriageable age, but who would want to marry plain ugly me?
Girls didn't want to be "left on the shelf", they didn't want to become an 'old maid'.
Girls married for security, guys married for sex.
Men expected to marry a virgin.
Marriage vows were standard, women promised to "love and obey till death do us part". These vows were lawful.
Marriage was a lottery, if you lose you bear the consequences, obey and make the most of it or suffer a life of misery.

Many changes took place during the 30 years of this book. Equality of sexes and equal rights, woman's liberation, homosexuality legalized, capital punishment abolished, and the biggest liberator for women - introduction of the pill.

I trust you will enjoy this journey with me as I unwittingly and innocently, with no professional help available, emerge though these years being guided by my conscience, my capabilities, my desires, my determination, my commonsense and my survival instincts.

I spilled my gutz without retribution in this book and was hesitant to publish while still alive, but figure now as an Octogenarian I should document life as it was during this era and be afforded a little liberty to truthfully document my personal years on this earth by revealing my unethical survival tactics.

These years that changed the world certainly changed me, be it for the good or the bad: you be the judge.

My Autobiography Set of Books
Book 1. 'Eunice' 1940 to 1960. My first twenty years. Isolated, protected, suppressed.
Book 2. 'Emergence of Eunice' 1960 to 1990. Title says it all...through the era of woman's liberation, equality of the sexes, the introduction of the pill and swinging sixties.
Book 3. 'Eunice Emerged' 1990 to 2020. My second life in a whole new world of technology.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eunice Neale
• Release date: Aug 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005085063

Eunice Neale

I was born in Ceduna in 1940 and raised on a farm on the edge of Nullabor Plains in remote South Australia. My paternal and maternal grandparents pioneered much of the lands around us which is still owned by our families.I was a shy well behaved girl as all children were expected to be in those days...seen but not heard...until I went to boarding school and saw there was a different way of life; a life I longed for; a life full of fun and laughter.Slowly as I made my way in life through many trials and tribulations I unwittingly transformed into a competent, capable, outspoken successful business woman in the days when the general belief was women were put on this earth to support and pamper men.I had been groomed to marry a farmer.....a neighboring farmer to conveniently merge farmland properties.Fortunately, as innocent as I was, I had other ideas....and escaped to an unknown world.Follow this world in my three part autobiography soon available from Smashwords.Book 1. EUNICE. 1940 to 1960. My first twenty years. Isolated, protected, suppressed.Book 2. EMERGENCE OF EUNICE. 1960 to 1990. Title says it all....through the era's of . woman's liberation, equality of the sexes and swinging sixties.Book 3. EUNICE EMERGED. 1990 to 2020. My second life in a whole new world of technology.I am still alive, fit and healthy and continue to enjoy my hobbies:-Sewing - I never buy clothes, I can have what I want... I make them... so why not?Squash- I still play competitively... it keeps my body and mind active and alert.Socialising with Red Hat groups... woman over 50 who don't want the world to pass them by, we wear red hats and purple frocks in social groups, we don't go un-noticed.......and my new hobby... writing.I figure as I am an Octogenarian I have the liberty to truthfully document my years on this earth... years that were so different from today.I particularly wanted to document the way of life lived in the mid 20th century to answer many questions from my grandchildren for their descendants.

Book preview

The Sixties

1960-69

Chapter 1

Bill

Bill when I met him aged 23

The lights came on, everyone wished everyone HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Bill asked if he could drive me home. Yes Please! I couldn't believe how this night was panning out for me, so many co-incidences working in my favour. This sort of stuff never happened to the likes of me. I decided it was because I had been to church be it spasmodically; I was being rewarded. I must continue going to church I thought.

Bill drove me to auntie’s place. We sat outside her house and talked in his near new green FJ Holden ute. I was impressed he had such a nice car even though I felt a little guilty parked out the front of auntie’s in a strange car obviously with a strange guy so late at night, but it seemed more right than wrong at the time. I thought when I explained the situation tomorrow... oops today... my very proper rellies would understand.

The more we talked the more I thought Bill was just the sort of guy my parents and family would approve of. He didn't drink alcohol he was a Methodist he was a member of Maughan Methodist Church attending regularly, he had a good trade and job, he was a qualified cabinet maker.

Yes, I knew my family would forgive me being up so late with a strange guy when they met him. I knew they would like him even though he smoked cigarettes, as I did, as everyone did, never mind they need not know he smoked. My parents didn't know I smoked, well I never smoked in front of them though I knew mum must have known, she being a self-confessed 'private detective' and her sense of smell being so acute; but she never ever said anything to me, even so her threats were always with me be sure your sins will find you out.

Bill and I talked and talked, I learned: -

He had started his working days as a mechanic but changed to cabinetmaking and did his apprenticeship with Hart and Creer a prominent caravan manufacturer in Adelaide. He now worked at Angorichina Workshops in Morphett Street. Angorichina was an institution near Parachilna in an isolated area in the northern region of the Flinders Ranges South Australia, established to provide isolation and care for soldiers who had contacted Tuberculosis during the war.

The cabinet making workshops in Morphett Street provided work for the TB survivors with the profits financing the institution in the Flinders Ranges. TB had been eradicated by this time and there were no TB patients, but the workshop continued as did the organisation now consisting of Bill, the foreman also a cabinet maker and a French polisher. A lady ran the office with an iron rod, she was the big boss ably supported by a genteel elderly female secretary.

What a wonderful guy. I thought, working for such a worthy cause, who as it happened lived at Torrensville not far from Richmond where I lived.

Bill was an only child, his dad had been a rabbit trapper living mostly alone in the bush where the rabbits were plentiful, he died of a heart attack when Bill was four years old so Bill had only scant memories of his dad, his mother worked long hours to support herself and Bill who after school spent many lonely hours sitting on the footpath waiting for his mum to arrive home.

It was only under extremely rare circumstances in those days that children were brought up in a single parent home resulting in Bill feeling deprived, different and lonely. It was obvious he loved his mum, and obvious she doted on him, she did everything for him and he spoke very fondly of her; she was the most important person in his life, and foremost in his thoughts.

When Bill was twelve his mother married Charlie Gourlay. Bill was so excited to be gaining a stepdad, sadly this excitement dwindled as the relationship between him and Charlie waned, by the time I met Bill, he and Charlie weren't talking to each other. I couldn't believe you could live with someone and not talk to them; all communications were through his mum. What a terrible position that must have put his mum in, I couldn't imagine it.

I was dying with curiosity Are you related to Lew Hoad?

First cousin Bill answered with a grin.

Are you really?

Well no! But I could be about a fifth cousin.

Oh wow! Fancy me being associated with a relative of such a famous tennis player.

Lew Hoad at that time was in the prime of his career, the number one tennis player in the world, an Aussie hero.

At 1.30am though I didn't want to, I felt I should go inside. Bill promised to phone me soon; we shared a lingering kiss before I guiltily sneaked inside and crept into bed.

Next morning I was dreading facing aunty; she seemed not a bit concerned only excited for me, as did the rest of the family when I told them about Bill.

Dorothy said, You should have asked him to join us at the picnic today.

I wanted to, but I didn't think it would be appropriate asking a stranger to join us for our family picnic.

I was sorry I hadn't asked Bill to join us, especially when he later told me he was hanging out for an invite. I couldn't believe how bright and lively I felt that first day of the sixties after such a late night and so little sleep. I was on a high. I couldn't wait to see Bill again.

A few days later he rang.

Would you like to go for a drive on Saturday next week?

Yes, that would be nice.

I'll pick you up at 6pm.

I could hardly contain myself; I was so excited.

I was ready and waiting at 5.30pm.

6pm came... 6.30 came...7pm...7.30...

By 8pm I was in despair. Jan and Joan were even sympathetic towards me.

At 8.30pm I had given up waiting. I had been 'stood up'.

Sadly I prepared for bed, I was devastated!

Wait! A knock on the front door…

it was Bill. I was so relieved.

What ever happened? I was so worried.

I unexpectedly ran into an old mate and the time just slipped away. I am sorry. It's a bit late now shall we make another date for Sunday afternoon next week?

We did. I forgave him for standing me up on our first date. I was just grateful he showed up eventually.

Sunday the next week was a very hot day, as fat as I felt (eleven and a half stone (73kls)) I had my bathers on and beach gear packed ready; where else do you go on a Sunday afternoon when it's 100deg Fahrenheit and no air-conditioned homes, but to the beach? Bill ignored my beach attire, I realised then he wasn't a beach person, good he wouldn't see my fat body.

We spent the afternoon driving around sightseeing and looking at new subdivisions and land for sale. What an enterprising guy I thought.

Bill sounded a very busy person I felt privileged he spent any time with me. We didn't go out regularly in fact very spasmodically, I longed for him to ring more often than he did. I had never met a boy like him.

I enjoyed sitting as near as possible to Bill with his left arm around me, showing him my driving skills as I expertly changed the gears and steered the car as he drove and gave the required hand signals with his right hand out the window. Remember this was the days before automatic transmissions, indicator lights, bucket seats, seat belts or GPS’s.

Bill was a good and careful driver. I thought we made a good team whilst driving along sharing the manual driving skills required. We managed without a problem and Bill was able to keep his arm securely around my shoulder as I cuddled as close as possible, so romantic. I was proud to be driven around this way with a boyfriend.

WOW! I had a boyfriend... and I knew my family would approve of Bill, he was a sober minded serious boy so unlike the boys at Penong I grew up with.

I didn't care what we did on our 'dates', I was happy to just be with Bill, a passenger in his ute cuddled close to him as he drove, he didn’t talk much but I learned he was quite religious and very philosophical. One of his favourite quotes was You reap what you sew.

Wow I thought, he must be planning on a good harvest, he ‘sews’ all the right things, he is a good caring person.

I thought he was ever so sophisticated knowledgeable and worldly especially as most of our time together he spent looking at properties or in car yards, though I couldn't understand his interest in car yards, when we needed a new car we just ordered one from Freeman Motors. I thought it strange looking at old cars lined up in car yards.

Jan and Joan decided they wanted to use my bedroom for a new business venture they were planning. Child minding! They moved me into a smaller room which was cramped and smelly from the dogs. I thought they were strange starting this new project of child minding hoping to supplement their Army incomes. Their services included pickup and drop off, of small children.

I couldn't imagine these two women running a childminding centre, neither had children besides I thought they didn't have the right temperament to look after children. The house was not at all suitable; if any parent came to their small three-bedroom prefab trust home I am sure they would never have allowed their children to enter it. Dogs running all over the house and yard didn't enhance the property one bit. I was beginning to wish I lived somewhere else.

I decided to put a little ad in the paper seeking more suitable accommodation. My Lambretta scooter was invaluable; now independently mobile I looked for new accommodation. I could pursue options. I need not take the first property I looked at because it was the easy option. I now knew I wanted to live alone, even though I would be lonely and wouldn't like it I preferred to be completely independent.

I looked at quite a few flats suitable for one but none seemed suitable, they just didn't feel right then... I found a small furnished flat in the back of a nice home in Goodwood owned and lived in by an elderly English widowed lady, Mrs. Coates who had difficulty walking. I don't know how she managed to look after herself; well she couldn't. I think she was looking for a tenant who was willing to help her.

The flat was predominantly an enclosed back veranda converted to a kitchen of sorts, with a small bedroom between the kitchen and the only bathroom in the house. The bathroom was shared between the main house and the flat separated by a swinging door depicting who was using the bathroom. Mrs. Coates assured me she only used the bathroom once a day mid-morning well after I left for work. The laundry and toilet were the opposite end of the veranda from my kitchen and also shared. My ‘kitchen’ consisted of an old wooden table, three chairs, an old kitchen cabinet with lead light doors, along the end wall an open rough cupboard served as a work bench with a quaint little one burner stove, most inefficient. A tin basin stored under the bench served as a sink while the water was carried from the laundry in buckets. The house kitchen was not too far away where I was allowed some fridge space if needed. The bedroom had a wobbly single bed with the lumpiest stuffed mattress, an old wooden single door wardrobe and matching dressing table completed the décor of this drab abode.

I immediately fell in love with this little unassuming flat. It was in a nice house in a nice street, not too far from the city and very affordable. It provided me privacy but with the companionship of Mrs. Coates living under the same roof. It was much cheaper than any other flats advertised therefore many applied. I was deflated when Mrs. Coates told me I was one of many wanting the flat.

I knew she would appreciate assistance; I immediately went into charm-begging mode promising I would help her. She didn't budge. She said she would ring me with her decision. I said a quick little prayer. I know I am meant to have this flat; I would also enjoy helping you. I will wait for your call.

A few days later I got the call I had been praying for. Do you still want this flat?

Yes please.

OK! I have decided you can have it. When would you like to move in?

Chapter 2

My Own Home

I gave Jan and Joan notice, they seemed most put out though I think they were grateful to have my room free for their use. I knew they would certainly miss my rent as money always seemed to be an issue with them. I asked Bill if he would help me move my belongings, I never had much but it was too much to load onto my scooter. All my belongings easily fitted into the back of his ute.

I settled into my new abode, as humble as it was, I loved it. Mrs. Coates was ridiculously particular and set in her ways and expected certain duties to be done just so, she expected me to conform to her standards. I did. It was easy, easier than conforming to my parent’s standards.

She didn't approve of smoking cigarettes, smoke badly affected her weak chest. I never smoked in my flat I didn't want to upset her. I never let anyone else smoke in the flat either. I didn't crave for cigarettes I only smoked them instead of overeating. I didn't look to overeat in the flat. I was content.

Most nights Mrs. Coates invited me to eat dinner with her at her kitchen table. We each cooked our own meal in our own kitchen, I washed our dishes. After dinner she usually invited me into her lounge to watch TV. Yes, a bonus, a TV set in the house. There were now two television channels showing in Adelaide, seven and two. Mrs. Coates watched her favourite shows; I didn't care what I watched if it was TV. I appreciated company at night, I know she did too.

Mrs. Coates and I got on very well, she was my confidante, we talked lots, she was judgmental with very fixed opinions but I respected her opinions, if I disagreed I kept quiet about it, I didn't want to upset our relationship.

Mrs. Coates had a son and a daughter, they, with their families lived in suburbs of Adelaide, she continually complained because they didn't regularly visit her. I thought "no wonder they don't visit, she continually nagged about their absences. I thought they visited often enough, but it was never enough for Mrs. Coates and she didn't miss a chance to tell them.

I wrote home and asked for the contents of my 'Glory Box'. I may as well use the few things I had gathered together when engaged to Ted. Although the flat was ‘self-contained’ it only provided a few very basic items which were old and chipped.

Mum and dad brought the contents of my 'Glory Box' and my sewing machine to Adelaide. I guess they wanted to check out my new abode and the landlady as well. Mum was not impressed, she screwed up her nose and said It needs a coat of paint inside; tell Mrs. Coates I'll paint it for her.

I did. Who will buy the paint? she quipped.

It never got to be painted.

I was so pleased to have the contents of my 'Glory Box'. I enjoyed unpacking and washing the new linen, crockery, cutlery and kitchen gadgets, and using them. I especially enjoyed having my sewing machine at the ready. I did a lot of sewing, mainly for myself as I had grown out of most of my clothes having put on three stone in weight since moving to Adelaide.

Margaret in the debutant gown I made her.

A girlfriend Margaret Miller from home wrote and asked if I could make her debutante gown. There were enough sixteen-year-old girls in Penong to stage another debutant ball. My reputation for drafting and sewing had followed me. Yes! I now had my sewing machine and my own little flat, I would enjoy making Margaret’s gown; she had the standard figure of all the girls that age, so I was confident of drafting and making it without a fitting. She sent me the measurements I specified and a picture of a lovely crinoline style gown with frills and laces over a long full hooped skirt.

I lovingly made it, looking forward each night to work on it. It was such a pleasure to be creating gowns in my own little flat. I felt complete. Finally, the gown was finished I posted it to Margaret hoping it would fit. It did. She sent me a photo of her on the night she looked stunning. I was so proud. I showed the photo to my work mates I'm sure they thought I was pulling their leg. I found it hard to convince them I had drafted and made this gown, I didn't care what they thought, I knew.

I loved my little flat it was close to everything, the beach a half hour scooter ride to the west; work a five-minute scooter ride long King William Road to the north; and Aunty Ruby, Aunty May cousin Dawn and Gordon all lived in nearby Toorak Gardens to the east.

Walking to work

I had become competent on my scooter and now tore as fast as the traffic allowed down the centre line of the road, dodging in and out passing all traffic as I went. Driving to work I learned if I caught the first set of lights as they turned green at South Terrace, I was able to reach my parking spot just north of North Terrace in five minutes without having to stop for any traffic lights. At peak hour there were police directing the traffic at selected intersections who got to recognise and always acknowledge me. I felt quite important.

It was easy to find a park for my scooter I could squeeze it in the tiniest space, sometimes if I parked too close to parked cars, it had been pulled aside when I returned. I tried to give cars enough room to maneuver around my scooter: there was no power steering back then they probably needed more room to maneuver than I sometimes gave them.

Another lad who worked in the city also rode his motor bike to work and parked near me, we often walked to our workplaces together chatting away. He was a nice lad, but we only ever talked as we walked to work, he never asked me for a date as much as I would have liked him to. See the photo of us walking to work together helmets in hand. This photo is also in my album giving the impression I was a very popular girl. One of mum's sayings a camera never lies.

Well mum, I have news for you!

I endeavoured to do the right thing by Mrs. Coates.

What would you like me to do?" I asked.

I need the garden weeded.

Okay no worries, I spent a full weekend pulling out all the weeds between the rose bushes along the front fence. I couldn't believe it took so long, but I thought I did a good job. Mrs. Coates obviously didn't. I still don't know what I did wrong, but it certainly wasn't right for her. I made a pact with myself I wouldn't offer to do any more gardening for her. I didn't. She would never again chastise me for not doing a job 'properly' she wouldn’t get a chance. I thought she could have shown a little gratitude for the painstaking work I 'helped' her with. Regardless, I was happy living with her. I felt as if my prayers had been answered.

Occasionally Bill dropped by unexpectedly, sometimes he asked me to go to Maughan Church with him I didn’t care where we went I was happy just being with him and would have liked to see him more often but it was usually about once a fortnight. I must keep myself otherwise occupied.

Attending Maughan Church with Bill felt a grand affair and I loved the aspect of such a large imposing church but was continually surprised there was no interaction with anyone before or after the service: never mind I was with Bill.

Unley Methodist Church on King William Road was just around the corner from my flat. This stately church had special memories for me. Aunty Ruby’s husband Jack Peters was the Parson at this church for many years, I remembered during our holidays in Adelaide visiting them and my cousins Dorothy and Barbara at the church grounds where they lived in the manse behind the church. I always felt this was a special and prestigious parish. How co-incidental? I was now living so near.

Chapter 3

My Social Life

One lonely Sunday I decided to go along to Unley Methodist Church. As stately as the church was I felt a warmth and welcoming atmosphere; as was usual for me after church I stayed and chatted to people, they were all friendly and most interested to know I was the niece of a well-known and respected former parson of their church. I felt proud and important with their welcoming acceptance of little old me. The vibrant group of young people especially welcomed me into their fold inviting me to their join their Youth Club.

I really enjoyed Unley Church Youth Club; it was well run by young people the likes I had never met; it was so much fun. The young people involved were university students present or past, they weren't only fun they were intelligent and witty with not a bottle of beer or cigarette in site. This club met regularly occasionally organising socials and concerts, I loved every aspect of the club, especially some of the guys though I soon learned I wasn't in their league and retreated to my humble uneducated self, grateful for their acceptance of me into the club.

Some of these young folks taught Sunday school and asked me if I would like to be a teacher as well. I was honoured and accepted. I knew this would please my parents even though I wasn’t a good teacher. I had no idea how to control or teach children, but I preferred being with the kids than sitting through a sermon. (Sunday school was conducted during the sermons).

This church experience was one I had never known the likes of. I was so happy. I knew mum and dad would be happy too, they knew my every movement I still wrote to them twice a week, to me it was 'normal' to put every aspect of my life in a letter to mum and dad. I couldn't tell them in person what I put in the regular letters. I knew they would whole heartedly approve of me attending church especially this church which our family had a connection with. I also felt obliged to 'pay them back' for making it possible to buy my Lambretta which gave me independence and ultimately a modicum of confidence.

I was asked if I would like to join the church choir.

WOULD I?

Oh! Yes please.

I loved music I loved singing; I knew all the hymns. I had played the organ for the Penong church for years. I couldn't wait. Practice was Thursday nights. I rode my scooter there each week; my scooter was quite recognisable and I realised prestigious. I was so pleased Jim had insisted I purchase the Lambretta instead of the humble Honda scooter I had intended to buy.

Joining the choir meant I couldn’t teach Sunday School, which was probably a good thing, especially for the kids. Choir wasn't as easy as I expected it to be. Singing with four different parts was new to me, I didn't know the anthems the choir sang each Sunday, it was a lot to learn each week, never mind I became apt at miming if I wasn’t sure. I did enjoy the choir and practice evenings very much especially as most of the youth club members were also in the choir. I loved dressing in my 'Sunday best' sitting proudly in the front row of the choir allowing me unrestricted views of the congregation. The Choir Master also the organist a young family man and so talented, I was in awe of his capabilities and his lovely family.

My first big surprise experience with the choir was the combined churches choirs Xmas Carols. Many people gathered for rehearsal, all with their own music. I never had any, didn't matter I looked on with someone else. There were no rehearsals to learn the carols, everyone knew them, so did I until …The Hallelujah Chorus.

I was stunned. I had never heard anything like it.

There I was amid this huge choir where everyone confidently sang their parts in top voice. I silently mimed bits but mostly I listened in awe. I must learn this beautiful chorus before we performed it publicly. I borrowed music and earnestly practiced on the piano in the church hall every chance I got. At the Carols by Candlelight performance I felt confident enough to actually sing. What a thrill it was be part of such a magnificent choir. Easter was a similar experience where the combined choirs annually sang Handel’s Messiah, I was very proud to be part of it. Even now when I hear choirs singing these wonderful compositions, I have shivers down my spine... remembering I once sang this spine-tingling music in a choir.

Unley Methodist Church had tennis courts situated behind the church, used for competition as well as social. I was invited to play socially, then invited to play in a team against other churches on a Saturday afternoon. I loved the idea of having something to look forward to each Saturday, though I was conscious of my hick country style of playing. I realised learning to play with mum who was self-taught had an unwitting influence on me, I had copied her style of play, my stroke hitting of the ball was different from the professionally coached city players, never mind I could get the ball over the net okay.

If I didn't think about my 'hick tennis style' I would mostly win. I discovered the flash hitting tennis players hadn't been taught to handle such an unusual style as mine, even so I was quite embarrassed by the way I played, though I gained a little respect by telling them I had a friend Bill Hoad who was a cousin of Lew Hoad though I could see them thinking she obviously didn't learn from Lew Hoad.

I was content, I now had many interests: tennis, choir, youth group activities, a nice flat, freedom and mobility. I longed to see Bill more often, but I understood he was a busy person. I was grateful each time he eventually called to see me, always unannounced because I felt it was an intrusion to give Mrs. Coates’ phone number, so I never did, beside she never offered. It was bad enough when people knocked on her front door for me instead of my door at the rear, her mobility was limited, and she bitterly complained if she had to maneuver herself to answer the door then find my friends there; she was the same with phone calls.

When Bill visited I invited him to the church activities with me, he occasionally accepted, always finishing back at my flat for 'coffee'. I made a sort of espresso coffee by whipping the powdered milk I was forced to use (couldn't wake Mrs. Coates or sneak into her kitchen fridge for fresh milk at that time of night).

We'll have coffee at your place, you make the best coffee.

I swelled with pride. At least I can do something nice I thought.

I realised much later this was a big mistake, me making delicious frothy coffee, I never got asked out or taken for coffee while it was available at my place... for free... and… with benefits... No! Not what you are thinking: only cuddles.

The summers in Adelaide were so hot. No air conditioning in those days. We didn't even have air con at work in the Myer basement. My flat was on the northwest corner of the house. It was a hot box. They talk about 'global warning' these days... bullshit, it was much hotter in the twentieth century; it was the accepted weather pattern.

In my flat after work it WAS HOT. It was impossible to stay inside. As soon as the sun went down, I went outside on the lawn. Many a night I slept out there on a rug it was just too hot to be inside, even if there had been a breeze it would not have been enough to cool down my hot corner of the house. Sleeping out on the lawn had its drawback, mossies. I don't know which was worse, tossing sleepless in the heat or being eaten alive by mossies. Cool changes were most welcome.

I longed to see Bill more, he occasionally called in after dinner, I would wait with excited anticipation never knowing when it might be. It was always a pleasure to see him and he seemed pleased to see me. No, he didn't want coffee, we chatted for a while until the chatting progressed to kissing and petting, my favourite pastime. I always had Ted's words in my mind Don't let any guy touch you! No! I had no intention of letting my feelings get out of hand; heavy petting was okay but definitely no penetration of the penis into my vagina.

I felt something for Bill I had never felt with anyone else. I had never been intimate with a gentle sober minded guy, it was a contented feeling. I knew mum and dad would be happy. Kissing and petting usually got very involved with Bill, never in my bed just standing always fully clothed in the kitchen where our bodies melded together from our toes to our lips. I could feel the hardness of his manhood pressed into my stomach through our clothes, it never took long for his sexual fever to reach a high pitch then with a groan he relaxed and pulled away.

I'd better go home now.

Such will power I thought. I didn't mind our heavy petting giving him relief even though I was left wanting. I was content he even bothered to see me.

I was so enjoying my newfound independence, friends and lifestyle. Now I had my own flat I found I had many unexpected visitors, my invited friends knew the way to my entrance at the rear, those visiting Adelaide from Penong or Ceduna naturally called in to see me which worried me when they knocked on the front door. Mrs. Coates was never amused at this intrusion especially late at night when they were in a happy mood from alcohol. I entertained them very proper, with never a hint of encouragement by flirting; they got the message and didn’t stay long, never to return.

Glenys's brother Bill remained a good friend he was my 'Brother Bill'. One night we had been out together, when we arrived back at my flat just after midnight I realised I had misplaced my key. I never considered waking Mrs. Coates at that time of the night it would have pushed our friendship just too far. We had no alternative but to wait it out in Bill's car until daylight. We did, we curled up on the front seat, we knew and understood each other very well, we had been extra good friends before moving to the city, sleeping in the car wasn’t uncomfortable for us, not that we had a choice this night, neither of us felt embarrassed as we fell into a sound sleep not waking till daylight. I felt so guilty spending all night in the street in a car with a boy.

WHAT WOULD THE NEIGHBORS THINK?

I was mortified.

Mrs. Coates didn't seem to be perturbed, nor did the neighbours, they hadn't even realised I had spent the night in the car alone with a guy. WOW so different to home, such liberated freedom was a deliciously new experience to me.

I was invited to go out to dinner with a group of young folks from tennis, there was a 'nice' lad they thought could partner me... a blind date?

What's that? I asked some of my older workmates if it was 'proper' to accept an invitation such as this. They said dining out was okay but warned me to be careful after dinner??

Why? I wondered.

I can look after myself; I won't get into any unsavoury predicaments.

I accepted. Okay this would be another new experience for me, I was looking forward to it, though a little nervous as to how to behave in a licensed restaurant with a group of virtual strangers.

Dinner was at a popular restaurant with nine other young people. I need not have worried they were all very nice young folks and made me feel welcome. The lad who was my 'date' was also very nice and very proper, a nerd who treated me like a lady. I wasn't used to mixing with such a group of young people whose priority wasn't to get drunk. My 'brother' Bill and Bill Hoad were as near as I got to knowing some-one like this guy, but my Bill's weren't nerds, one was my lifelong friend the other was an exciting new friend.

I felt at ease with this new group of people, I also felt comfortably safe with the nerd, I was certain he was a genuinely nice person. After dinner everyone paired off. Some went here, some went there, and some were going to a caravan. Nerd asked me what I wanted to do. I thought the caravan sounded interesting, I loved caravanning.

We three couples entered this caravan which was set up with bunks. The other two couples selected their bunks and settled on them, lying down; we both awkwardly climbed up to the remaining single bunk. We couldn't help but embrace there was no room on the bunk for us to fit if we didn't. We were virtual strangers put in a situation neither of us seemed able to get a grip of. We both lay rigid on the bunk. I was so embarrassed, and I am sure Nerd was too. Finally, he asked shall we go for a walk?

I was so relieved he took this initiative.

We escaped the caravan and walked back to his car, expressing our embarrassment to each other. I think he decided I was a nice girl probably worth pursuing? He took me home to my flat and asked if he could see me again. I didn't have the heart to say no; anyway, I was so yearning for young friends, especially a boyfriend. Yes.

Nerd visited me a few times he was such a nice guy, but I felt absolutely no sparks, I felt he was too nice. I became concerned when he brought his mother into our relationship, in words only but things were moving too fast, though there was absolutely no physical contact between us I felt uncomfortable with his proposed intentions, especially when he suggested his mother would do this, that and the other for me I thought whoa whoa!

What could I do about it? I never had the heart to tell him I had no feelings for him, and I didn't want his mother's intervention. In fact, I found him to be quite boring. What was wrong with me? I knew he was a nice guy.

A solution came unexpectedly, a surprise visitor from Penong, one of the lads visiting Adelaide dropped in to visit a lifelong friend... ME. I was thrilled to see someone from home it was like a breath of fresh air in my rather lonely existence. We were enjoying a chat catching up on all the gossip when who should walk in but Nerd.

There was stunned embarrassment from both guys, my friend thought he was intruding in my life and was about to apologise and say his goodbyes. I secretly whispered, Don't go. He was rather surprised but stayed. The three of us small talked until Nerd excused himself saying Goodbye.

I thanked my friend explaining

Nerd obviously thought you were a boyfriend.

I never saw Nerd again. I realised it was a coward’s way to end a relationship and I am sorry, but it seemed to be right at the time. I didn't know how to face someone to tell them something they wouldn't want to hear.

I do hope Nerd found a nice lady, a more suitable lady than me, and lived happy ever after. He deserved it!

I enjoyed the fellowship of the choir members as much as the singing. I must have been okay because the Musical Director asked me to sing solo a verse of I'll Walk with God. I was so proud. I practice the verse over and over as I rode along on my scooter. One night as I was riding the scooter along Fisher Street Fullarton to a doctor’s appointment, I was loudly practicing my solo........

"I'll walk with God. I'll take His hand. I'll walk with God, He'll understaaa.........

BANG........CRASH......CRUNCH.

I didn't see the stop sign at Fullarton Rd. I drove straight through it and into the left side of a passing late model sedan.

I very nearly did walk with God.

It was lucky I wasn't a few seconds earlier or I would have been run over by the poor innocent man whom I had crashed into, he was more upset than me. I was alive and appeared to have escaped injuries. My scooter was a bit twisted. I checked it out and decided I could continue riding it to the doctors not very far away. The kindly man begged me to let him take me. No! I wasn't leaving my scooter behind. We exchanged names etc. He watched with trepidation as I took off on my scooter, it was hard to steer because the handles were twisted a different way to the way the wheels were directed I felt like a crab crawling cautiously along the kerbside of the road as I dangerously made my way to the doctors surgery.

Doctor Freda was horrified and immediately pounded my bike in her yard insisting I call a cab. I used her phone and rang Bill. Luckily, he was home, he came and picked me up; next day he took my scooter to Freeman Motors for repairs.

I had a sore right thumb; an ex-ray showed it was broken, before I could fathom my situation it was put in plaster all the way up to my elbow.

Mr. Laws was dubious about me working with an arm in plaster. I assured him it wouldn't hinder my work at all. During the day the Mr. Big Boss happened to walk past, I saw him looking at my plaster cast. Next thing I was summonsed to his office. He sat me down, in an apologetic tone told me I couldn't be seen working in a plaster cast, he was genuinely sorry to be telling me I had to take time off without pay and was concerned as to how I would manage?

I still remember the surprised look on his face when I happily replied Good! I will go home. I have wanted time off to go back to Penong and haven't been granted it.

Mum and dad were pleased to have me home though be it for only two weeks, they paid my fares. I was looking forward to a holiday. It was much more fun on the farm now Roger was a licensed driver. He was allowed to go where he wanted, when he wanted. I was allowed to go with him, what luxury, home wasn't a jail anymore.

Roger was a typical 'local larrikin lad' I couldn't believe he was allowed to behave as he did, mum and dad must have known, the gossipers would have surely told them, either mum and dad turned a blind eye and deaf ear or they accepted their son's wayward behaviour. I well remember the warnings reprimands and principles I was continually subjected to as my parents instilled their ideals and beliefs into me making my life on the farm a boring misery.

Roger took me to join the local gang. It was so good to catch up with all the local young folks who were lifelong friends. I saw Ted; he was still at Penong, shearing when needed and getting work where-ever he could. He was still the same gentle Ted. I enjoyed spending time with him but felt guilty knowing how much mum and dad disapproved.

Although it was more enjoyable at home now, I soon felt homesick for Adelaide, and Bill, although there was no commitment from him I lived in hope. Bill met me at the airport; he seemed as pleased to see me as I was to see him. It was nice. I felt comforted and content with Bill's warm reception to my homecoming.

My scooter had been repaired; my broken thumb was still in plaster; well my arm was in plaster the broken part of the thumb was protruding from the plaster cast. I now had to face my three driving offense charges; failing to stop at a stop sign, failing to give way to the right, and negligence driving. I knew I was guilty of all three.

I had joined the Royal Automobile Association when I bought the scooter. The RAA insurance handled the insurance claim and their solicitors took over the three driving offenses. I didn't have to attend court for which I was truly thankful. My defense was my scooter lights weren't strong or high enough to pick up the stop sign which was hidden partly behind a tree branch. This was true. I rode along this road often, this wasn't the first time I had driven straight through that crossroad without seeing the Stop sign, guess I had been luckier the previous successful crossings.

The RAA's solicitors managed to have the negligence and failing to stop at a stop sign charges both dropped. I was charged with failing to give way to the right. I was fined and ordered to attend a driver education evening at the police station, which I did. This education evening had a profound effect on me, I realised how easy in one split second of lack of concentration you can be dead.

This program should be shown to all Learners and offending drivers.

My scooter all fixed was ready to collect; problem was I wasn't allowed to have my licence back until the plaster was removed from my arm.

If the plaster is not on my arm can I have my licence back?

Yes.

The plaster cast started just below the break in my thumb and finished at my elbow. I could move the broken thumb, it didn't hurt too much, I thought the plaster cast was a joke, it did nothing for the break certainly it didn't protect the area that was broken. I went straight to the doctors, explained how I thought the plaster was totally useless, she agreed and promptly removed it. No question as to how the broken thumb felt. I made no mention either.

That same afternoon I returned to claim my licence. The same gentleman was dumb founded looking at my arm devoid of the plaster cast.

Well I said you could have your licence when the cast was off, so I suppose I have got to give it to you.

Thank you! I said as I made sure he didn't detect how painful my thumb still was.

I collected my 'as new again' scooter from Jim at Freeman Motors and happily rode it home.

Dad paid my fine. Good I didn't have to dig into my savings.

My city life returned to normal. I was still alive.

I had learned a valuable lesson... concentrate at all times while driving.

Ted came to Adelaide for his holidays, and of course we always spent time together. Having my own flat was a wonderful opportunity for petting without being discovered. Strange, now that I had unlimited freedom, I felt very responsible for myself. I had strict rules for my male visitors... no entering my bedroom. Ted respected this and never pushed me into breaking that rule. I felt his feelings for me were growing stronger. He showed more attention and love to me than Bill. I was in a dilemma! Ted could arouse my sexual desires though he never took advantage of my vulnerability. I never became aroused with Bill like I did with Ted, but I knew Bill was a better prospect for marriage than Ted. Bill had excellent prospects for a future. Ted didn't think about the future, he was happy to live day by day.

Ted was getting to know a different Eunice, a Eunice not under the watchful eye of her parents, he told me I had changed. I guess I was being my real self, a person I was also discovering. I relished in this newfound independence. I had never had an opportunity to act independent of the influence of my family and the community. I loved being with Ted feeling very comfortable with him, but my inner sense told me he wasn't a good marriage prospect.

I was 20 years old now and marriage was very much on my agenda, as much as I desperately wanted to marry, I wouldn't commit myself to again becoming engaged to Ted. The last words Ted said to me before he went home after this holiday was I'll come back next holiday and try again. These words gave me a warm feeling, I wasn't going to be left 'on the shelf' (the term to describe girls who didn't marry). It was deemed to be a slight on a girl if she didn't get an offer of marriage. I didn’t want to become an ‘old maid’ I felt relieved to think there was someone who actually wanted to marry me. I did not want to be 'left on the shelf'.

I didn't dare hope Bill could love me as Ted did, but, oh, how I wished he could. I knew Bill would never marry he made that very clear from the day we met. Why would he? He was very happy with his lifestyle. He had a good job; he had his own room at his mum and stepdad’s home where he could come and go as he pleased. He had his mum who doted on him and looked after him unconditionally. He wasn't going to give up his comfortable life to take on the responsibility of marriage. I could only dream, and I knew mum and dad would approve of a non-drinking Methodist marrying me even though he wasn't a farmer.

What am I thinking about? Bill doesn't show any signs of marrying.

I talked to Mrs. Coates about my dilemma between Ted and Bill; she had met both, to my surprise she told me Ted was the better catch. She was adamant.

Never marry an only child! They have always been indulged and are very selfish people.

I thought she was being harsh in her judgment of Bill. Well I probably wouldn't have to worry about Bill, he had no intention of getting married to anyone let alone me, he wasn’t about to change his comfortable lifestyle besides he adored his, mum she was the most important woman in his life and his life revolved around her. I thought she must be some remarkable lady. I longed to meet her but was never invited to.

I kept myself happily busy, the weekends I didn’t see Bill I visited my aunties and cousins and friends of mum and dad who always welcomed me with open arms and fed me delicious meals. I couldn’t cook proper meals in my basic kitchen so home cooked meals were a luxury and I noted also made my host happy, they seemed to enjoy watching me tucking in and enjoying their food. During these visits I chatted without reserve I had nothing to hide about my escapades and new life in Adelaide. I knew it would all be reported back to mum and dad. Good. I was proud of the life I had carved for myself in ‘The Big Smoke’. I hoped they would be too.

Movie theatres were the big entertainment of this era, I loved going to the movies and went often on my own. On the rare occasion I was asked to the movies I tried to have a sleep prior so I wouldn't fall asleep during the movie, it was so embarrassing to fall asleep on a date. Theatres were grand buildings with lavish décor, some had a pipe organ installed with a resident organist who played it as a prelude to the movies, people arrived early to sit and enjoy these recitals. I loved to arrive early and listen too.

On Saturday nights when I didn't have a date (this was most weekends) I got on my scooter and rode to one of the dance venues. Norwood Glenelg and Burnside Town halls were the most popular. I had gained enough confidence to attend these dances alone. I thought I might see Bill there. I never did. I wondered what he was doing on Saturday nights. I would have loved it if he was at the dances and we could dance together all night. I tried to enjoy myself on these nights I didn't know anyone so mainly watched other couples enjoying themselves.

Occasionally I was asked by a boy to dance I always accepted if the boy was taller than me. I had a thing about looking down on a boy. As desperate as I was I still couldn’t come at dancing with foreigners and there were a plenty, they were migrating to Australia in large numbers, they persistently asked wallflowers like me (girls who seldom were asked) to dance, as much as I wanted to dance I couldn't bring myself to accept a dance with a short no understand English guy. I thought the girls who accepted their requests to dance weren't 'nice girls. I never met anyone at these dances who offered to drive me home, or anyone that I wanted to get to know better. I had my scooter I was independent and had to drive it home anyway. I was yearning for Bill and think I was looking for someone like him because he seemed elusive. I mustn’t expect too much from Bill; even so I dreamed of dancing around the dance floor in his arms.

The Tunarama Festival is held annually at Pt Lincoln on the Australia day holiday weekend in January. I flew to Pt. Lincoln where mum and dad met me at the airport. I was excited to be seeing them though cautious as to how they would accept my newfound independence. I flitted around the town doing the festival things including attending the big dance on the Saturday evening. I met a very confident guy, Dan, in army uniform, he wore it proudly. Dan was a few years older than me, a tall striking handsome man who appeared to like me. I was flattered. He lived at Semaphore in Adelaide and was in Pt. Lincoln for the weekend working with the army in his capacity as chef. I enjoyed his company.

I had never mixed with defence personal; mum and dad's opinion of the army was for people who couldn't get a job anywhere else, so I was a bit reluctant to introduce him to them. Finally, I did. Dan wanted to meet them which impressed me, mostly my friends avoided mum and dad. To my surprise mum and dad graciously accepted Dan as my friend and allowed me unsupervised freedom to be with him, they even let him take me to the airport for my flight back to Adelaide. 'Times were a... changing.'

Dan made me feel very special all weekend, he was an exceptionally good dancer; we danced a lot. Finally, my dreams became a reality. I was in the arms of an adoring man romantically dancing the night away. I was floating on a cloud. We spent all our spare time together. I was flying back to Adelaide the day before him; he made me promise we would continue our friendship back in Adelaide.

At the airport he made a big show of saying goodbye engulfing me in his arms against his large, muscled body smothering me with hugs and long lingering kisses, as much as I enjoyed this open show of affection I was worried some-one I knew would see me and report back to mum and dad.

The flight back to Adelaide allowed me to get my emotions into perspective. Bill was meeting me at Adelaide airport, how risqué of me to be put on the plane by one guy amidst such an open show of affection to be met by another guy greeting me affectionately. It seemed as if Bill missed me it was obvious he was pleased to see me. I couldn't believe how my social life had suddenly come alive.

Bill's spasmodic visits allowed me plenty of time to spend with Dan and he was such fun to be with. Dan didn't have a car he was happy to taxi everywhere, he seemed to have plenty of money and happy to spend it on me. I asked him if he was game to ride pillion on my scooter, he was not only willing but keen.

It was a strange sensation for me riding through Adelaide City with this big man on the hind seat of my scooter clinging to me, the scooter was struggling against the extra weight. I felt conscious of looking ridiculous, especially after midnight on our way home from nightclubs riding down King William Street. Dan didn't seem to care; in fact, he seemed to enjoy the rides. I thought it a bit odd.

We went to night clubs had coffee and danced the nights away, it was so romantic, we inevitably finished back at my flat, not for coffee, he always bought us coffees at cosy romantic venues. I really fell for Dan he was a very confident person and an experienced lover. He took me to greater romantic heights than I had ever known. Yes, he wooed me into my bedroom and the single bed, BUT... never once penetrating me. He knew what he was doing and did it in such thrilling ways until I orgasmed. WOW! What a guy? All the while respecting my virginity!

Dan often worked away from Adelaide, he begged me to go to the Adelaide Railway Station to see him off. How romantic those farewells were? He embraced me ardently ignoring the final boarding calls, he wouldn't let me go until the train was leaving the platform, then in a flurry and a long lasting final kiss he ran along the platform chasing the moving train until he found his carriage then jumped aboard all the while loudly declaring his love for me. All his mates were enviously watching and cheering. It was like in the movies, although I was flattered, I was also slightly embarrassed I wasn't used to being the subject of such a public display.

We were both in love. He gave me a very special leather-bound family photo album, it was obvious photos had been taken out of it, but he told me he wanted me to have it. I was touched. I wrote all the details to mum and dad, they seemed happy for me. Mrs. Coates liked him and was happy for me. I told my cousins Dorothy and Barbara; they were happy for me. Bill seemed to be from another era and world.

Dorothy knew most people at Semaphore because they owned the Semaphore general store and attended Semaphore Methodist church along with Dan’s family whom they knew. Dorothy told me they only had one son and he was married. I was sure she had the wrong family. It couldn't possibly be the same family.

A few days later Dorothy rang me I have spoken to Dan's mother she told me he is married.

I don't believe it. I will ask him.

Next time I saw Dan I asked him, he assured me he wasn't married.

I rang Dorothy You have it all wrong, he's not married, he told me so.

Dorothy was absolutely adamant she was right and that photograph album he gave you is a precious family heirloom and the family would appreciate it returned.

I decided while Dan was away, I would visit his mum and ask her direct. Dorothy gave me her address and told her to expect a call from me. I wanted to take the album with me, it would be difficult transporting it on my scooter so I asked Bill if he would take me to this address at Semaphore, he graciously obliged. With much trepidation I knocked on Dan's door, his mother greeted me, she was a lovely lady who sadly told me the truth.

I'm afraid Dan is married, though not happily.

She was very grateful to have the photo album returned.

I was deflated and most upset about the lies Dan had told me.

My feelings for Dan immediately turned to disgust anger and contempt, how could I have been so easily duped? It was a comfort to have Bill there to drive me home without asking questions. I told Dorothy she was right and thanked her for telling me and asked her not to tell anyone. I was so embarrassed.

I never told anyone Dan was married, I just said we weren't friends anymore. I was surprised mum didn't cross examine me. I was grateful she didn't. I didn't want to face any more humiliation.

When Dan returned from his posting, he rang me, I gave him the biggest telling off I had ever given anyone, I was very angry, how dare he lie so blatantly to me. I never heard from him again.

February 11th. 1961 I turned twenty-one. I went home to celebrate this milestone. Mum and Dad hired the Penong Hall and as was the custom in the country everyone was invited through the grapevine and an open invite in the West Coast Sentinel.

The morning of my birthday dad told me