Florence's Page

Welcome to the Florence's page.

Florence Portrait

Florence in a cart

Will and Florence on Bondi Beach in 1926

Florence - passport photo

Under Construction

My Nanna Flo

Soft, brown, doe-like eyes look at us with care.
A lifetime’s worth of giving from the heart to share
In all our triumphs and tribulations.

Our childhood was filled with lots of things good:
Jumpers, pom-pom hats, bedsocks, Yorkshire pud,
Lemon juice, macaroni cheese and other sensations.

Produce store wheat in drums for feeding chooks;
Shooing Sooty out of the way with scowling looks,
Chasing washing off lines before rain inundations.

Going up the Loop for a few odds and ends
Or delivering church papers to neighbours and friends
All done without great agitation.

When we mucked up it wasn’t smacked rears.
It was “I’ll give it you!” or “I’ll box your ears!”
Remarkably effective incantations.

Sending messages to relatives in England on tape:
Learning to bind the family ties that shape
Us in today’s situations.

Stories of England and aunties and uncles could fill
A book, but inwardly kept memories of husband Will:
Are privately cherished lamentations.

Grandchildren, great-grandchildren at my Nanna’s side
Feeling love and devotion and immense pride
At this century celebration.

A poem by Derek written for Nanna's 100th birthday, 17th May 2000

In England, Florence on right

Florence with Jack - 12 days old. First day up.

David, Jack, Alf Palmer, Brownie, Ruth Hollis, Annie Palmer, Nanna, Sooty, Janice and Derek