Violet Bernice Hayes (1900-1992)
married 1921
William Leslie Bragge (1892-1965)
Violet Bernice Hayes was born 6th July in the turn of the century year, 1900. She grew up on her parents property, 'Mimosa Glen' in Tooborac. She was the youngest to four brothers and three sisters. Their sister Winifred had died at 3 years of age long before Violet had been born, otherwise she would had known four sisters.
Violet's parents decided to send her away to the city for her secondary education. She attended the Methodist Ladies College (MLC) for several years and made many good friends. Among them was Vida Carkeek whose sister was Alice. Subsequently, Alice married Violet's brother, Jack (John Stitchell) Hayes.
Violet's parents decided to send her away to the city for her secondary education. She attended the Methodist Ladies College (MLC) for several years and made many good friends. Among them was Vida Carkeek whose sister was Alice. Subsequently, Alice married Violet's brother, Jack (John Stitchell) Hayes.
William Leslie Bragge grew up in Castlemaine in his parents home, 3 Campbell Street. His parents were Edwin Albert and Esther (nee Tott) who had been married in 1889 in Victoria. They had three children: Amy French, William Leslie & Bryan French before Edwin died at only 40 years of age. As far as we know, William Leslie was usually known as Leslie.
|
Wedding Bells
After leaving school, Violet was working in a office in Melbourne and living together with her sister Dora in a boarding house. Les arrived to take Dora out and discovered her younger sister, Violet! A romance began and they were married 18 July 1921 at 'Mimosa Glen' in Tooborac.
Their first home was at "Inverloch" Elizabeth Street, Malvern. This young couple may have been brought up in the country but they settled in the city to start off. While here, Violet gave birth to Edward William Bragge in Armadale 5th June 1922. By the 1924 census, they were now living at 254 Mont Albert Road, Surrey Hills and Les was a Clerk. We know that this was a clerk position at the Spencer Street Post Office. While living here in Surrey Hills, Violet gave birth to their only daughter, Elaine Sara Bragge in 16 July 1927. Murray Albert Bragge followed six years later on 30 June 1933. Ted and Elaine began school at Chatham Primary School. From here, the family moved to Pyramid Hill (near Kerang) for 1934 & 35.
|
In 1936, they were living in the Post Office in Maldon with Les as the Postmaster. While living here, the children went to Maldon Primary School. Violet enjoyed becoming socially involved in their new environment. She soon became treasurer of the Maldon CWA (Country Women's Association). Les loved playing golf in his recreational times.
Once the children were ready for high school, they took the bus to Castlemaine to attend Castlemaine High School. According to the Victoria Census, by 1949, Les and family were living in the provided accommodation behind the Post Office at Castlemaine where Les was again the Postmaster. They stayed on here until at least 1963. While living in Castlemaine, Violet slowed down her social activities. When Les retired from the Post Office, he and Violet retired to a home in Urquhart Street in Castlemaine. Les became a keen gardener in his retirement and won the Castlemaine garden of the year award more than once. He also enjoyed his tennis. They were active members of their local Methodist church wherever they lived. Violet loved being a homemaker and delighted in her fine antique furnishings. |
|
Vale Les and Violet
Ted & Lesley
Ted served in the RAAF as a Warrant Officer in WW2. He enlisted 7 November 1941 in Melbourne, Victoria. His Next of kin was listed as his William Bragge, his father. When Ted was discharged 29 May 1946, he was attached to the 37 Squadron. He served in the RAAF in New Guinea and reputedly dropped the very last bomb in the war!
The Government gave those who had served in the war, a grant so Ted used it to become a dentist - Qualifications: L.D.S. Vic 1954, B.D.Sc. Melb 1954. This qualification became his occupation for the rest of his working life. Ted boarded with his Aunt Evelyn in Camberwell while he studied. His parents were in Castlemaine. His cousin Laurence was also boarding with Aunt Evelyn at that time. |
Ted went for a trip to England by ship. On the ship he met Lesley Rosemary Jones of Sydney. They married and lived in the suburb of Brighton in Melbourne until their daughters Susan and Sara were of primary school age. The family then moved to England to live.
Ted currently lives in Arundel, England as at 2015. Lesley died in 2010. Their two daughters are living in England with their families. In 2014, Ted was invited to Australia House in London for an ANZAC celebration where they honoured Ted as one of the last survivors of WW2. |
Elaine
Murray and Ina
Murray's story in his own words:
I was born in Surrey Hills in 1933. My father was employed in the Post Office and when he was a Post Master we went to Pyramid Hill in 1933 and then to Maldon in 1935. We occupied the same Post Office as the famous author Henry Handel Richardson* 50 years earlier. (See the image of the postcard at the top of the page). In her book ‘Myself When Young’, she described the garden and much of it was there when we arrived. While there, I went to Maldon Primary School. [*Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson (3 January 1870 – 20 March 1946),[1] known by her pen name Henry Handel Richardson, was an Australian author.]
My brother Ted, my sister Elaine and I all went to High School in Castlemaine and that meant catching a very old rail motor train from the Maldon Station. In winter the passengers had to get out of the train on an incline near the station because of slipping on the icy rails. The rail motor was a single carriage that included the noisy motor - like a bus on rails.
I was born in Surrey Hills in 1933. My father was employed in the Post Office and when he was a Post Master we went to Pyramid Hill in 1933 and then to Maldon in 1935. We occupied the same Post Office as the famous author Henry Handel Richardson* 50 years earlier. (See the image of the postcard at the top of the page). In her book ‘Myself When Young’, she described the garden and much of it was there when we arrived. While there, I went to Maldon Primary School. [*Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson (3 January 1870 – 20 March 1946),[1] known by her pen name Henry Handel Richardson, was an Australian author.]
My brother Ted, my sister Elaine and I all went to High School in Castlemaine and that meant catching a very old rail motor train from the Maldon Station. In winter the passengers had to get out of the train on an incline near the station because of slipping on the icy rails. The rail motor was a single carriage that included the noisy motor - like a bus on rails.
Our house in Bulleen was built in 1966 and designed by architect Daryl Jackson. Our first daughter, Katrina was born that year. Anita followed in 1969 and Peter arrived in 1972. We were a very happy family.