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Jim and Barbara Partington Interview

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Jim and Barbara Partington Interview Log Sheet

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Jim and Barbara Partington Oral History

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Collection SummaryThe Partingtons became ‘ten pound Poms’ and sailed from Southampton in September 1963. An aunt and uncle sponsored them and brought them to Cronulla where they bought a house. Jim had no trouble getting work and Barbara and the children soon settled into their new life. Later as the family grew they bought a larger house in Miranda where they lived for 36 years.SynopsisJim & Barbara Partington reflect on their early lives in Britain and how after a severe winter in 1962/3 they decided to migrate to Australia with their two small daughters. While the winter was of prime importance to Barbara, Jim recalls that for him the decision had more to do with the British class system. He felt if his children grew up in Nottingham with a regional accent they would not have the chance to realise their full potential. They agree that while in the early days there was some prejudice against them as ‘Pommie bastards’ this was not really significant. They were surprised to find how monarchist Australia was while they have always been republican. They did not become Australian citizens until the requirement to swear allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II was removed. They have thoroughly enjoyed their years living in Australia and have never regretted the decision to migrate. Probably the time they enjoyed most was the 20 years during which they had a small business running a market stall. They found the Australian way of life congenial especially when introduced to ‘the party scene’ by one of Barbara’s colleagues when she worked as a journalist at St George and Sutherland Shire Leader. They also acquired a taste for Australian wines which they still enjoy in their retirement.

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Jim and Barbara Partington Interview

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Jim and Barbara Partington Interview Log Sheet

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Oral History AudioJim and Barbara Partington InterviewDate of interview6th May 2010IntervieweeJim PartingtonBarbara PartingtonDate of birthJim: 20 May 1928, Barbara: 27 March 1934InterviewerPauline CurbySupporting materialJim and Barbara Partington Interview Log Sheet

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SubjectsPartington, JimPartington, BarabaraCollectionTelling it as it was