Episode 6 (Part 1) & Episode 7 (Part 2)

Vi Hay, a Taroom local for more than 90 years, grew up on Bradley Farm near Kinnoul Station. She married my great uncle Bill Hay and spent more than 47 years living at Bedourie. Part 1 of Always a Bush Girl covers the early years growing up in the Taroom bush, before and after the war, and her move to Bedourie. Bush life was never easy, but it was a life Vi loved.

Continuing on from Episode 6, Vi Hay shares more of her stories and memories of her favourite years living at Bedourie Station (from 1953 for 47 years) before moving to other properties and eventually into Taroom with husband Bill.  We talk about family, friends, neighbours and a fortunate life living in the bush for most of her 92+ years. Some informal history of Taroom and a few of Vi’s earliest memories are also included. 

These recordings have been made over many kitchen table conversations, cups of tea (and delicious homemade bikkies), and a few phone calls. Extra guests have assisted with parts of the story in this episode: Sel Draper (Vi’s sister); Bob Hay (Vi’s nephew); Beverley Scott (Vi’s Mapala neighbour); and Lex Smith (my father, Vi’s nephew through marriage).

Violet May Harris – VI HAY

In her 92nd year, Vi Hay is loving life and enjoying many visits from her ever-increasing family: 5 children, 22 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren – and more on the way.

Vi was born Violet May Harris, 20th February 1934, daughter of John and Margaret Harris of Bradley Farm, Taroom. She had three brothers – Jim, Lloyd, and Dudley; and three sisters – Grace (Ratz); Selma (Draper); and Kathleen (Howe).

Despite never gracing the inside of a school classroom in her life, often escaping down the paddock with her brothers when they were supposed to be doing correspondence school lessons under the house, Vi has always enjoyed reading and writing and has penned some remarkable memories to assist with this podcast. She was corresponding with 100 pen pals in her teenage years which no doubt helped greatly with the literacy lessons.

At 19 years, Vi married Bill Hay on 4th April 1953 and moved to Bedourie Station – 100 miles from Taroom, a drive that could take more than 12 hours on a good day. For 47 years they worked hard at Bedourie, building a future for their 5 kids. It was Bills dream to set each one up on a block of their own, and Vi did whatever was necessary to help it happen. Life had its ups and downs and didn’t go exactly to plan, but Vi always found a reason to laugh and says it was a good life, and she wouldn’t change a thing.

SHOW NOTES – Ep 6 & Ep 7

SPECIAL GUESTS:
Vi Hay
Lex Smith (Friend and nephew, married to Bill’s neice Lorraine Hay);
Selma Draper (Vi’s Sister);
Beverley Scott (nee Scantlebury, Mapala neighbour)
Bob Hay (Nephew, son of Eric Hay – Bill’s eldest brother)
Sally Symes (Daughter in Law, married to Tim at Currajong)

ARTWORK – Created on CANVA

MUSIC:
BenSound.com
“A New Beginning”

Steven-obrien.net
“Romance No. 6 in A Major”
“A Fresh Start”
“Piano Sonata No. 2 in F Major, Op. 1b, II. Adagio Grazioso”
Disgustingly Happy Thing”
“Utopian Theme”
“Happy Guitar Americana”
“Simply Done”
“Morning Stroll”

Incompetech.com
“Evening” by Kevin MacLeod
“Clear Air” by Kevin MacLeod

Pixabay.com
“Hauntsync Australian Style Polka Instrumental” (#273959)
“Monume Country Music” (#576986)
“Country” by Leberch (#518559)
“The Entertainer – Scott Joplin” by Abydos Music (#27178115)

SOUND EFFECTS by Freesound.com
Horse Whinny: 419231_inspectorj_horse-whinny-close-a

Book References:

“Flooded Creeks, Cattle Musters and Correspondence School” by Kathy Tullett
Printed by JT Press, 194 Anzac Ave, Redcliffe Qld 4020, December 2014
COPIES Available from Taroom Museum – Ph: Glenys 0409 663 701