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The Gables at Chatteris held a special celebration to mark Australia's Wattle Day for one of its residents




It was a special day at The Gables for one of our residents, Eileen Jenkins, as we celebrated the Australian Wattle Day.

In 1940, at eight years old, Eileen was evacuated to live with relatives in Australia under the CORB (Children’s Overseas Reception Board) Scheme. She was one of 477 children on board the Polish liner “Batory” accompanied by 51 escorts assigned to care for them, along with 700 troops and the Polish crew.

Eileen Jenkins who was evacuated to Australia during the war. (16060514)
Eileen Jenkins who was evacuated to Australia during the war. (16060514)

One of the escorts was Meta Maclean an Australian songwriter and pianist and, during the 10-week voyage, she would lead the children in sing-a-longs, choirs and Sunday hymns. The ship became known as The Singing Ship and Maclean would later write a book with that title about the journey.

Eileen returned to England in 1946 on board the “Aquitania” which docked in Southampton on 10th January that year.

Staff at the Gables found the passenger list showing Eileen as a 14-year-old student returning to the UK and presented her with a framed copy.

The home also has 'Make A Wish Trees', where residents can hang their wishes and Eileen wished for an Australian Day.

So, on Friday August 30 saw us having a themed lunch in a dining room decorated with flags and balloons and home-made Wattle, followed by an afternoon of entertainment and singing.

Eileen said: “It was a wonderful day, bringing back many happy memories of my time in Australia”.

She thanked everyone for all the work they had put in to make it such a special day.

Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) is the national floral emblem of Australia and Wattle Day is held on September 1 year as the first day of spring and to celebrate the Australian spirit.”



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