Henry Richard Watts – Mick
Mick was born on June 23, 1934 to Francis and Lucy Watts, the last child of 15 children. He used to say they didn’t have any more children as they now had the best.
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He was born on the family property of “Ticehurst” and attended school at Kadungle until the school burned down. He then finished his schooling at Trundle, where he lived with his brother, Darky and his wife Phil.
Mick completed school with a sixth class education and was offered a job with a Menswear Store in Trundle. However he was told he already had a job on the farm and that was that.
Mick worked on the farm for many years, eventually taking up the trade of shearing.
His early years at “Ticehurst” set a work ethic that would remain with him his entire life and a love and commitment and closeness to his entire family.
During the Second World War, six of his brothers were to serve their country proudly.
Sadly two of his brothers did not come home, and this even started Mick on his lifelong quest for information about the”boys”, the places they served and the hardships they endured.
He never missed an ANZAC service, always laying flowers for his brothers and attempting to keep their memories alive in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and extended family of nieces and nephews.
Mick did his tour of National Service over a period of time at Holsworthy and Ingleburn and was glad when it was over and he was back in his beloved Trundle.
In 1959 Mick married Fay, the love of his life. This year they would have celebrated their 59th anniversary. Together they purchased “Pine Park”, home for their family and extended family.
It was a place for many family gathering and holidays for members of both the Watts and Burgess families.
Mick kept sheep and pigs and “Pine Park” and worked as a shearer.
He would give them each a name and they would follow him when he called. He went on to win prizes at the Trundle Show.
When Mick was a shearer, he would finish work, shower and go to his second job as a casual barman.
In the 70’s he was appointed to the position of Manager of the Trundle Golf Club.
The old club was blown down in a tornado, trapping him and others.
He assisted the others and then went down to the police station to let others know before being taken to hospital himself.
The experience sated with him and when he was out shearing, if a strong wind blew up he would pack up and call it a day.
Retirement did not suit Mick and he returned to bar work at the RSL club, doing a few shifts a week until increasing technology, Keno, TAB and tills became too much for him and he retired a second time.
He was involved with the RSL sub branch, and attended meetings, marches, selling poppies and pens each year. He also helped to all the charities and events happening in Trundle.
Mick suffered a stroke three years ago and spent six weeks in Orange Base Hospital recuperation Mick was diagnosed with dementia and his memory became increasingly poor.
His disease was beginning to enforce its limitations on what he was able to do, but he was still generally able to remember a joke and continue to do the jobs that made up his day.
His cancer was beginning its march as well.
He moved to Southern Cross Village in Parkes in January, where he was provided with love, care and a sense of safety and well-being.
His condition worsened on March 20 and he was not to spend a moment alone as his journey progressed.
It ended on March 29 when he passed away.
Mick’s family would like to thank the Southern Cross staff for their care and kindness throughout Mick’s journey to peace.
And to the countless people who sent sympathy messages to the family reinforcing that Mick was a very much loved and respected man.
Travel to Sydney
Pat Bryden and Robin Blunden journeyed to Sydney on Tuesday, June 26 to attend the Standup Comedy Variety Show, called “Take Me Out Australia”.
The invitation was by special tickets to Pat. The show was held at Fox Studios, Moore Park, Sydney. Pat and Robin were shown hoe to get into the Fox Studio complex (which is enormous) by a gentleman called Luke Mason, who worked in the complex area.
The entertainment lasted three and a half hours and was fully televised. It will be on TV in the next few weeks.
The ladies agreed it wasn’t what they had expected, but it was well worth the trip down to attend it and they enjoyed the evening.
Joel Creasy was the main comedian and he and his second in charge were really worth watching. Pat and Robin returned home on June 27.
Party Time
Pat Bryden went to Condobolin RSL on Saturday afternoon to attend the 70th birthday party of Des Hamilton.
Pat enjoyed the time there and was very pleased to meet up with some of the relatives she hadn’t seen for some years. She was really happy to see Marilyn and Colin Monday and relatives from Orange. Births, Samantha and Dylan Robb are rejoicing on the birth of their son, Rylan, born Friday, June 29, 2018
Royal Far West Sunshine Club
Members of the Trundle Branch of the Royal Far West Sunshine Club were delighted to welcome Jacqui Emery, Business Director from the Royal Far West in Manly, when she visited the Trundle Op Shop last week.
Jacqui made a brief visit to Forbes and Trundle Branches as she was in the area for the RFW Seminar with the Parkes Community in the Coventry room in Parkes, last Thursday night.
Visitors
A visitor over the school holidays to Betty Capell, Daisy and Doug was Amber Griffin, a granddaughter from Wollongong Hope the weather stays fine.
Trundle Golf Club Report
Trundle Golf Club was represented recently by nine players at Tottenham Men’s and Ladies’ Golf Open. Players arrived to a welcoming committee and enjoyed a wonderful day of golf, fun and friendship.
Trundle Ladies were represented by four players, ably encouraged by Veteran Golfer Lindy Randall. Although not bringing home any golfing trophies, Suellen Taylor was lucky again to win the raffle.
All players thoroughly enjoyed the day. Trundle Men were represented by five players and brought home two trophies.
Dave Morrison was runner up in the B Grade 18 hole Handicap and rookie player David Taylor was C Grade 18 hole Handicap winner. His Stableford score of 45 has led to a hammering of his handicap!
Trundle Lady golfers are looking forward to their next outing at the Bogan Gate Ladies’ Open at the end of the month. A reminder that players are more than welcome for a social hit.
Ladies’ Social Golf is played Wednesday 9am for a 9.30am hit off. Everyone welcome. Play nine or 18 your choice. Men’s Social Golf is played Thursday 1.30pm for nine holes. Everyone welcome.
Trundle Community Day Centre
Trundle Community Day Centre celebrated its first birthday in May and continues to grow in strength. Men and Women are invited to attend on Friday mornings from 10am-12noon at the Trundle Services and Citizen’s Club for a gold coin donation.
Morning tea provided. Stay on for lunch. Activities vary from week to week so just drop in and see what’s happening. For more information contact Sue Morrison, Julie Jones or Suellen Taylor
Ball in your court
Donations of any type are welcome; goods, services, time, talent. We will be having a band at the Trundle Services and Citizens Club Friday, August 31 from 7pm so come and have a ball giving Prostate Cancer the finger! Please contact Sharon MacDonald 0427 482785 or email trundletesticlefestival@gmail.com.