Christmas Letter 2021

Well, another difficult and unusual year for us all. We had planned some overseas travel this year but although that was impossible, we managed some travel in Victoria and NSW:

• Philip Island with Margaret’s Brother and sister-in-law, James and Janice

• Bright and Mulwala with our friends Les and Jenny.

This year was saddened by the death of Stephen’s beloved uncle Bill Spencer. This sad occacion was an opportunity to catch up with Stephen's aunty Joan and counsins Ross, Ian, Suzanne, Stephen Thompson and Julieanne. The photograph was taken at Bill and Joan's 60 wedding anniversary party. With Bill is Joan who he married and Julieanne, Margaret and Suzanne whose wedding services he conducted.

We also met our Goold cousins at Greg Goold's 70 birthday party in Morewell where Greg lives. From left to right, Stephen, Robert, Ray, Greg, Phillip and Rodney.

The family is doing well despite the trying times. Some have been working from home including, Beth, Philip in England and our son-in-law David.

Michelle and Mark have found new jobs. Mark is working as a concrete truck driver, and enjoying it even though it is very different to his previous occupations in counselling. Michelle’s new job involve running programs at Deer Park Neighbourhood house. She is also studying a Certificate 4 in Community Services which will give her skills for use in her new job.

Catherine continues to work at the Open Door, a Salvation Army facility for homeless men. An interesting posting particularly in these times.

Our grandchildren are also faring well.

Our Granddaughter Hayley married Richard Lester in October. This was their third attempt to marry, the first two were derailed by Covid restrictions. It was good to watch the service live online, but it would have been even better if we could have been able to attend. The virus strikes again! The wedding was in Dunkeld in Scotland which explains why Richard is wearing a kilt in the photo.

Jeremy, who spent 12 months in Australia, living with Michelle has returned to England and is working with Richard Lester supplying hospitals with equipment.

Troy is finishing off his electrical apprenticeship with a large and effective company.

Mandy is in her last year of her environmental management course and considering other education, she also is working in a company that runs Christmas and Birthday parties. She is still involved in Circus Fit.

Jonathan and his girlfriend Natalie have been working as life guards at a pool and at camps but covid has restricted opportunities in these areas. They are now looking towards careers in other fields.

Covid has limited Spencer’s opportunities in finding work in his chosen field in the theatre.

Some members of our family have been involved in purchasing new houses. Cameron and Kaitlyn have built a new house in Kilmore. Beth and Mark have sold their house and have purchased a block of land fairly close to Cameron in Kilmore, and intend to build a new house over the coming year. Joshua and Amy have also bought a block of land in Gisborne. Lastly, Stephen’s brother Phillip has sold his house and intends to build a new one on land he and Judith have purchased at Donnybrook.

Wishing you a happy and safe Christmas, and all the best for 2022, 

                                    from Margaret and Stephen