Bob Sanders
 Bob went to Trinity High School,
leaving in 1964 at the age of 16. In 1972 he emigrated to Australia, here
is his story. [The picture on the right shows Bob on his passport photo
taken in 1970]
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Mum & Me in 1964 |
I reached the end of the fifth
year in 1964 and left school then. I did an electrical apprenticeship in
Northampton and then worked as an electrician around the local area until 1972
when a change was decided. Myself, along with fellow friends from school
George Cookson and Keith (Curly) Ager decided that we would holiday a bit
further afield. We decided that the cheapest way was to emigrate for a
couple of years. After deciding that Canada was much too cold we settled on
Australia. It all looked good in the brochures so got sponsored by the
Queensland Government via their office in the Strand, had the necessary medicals
and off we went for 10 quid. This was very good value considering the cost
included the train to Southampton via London, a five week cruise to Sydney via
Rotterdam, the Canary Islands, Capetown, Perth and Melbourne, accommodation in
Sydney, the train up to Brisbane and accommodation in Brisbane for a week or so
until we got jobs. Not bad for only 10 quid.
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The "Three Stooges" shortly
after arrival in Oz |
We all got jobs easily and settled in to the warm laid-back
lifestyle here. We lost contact with George Cookson after a couple of
years and have not seen him since despite various attempts to find him both here
and in the UK. He seems to have just disappeared. He was due to fly
up from Sydney in Sept 1975 for my wedding but didn't show up and has not been
seen since. A bit of a mystery. I am still friends with Keith Ager
who also still lives here in Brisbane. A photo is attached of the three stooges
soon after arrival in OZ.
When we came here we had intentions of returning home after the compulsory two
year minimum stay but we fell in love with the place and the people here.
I wouldn't now live anywhere else. The ironic thing is that the girl that
I married is also a Pom. She emigrated here from Bolton with her parents in
1963. We have been married for 29 years this year.
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Mount Olivet Hospital |
I have worked in the electrical field all the time I have
been here in various roles from electrician to high flying managerial
positions. As I am now getting towards retirement age I am seeing out the
rest of my working life in a maintenance environment at a hospital overlooking
the Brisbane River (Mount Olivet Hospital...photo attached ). My wife and
I live in a nice house about half way between Brisbane and the Gold Coast where
the garden backs right down to a river and I spend a lot of time leaning on the
home bar that I built in my spare time (nicknamed The Sanders Arms ) and
drinking the English style beer that I brew myself.
I have one daughter and one grand daughter.
I return to the UK every couple of years or so as my parents
still live in Kingsthorpe and I have a sister in London so I like to visit them
as often as possible. Our favourite local holiday destination is Fiji.
Wonderful friendly people.
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Bob today |
I have lived here now for over thirty years and became an
Australia citizen years ago and carry an Oz passport, so I would imagine that I
will spend the rest of my days here. I still love England, especially the
pubs which I take full advantage of on my visits, but home is Australia.
The climate, the lifestyle and the Aussies themselves have to be experienced to
be appreciated. Much as I love England and the fact that I was born and
brought up there, something that I am very proud of, I still believe Australia
to be the best country in the world. Accordingly I am also very proud to
be able to call myself an Aussie. Australia has been very good to me and
my family.
 If
anyone would like to contact Bob, then click on the e-mail link. This
does not send e-mail via his normal e-mail address, but it will be forwarded
automatically to
him.
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