Visiting the Great Aunts was always exciting. It was summertime, the wheat had just been harvested, and we were away from the hot and dusty farm. It was a long trip to Sydney from country New South Wales and it was always a competition to be the first to sight the sea; the sparkling sea
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There was nothing better when it was hot than going to the beach for a swim. We would change into our ‘cossies’ and grab our towels and sandals. Little children like little waves and sand to play with, so Balmoral Beach was very suitable, and only a short drive from Mosman.
I can’t remember the Great Aunts ever swimming at the beach. Occasionally they came to the beach, more for the outing. I don’t ever remember seeing the Great Aunts without stockings and shoes. They were very conservative and proper in their dress. I do recall once when they visited the farm at Bogan Gate when I was very little. I slept in the same room as (Great) Aunt Anne. I must have woken when she came in to go to bed. I carefully opened my eyes and watched as she undressed. It took quite some time to take off her stockings and then untie, unhook and unlace her corset and get into her nightie.
When we returned from our swims at Balmoral Beach, it was into the shower to wash off the sand, and then afternoon tea. Glasses of cold milk and biscuits or cake, home-baked by the Great Aunts. The sea, the sun, and the beach were forever a playground of unlimited possibilities, and we were always keen to return.
