Summary
Letter to Mr and Mrs Ward in England dated 29 September 1961 from Alex Gorrie, Senior Steward of the Burke Road East Malvern Methodist Church, assuring them of a warm welcome at the church when they arrive in Australia later that year and also advising of his own forthcoming visit to England and the possibility of contacting them.
Part of a large collection of material relating to the migration and settlement of British migrants to Australia in the 1960s under the 'Bring Out a Briton' Scheme. It documents in particular both the migration experiences of James and Mary Ward and their three children who arrived in Melbourne on the 'TSS Stratheden' from Yorkshire in December 1961; and the Burke Road East Malvern Methodist Church's sponsorship of a number of English families, including the Wards, under the Scheme. The Church's support included temporary accommodation for assisted families in a neighbouring house. The 'Bring Out a Briton' Scheme (1957-1982) was part of a Commonwealth Government initiative which offered subsidised ship fares, accommodation and support to encourage migration from the UK to Australia after World War II.
Physical Description
Two sheets paper with a handwritten letter in blue ink; the first sheet with printed letterhead in blue ink,and the associated date-stamped printed Air Mail envelope with red and blue border and handwritten addressee details on the front and sender address on reverse.
Significance
The Ward/Barlow Families collection is of national significance in documenting British assisted migration to Australia post-World War II. The collection provides a comprehensive snapshot from the commencement to completion of a British assisted migration experience and illuminates post-war immigration policies and procedures which favoured British immigration into Australia.
The collection of almost 400 items comprises a unique body of documentation with intersections between personal, community and government narratives that explore British post-World War II assisted migration. It includes photographs, personal correspondence, documents and objects offering a rare glimpse into the role of the Australian and British governments, Methodists Church sponsorship and community engagement in assisting and welcoming British immigrants to Australia. Assisted British migration was a constant theme of Australian immigration history until the early 1980s. Government initiatives such as the 'Bring Out A Briton' scheme had an enormous impact on the composition and size of the Australian population, making the Ward/Barlow collection of broad social and political historical significance.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from William & Jennifer Barlow, 22 Feb 2012
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Other Association (See Comments)
Bring Out A Briton Committee, Australia, 29 Sep 1961
Personal letter prepared in relation to the work of the Bring Out A Briton Committee. -
Other Association (See Comments)
Methodist Church, Inverloch, Victoria, Australia, 29 Sep 1961
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Authorised By
Methodist Church, Cr. Latrobe and Spring Streets, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 29 Sep 1961
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Inscriptions
Letterhead: 'Methodist Church, Burke Road, East Malvern ... (address)' Letter: 'Dear Mr. & Mrs. Ward, / At our September / leaders meeting we were delighted to / learn from Mr Alex Barlow that / .. (extended text)... Yours sincerely, / Alex Gorrie / Senior Steward.' Envelope: Printed 'BY AIR MAIL / PAR AVION'. Address: 'Mr & Mrs J. W. Ward / 100 The Greeway, / Thorntree / Middlesborough / Yorkshire. ENGLAND' Envelope reverse: 'From A.W.GORRIE / 32 Belson St. / East Malvern SE5 / Vic., Australia'
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Classification
Migration, Processing - planning & departure, Correspondence
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
206 mm (Width), 261 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Migration Schemes, English Immigration, Religions: Methodist, Churches, Immigration Selection, Immigration Policies, Community Organisations, Immigrant Voyages, Immigration, Migrants, Assisted Immigration, Ships, Housing, Accommodation, Employment