Summary
Aerogramme letter written on 18 October 1961 by Geoff Crump, a member of the Boy's Club of the Burke Road East Malvern Methodist Church, to David Ward, son of Jim and Mary Ward, of 100 The Greenway, Thorntree, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England. Geoff, aged thirteen, introduced himself and described the Church's youth activities and local schools. This is one of a number of letters to the Ward family regarding their planned emigation to Australia from members of Burke Road East Malvern Methodist Church prior to their embarkation or arrival.
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
Single sheet of blue aerogramme paper, double-folded to provide a sealable letter with printed proforma envelope face with red and blue chevron border and a 10d Australian aerogramme stamp insignia. Postmark and addressee's and sender's name and address panel on reverse. Letter handwritten in blue ink continuously over one side as one page. Addresses typewritten in black ink.
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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Recipient
Mr James W. Ward, 100 The Greenway, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, Australia, 29 Oct 1961
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Person Named
Mrs Mary H. Ward, 100 The Greenway, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England, Great Britain, 29 Oct 1961
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Authorised By
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Inscriptions
Letter text: 'Dear David, / I am writing to welcome you / to Melbourne. I would like to tell you / ... (extended text) ... Hope / you have a nice trip and shall / welcome you here soon. / Your Sincere friend / Geoff Crump.' Envelope face: Printed text: 'Overseas Service / AEROGRAMME / By Air Mail - Par Avion' Post-mark: 'MELBOURNE / 19 OCT / 3 15 AM / 1961 / VIC.AUST' Address text: 'Master David Ward, / 100 The Greenway, / Thorntree, / Middlesbrough / Yorkshire ENGLAND' Sender's name text: 'Geoffrey T. Crump, / 208 Burke Road Gardinerr S.E.6. / Melbourne 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
187 mm (Width), 290 mm (Height)
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Keywords
Migration Schemes, English Immigration, Religions: Methodist, Churches, Community Organisations, Immigrant Voyages, Immigration, Migrants, Assisted Immigration, Employment, Travel, School Children