Summary

Colour photograph of the Ramsden familly in their home in England depicting Ruth, Lisa (Elizabeth), Kathryn (Catherine) and Bill (Basil), circa 1960. This photograph was probably sent to Mr Alex Barlow, Secretary of the Bring Out a Briton Committee, Burke Road East Malvern Methodist Church, as part of correspondence for the family's application to be part of the Church's Bring Out a Briton Scheme. The Ramsden family were housed at 371 Wattletree Road, Malvern East from 7 August, 1961 to 2 December 1961.

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.

Description of Content

The Ramsden family including Ruth, Basil (Bill) and their two young daughters, Elizabeth and Catherine, pose for an informal portrait in a pink bedroom. Ruth, left, and Basil, right, lean in on either side of a bed that their daughters are sitting on, along with some scattered toys. Ruth wears a cream coloured shirt with a collar. Beside her is Catherine wearing a white top. Basil wears dark blue jeans and a brown, ribbed, knitted jumper. He holds Elizabeth who is wearing pale blue. The bedspread is a combination of a blue and white checkered sheet and a multi coloured blanket in yellow, green, red, black and white, featuring a playing cards design.The reverse of the photograph has an incription naming the people depicted which was probably written by James Ward.

Physical Description

Colour photograph on paper support with hand written text. Photograph has minor creasing. Indentations are visible on front of photograph from hand written inscriptions 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