Newmanhistory6753 Podcast

Merv Welsh Part 6 - Tigers, Community Hall, Miss Pam's Dancing School, Egypt with Cliff Harding.

In this podcast Merv, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, remembers the beginnings of Tigers footy club, including the building of the Clubhouse. He laments what has happened to the Newman Club and the Community Hall and remembers his girls dancing in Miss Pam's Dancing School. Together Lisa and Merv recall the Dancing Schools and their teachers and those who attended. He goes on to recall when he and Cliff Harding went over to Egypt to investigate constructing a new mine, that was located around Roman Ruins.

Merv Welsh Part 5 - Sporting Involvement, Greg Williams, Mine Jobs - Newman and Beyond

In this podcast Merv, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, talks about his involvement in footy, golf club, gymkhana and Speedway. He recalls how the company allowed use of their equipment to help construct the Speedway, and people volunteered their time and skills to work the machines. He recalls attending Greg Williams funeral and some of the people who were there. He goes on to describe his jobs on the Mine and some of the changes he noticed on the Mine when he went on the Reunion tour. He describes his own various jobs on the hill and outlines some of the history, including the introduction of unions. and the strikes. He also remembers the many other mines he worked on and the Newmanites that were there with him.

Merv Welsh Part 4 - Cattle Stations, Gymkhanas, Stan Hilditch's Truck, Changes in Newman, People remembered

In this podcast Merv, in conversation with Lisa Rickert, describes his involvement with some of the cattle stations in the surrounding district. and the musters, and also the gymkhanas that took place that were very popular and included people from as far as Mt Magnet and Meekathara. He recalls the Morgan family and its various members. He also recalls the two Terrys who found and restored Stan Hilditch's truck at Weelerrana Station .  He also describes his return to Newman for the 2019 Reunion, which he attended along with his mate, Nobby Stagbouer. He reflects on the changes as the town evolved and the various people and groups who were part of the town.

Merv Welsh Part 2 - TAB, Kumarina and Capricorn Roadhouse, Places lived in, Kindy and School involvements.

In this podcast Merv, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recalls the beginnings of the TAB and the trouble getting reception to hear the races! He describes the beginnings of Kumarina roadhouse - and the Capricorn roadhouse. He remembers the various places he lived in - the SMQ, Trotman Ave, Rudall Ave and all the "top brass" that lived in Giles Ave. He talks about the teachers who taught his children, both at the Kindergarten and Newman Primary, and his involvement with the grading of the grounds near the school. His ex-wife, Teresa, was named as Australian of the Year for her fund raising efforts with Newman Primary. 

Merv Welsh Part 1 - Arrival, Initiation, Transport, Dozers, Changes in town, People who worked there

In this podcast Merv, in conversation with Lisa Rickert,  recalls his trip to Newman in 1969 - his first trip in a plane. He describes his initiation and his working conditions on the Hill. He spent a short time in Transport, but was then recalled to work on the Mine. He remembers the advantages of working on the dozers, when no ore was produced on Sundays - leading to an eighteen hour shift. Merv and Lisa recall some of the changes in the town as it grew, and some of the people who worked there -especially Charlie Snell and his contribution to the town. 

Cliff and Kay Harding Part 5 - Nullagine stories, Broken Hill and Wittenoom connections, Roger Farr and Norm Smithson

In this podcast Cliff and Kay later share some random memories. These includes the rapid opening and closing of the Blue Spec Mine in Nullagine, the day they drank the pub dry - also in Nullagine. And a memorable story of the gentleman who lost his teeth in the septic tank - and later retrieved them!!! Cliff recalled many people who had come from Broken Hill to work in Newman and also from Wittenoom. He concludes with a story about Roger Farr and Norm Smithson. 

Cliff and Kay Harding Part 4 - Strikes, Nurses, Football, Animals, Changes in the town, Characters

In this podcast Cliff recalls the strikes during his time, especially the one surrounding the change to continuous shifts. They discuss the nurse who helped deliver their son, Tony, and the centrality of football in the town. They remember their animals who were part of their life in Newman and beyond. Their concluding comments compared the town of Newman to their time there. Sadly the comparisons were mostly unfavourable. They also briefly mentioned some characters they remembered from their time in Newman.

Cliff and Kay Harding Part 3 - Resilience, Major Influences, Highlights

In this podcast Cliff and Kay discuss the resilience of the people of Newman. Cliff remembers getting across the river in flood, before the bridge... They both recall the major influences in their life in Newman., which for Cliff was related to the Mine and for Kay was life as a young Mum. They also described the highlights of their life up there.

Cliff and Kay Harding Part 2 - Housing, Jobs, Dr Peter Eckhart

In this podcast they describe their houses in Newman and their neighbours. Cliff  then outlines his various jobs at the mine, and Kay recalls her time at the Kindy. She also remembers the birth of her son and the role played by Doctor Peter Eckhart - who also was called to attend to an elephant when the circus came to town!

Cliff and Kay Harding Part 1 - Coming to Newman, Working Conditions, Kay at the Kindy

In this podcast Cliff  recalls how they came to be in Newman, and their journey to get there. He also describes the working conditions at that time - working 6 days a week, with a 6 am start. Kay remembers how she became the Kindergarten teacher and the many students that were enrolled.