My beautiful grandchildren Bethany and Alfie have arrived in Australia to start their new life; Beth texted me as soon as she landed.

Last Saturday when we took the children to Skegness for a last outing they were fascinated to know that I’d been to Australia many years ago; Carol elaborated telling the children I had been all around the world when I spent ten years in the Royal Navy and it sent my mind into reminisce mode.

The photo above is my 19th birthday in 1974 aboard HMS Scylla as we were berthed alongside in Sydney. I was duty that day so the chefs made me a cake and we all had a few beers. I found Australia a wonderful country with a fantastic welcome from people; my fascination with their wildlife (Koala, Kangaroo, Platypus) lives on today.

Today I’m in the UK, but my thoughts and love are in Australia with my little people x x