N is for Nanna

Florence Muriel Leach was my mother's mother, my grandmother. Her grandchildren, all ten of us, fondly called her Nanna.

Born in 1910 in Sydney, Her parents were Robert Belshaw and Florence Amelia nee Ponting and she grew up in a happy environment.  One of eight children, her eldest sister Doris died from complications of appendicitis in 1915 when Flo was just five. Years later she lost her beloved baby brother 'Artie'  

Fave photo of Bill and Flo when they were first courting

Known as 'Florrie' and 'Flo' she married John William ‘Bill’ Leach a labourer, in 1933 after a quick courtship. Bill had a motorbike and Flo's father was originally not happy with the relationship but that changed after the marriage. The above snap was taken when they first started seeing each other. He was a bit sentimental, and carried this photo for many years in his wallet. They lived in Alexandria until they purchased land along the railway line in Edwards Street Riverstone and built their modest home. The couple had three children Joyce Mary, Fay Cecile and John William Robert. 

Flo with her eldest daughter Joyce, my mother in 1933.

It was always fun to visit Nan and Pop's place. Nanna always had lollies on hand. She had a record-player with kids records, which was a treat. She had a hearty laugh, was fun to be around, and was very very kind to her grandkids. My sisters and I often stayed on the weekends and holidays, we found it very unusual to have our tea at 4.30-5pm, however we were allowed out to play again afterwards. My two cousins and their parents, lived with my grandparents during the 1960s, so there was always something always happening. 

The house was situated along the rail line and had views across the meatworks paddocks. We didn't venture much into the front yard but played mainly in the backyard or in my cousins above ground pool.  My grandparents downsized in the early 1970s, moving to a small house in Grace Ave Riverstone. This was a great location as it was only 50m across the road from us. My cousins moved into a house in Riverstone.

During the 1970s, I began my interest in family history. Both my Nanna and Pop shared lots of photographs, documents and of cause, stories. I loved listening to these and was always over their place asking questions!!!

Nanna centre with her two sisters, Edna left and Lily right, 1977.

Sadly Flo died in 1979, she was only 69, which is young when I think about it now. She is buried at the Rouse Hill Lawn Cemetery with husband Bill, who died in 1981.

This is my contribution to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge (#AtoZChallenge)