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Archiver > DORSET > 1999-07 > 0931173458


From: "Val Messer" <>
Subject: Re: Dorset History
Date: Mon, 5 Jul 1999 21:17:38 +1000


It has been interesting reading the various messages re Dorset History and
the reasons why people left for other countries. I recall asking my
grandfather, GEORGE APLIN, born in Dorset in 1865, why he left home at aged
18 to emigrate to Australia. His reply was, "I knew there had to be
something better in life than shovelling snow away from the door of the Big
House in winter."

His family were ag. labs. who worked for the local squire, Squire Cox.
Grandfather's schooling was given by the local vicar; in grandfather's words
"in return for chasing the crows away from the vicar's corn patch".

If only the old Squire could have seen the grazing property that grandfather
worked hard to establish in his new land. A far cry from shovelling snow!

Methinks we in Australia (and other countries) owe a great deal to those of
our ancestors who 'took the plunge' and left home and loved ones for a new
land.

Regards,
Val, Bundaberg, Qld.

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