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One sunny Saturday afternoon, some many years ago now, I was enjoying watching a tennis tournament in the Manly area. Along with other spectators, I was seated in the main stand. During an interval in the games, there appeared before us at the foot of the stand, a well dressed lady of deportment, with her hands neatly clasped. She stood silently a discrete distance back from the spectators with a very pleasant smile on her face until she gained our full attention. Having achieved this, she thanked us warmly and continued, "on behalf of the Women's Auxiliary I have been requested to invite those of you who wish to partake, to join us for afternoon tea in the club house". She again thanked us and left. Seated in front of me was an older gentleman whom I heard commenting to his wife "Well now, there's an educated, cultured and dignified woman if ever there was one!” Others in earshot readily agreed. "I wonder who she could be?" inquired another. "That lady" I respectfully interjected, "is Mrs. Thelma Alexander". "And you are correct in your observations of her, for she is a university educated teacher of fine Scottish heritage". The woman replied, “Well if she raises her children in her likeness, they will, no doubt, most certainly grow up one day to become fine Australian citizens" I wonder if that woman ever knew how very correct her comment was to be. For it indeed came to pass. Desmond.

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One sunny Saturday afternoon, some many years ago now, I was enjoying watching a tennis tournament in the Manly area. Along with other spectators, I was seated in the main stand. During an interval in the games, there appeared before us at the foot of the stand, a well dressed lady of deportment, with her hands neatly clasped. She stood silently a discrete distance back from the spectators with a very pleasant smile on her face until she gained our full attention. Having achieved this, she thanked us warmly and continued, "on behalf of the Women's Auxiliary, I have been requested to invite those of you who wish to partake, to join us for afternoon tea in the club house". She again thanked us and left. Seated in front of me was an older gentleman whom I heard commenting to his wife "Well now, there's an educated, cultured and dignified woman if ever there was one!” Others in earshot heartily agreed. "I wonder who she could be?" inquired another. "That lady" I respectfully interjected, "is Mrs. Thelma Alexander". "And you are correct in your observations of her, for she is a university educated teacher of fine Scottish heritage". The woman replied, “Well if she raises her children in her likeness, they will, no doubt, most certainly grow up one day to become fine Australian citizens" I wonder if that woman ever knew how very correct her comment was to be. For it indeed, came to pass. Desmond.

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Pedro Rodriguez
13 years ago

Telma para mi ha sido una mujer más racional que visceral. Yo la conocí muy poco pero las cosas que hemos acordado las ha cumplido.GRACIAS TELMA, que Dios te lleve a su Gloria. Pedro Rodriguez

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Pedro Rodriguez
13 years ago

Telma para mi ha sido una mujer más racional que visceral. Yo la conocí muy poco pero las cosas que hemos acordado las ha cumplido.GRACIAS TELMA, que Dios te lleve a su Gloria. Pedro Rodriguez

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Richard Murray
13 years ago

I met Thelma early in 1994 after becoming friends with Alex. Alex and I attended Collage together that year, and he and I would spend many many hours each day and night, studying at Thelma's place. Never a day would go by, where Thelma hadn't thought of what she could do for us. Without fail, she always had for us, something specially prepared to eat, for during our study breaks. Having lived in Mona Vale for 42 years (my Family since 1957), I was always extremely interested to hear about, over a cup of tea, the many aspects of her and her Families history in the area. Thelma became like my 2nd Mother, always caring and thoughtful of everyone, but very rarely herself. I consider Thelma, Gill and Family as indeed, among-est the original Pioneers of Narrabeen. The thought of driving along Ocean St, and past Albert St, with the knowledge that Thelma is no longer there, saddens me deeply to say the least. It was only in January this year, that Thelma joked with me saying Richard, I'm still hear - To be honest, I find it difficult to believe she has gone. Narrabeen has lost in Thelma, the very reason the Peninsular was a nice place to live 40, 50 years ago. Thelma, I will never ever forget you..

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13 years ago

Thelma Alexander, or more affectionately known to me as Nan was the best grandmother and sometime mother a grandson could ever know. I have several memories to share… Though I did not like boarding school, even in things we don’t like we can find things no matter how small we do like and those weekend trips that Nan and Pop took me on made the experience bearable. Sometimes we would go yabbying, other times we would go to Kangeroo Valley, Wombeyan Caves, Bundanoon, Moss Vale and stay at Dormie House. Later, when I was at High School Nan could be found in the tuckshop serving food to the other pupils. When I arrived back from school there was always a fresh batch of ANZAC biscuits, rock cakes or fruit cake to be had which I was free to share with my friends that visited the house. At another time, Japanese students came to stay at Nan’s place so that they could improve their English skills. Nan would take them to play tennis and make sure they would want nothing more from their stay. For instance, Nan would make sure each room was just like a hotel, towels on the bed, new soap in the bathroom, travel maps and brochures in the draws. Show the Japanese students which bus to catch to the city, what route to take etc. The Japanese students enjoyed their stay so much that they would write to Nan every year for years afterwards at Christmas time each time reminding Nan of the great times they experienced whilst at Nan’s place in Narrabeen. When I left school and home at 16, Nan was there to provide a bed for me free of charge. Nan a mother at heart - always looking after others and never thinking of herself – a saint. Nan was truly a motherly mother. When I started work, I naturally paid board, but Nan was always there when I returned from work those years I was completing my apprenticeship in Brookvale. There was a set menu, I can’t remember what it was but we had roast two nights of the week, stew and potatoes another etc. When, I came home from work, Nan would always ask what my day was like and offer me a cup of tea and biscuit. I would sit down and on tray she would bring me tea and a selection of biscuits to eat – I felt honoured each time Nan did this for me. Even if I offered to assist, Nan stubborn as ever would refuse assistance… Even nearer the end of her life when I went shopping with her down to our local Woolworths Nan refused assistance for me to pull her shopping cart for her up a steep hill near her house – Nan resisted the temptation of assistance. When I left Nan’s place in early 1995 to go to University in Victoria, Nan always assisted me in every way she could. I still find it hard to believe she has gone and I will never forget her.

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13 years ago

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glenda
13 years ago

We remember childhood days of playing tennis and climbing trees with Thel and Gil and my family. Nan Metcalfe sends her thanks for the friendship she received from Thel and the family. Our thoughts are with you today. Thel will be greatly missed. from Glenda, Kath, Rod and Nan Metcalfe.

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Christine Burns
13 years ago

A wonderful caring lady who helped me greatly when my twin sons were born, she was there for me (I have no family in Sydney). She will never be forgotten by Christine, William and Robert Burns

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