Joan Bradley is my first cousin, our mothers were sisters, and Joan turns 90 on 17th Sep ’19!

A bash to celebrate was held in the Deniliquin RSL Bowls Club rooms on Sat 14th Sep ’19, and just under 90 relatives were there to help her celebrate. They’d travelled from near and far to join in the celebration and the room was abuzz with joy and laughter as we all became re-acquainted. The food, decorations and bar was all catered for by Joan’s nearest and dearest, and yes indeed,”a great time was had by all”.

CLICK HERE to hear a song dedicated to Joan “Starry Eyed Station Girl” by her grandson Nicholas Hingston.

Starry Eyed Station Girl

Out under the stars by a station hotel,

She’s trying to sleep but it’s hotter than hell.

For the heat of the day has remained through the night,

And it’s not long till morning’s first light.

Sleep little starry eyed station girl,

Let the stars be your blanket toniiiiight.

Sleep till the morning awakens the world

woahwoah…

Stoking a fire of peppercorn leaves,

Her dad watches over his young family.

For the billowing smoke keeps the mozzies at bay,

And he’ll keep the fire going till the light of the day.

Sleep little starry eyed station girl,

Let the stars be your blanket toniiiight.

Sleep till the morning awakens the world

woahwoah…

Stepping off the veranda her mum moves outside,

To check on her children and see how they bide.

And finding them troubled she sings them a tune,

A soft country ballad by the light of the moon.

Sleep little starry eyed station girl,

Let the stars be your blanket toniiiight.

Sleep till the morning awakens the world

woahwoah…

With no chance of rest as she lies in her bed,

Our station girl looks to the night sky instead.

And watches with wonder as the heavens go by,

With thoughts of tomorrow, she closes her eyes.

Sleep little starry eyed station girl,

Let the stars be your blanket toniiiight.

Sleep till the morning awakens the world

woahwoah…