The leaving of Belfast.

Leaving Belfast was no easy decision. Troubles had started and my husband Fleming and I decided to leave with our two children Steven and Carol. We didn't want them brought up with the violence that was N Ireland. We had to start a new life and the place we chose was Australia. Saying good-bye on that wet cold day to the place I was born was very hard, especially to my mum who I loved very much. Her and my brothers and sisters left me to the docks to go to Liverpool Where my daughter, Carol had gone a week before, with her other granny to see the Flemings sister. So I had Steven in my arms looking out the ship to the quay, my heart breaking . I must have cried buckets knowing I might never see them all again . At the time it seemed a good idea now I'm not so sure. At last after 5 weeks aboard we arrived at port Melbourne then caught a buss to the enterprise hostel.

A Lady from Belfast "Sally", showed us around and gave us a run down on the place. It really did look like a prison camp, what with pull down hard green beds, and showers that where down the corridor. Everything was so regimental and had to be done in precision even the meals had to be lined for. Everyone with their own little knifes , forks, and spoons. It was then I think, I made a mistake in coming. The loneliness was the worst though, to see a happy friendly face would have been great and no more mum to walk around the corner. When I got a job in the canteen it helped and things got a little better at last we were able to rent our own place it was like Heaven. Since then our life has consisted of to many rented houses and flats what with two more children Jason and Tim, It has not been easy. Now we live in Perth and my husband is looking for work. So I'm wondering if We should of stayed in Belfast would things have been different, well would they?.