Gwen Young 1927-

Gwen obtained a position in the Orepuki Post Office and was trained for Counter and Exchange work. She boarded at home, cycling 3 miles on gravel roads to work each day. This was not easy, and also many Telegrams had to be delivered on bicycle, as there were few telephone connections in those days.

A very keen basketballer, she represented Waiau for a number of years, and was also very fond of badminton.

On 8 January 1951 (where ?) she married Ian Brownridge, a farmer, and her role changed to being a farmer's wife and home-maker, and bringing up their eventual five children - Annette Kay was born on 3 May 1952 (where ?), Gail Marie was born on 28 April 1954 (where ?), Neil James was born on 11 December 1955 (where ?), Lynley Anne was born on 19 June 1958 (where ?) and Pamela Joy was born on 26 October 1961 (where ?).

Gwen has always been a keen gardener and spends many hours toiling with open spaces and creating lovely gardens. Many hours were also spent knitting for children and sewing clothing which gave her a lot of pleasure.

She has always had a great love for music and plays the piano, organ and accordion. Her children were all encouraged to play instruments and sing and on several occasions were lined up, all with an instrument each, and performed in front of visitors and the occasional concert and had some success with talent quests.

Another favourite pastime was pottery in which Gwen became a member of the Waiau Potters Club and she made some very interesting items.

She was offered a position as postmistress in the Orepuki Post Office in 1980, after the exchange changed to automatic and as Ian and Gwen's family had more or less left the nest, she picked up her career, working there for six years and buying a crib in Te Anau for all the family to holiday at. In 1988, son Neil purchased the farm and Ian and Gwen retired to Riverton, sharing an interest in gardening and growing a great variety of orchids, with which they have had much success. They also attend the Invercargill Orchid Society. Gwen has also become involved with music once more as the pianist in a group called the 'Riverton Happy Wanderers' which entertains at hospitals, socials, etc.

Their address is 7 William Street, Riverton.

Comments ?

Back to Index