South Yorkshire Times, June 14, 1958

Call From Australia

“A Wonderful Experience”

Mrs E. Cooper, 83, Rowms Lane, Swinton, formerly of Adwick Road, Mexborough, on Tuesday, spoke to her daughter, Mavis (26), in West Perth, Australia, for the first time in six years.

After hearing of the death of her father, Mr. Fred Cooper (61), an engine driver, Mavis who is married, sent a telegram to her sister, Mrs. Betty Gimoldby, 17, Vernon Road, The Broom, Rotherham, with a message for her mother to be ready for a telephone call on Tuesday at 1.20 p.m.

Mrs. Cooper heard not only the voice of her daughter, but also that of her son-in-law, Mr. Robert Ian Jackson, her grandson Robert Ian (3), and her son-in-law’s parents and grandparents, all of whom offered messages of sympathy.

Seven Minutes’ Chat

The telephone conversation lasted seven minutes and Mrs. Cooper told a “South Yorkshire Times” reporter this week “it was like speaking to someone only a matter of a few miles away. It was a wonderful experience and I was filled with emotion,” she said.

Mavis, who was a student at Mex-borough Dolcliffe Road Modern School, worked for many years at Blaskey’s in Mexborough. She teaches ballroom dancing in West Perth.

Mrs Cooper also received messages of sympathy from Los Angeles, California, where her son, Mr. Douglas Cooper is living with his wife and three children.

He left England about 12 years ago to live in Australia and it was while he was farming there that his sister emigrated and was eventually married.

Four Weeks’ Tour

Mr. Cooper left !Australia about three years ago for the United States. He has three children, Douglas (9) Debrah (6) and Richard (six months). They recently had an extensive four weeks tour visiting Australia, Canada, and Honolulu. He also was educated at Dolcliffe Road Modern School and subsequently went to work in London where he met his wife.

Mrs. Cooper has one other son, Mr. Alan Cooper, Swinton, and two; daughters, Gladys and Eveline, who are living in Manchester.

Both Douglas and Mavis are hoping to make their first visit home to Swinton this year