Oscar Harold Newton ⁹²¹

  General Notes:

Oscar Harold NEWTON

Dad was born in Carrington Parade, New Lambton on 9th November 1917, turning 83 just over a week ago.

There are many stories and images that we have all shared over recent days.

We remember that he was an adventurer. There were picnics to so many interesting places with family and friends. I even remember, when I was very young, an occasion where we sat with our picnic tables in the middle of a dirt road - not really lost, but we had come to the end of that particular dirt road.

Then there was the time we were almost lost in the middle of the bush trying to find the Gloucester Falls, long before roads, paths and signs were installed in that part of the world. A major adventure was Mum & Dad travelling with friends through central Australia in 1962 - driving identical Holden cars so they would have spares if needed.

Dad always took a passionate interest in his cars - changing them frequently, driving a wide variety of makes and models over the years, the Humber Super Snipe being one that I particularly remember around 1961.

For many years he enjoyed boating and deep sea fishing, which also involved many an adventurous exploration around Port Stephens and elsewhere.

Dad first met Mum when he was 19 and she was 16. Mum then lived in Pennant Hills, and Dad would come to visit his Grandmother down the road in Gumnut Lane, which is just near where Helen and Peter now live. Mum was posted to a teaching position in 1938 in Newcastle where their romance blossomed and they were married in 1941. It was their 59th Wedding Anniversary in April this year. Their dedication and devotion to each other has been an inspiration to all of us.

At an age when many people have lost interest in local events they were always eagerly following events around Newcastle, and in the newspapers. They would drive along the harbour and beaches and keep a watch on shipping and the changing scenery. When they read about the filming of an Australian movie at Wallallong House they drove up and saw for themselves the historic homestead. They probably know more about the Hunter Valley and the vineyard area than most novocastrians. In September this year they explored the area around Broke when family members were holidaying in that region.

Dad was originally an electrical engineer working at NESCA (Energy Australia today) from 1938 to 1947. During the war years, he taught mathematics to the personnel in the Air Force. He then decided that he would rather build a business for himself, and started as a newsagent in Darby Street, Newcastle, following a tradition established by his father, Oscar Charles Newton, who was the Newsagent in Adamstown for many years. Later, Dad set up Northern Circulation with his brother Ralph, overseeing the transport and distribution of newspapers and magazines from Sydney and Newcastle to the local area, the Hunter Valley and as far away as Taree and Port Macquarie. He was closely involved with the business until fairly recently, but since then has kept in touch, visiting "the boys at the yard" on a regular basis for a chat and a cup of tea.

When Helen and I were young, our family and friends used to spend an annual holiday at Barrington Guest House. The adults became well known and admired guests for the fact that one of that group carried a jug of milk to their rooms each night before retiring. What they did not realise was that the purpose of themilk was to mix it with rum for a nightcap. Depending on the number of people, it was either a one jug or a two jug night.

Dad and Mum have played cards regularly for over 60 years with lifelong friends, including Dad's sister, Audrey. Their game of 500 was unique, with friendly arguments about "house rules".

Dad was very fond of his girls and always loved an excuse to visit Helen, Peter and family in Sydney and the cup of coffee with Dom and I on a Sunday afternoon was a regular ritual. Dad was able to pursue his interest in travel when Dom and I lived in the United States and when Helen and Peter lived in England. Family visits were combined with exploring the local regions. He has taken an keen interest in the grandchildren, following their activities and participating as they married and extended the family. The four great grandchildren were very fond of Grandad Oscar and have provided interest and entertainment over the last 11 years.

The last week, during his stay in hospital, has highlighted his gentle nature. All who came into contact with him at the hospital expressed this sentiment to us.

He remained gentlemanly and dignified throughout his brief illness.

We will miss him, but most importantly, we give thanks for his long, rich,loving life, from which we have all benefited.

Wendy Lynette SWINKELS (nee NEWTON)

Oscar married Doreen Elsie Pogson, daughter of Leslie Lyle Pogson and Ivy Lynette Mobbs, on 5 Apr 1941 in West Pennant Hills, NSW, Australia. (Doreen Elsie Pogson was born on 1 Jun 1919 in Epping, NSW, AUSTRALIA, christened on 17 Aug 1919 in West Pennant Hills, NSW, Australia, died on 22 Oct 2007 in John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton, NSW, Australia and was buried on 29 Oct 2007 in Gazebo Rock Garden 1 2 2 1, Newcastle Crematorium & Memorial Gardens, Beresfield, NSW, Australia.)