Lt. Col. Frank O'Neill Ford
M, #3896, b. 26 Sep 1892, d. 3 Jun 1980
Birth* | 26 Sep 1892 | Paddington, London, England, Dec Q 1892 (Paddington) 01a 23. Mother's maiden surname: O'Neill. As Frank Joseph Ford.1 |
Marriage* | 16 Apr 1931 | Spouse: Annabel Elsie Couper. St Baldreds, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland.2 |
Land-Note* | 6 Sep 1972 | PAK-60 LP1137 (Lot 38 part), Armstrong Road. Annabel Elsie Ford subdivision into two lots. |
Village Bell* | May 1980 | FAREWELL The many friends of Lt. Colonel F. O'N. Ford and Mrs. Ford will be sorry to learn that they will be moving to Berwick next month after living in A'Beckett Road for the past 16 years. Lt. Colonel Ford was commissioned in 1917 and served in Mesopotamia during the First World War and in Burma during the Second World War. He had a distinguished career and following the Japanese invasion he commanded both the CHIN and KACHIN guerilla forces in Burma. After he retired he moved to Berwick and then Upper Beaconsfield. Amongst other activities, he was a member of our R.S.L. and also became a competent golfer; playing at Beacon Hills for many years. Mrs. Ford is well known for her Red Cross activities, being a member of the Berwick-Upper Beaconsfield Branch for many years and Treasurer of the Branch for the last 11 years. An excellent golfer, Annabelle holed in one at the 4th in 1970, played in the All Australia Championship at the age of 68 years, was six times Champion of Beacon Hills Associates Golf Club, and one-time President of the Club. Our best wishes go with them and we hope they will be very happy in Berwick. Annabel Elsie Ford3 |
Death* | 3 Jun 1980 | Berwick Hospital, Berwick, VIC, Australia, #D12493/1980 (Age 87) (par Charles Wyatt FORD & Kathleen ONEILL) - as Frank ONeill FORD.4 |
Death-Notice* | 4 Jun 1980 | FORD, Lt. Col. Frank O'Neill, of Mandalay', Upper Beaconsfield, at Berwick Hospital on June 3rd, 1980. Beloved husband of Annabel. FORD. The friends of the late Lt. Col. Frank O'Neill Ford are notified that his funeral will leave St. Michael's Church, Princes Highway, Berwick on Friday, June 6th, after a service to commence at 11.30 a.m. for the Berwick Cemetery. No flowers by request. Donations may be made in lieu to Legacy. Le Pine, Gamar & Son, Dandenong. 792 9281.5 |
Village Bell* | Jul 1980 | SAD NEWS FROM a'BECKETT ROAD It is with regret that we report the death of Lt. Col. Frank Ford, and offer our sympathy to his widow who is now living in Berwick.6 |
Citations
- [S332] UK - General Register Office Indexes "Dec Q 1892 (Paddington) 01a 23. Mother's maiden surname: O'Neill. As Frank Joseph Ford."
- [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Ancestry Tree Name: The Rotherhams of Eckington, Tree ID: 7388105
Person viewed: Annabel Elsie Couper, Birth Date: 2 Aug 1906. - [S15] Newspaper - Village Bell 012-1980, p10 by Charles Wilson.
- [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "#D12493/1980 (Age 87) (par Charles Wyatt FORD & Kathleen ONEILL) - as Frank ONeill FORD, born London, England. Death registered at Berwick, Australia."
- [S18] Newspaper - Pakenham Gazette (Vic.), 4 Jun 1980, p2.
- [S15] Newspaper - Village Bell 013-1980, p11.
- [S149] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1949.
- [S154] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1954.
- [S163] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1963.
- [S167] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1967.
- [S168] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1968.
- [S172] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1972.
- [S177] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1977.
- [S44] Index of burials in the cemetery of Berwick,
1-212-B Ford Frank O'Neil M 78 6/06/1980 1823
1-212-B Ford Annabel Elsie F 97 3/05/2005 2924.
Last Edited | 8 May 2023 |
Annabel Elsie Couper
F, #3897, b. 2 Aug 1906, d. 3 May 2004
Married Name | Ford. | |
Probate (Will)* | ANNABEL ELSIE FORD. WIDOW. BERWICK. 03 May 2004. 1242358.1 | |
Birth* | 2 Aug 1906 | Henderland Road, Edinburgh, Midlothia, Scotland.2 |
Marriage* | 16 Apr 1931 | Spouse: Lt. Col. Frank O'Neill Ford. St Baldreds, North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland.3 |
(Migrant) Migration/Travel | 15 Mar 1935 | To Tilbury, London, England. Ship Yorkshire sailing from Rangoon, Burma Age 28 (Address in UK c/o Sir John Couper, Kaimed, North Berwick.)4 |
(Migrant) Migration/Travel | 28 Apr 1938 | To London, England. Ship Salween sailing from Rangoon, Burma Age 31 (Address in UK Kaimead, North Berwick, Scot.)5 |
(Migrant) Migration/Travel | 3 Jun 1949 | To Fremantle, WA, Australia. Ship Arrival in Fremantle from London, United Kingdom on 3 Jun 1949. Vessel: Ranchi.6 |
Land-Note* | 6 Sep 1972 | PAK-60 LP1137 (Lot 38 part), Armstrong Road. Lt. Col. Frank O'Neill Ford subdivision into two lots. |
Village Bell* | May 1980 | FAREWELL The many friends of Lt. Colonel F. O'N. Ford and Mrs. Ford will be sorry to learn that they will be moving to Berwick next month after living in A'Beckett Road for the past 16 years. Lt. Colonel Ford was commissioned in 1917 and served in Mesopotamia during the First World War and in Burma during the Second World War. He had a distinguished career and following the Japanese invasion he commanded both the CHIN and KACHIN guerilla forces in Burma. After he retired he moved to Berwick and then Upper Beaconsfield. Amongst other activities, he was a member of our R.S.L. and also became a competent golfer; playing at Beacon Hills for many years. Mrs. Ford is well known for her Red Cross activities, being a member of the Berwick-Upper Beaconsfield Branch for many years and Treasurer of the Branch for the last 11 years. An excellent golfer, Annabelle holed in one at the 4th in 1970, played in the All Australia Championship at the age of 68 years, was six times Champion of Beacon Hills Associates Golf Club, and one-time President of the Club. Our best wishes go with them and we hope they will be very happy in Berwick. Lt. Col. Frank O'Neill Ford7 |
Widow | 3 Jun 1980 | Annabel Elsie Couper became a widow upon the death of her husband Lt. Col. Frank O'Neill Ford.8 |
Land-Note* | 8 Aug 1980 | PAK-60 LP1137 (Lot 38 part) (Lot 1). Annabel Elsie Ford is now the surviving proprietor.9 |
(Mentioned) Village Bell2 | Dec 1981 | BERWICK LEGACY WIDOWS' CLUB Formed last May, this is the third club to be founded by Dandenong/West Gippsland group of Melbourne Legacy. Members come from a wide area, including Upper Beaconsfield. Ev Vance, Nell McTaggart, Doris Rudd and Gwen Johnston are locals who are regular attenders. The President is Annabel Ford, a former resident, and Esther Whitelaw and Mary Sutherland rarely miss a meeting. Others come from Emerald, Beaconsfield, Hallam, Cranbourne and of course, Berwick. Monthly meetings are held and interesting talks and demonstrations, picnics and other outings all help the objective of mutual support and companionship., Helen Maude 'Nell' McTaggart, Evelyn Annie Vance, Doris Miriam Rudd, Aileen Gwenda Johnston, Esther Augusta Whitelaw, Doris Mary Sutherland10 |
Death* | 3 May 2004 | VIC, Australia. |
Village Bell* | Jun 2004 | It is sad to report that early in May, the Unit lost one of its most delightful members when Mrs Annabel Ford passed away. Annabel, a former resident of Upper Beaconsfield, led an extremely interesting life and was a member of the Unit for over fifty years. Until a short while ago Annabel was attending Unit meetings and could be seen zipping around Berwick on her motorized scooter. Annabel, aged 97, enjoyed exercising her brain on the “The Age” cryptic crossword each day and was a most enthusiastic raffle ticket seller - not many could walk past the raffle table in the High Street, or outside Ritchies, when Annabel was in charge!11 |
Village Bell | Dec 2004 | A wonderful life. Vale Annabel Ford 1906 -2004 Annabel was born and educated in Scotland. When she was 23 she made a trip to Burma which gave her so much pleasure that she returned to the region the following year. On this occasion whilst in Mandalay she was given a part in a play, which was seen by Captain Frank O'Neil Ford, a British army officer stationed in Burma. After the show Frank said to his companion "I am going to marry that actress" and arranged for an introduction. They fell in love and were married in Scotland two years later. The newly weds returned to army work in Burma, where they spent 10 happy years. Four of their children were born there and their youngest child was born in India. Annabel enjoyed the army life, although often a bit lonely whilst Frank was away on duty. The army constantly emphasised the importance of physical fitness for all, so Annabel played golf, tennis, and walked a lot. On one occasion Annabel travelling partly by mule, and partly by walking covered more than 100 miles to meet her husband whilst he was working in the interior. Soon after the outbreak of war in Europe in 1939, the Ford family was moved to a beautiful hill station called Taunggyi where Frank recruited and then trained soldiers, while Annabel worked closely with the local people, whom she came to love and respect. About this time Annabel was appointed a cipher clerk, decoding for the army. For this work she had to sign the Official Secrets Act, forbidding her to disclose to anyone, even her husband, the knowledge she acquired as the result of her work. Following the Pearl Harbour attack, and then the fall of Singapore, the Japanese were uncomfortably close, as Annabel became aware from her work. Air raid warnings became frequent as Mandalay was bombed, and it became necessary for the women and children to leave. This could only be done safely by train, as the roads were too dangerous and cholera was rife. Carrying bare necessities, wives and children were seen off by their husbands on a special train which had all the doors barred, hopefully to ensure the safety of its passengers. After a terrifying, incident-filled trip, the train reached its destination safely. Then followed a short flight in a crowded plane to Bangladesh, and a boat trip across the Ganges delta, before Annabel and her children were fortunate enough to reach Calcutta. The youngest child, who had developed severe dysentery, was treated in hospital there. During the three years Annabel spent in India whilst Frank was waging war in Burma, she began to work with the Red Cross, a task she continued throughout her lifetime. In 2001 she received the Red Cross Laurel Wreath Service Award for 50 years service. In 1944 the Fords returned to England, but found it hard to settle, after such an exciting life. In 1949 they left for Australia, settling in Berwick, where Annabel was soon involved in a number of community activities, continuing her Red Cross work, and also joining the CWA, and the Berwick Hospital Auxiliary. She was a very active member of any group she joined and became known as an excellent fundraiser and organiser. From these activities arose many close and long lasting friendships. In the early 1960s when the family moved to Upper Beaconsfield, Annabel added to her interests, joining the local RSL Auxiliary, and attending St. John's Church. In 1965 she became a member of Beaconhills Golf Club. A gifted golfer, she won the Beaconhills Ladies Championship two years later, and held the championship for six years in succession. Older players remember her as a legend. After Frank died in 1980, Annabel returned to Berwick to live, becoming a member of Women's Legacy and Probus. Annabel maintained close contact with St. Johns and Upper Beaconsfield and was often seen with a group of friends who have been meeting for Saturday lunch at the Pine Grove Hotel for more than 30 years. Annabel was naturally friendly, gracious, generous, and charming. She had a lovely smile and a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. She enjoyed her family, her friends and her life; a great inspiration to all who knew her.12 |
Citations
- [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P34, unit 352.
- [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Ancestry Tree Name: Rennie Family Tree, Tree ID: 195764
Person viewed: Annabel Elsie Couper, Birth Date: 2 Aug 1906, Death Date: 3 May 2004. - [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Ancestry Tree Name: The Rotherhams of Eckington, Tree ID: 7388105
Person viewed: Annabel Elsie Couper, Birth Date: 2 Aug 1906. - [S65] Ancestry - various indices, Jill Annabel Ford, Birth Date: 1934, Arrival Age: 10/12, Arrival Date: 15 Mar 1935, Port of Departure: Rangoon, Burma, Port of Arrival: London, England, Ship Name: Yorkshire.
- [S65] Ancestry - various indices, Jill Annabel Ford, Birth Date: 1935, Arrival Age: 3, Arrival Date: 28 Apr 1938, Port of Departure: Rangoon, Burma, Port of Arrival: London, England, Ship Name: Salween.
- [S65] Ancestry - various indices, Fremantle, Western Australia, Passenger Lists, 1897-1963, Series Number: K 269, Reel Number: 103.
- [S15] Newspaper - Village Bell 012-1980, p10 by Charles Wilson.
- [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "#D12493/1980 (Age 87) (par Charles Wyatt FORD & Kathleen ONEILL) - as Frank ONeill FORD, born London, England. Death registered at Berwick, Australia."
- [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 5622-318 - Annabel Elsie Ford is now the surviving proprietor.
- [S15] Newspaper - Village Bell 021-1981, p9 by John Bellair.
- [S15] Newspaper - Village Bell Issue 156, Jun 2004, p9 by Barbara Jackson.
- [S15] Newspaper - Village Bell Issue 158, Dec 2004, p8+10 by Charles Wilson.
- [S149] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1949.
- [S154] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1954.
- [S163] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1963.
- [S167] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1967.
- [S168] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1968.
- [S172] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1972.
- [S177] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1977.
- [S180] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1980.
- [S44] Index of burials in the cemetery of Berwick,
1-212-B Ford Frank O'Neil M 78 6/06/1980 1823
1-212-B Ford Annabel Elsie F 97 3/05/2005 2924.
Last Edited | 8 May 2023 |
Thomas Vincent 'Tommy' Griffin
M, #3898, b. 9 Jan 1930, d. 14 Nov 1985
Place in Upper Beac* | Tommy Griffin Reserve. This reserve was named after Tommy Griffin, a long time owner and licensee of the Pine Grove Hotel. | |
Birth* | 9 Jan 1930 | Ferntree Gully, VIC, Australia, (par Vincent Thomas GRIFFIN & Margaret Cecelia McMAHON.)1 |
Marriage* | 1955 | Spouse: Adrienne Madge Duncan. VIC, Australia, #M17018/1955, Thos Vincent GRIFFIN & Adrienne Madge DUNCAN.2 |
Land-UBeac* | 19 Mar 1968 | GEM-D-11 LP51543 (lots 7+8), 53 Stoney Creek Road. Transfer from Vincent Micallef to Thomas Vincent 'Tommy' Griffin.3 |
Land-UBeac* | 14 Dec 1973 | GEM-D-11 9/LP51543, 43 Stoney Creek Road. Transfer from Sydney Mathew Francis 'Matt' Andrewartha Daisy May Andrewartha to Thomas Vincent 'Tommy' Griffin.4 |
Land-UBeac | 17 Jan 1974 | GEM-D-2 (part) LP36756 (Lot 10), 61 Beaconsfield-Emerald Road. Transfer from Albert Reginald Bickham to Thomas Vincent 'Tommy' Griffin.5 |
Land-UBeac* | 9 Feb 1977 | GEM-D-11 LP51543 (lots 7+8), 53 Stoney Creek Road. Transfer from Thomas Vincent 'Tommy' Griffin to Alfred Ellis Loveridge.6 |
Land-UBeac* | 19 Jan 1978 | GEM-D-11 1/LP57184 - Pine Grove Hotel, 45-51 Stoney Creek Road. Transfer from Pine Grove Hotel Pty Ltd to Thomas Vincent 'Tommy' Griffin.7 |
Land-UBeac | 28 Apr 1978 | GEM-D-11 LP98212 (Lot 28), 2 Grant Court. Transfer from Wickham Development & Finance Pty Ltd to Thomas Vincent 'Tommy' Griffin.8 |
Land-UBeac | 28 Apr 1978 | GEM-D-11 LP98212 (Lot 27), 4 Grant Court. Transfer from Wickham Development & Finance Pty Ltd to Thomas Vincent 'Tommy' Griffin.9 |
Land-UBeac* | 3 Oct 1979 | GEM-D-2 (part) LP36756 (Lot 10), 61 Beaconsfield-Emerald Road. Transfer from Thomas Vincent 'Tommy' Griffin to Hans Georg Friedrich Nowak Else (Ellen) Nowak.10 |
Land-UBeac* | 3 Nov 1980 | GEM-D-11 1/LP57184 - Pine Grove Hotel, 45-51 Stoney Creek Road. Transfer from Thomas Vincent 'Tommy' Griffin to Normdor Hotel Pty Ltd. 1a 2r 14p.11 |
Land-UBeac | 3 Nov 1980 | GEM-D-11 9/LP51543, 43 Stoney Creek Road. Transfer from Thomas Vincent 'Tommy' Griffin to Normdor Hotel Pty Ltd.12 |
Land-Note* | 3 Nov 1980 | GEM-D-11 1/LP57184 - Pine Grove Hotel, 45-51 Stoney Creek Road: Mortgagee: Thomas Vincent 'Tommy' Griffin. Discharged 6 Jan 1988. Mortgagor was Normdor Hotel Pty Ltd.13 |
Death* | 14 Nov 1985 | QLD, Australia. |
Death-Notice* | 23 Nov 1985 | GRIFFIN Thomas Vincent (Tom) Death notice 23 NOV 1985.14 |
Village Bell* | Dec 1985 | VALE TOMMY GRIFFIN The Village of Upper Beaconsfield is sad at the loss of one of its much loved people. Mr. Tom Griffin died on 14.11.85 in Queensland after a brief illness. The Griffin family came to Upper Beaconsfield from Ferntree Gully in 1967 where Tom was the proprietor of the Tuck Shop at the Ferntree Gully Technical School. Purchasing the Pine Grove Hotel in 1967, Tom was Mine Host until the Hotel was sold by auction in 1980 to the Houghtons and Sansoms. Tom Griffin leaves a host of friends made during his lifetime. He had a great love of sport and took a great interest in bike riding, boxing, golf tournaments and took a pride in Stephen in his body-building prowess. He was a proud grandfather of two grandchildren and a great family man. Tom was one who did many quiet things to help people in hard times and this was evident during the post Ash Wednesday period when he did a lot to assist the people around him. His effort in getting his "Pancake Tuesday" get-together off the ground was a great morale booster for a Village which was at a low ebb in spirits after the chaos of the bushfires. On behalf of the people of Upper Beaconsfield we say "well done, Tommy Griffin, we are the richer for your having lived and worked among us." We extend our sympathy and love to Adrienne and family.15 |
Village Bell | Feb 1991 | Pancakes in the Park Members of the Rotary Club and their wives and families extend to all the residents of Upper Beaconsfield warmest wishes for a safe, happy and prosperous New Year. Even in these difficult times, we are sure that if we all work together, then we can make it a really successful year for one and all. The first event from the Rotary Club for the Upper Beaconsfield community is the now annual..... "PANCAKES IN THE PARK" 12th February, 1991. 6.00 - 6.30pm. Grant Court Reserve. This event was founded by the late Tommy Griffin, and was first held on Shrove Tuesday 1984, a year after the Ash Wednesday fires of 1983. Tommy dedicated the event as his very special way of bringing the people of Upper Beaconsfield together, and to get people meeting one another, especially the children and young people. After Tommy Griffin passed away, the event was run by Eric Chaplin, who wanted to ensure that Tommy's idea was retained for the community at large, and that people were always able to come together once a year in fun and friendship. After two years of Eric running the evening, the Rotary Club agreed to sponsor and run the evening, and hence, this year's "Pancakes in the Park". Pancakes are free of charge, and there is no admission fee. We do suggest that you bring some refreshments for you and the children, but above all, BE THERE !!! Come and enjoy a pleasant evening with friends and family.16 |
Citations
- [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "parents married #M10708/1922."
- [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "#M17018/1955, Thos Vincent GRIFFIN & Adrienne Madge DUNCAN."
- [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8646-882 - Thomas Vincent Griffin of Pine Grove Hotel Stoney Creek Road Upper Beaconsfield Licensed Victualler.
- [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8613-159 - Thomas Vincent Griffin of Pine Grove Hotel Upper Beaconsfield Hotelkeeper.
- [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 7228-591 - Thomas Vincent Griffin Hotel Keeper and Adrienne Madge Griffin Married Woman both of Pine Grove Hotel Upper Beaconsfield - joint proprietors - C/T 9031-683 (F168080).
- [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8646-882 - Alfred Ellis Loveridge of High Street Berwick Director as to two equal undivided fourth parts or shares and Russell Thomas Sholer Hotel Proprietor and Elsie May Sholer Married Woman both of Emerald Road Beaconsfield each as to one equal undivided fourth parts or shares as tenants in common.
- [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8390-122 - Thomas Vicent Griffin of Stoney Creek Road Upper Beaconsfield Manager.
- [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 9029-791 - Thomas Vincent Griffin Hotelier and Adrienne Madge Griffin Married Woman both of Stoney Creek Road Upper Beaconsfield - joint proprietors.
- [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 9029-790 - Thomas Vincent Griffin Hotelier and Adrienne Madge Griffin Married Woman both of Stoney Creek Road Upper Beaconsfield - joint proprietors.
- [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 9031-683 - HANS GEORGE NOVAK Engineer and ELLEN NOWAK Home Duties both of Yackatoon Road Upper Beaconsfield as joint proprietors as to One equal undivided half part or share and DOUGLAS JOHN NOWAK of Yackatoon Road Upper Beaconsfield Motor Mechanic as to the other One equal undivided half part or share are now proprietors as TENANTS-IN-COMMON.
- [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8390-122 - Normdor Hotel Pty Ltd of 500 Collins Street Melbourne.
- [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8613-159 - Normdor Hotel Pty Ltd of 500 Collins Street Melbourne.
- [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8390-122 - discharged 6 Jan 1988.
- [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), 23 Nov 1985 - edition not on Google News.
- [S15] Newspaper - Village Bell 047-1985, p17 by Ray Ratcliff with Frank Sansom.
- [S15] Newspaper - Village Bell Issue 78, Feb 1991, p7.
- [S154] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1954 "with parents."
- [S44] Index of burials in the cemetery of Berwick,
Griffin Thomas Vincent 1985 55 hus/ Adrenne, f/ Mark,Stephen bw1444/45.
Last Edited | 12 Oct 2024 |