From dairy farming to nursing, Glen Innes woman Carolyn McClelland has experienced what she calls a “blessed life”.
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On a beautiful spring day I found Carolyn enjoying the magic of the season in her stunning garden.
Born during the latter years of the second world war, she lived with her mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt until her father returned from the war to the house full of women.
Carolyn’s father purchased a dairy farm near Menangle upon his return and moved the family there to start a new life.
It was here that Carolyn began her education.
“It was a little one room, 24 pupil school,” Carolyn said.
“I still remember walking into the classroom, all standing and saying “Good morning Mr Jenkins. Then two times one equals one, right up to 12 times 12. By the time I had been at school for a month I sure knew my tables and have never forgotten them.”
The family moved to Glen Innes when Carolyn was 10 years old, onto yet another diary farm, this time at Shannon Vale, where the cows were milked for their cream which was then brought in to the Glen Innes butter factory.
“I continued my education at the Glen Innes Primary School then the high school,” Carolyn said.
“Mum and dad had always told me I was adamant I was going to be a nurse from the age of three. After suffering a severe bone disease when I was young the specialists were sure I would never be able to nurse.
“So, after completing the intermediate certificate I went to the Methodist Ladies College in Sydney to do a secretarial course. After 12 months all I really achieved was to learn to type with five fingers and to be become more determined to be a nurse.”
Two weeks after her 16th birthday Carolyn started at the Glen Innes Hospital as a cadet. The hospital was well known as an education and training hospital for young nurses who were then sent out to far flung regions.
Carolyn began her training there on her 17th birthday and finished on her 21st. Meeting her future husband “Mick” after only being at the hospital for a few months, Carolyn was eager to be married, taking the plunge on the Saturday after her final exams.
Carolyn spent five years living in the nurses’ home, continuing on for a further 13 years at the hospital. It was during those years that she raised three children of her own.
Carolyn recalls the advent of university training for nurses quickly brought an end to the friendships and camaraderie that developed between nurses living at the hospital.
“Back then we had each other to lean on, now they have debriefing and counselling sessions after difficult events.”
Having left the hospital with her third child Carolyn was soon called back into the working life at Roseneath – taking baby with her!
Then followed another stint at the hospital working night shifts and weekends, and four years working at a local surgery until the yearning for nursing nipped at Carolyn’s heels.
Carolyn returned to nurse at Roseneath, retiring in 1993.
“Or so I thought,” said Carolyn.
“After only a couple of weeks not working I was approached by a wonderful lady who wanted me to become a family day carer. This became our life for the next 15 years.”
Carolyn ‘retired’ again in 2009.
“But what is retirement?” she asks.
Early on Carolyn became involved with the formation of a Lioness Club through the Lions club, which was chartered in 1990. She has been an active member ever since.
“Nine years ago I became involved with the Leo Club for children between 12 and 18 years. The last five years I have been the club advisor and mentor.
“My hope is that these wonderful children will always remember their motto of leadership for life and as they leave Leo to go to uni or a chosen career that they will always be mindful of those in need.”
Carolyn was honoured in 2002 with the Citizen of the Year and in 2009 with a Neil Williams award for community service.
Recently she was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellow for humanitarian services.
“I am so humbled,” she said.
An active member of many other groups including the Anglican Church garden walk and catering committee, Parkinson’s support group, hospital auxiliary, Probus club, garden club, Carolyn still insists it’s the support and love from her husband, family and friends that keeps her going and able to assist those less fortunate.