Living History

Canada comes to Brighton

I was only 10 years old, but I remember the 1956 Melbourne Olympics well as it was the day my mother invited a Canadian woman to stay with us.

My mother, being from Canada herself, was a member of the Canada Club. As there we so many people from all over the world, coming to Melbourne, there was not enough accommodation. In the spirit of the friendly games, the Canada Club asked its members if anyone would like to host visitors from Canada.

She stayed for 3 weeks, and at the end of the time I remember she gave me a wonderful book by Ernest Thompson-Seaton about Canadian wildlife.

I also remember a Bar-B-Q that was organised for us all, where we were to meet the Canadian Basketball Team at the local park! I had begun to play basketball myself; a love that I later passed down to all three of my children. It was a great day, in the end the team did not even turn up, but I do remember trying to finish a steak that was bigger than my plate!

The 1956 Melbourne Olympics for me brings back the memories of learning about other cultures, being proud of the friendly spirit of Victoria, and a steak that to this day, I could probably still not finish!

Pete, Brighton, Victoria

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