Research Notes

Dorothy Gwen Nichol

(known as Gwen)

1924-2021

Born in 1924, Gwen was the only child of Bertie and Kathleen Nichol.

1930 - 1935 ER Gwen and her parents are living at Jindera, New South Wales at a property called Hillside. Bertie is listed as a farmer.

1 April 1936, Gwen is enrolled at Bullioh primary school.

9 Jan 1937 Bertie died at Albury aged 41 – family story is that he died ‘of appendicitis that turned septic’. Buried Tallangatta cemetery. After his death, Gwen and her mother moved to Beechworth.

Gwen was working at the Bridigine Convent when a nun heard her singing and began training her voice. This nun encouraged Gwen to learn bookkeeping and ‘then to go nursing’.

1940 Gwen successfully completed an advance bookkeeping course & University of Conservatorium of Music (Brigidine Convent) Singing Grade IV Credit. – see Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 25 January 1941.

Gwen and a local man, Geoff Snow won a waltzing competition at the Firemen’s Dance held 2 July 1941 in Beechworth – See Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 5 July 1941.

Miss Gwen Nichol who underwent an operation for appendicitis at the Ovens District Hospital on Sunday last, is making satisfactory progress towards recovery. Ovens & Murray Advertiser, 26 July 1941.

Judged the winner of an Amateur Night at the Federal Hall, [Regency Theatre, Loch St] Beechworth December 1943. See Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 11 December 1943.

The engagement is announced of Dorothy Gwen, daughter of Mrs. And the late Mr B Nichol, formerly of Tallangatta to Herbert John, third son of Mr and Mrs H Pritchard, Beechworth. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 15 April 1944.

TO THE PUBLIC OF BEECHWORTH

To the Editor

Sir – The nursing staff of the Ovens District Hospital wish to inform the people of Beechworth who are so fond of slandering members of this institution that very shortly they will have few staff left to carry on unless this stops. No wonder members of the Nurses’ Board write concerning the change in trained staff. It is no please for any girl to nurse people whose main aim seems to be to condemn. Not only trained staff but certain members of the training staff come into the limelight. Of course, no apology can be expected from these people, but we would like those concerned to know we have heard and resent very strongly their remarks – Yours etc. Members of the Staff 26/9/44 Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 27 September 1944.

Don’t Believe All You Hear

To the Editor

Sir – I read with much regret in your issue of Wednesday last of the slander against the nursing staff of the Ovens District Hospital. I myself and my daughter were both patients at the Ovens District Hospital recently and we both feel there is no justification for any slander as our treatment is worthy of the highest praise. The nurses and staff were wonderful and the food served there is a credit to the cook. But there are always some people born growling and when they are sick, they expect the nurses to be with them all the time. They forget the hospital is at time over taxed with patients and that the nurses are trying to give satisfaction to all WHICH THEY DO: but the many people who I have met who speak so highly of the Ovens District Hospital and the nursing staff must well and truly counteract the few who persist in making slanderous statements. But carry on with the good work girls. You will be rewarded in the end. – Yours etc. L.M.L.B.N.G.

Beechworth 27.9.44 Ovens and Murray Advertiser 30 September 1944.

ABOUT PEOPLE

The many friends of Miss Gwen Nichol will be pleased to learn that she was successful in passing her final at the recent nurses’ examinations. Sister Nichol has received many letters and telegrams of congratulation on her achievement. She will shortly take up duty at the Freemason’s Hospital, East Melbourne. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 21 July 1945.

Gwen Nichol - courtesy Lesley Kiker

At the ODH Committee meeting held in July 1945 Mr Moonie ‘moved that the certificate with the seal attached be issued to Miss Gwen Nichol, who had passed her final examination in nursing and was now qualified to act as a trained nurse. Cr. Sinclair seconded the motion. The secretary is to convey to Miss Nichol the good wishes of the committee in her recent examination and success. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 25 July 1945.

Date of qualification August 1945

ABOUT PEOPLE

During the social evening extended to His Lordship the Bishop of Wangaratta, the Right Rev. T.M. Armour and Mrs Armour at the Parish Hall on Sunday evening, opportunity was taken to make a presentation to Sister Gwen Nichol, who is leaving Beechworth to take u duties as sister at the Freemason’s Hospital, East Melbourne. Miss Nichol has been a prominent member of the choir of Christ Church and was also interested in the Girl’s Friendly Society and other church organisations. The presentation was made by His Lordship the Bishop, supported by the Rector, the Rev. A.B. Brown. Sister Nichol suitably responded. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 22 August 1945.

1946 address is C/O P.O. Beechworth.

WEDDING BELLS PRITCHARD—NICHOL. At Christ Church, Beechworth, on Wednesday, 8th May, the wedding was solemnised with nuptial mass of Dorothy Gwen, [known as Gwen] only child of Mrs Nichol and the late Mr. B. Nichol of Beech worth, formerly of Tallangatta and Herbert John [known as Jack] (ex-A.I.F.), third son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Prit chard, Newtown, Beechworth, the Rev. A. B. Brown officiating. The church, which was beautifully decorated by Mrs. J. Churchill, was filled with relatives and friends of the contracting parties. The bride, who was given away by her uncle, Mr. J. Brown, of Wangaratta, wore a frock of ivory flat crepe. The bodice was moulded to the figure and had three-quarter length sleeves. The skirt hung in soft folds ending in a long train. Her tulle veil was held in place with a coronet of gardenias and tulle. She carried a bouquet of white nerines, stocks and chrysanthemums. The bridesmaids, Misses Shirley Smith and Hazel Jessup, friends of the bride, attended her, attired in powder blue crepe frocks made on similar lines to that of the bride. The shoulder length tulle veils were held in place with red roses, and bouquets of red carnations, dahlias and violets completed their ensemble. The bridegroom was attended by his brothers, Noel as best man, and Keith, as groomsman. During the signing of the register, “My Prayer” was beautifully rendered by Mrs. W. J. Barnes, Mrs. A. B. Brown presiding at the organ. As the bride left the church, horseshoes were hung on her arm 'by Twenette Pritchard, niece of the bridegroom, and Dorothy Hill, cousin of the bride. The reception, which was attended by relatives and close friends of the bride and bridegroom, was held at the Commercial Hotel. The: bride's mother, dressed in a navy crepe suit and accessories, with shoulder: spray of roses and autumn leaves, assisted by the bridegroom’s mother, dressed in navy crepe frock and accessories, with shoulder spray of carnations and violets; received the guests. The main feature of the table was a two-tiered wedding cake made by the bride’s mother and decorated by Mr. B. G. Law. During the reception Rev. Fr. Brown read many congratulatory telegrams. On leaving for the honeymoon, which was spent at the Grampians, the bride wore a pink suit with black accessories. The home of-the young couple is at Bridge Street, Beechworth. Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 8 June 1946.

Gwen and Jack had 4 girls.

Jack died from a blood disorder on 28 July 1968 aged 47 at Wangaratta and was buried in the Beechworth Cemetery on 30 July. Probate granted 14 October 1968.

Although his death certificate puts the cause of death as aplastic anaemia, his family believe this was incorrect and that the real cause of death was thrombocytopenia ‘brought on from the sprays used at the gaol when he was the warder in charge of prisoners working on the prison farm’.

Gwen returned to the workforce during her marriage. First at the Ovens and Murray Hospital for the Aged, then the Ovens District Hospital and finally at the Beechworth Surgery with Dr. Collins.

Gwen possessed a lovely singing voice and both before and after her marriage the local paper, the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, featured many tributes to her over the years. Gwen sang at many community events including, weddings, funerals, concerts, farewells and fundraisers.

After a long and at times, a sad and difficult life, Gwen died aged 97 at Wangaratta on 8 January 2021 and was buried with her husband Jack at Beechworth. She left a legacy that her four daughters, nine grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren can all be proud of.

A special thank you to Lesley Kiker who filled in so many gaps in the research of Gwen's life. It is greatly appreciated.