Whittlesea local Carolyn Thorn tells Max Westwood about her journey and how it landed in her in Whittlesea.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I worked for 23 years for an insurance company in the city of Melbourne and I also worked as a telephonist for a Telstra office in Preston and in Abbotsford for a number of years. I am now retired from the workforce and I am enjoying playing tennis and hoping to go bush-walking. I also enjoy playing cards and I love being out in the garden. I have recently planted quite a few native plants in my backyard to attract the birds, bees and butterflies.
What’s your connection to Whittlesea?
I moved to Whittlesea in 2010 with my son. He attended the Whittlesea Secondary College and now has a job locally. We have friends in Whittlesea that we have known for many years and was the main reason for moving here. We’re very happy living within the Whittlesea township.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
I would like to see the pedestrian crossings in Church street moved to a safer location, away from the round-a-bout and intersections. I’d also like to see the train-line extended to Whittlesea.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
We have some great cafes in town and I often frequent Olivia’s (next to the Post Office) and Cafe 59. Great food and coffee.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
From 1987 to 1992 I participated in four Great Victorian Bike Rides, one Great New Zealand Bike Ride and one Great Tasmanian Bike Ride. It was good exercise and I got to see a lot of the countryside. It was a fabulous experience.
What is your favourite memory about living in Whittlesea?
The ice-creamery shop at the end of Church Street (where the IGA store is located now). It was a very popular place to hang out in the warmer months. Sadly, it was demolished!
Tell us a bit about your recent entry into the The Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea?
I heard about the Probus club through a neighbour and have thoroughly enjoyed attending the meetings and getting to know the locals. The meetings are very well run and they have interesting guest speakers. I’m looking forward to going on trips and getting to know everyone.
