Homework 19/7/2021 ALBANY TOWN

[Terry]

ALBANY (Al-BAN-EE) TOWN
As we approach the calmer, sheltered, pristine waters of the sound,
we see the first faint shadow of the distant land where we are bound.
Two islands peep above the waves; we’re nearing hoped for land at last,
while billowing white sails, reach out like Ghostly Gods before the mast.
The chill of wind is in our face laced with the salty tang of sea,
and after all the perils faced, we’re nearing where we long to be.

We pass on through the narrow entrance of the safest harbour known,
protected from the wildest ocean where those gale force winds had blown.
Then church bells peal a joyous welcome as we tie up to the Hulk.
Where lumpers load and unload ships of any goods that come in bulk.
Then smaller craft transfer the goods and waiting passengers to shore,
and all now feel relief again to stand on solid earth once more.

There’s horse drawn transport near the sandstone steps that lead up into town,
that’s nestled in between two mountains dressed in shades of green and brown.
Enhanced there by the harbour that displays a picture perfect view,
so loved by all of those who live here for its milder climate too.
It’s reminiscent of old Mother England, so the locals say,
but on a sadder note, it was from here the ANZACS sailed away.

©T.E. Piggott

My family have a long history in Albany.

For those who don’t know, Albany was the first settlement in W.A., some years before Perth was settled.
As for my forebears -
On my mothers side the first one we know of was the Hulk Masters daughter who became my great, great, (not sure how many greats) grandmother.
On my fathers side the first Piggott was Town Constable in charge of convicts and was later given a Goverment land grant on the upper hay river a few miles out of Albany – the family fortune was long gone by the time I put in an appearance .
He originally came from Port Arthur where he was a sergeant in the British Army (apparently)
I wont bore you with the rest of their endeavours.

‘Hulks’ – in the early days of settlement there were no jetties etc. so they would anchor an old large ship to act as a sort of landing platform. Then ferry the goods etc to shore with smaller vessels.

[Catherine Lee]

Oh yes - liking this, Terry! I can see how these prompts inspired you so swiftly, and as always you paint some wonderful images. I love the line: 'while billowing white sails, reach out like Ghostly Gods before the mast.', and your ending is unexpected as well... As for the details of your family history, I find these truly fascinating!

[Terry]

Thanks Catherine - A little bit of self indulgence and family history in this I guess.

I probably could have spent a bit more time on in and somehow worked a way to have had the sails billowing on a bright moonlit night,
now that would have looked ghostly.

Thanks again

Terry

[Ron]

I liked it Terry, a good yarn and a personal touch too, well done.
I don't think it is self indulgence at all, having that family link made it all the more interesting I reckon.
We were over that way about 14 yrs ago, we didn't get down to Albany but in conversation I was getting picked up for pronouncing it All-ban-ee!
Cheers
Ron

[Terry]

Thanks Ron

That's why I explained the correct pronunciation in the heading,
most people from over east in particular, start with 'ALL' instead of 'Al'

The same problem occurs with different towns and places all over the country mate.

Cheers

Terry

[Maureen K Clifford]

WOW! That's a ripper Terry and the family history makes it even more special - something to be proud of. The pronunciation of Albany I was unaware of, being one who is guilty of getting it wrong. but never again

[Terry]

Thanks Maureen

Well worth putting on the bucket list for anyone visiting the west.

Even news readers sometimes get the name pronunciation wrong at times;
couldn't resist this opportunity to put it right.

Terry