Copy of Godfrey Hirst family videos/photograph on CD. Including 1951 floods at Mill. All video content filmed at Godfrey Hirst Woollen Mill, Swanston Street, South Geelong. Godfrey Hirst's children. Family home in Newtown and holiday home in Eastern View.Compact disc (CD) containing colour video footage. Film has no audio content. Visual content outlined below: 00:00 – 00:05 – External view of brick building – Godfrey Hirst & Co. Pty. Ltd. 00:05 – 00:10 – Exterior garden setting, three men in suits with fabrics and object 00:10 – 00:28 – Exterior garden setting showing eight women, most likely on a break from working at the Godfrey Hirst factory. The footage shows them all getting up and walking back towards the building at the end. 00:28 – 00:38 – Exterior garden setting, showing seven men in white shirts and ties seated and standing around a table, turning pages on a folder on the table. 00:38 – 00:52 – Interior factory setting, showing four men in coats handling green and red wool. 00:52 – 1:08 – Three men in suits in an exterior garden setting looking at paperwork. 1:08 – 1:23 – Four men in coats in a garden handling coloured wool samples. 1:23 – 1:42 – Four men in suits in a garden setting handling woven fabric. Two of the men are holding pipes. 1:42 – 1:57 – Interior factory setting showing men operating machinery. 1:57 – 2:05 – Exterior factory setting showing a man driving machinery carting wool bales. 2:05 – 3:14 - Flood scenes, showing the exterior of the Godfrey Hirst building with a man rowing a boat down the street, and a horse and cart in flood waters. There are scenes of flooded streets, exterior of flooded buildings and people standing in flood waters. 3:14 – 3:40 - Interior building views of flood waters in factory with people, machinery, equipment and textiles in flood waters. 3:40 – 4:03 - Exterior views showing a tractor, boat, horse and people in flood waters. 4:03 – 7:02 Exterior setting showing crowds of people watching a fashion parade. The fashion parade is of women in various clothing, including suits jackets, skirts, coats and hats. 7.02 - END"Hirst family films 1936-1964 Incl. Godfrey Hirst and co P/L Woollen mills"geelong, godfrey hirst & co. pty. ltd., family films, factory, flooding, 1950s, wool processing, fashion, textiles, horse and cart, wool bales, transport, machinery, fashion parade, working life

This portrait is of a family group picnicking and is titled Emerald Primary School Picnic, Mordialloc, Victoria which was taken in 1930. The group are mainly family members of the Hirst Family, as described on the reverse of the photograph.A black and white sepia toned photograph of Emerald Primary School Picnic held at Mordialloc, Victoria in approximately 1930. The photo is a landscape orientation photograph printed on an oval shaped cabinet card. At some point the photo has been touched up with a painted tree in the left-hand side foreground of the picture, partially covering the identity of one of the group of picnickers. More information about the people in the group has been detailed on the back of the photo.On back of photograph: "Alice Richardson first grandchild for Granny & Grandad Hirst. A School Picnic held at Mordialloc - Victoria. approx - year of 1930 They are listed from left to right from back row; Tom Legett and Joe Hirst. Second row consists of Maud Nobelius (now Hirst), Jack Hirst, Kath Hirst (now Fitton). Third row consists of Kath Hirst (now Fitton), Charlie Leggett, Granny Hirst (Alice) (hat on), Harry Leggett, Dolly Richardson (Alice) (now Hirst), Grandad Hirst, nursing Alice Richardson (now Newcombe). Front row is a set of legs (unknown) and Lana Hirst (now Tardrew). Harry Leggett father of Tom & Charlie Leggett also father of Bonnie Butterworth. Another daughter Dorothy Leggett died (aged 13years) result of accident at Emerald."hirst family, 1930, photograph, mordialloc, emerald primary school

This framed portrait is of a family group picnicking and is titled Emerald School Picnic, Mordialloc, Victoria which was taken in 1930. The group are mainly family members of the Hirst Family, as described on the reverse of the photograph.An oval timber framed black and white sepia toned photograph of Emerald Primary School Picnic held at Mordialloc, Victoria in approximately 1930. The photo is a landscape orientation photograph and is mounted with an oval, white mat board in a mahogany timber style hanging frame. At some point the photo has been touched up with a painted tree in the left-hand side foreground of the picture, partially covering the identity of one of the group of picnickers. More information about the people in the group has been detailed on the back of the photo frame. The photo frame chops into part of the photo which is also slightly less sharp and blurry compared to the original one printed on cabinet card.On back of photograph: "Alice Richardson first grandchild for Granny & Grandad Hirst. A School Picnic held at Mordialloc - Victoria. approx - year of 1930 They are listed from left to right from back row; Tom Legett and Joe Hirst. Second row consists of Maud Nobelius (now Hirst), Jack Hirst, Kath Hirst (now Fitton). Third row consists of Kath Hirst (now Fitton), Charlie Leggett, Granny Hirst (Alice) (hat on), Harry Leggett, Dolly Richardson (Alice) (now Hirst), Grandad Hirst, nursing Alice Richardson (now Newcombe). Front row is a set of legs (unknown) and Lana Hirst (now Tardrew). At Emerald Primary School Picnic held at Mordialloc approx 1930 Harry Leggett father of Tom & Charlie Leggett also father of Bonnie Butterworth (Leggett) Not in photo. Another daughter Dorothy Leggett died (aged 13years) after an accident falling from a milk cart when the horse bolted at Emerald. Drinking fountain in Emerald School a memorial to her."hirst family, 1930, photograph, mordialloc, emerald primary school

At the time of sale, the last of the Hirst family to work in the mill located in Geelong gave Donald (donor Bruce's father) Doherty a set of scales that had been used by several generations of Hirsts and adapted by them over time for specific use in their mill. These Scales were saved from waste and being thrown away at the time of sale to remain in use in the industry in the hands of someone who knew how to use them. The scales were used in calculating the weight of cloth and simultaneously calculating the amount of yarn required to weave it following the instructions printed within the box. The box bears the signatures of two Hirst family members, one being Lewis Hirst dated at 1898. The original brass pole has been replaced with a replica metal somewhere throughout the years after the brass pole broke through use. Hirst was brought by McKendrick in the 1960s and these scales sat for 12 months as part of the 12 month "cooling off" period. The scales were then handed to Donald rather than being disposed of.Scales used for weighing and calculating weight and thread count of textile samples. Originated from Godfrey Hirst Mills in Geelong. Writing describes how to utilise scales. Scales are made from brass, pole for holding scales once brass now replaced with metal pole. Scales held inside wooden box with black text in ink depicting use of scales on paper located inside and outside of box.Outside of box. Wording: APPARTUS for TESTING the WEIGHT per YARD of CLOTHS & COUNT of YARN from a small SAMPLE. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indispensable to Manufactures, Merchants & handling Woollen, Worsted, Cotton, Linen, Jute, Hemp, Flannel, Felt, Army, Navy, Police, Railway, Sail & other Cloths -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USED IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The apparatus consists of Scales, Weights, 1, 2 & 4 sq. inch Cutting Templates & Book of Tables --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------By weighing a small Sample the accurate Weight in Ounces of a yard of Cloth any width from 18 to 64 inches, the Weight per Square Metre in Grams, the Counts* of Warp and Weft, and the approximate length of full & short ends of pieces of fabrics, [without unrolling and measuring for stocktaking & other purposes] can be ascertained without any Calculation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Price in United Kingdom, 25s., Carriage Paid. Price to Canada & U.S.A. $6.75 do. H. Lord. 10, And Place, Bradford, England. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*When ordering, state on what system you base your YARN COUNTS. Inside of box. Wording: DIRECTIONS FOR USE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TESTING WEIGHT OF CLOTHS. Place sample to be tested on a piece of cardboard, put a Cutting Template on it, cut card and cloth round template with scissors and weigh it according to instructions given in Book of Tables. TESTING FOR YARN COUNTS. Cut out 1 square inch of cloth, draw out wrap or weft threads, according to which is being tested, and the number of inches so drawn, that balance respective weight is the approximate Count. The same rule holds good when number of inches are drawn from a bobbin. In testing from the cloth, allowance has to be made for loss or gain in the process of manufacture. Weight marked C is for Cotton Counts " " W " " Worsted " " " WS " " Woollen Skeins " " L " " Linen Counts. The weights for testing samples of cloth are 20, 10, 10, 5, 3, 2, 1, grains in brass & '5, '3, '2, '1 [tenths of a grain] in aluminium. Inside of box. Signtures, handwritten: Bottom right: Lewis Hirst !898 Top Left (Smudge ?) W Hirst !935godfrey hirst, hirst family, textile design, textile creation

This photograph was taken in around 1920 at what was then the Hirst's farm (and later was owned by the Latter family). We believe that the child in the front of the photograph was likely Lana Hirst. Our notes indicate that the photographer was looking towards Charman Avenue and Caroline Crescent (at least, where they are today) from Emerald-Monbulk Road near the corner of Meadowview Lane. The other individuals in the photograph might be three of Lana's five older siblings (Leo, Jack, Dollie, Kath, Joe). Their parents were John Francis Hirst and Alice Maude.This photograph captures a historical element of Emerald's landscape, featuring a significant Emerald family on a farm that has since been subdivided and developed.This black and white photograph is a copy printed onto glossy photo paper, with the photograph uncentred between uneven white margins. A palm tree stands in the centre of the photograph, with four individuals directly in front of it. Three of the individuals are of similar heights, while one - likely a child - is significantly smaller. Over a fence in the background, the landscape dips into a valley before rising to a wooded hill on the horizon. There are handwritten annotations in blue pen on the reverse.Reverse, Handwritten: "Front Lana Hirst / Photo taken from Latter's farm (was Hirsts) / looking towards Charman Ave & Caroline Cres. / c. 1920"hirst family, lana hirst, farming

Jack Hirst owned a property on Paternoster Road, Emerald, where this photograph was taken. He was a general carrier of goods for the district. One of the boys in the photograph is his son. The girl is a member of the Nobelius family.The photograph is a record of prominent families in the Emerald district.B/W photograph of three children standing beside a truck belonging to Jack Hirst at a rural property.FRONT: Truck registration plate VIC FU 947 REAR: Jack Hirst's truck (Jack obscured). John Richardson, Alan Hirst and Elaine Nobelius. 1937 Truck soursed [sic] from Canada. Kodak Print 1215nobelius family, emerald football club, hirst

This photograph depicts W. M. Anderson's store on the corner of what is now Kilvington Drive and Heroes Avenue. At the time, these may have respectively been Beaconsfield Road and, according to the label, Avenue of Honor. Anderson's store is believed to have been built by the Stillwell family in 1921, but Anderson had his store at least from 1923 and therefore likely owned it from the point of its first construction. By the late 1940s, Anderson's had become Legge's General Store. It is difficult to determine precisely when within that range this photograph was taken. We believe Anderson's store was on the corner now occupied by Grace and Louie Booksellers. Some of the people in the photograph include Bill Anderson with Albert Legge, and Leo Hirst - employees of Anderson - in the center-left, and George Davey standing in the cart.This photograph captures a now-unfamiliar store in a familiar part of old Emerald, documenting the changes to the commercial landscape over the past century.This black and white photograph depicts a store on a street corner, with a porch covering the walkway outside and several signs on the building, along with writing on the end of the porch covering. In the left of the frame is a car, with two dogs, a horse, and a man surrounding it; in the right, a man strands on a horsecart drawn by a white horse. In the center-left are three men wearing aprons with a child besides them, while in the center a woman and child stand in the doorway. In the background, other buildings continue down both streets. The reverse is annotated, and has six rectangular artefacts where adhesive was once applied. A section of handwriting is illegible due to damage, but likely read 'Heroes Avenue' or 'Avenue of Honour'.Reverse: "Built in 1921 / Cr [illegible] & Kilvington / Cross reference 56" Obverse: In Photograph Sign, Left: "W. M. ANDERSON" In Photograph Sign, Right: "THE / STORE" In Photograph, Porch: "W.M.ANDERSON [illegible]"emerald, commerce, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s

These are original items of VX5104 L/Col VJ Schofield MBE who served with 23rd Battalion (The City of Geelong Regiment). In 1929 this Battalion was amalgamated with the 21st Battalion to become 23rd/21st Battalion and adopted the territorial designation of 'The City of Geelong Regiment/The Victorian Rangers'. The Battalion went to the Northern Territory during WW2 before being disbanded, however VX5104 VJ Schofield became redeployed and served in New Guinea during WW2. He was awarded an MBE for his service. (Reference The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) Friday 20 July 1945. (Awards for Service in Papua-New Guinea). The original plaques were located at the Geelong Returned Soldiers, Sailors and Airman Woollen Mill (commonly referred to as the RS&S Mill). Schofields Father was responsible for the raising of the Mill, with Federal Funding, he was the CEO. It is not known if Victor John Schofield worked at this Mill but the plaques were found there and donated to the Geelong RSL Sub Branch by Roger Burt CEO of Godfrey Hirst Group during the Hirst takerover of the RS&S Mill.Two Plaques - one the Rising Sun, one the Maxwell Family Crest which is related to L/Col Schofield MBE. Timber materials used in the manufacture of both items.None on the Rising Sun. One The Maxwell Family Crest 'Rebiresco' Maxwell.ww2, vx5104 jc schofield mbe, papua-new guinea, city of geelong regiment, 23rd/21st battalion

This scrapbook belonged to the donor’s father, Geoffrey Lewis Hirst. It was started for him by his mother, Dorothy Hirst, and he later collaborated on it. Geoffrey initially collected memorabilia from his grandfather’s travels (Lewis Hirst). Geoffrey and his siblings were placed at boarding school at Geelong College when Cedric (his father) and Dorothy went to Great Britain in 1947 to buy new machinery for the Godfrey Hirst mill, as the machines had been running solidly through the war making material for the uniforms and grey blankets. The book begins with a dinner invitation for Lewis Hirst dated April 1929, and ends with newspaper clippings announcing the passing of Lewis Hirst in April 1951. The book was a memento of family life at the time - of the mills, and Geelong life in general.Book containing news clippings, invitations, advertisements, photographs, letters, certificates and other documents, over 100 pages long.Inscription: front [printed]: NEWS / CUTTINGS ; inside page [handwritten]: Geoffrey Lewis Hirst / 1939godfrey hirst, lewis hirst, geoffrey lewis hirst, travel, geelong, working life, geelong college, textile industry, woollen mill, scrapbook

Note from collector: I would stack plain blankets of the same base colour and arrange them by shade to make up a colour palette. It showed how particular colours were in fashion in the early decades, based mostly around depths of pastel pinks, mints, lemons and baby blues with brighter colours arriving in the 1960s then the browns and oranges in heavier tones in the 1970s. Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Queen Sized, dusty pink blanketGodfrey Hirst/Pure Wool Pelage Blanket/Mothproofed/Made in Australiawool, blanket, blanket fever, godfrey hirst, geelong

Note from collector: Godfrey Hirst Diamond blankets from the mid-1950s are always delight to find. Some of these were found in the Geelong area but one came back with me from an op shop road trip around Tasmania, another from the St Pauls op shop in Romsey. I love this pattern and find the lemon and grey colourway particularly special. Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Double-sized mint and cream diamond blanketAn All Wool Blanket" /By Godfrey Hirst of Geelong/100% Virgin Woolwool, blanket, blanket fever, godfrey hirst, diamond blanket

Note from collector: Godfrey Hirst Diamond blankets from the mid-1950s are always delight to find. Some of these were found in the Geelong area but one came back with me from an op shop road trip around Tasmania, another from the St Pauls op shop in Romsey. I love this pattern and find the lemon and grey colourway particularly special. It was hard to let go of this one!Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Queen sized diamond blanket , lemon & grey "An All Wool Blanket" /By Godfrey Hirst of Geelong/100% Virgin Woolwool, blanket, blanket fever, godfrey hirst, diamond blanket, geelong

Note from collector: Godfrey Hirst Diamond blankets from the mid-1950s are always delight to find. Some of these were found in the Geelong area but one came back with me from an op shop road trip around Tasmania, another from the St Pauls op shop in Romsey. I love this pattern and find the lemon and grey colourway particularly special.Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Double-sized, pink and mint diamond blanket"An All Wool Blanket" /By Godfrey Hirst of Geelong/100% Virgin Woolwool, blanket, blanket fever, godfrey hirst, diamond blanket, geelong

Godfrey Hirst Diamond blankets from the mid-1950s are always delight to find. Some of these were found in the Geelong area but one came back with me from an op shop road trip around Tasmania, another from the St Pauls op shop in Romsey. I love this pattern and find the lemon and grey colourway particularly special. Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Diamond blanket, mint and lemon"An All Wool Blanket" /By Godfrey Hirst of Geelong/100% Virgin Woolwool, blanket, blanket fever, diamond blanket, godfrey hirst, geelong

Note from collector: Godfrey Hirst Diamond blankets from the mid-1950s are always delight to find. Some of these were found in the Geelong area but one came back with me from an op shop road trip around Tasmania, another from the St Pauls op shop in Romsey. I love this pattern and find the lemon and grey colourway particularly special.Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." King-sized, pink and mint diamond blanket, ribbon edgedName tag 'O'Malley' sewn above label/"An All Wool Blanket" /By Godfrey Hirst of Geelong/100% Virgin Woolwool, blanket, blanket fever, diamond blanket, godfrey hirst, geelong

Collector says: Godfrey Hirst Diamond blankets from the mid-1950s are always delight to find. Some of these were found in the Geelong area but one came back with me from an op shop road trip around Tasmania, another from the St Pauls op shop in Romsey. I love this pattern and find the lemon and grey colourway particularly special. Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." King sized Diamond blanket, pink, mint and lemon Mothproofed/Godfrey Hirst/Pure Wool Pelage Blanketwool, blanket, blanket fever, diamond blanket, godfrey hirst, geelong

Collector says: Godfrey Hirst Diamond blankets from the mid-1950s are always delight to find. Some of these were found in the Geelong area but one came back with me from an op shop road trip around Tasmania, another from the St Pauls op shop in Romsey. I love this pattern and find the lemon and grey colourway particularly special. Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Godfrey Hirst diamond blanket in pink, grey and lemon"An All Wool Blanket" /By Godfrey Hirst of Geelong/100% Virgin Woolwool, blanket, blanket fever, diamond blanket, godfrey hirst, geelong

Collector says: Godfrey Hirst Diamond blankets from the mid-1950s are always delight to find. Some of these were found in the Geelong area but one came back with me from an op shop road trip around Tasmania, another from the St Pauls op shop in Romsey. I love this pattern and find the lemon and grey colourway particularly special. Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Godfrey Hirst Diamond blanket in pink and grey"An All Wool Blanket" /By Godfrey Hirst of Geelong/100% Virgin Woolwool, blanket, blanket fever, diamond blanket, godfrey hirst, geelong

Collector says: Godfrey Hirst Diamond blankets from the mid-1950s are always delight to find. Some of these were found in the Geelong area but one came back with me from an op shop road trip around Tasmania, another from the St Pauls op shop in Romsey. I love this pattern and find the lemon and grey colourway particularly special.Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Godfrey Hirst diamond blanket in pink and cream"An All Wool Blanket" /By Godfrey Hirst of Geelong/100% Virgin Woolwool, blanket, blanket fever, diamond blanket, godfrey hirst, geelong

Collector says: I can still recall one of my earliest childhood memories, of my nana's bright aqua shoes against the checks of our family travel rug on summer picnics.Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." Standard sized fringed plaid blanket in red and blue with black and yellow accentsMothproofed/Godfrey Hirst/100% Pure Wool Rugwool, blanket fever, travel rug, godfrey hirst, geelong

Note from collector- "For more than 100 years blankets were made all over Australia in over 100 woollen mills. My aim, is to preserve 100 examples of these wonderful pieces of history. Ten years ago I started collecting the iconic Onkaparinga travel rugs, so that on movie nights at home there would be plenty to go around. Everyone had their favourite; even the cat had his own – a small red tartan one. Keeping an eye out for those travel rugs at op-shops and markets, collectable stores and bazaars, led to noticing vintage blankets. I'd never really thought about them before or paid much attention though of course I had grown up with them at my grandmother's. When I discovered my first Laconia cream blanket with blue stripes, my eyes just went gaga. Well that was it, I was hooked and since then over 500 blankets have passed through my hands. These common, everyday items, found in all households for so many decades, were traditional engagement gifts. Pairs were prized wedding presents turning into family heirlooms. They were fashionable dressers of beds, givers of warmth, bestowers of security and reliability. The comfort found in these objects resonates with almost all of us; we grew up with them ourselves or fondly recall them in a grandparent’s home. There is no modern replacement with the integrity of these old blankets, many of them now older than most of us. They are romantic, sensible, special, familiar, nostalgic and nothing else feels so appropriate in so many situations. No offense to the great Aussie doona, but from hippie to hipster, at a music festival, picnic, campsite or couch, a vintage blanket is something coveted by all. This industry that employed tens of thousands and must have been such a huge contributor to the economy is almost completely lost now. Blanket Fever is an ode to everything that came before: the land, the sheep, the shearers, the hands, the mills, the weavers, the designers, the distributors, the department stores. To the grandparents that gave them, the people that received them, the families that kept them; thank you. I’m passionate about my collection of Australian blankets manufactured in mostly Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania from the 1930s to the end of the 1960s. The collection has blankets from each of these four decades representing the styles and fashions of their time and includes dated advertisements which help determine the eras the blankets are from." In Love for a Lifetime (loving couple)In Love for a Lifetime!/Godfrey Hirst of Geelong/This is the Label to Look For!blankets, blanket fever, wool, godfrey hirst, advertisement, geelong, woman magazine

The Excelsior Woollen and Worsted Mills were controlled by Godfrey Hirst & Co. Pty. Ltd. The Excelsior name originated from the union in the one enterprise of two of the earliest mills established in Victoria, the Old Victorian Mill, and the Old Barwon Mill. Godfrey Hirst combined his expertise with the capital of Charles Shannon to purchase the Barwon Mill in 1890 and the Victorian Mill in 1899. They commenced production of high-quality flannels in readiness for an anticipated lifting of tariff barriers in 1901, the year of federation. These were the first flannels to be produced in Australia rather than imported from England. In April 1912 the No.2 Excelsior Mill burnt down during the installation of electricity and was rebuilt. The No.1 Excelsior Mill was closed in 1930, with most hands moving to the No.2 Mill. In 1966 the firm changed ownership and became a subsidiary of the McKendrick family and commenced manufacturing of tufted carpets. Godfrey Hirst has since emerged as Australia’s leading manufacturer of tufted carpets. It has also expanded into hard flooring, including timber, laminate, and other surfaces. In 2018, the Godfrey Hirst business was acquired by Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring company. Brown blanket featuring a design of four lines of cream, and a single line of orange, spanning the blanket vertically and horizontally, to form a plaid pattern. At the vertical ends, the blanket ends in a fringe.Label. Stitched. "The Atlantic Rug / Excelsior/ Guaranteed Product / Australian Manufacture"godfrey hirst & co. pty. ltd., excelsior mill, the atlantic rug

School history - ref https://ourholyredeemer.cam.org.au/history In 1904 Fr. George Robinson erected a weatherboard school-hall where the present hall now stands. It was blessed and opened by Archbishop Carr on 20th November of that year. In January 1905, the Sisters of St Joseph took charge of the school. Archbishop Mannix opened and blessed the new brick school on 10th November 1918. From 1941-1972, Fr Tim Fitzpatrick was parish priest and head of the school. He is the priest on the LHS of this large school photo. Personal history: Although they lived in Prospect Street, Box Hill, John and Mary Turnbull attended Our Holy Redeemer School, as did Susan Hirst who lived across the road from the Turnbull family with her parents Ray and Shirley Hirst at 29 Prospect Street.Part of a large landscape black and white photo of a priest with a large group of children grouped as follows: Back row: 20 boys Second back row: 21 girls Second row: 16 girls Front row: 10 boys. Behind the group is a large cypress tree and to either side the church and (?) school building. The boy 4th from the right in the back row is marked with an 'x' in blue biro. This is part of a large landscape photo. The 2 pieces should be viewed as one. On front 'x' in blue biro is believed by the donor to have been made by Hughn Turnbull, his father. On rear in blue biro: "X JOHN" and " T MARY" plus in black in John Turnbull's hand "(MY SISTER)"; "SUSAN HIRST / SH (crossed out) / 3rd from RIGHT END" The donor has indicated that his father made the markings on the front of the photo. schools, our holy redeemer school, fr tim fitzpatrick, john turnbull, mary turnbull, susan hirst

School history - ref https://ourholyredeemer.cam.org.au/history In 1904 Fr. George Robinson erected a weatherboard school-hall where the present hall now stands. It was blessed and opened by Archbishop Carr on 20th November of that year. In January 1905, the Sisters of St Joseph took charge of the school. Archbishop Mannix opened and blessed the new brick school on 10th November 1918. From 1941-1972, Fr Tim Fitzpatrick was parish priest and head of the school. Personal history: Although they lived in Prospect Street, Box Hill, John and Mary Turnbull attended Our Holy Redeemer School, as did Susan Hirst who lived across the road from the Turnbull family with her parents Ray and Shirley Hirst at 29 Prospect Street.Part of a large landscape black and white photo of a priest with a large group of children grouped as follows: Back row: 19 boys Second back row: 14 girls Second row: 15 girls Front row: 12 boys. Behind the group is a large cypress tree and to either side the church and (?) school building. The girl in the 2nd row, first on the left is marked with an 'T' in blue biro; the girl 3rd from the right in the same row is circled in blue biro. There is a Californian bungalow in the background. This is half of a large landscape photo and the 2 pieces should be viewed together. On front 'T' and a circle in blue biro are believed by the donor to have been made by Hugh Turnbull, his father. On rear in black: "OUR HOLY REDEEMER - SURREY HILLS / PROBABLY 1950's" schools, our holy redeemer school, fr tim fitzpatrick, john turnbull, mary turnbull, susan hirst

This wagga style blanket was made by May Shortte, the grandmother of Emily McNeight. The main parts of the wagga came from a sister in law, Dot, who worked at Solomons Department Store (now Market Square Shopping Centre). The grey border pieces came from another sister in law, Gwen, who worked at Godfrey Hirst, these pieces were called 'mill ends'. Pieces of fabric from the mill and the department strore were passed around to everyone in the family. Part of a collection of three blankets donated by Emily McNeight.Blue, orange, green, yellow, purple and grey wagga style blanket made with off cuts of blankets.wool, blankets, wagga, solomons, geelong, may shortte, samples

The Excelsior Woollen and Worsted Mills were controlled by Godfrey Hirst & Co. Pty. Ltd. The Excelsior name originated from the union in the one enterprise of two of the earliest mills established in Victoria, the Old Victorian Mill, and the Old Barwon Mill. Godfrey Hirst combined his expertise with the capital of Charles Shannon to purchase the Barwon Mill in 1890 and the Victorian Mill in 1899. They commenced production of high-quality flannels in readiness for an anticipated lifting of tariff barriers in 1901, the year of federation. These were the first flannels to be produced in Australia rather than imported from England. In April 1912 the No.2 Excelsior Mill burnt down during the installation of electricity and was rebuilt. The No.1 Excelsior Mill was closed in 1930, with most hands moving to the No.2 Mill. In 1966 the firm changed ownership and became a subsidiary of the McKendrick family and commenced manufacturing of tufted carpets. Godfrey Hirst has since emerged as Australia’s leading manufacturer of tufted carpets. It has also expanded into hard flooring, including timber, laminate, and other surfaces. In 2018, the Godfrey Hirst business was acquired by Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring company.Eight sheets of ruled paper, with printed text, fastened in the corner with a metal clip.[printed] Memo / Strictly private and confidential / To be returned by registered post to / The Managing Director / GODFREY HIRST & CO PTY LTD / Excelsior Woollen Mills / SOUTH Geelong. godfrey hirst & co. pty. ltd., documents, budgets, balance sheets, company records, the excelsior mills, geelong, wool industry, textile industry

This blanket belonged to Wendy Hirst, great-granddaughter of Godfrey Hirst. It was gifted to her and has remained in the family until its donation to the National Wool Museum by Wendy's daughter. The blanket is part of a special Godfrey Hirst collection created for the princesses - Princess Margaret, Princess Elizabeth and the Duchess of Kent. This particular piece is known as the Duchess of Kent blanket. Beyond it's royal connection, the blanket holds deep family meaning. Wendy used it throughout her childhood, including during her time at boarding school at Morongo Girls College. She was sent to boarding school while her parents travelled on a grand tour around Europe in 1956, using money they received inherited from the sale of Godfrey Hirst's establishment. The blanket has naturally developed signs of wear and tear, showing just how well loved and well used it has been over the decades. It also still has its name tag sewn in, as required by Morongo Girls College, with 'Wendy Hirst' written on it, an intimate detail that ties this remarkable piece of history firmly to her own life and childhood.Burgundy, red, green and pale blue tartan blanket with fringed edges.Printed [label]: WENDY HIRSTgodfrey hirst & co. pty. ltd., godfrey hirst, wendy hirst, duchess of kent, princess, royals, childhood, boarding school, blanket, morongo girls college