ESME Blanch celebrated her 90th birthday on December 29, on the family dairy farm at Lower Mount Walker over a breakfast, lunch and cake with her loved ones.
Esme said that her journey on the family farm at Lower Mount Walker began after she married Eric Blanch on February 10 in 1955 surrounded by family and friends in Bundaberg.
“We moved from Bundaberg into a traditional high set Queenslander situated on the 154-acre dairy farm at Lower Mount Walker which was later knocked down to make room for our new house in 1964,” she said.
“We milked morning and night through times where there was no electricity or phone connection.
“Our pre 1960s dairy started as a two unit walk through until after a few years it was upgraded to a four unit.”
The couple faced the challenges of floods and drought though never gave up and even extended their income with the addition of hay, grain and gravel.
“In those days, all of the grain bags were bagged by hand in small bags and the hay was baled in small bales as nothing was produced in bulk,” she said.
“Life on the farm soon became busier as Eric and I had 10 children and the children became a part of the everyday running of the farm and they sat in play pens while the cows were milked.”
In 1966, a new dairy was built and equipped with an eight unit walk through which was used until 1982 when a new herringbone dairy was built. The cattle numbers also increased from 100 to 200.
“There was lots of work to do on the farm and I assisted Eric through it all,” Esme said.
“When there was down time I enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and baking.
“In 1990, my sons Steve and Ross bought the dairy farm, and to this day they still work together to continue the family tradition while I keep a close eye on them from my home.”
There are many fond memories on the farm with the days when Esme would light the wood stove to cook dinner and to keep the house warm through the cooler months.
The special ritual of always sitting at the dinner table to share the day’s stories and a home cooked meal is described as the reason for their special family bond.
“Eric always sat at the head of the table and if for some reason he was not on his chair the children would laugh and compete to be the one who would have his chair for the night,” she said.
While the children helped in the house and on the farm, the family loved a good game of cricket Esme recalled with a smile.
“Family is everything and the bond that the children share with their parents is a close one that is now shared with the addition of 21 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.”
On October 2013, Eric passed away, but Esme still lives in their family home with her son Ross and with close support from her son Steve who lives close by.
“I have seen the change in the dairy farms within the area, with only four now remaining from over 50 when I first came to the area,” she said.
“Our family shopped for groceries using an account from 1954 at the original Sellars Grocery Store, the Alton Walker Butcher Store and the Bakery in the main street of Rosewood.
“Once the pay cheque came in for the sale of the milk on the farm the account was paid and this is how we shopped.”
During their years together, Esme and Eric enjoyed many trips to the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and up to Cairns, a sea change where lots of memories were made while they were away from their beloved farm.
On her 90th birthday there were lots of laughs, love and stories as Esme was presented with special cards and gifts.
A lady of her time, she is described as the rock of the family – strong, caring and very special.
“A fantastic mother, grandmother and great grandmother whose hard work and determination alongside our father started the family ties and traditions that are still shared on our dairy farm today,” Steve and Ross agreed.
