Since my last letter, i have thought of several topics to write to you all.  But, as Auntie Lisbie suggested one in particular, here are my recollections of that day.

Life at the Old Yard, as it was lovingly referred to by everyone who knew it, was energising.  i believe this was because of the input of many workers, young and old, who devoted most of their time to the running of this unique home at Queensbury Estate.  The large variety of animals that were raised there made it the ideal place for children where they could get dirty and roam free! The three sons of Eileen (1921-      ) and Christopher (1922- 1977) were raised there in a very carefree environment, which did not meet with Eileen’s mother’s approval!

Rhoda Isaacs went to work on the estate as a young girl when cocoa was the main crop.  As a child she would roam the acreage with her father, Daggy, a renowned Bush Doctor, when he went gathering various plants with which he brewed his medicines for island wide distribution.  When Chris, at about 19 years old, was established at Queensbury by his father John (1881-1950).  Rhoda became one of the house servants, thus making her well equipped to become the nanny when Malcolm was born (1941-           ).   She took her role very seriously, and thus became more like a mother to the boys.  Eileen was free to enjoy her animals, horse back riding, tennis and socialising, knowing the children were in capable hands.

i’m fast forwarding to the year 1970-1 (?) after the  Old Yard house was no longer lived in, as by that time Eileen had built a new house further up the hill, where Guy and Lisa Walker now live.

Rhoda (Cus) and her nephew, Bump, continued living in the adjoining quarters, and estate work continued.  By that time i had returned from Bequia with my partner Ron Young, who was intrigued by Cus’s talent for storytelling, and great recall from her childhood association with Queensbury and neighboring Maloney.  He planned a big gathering of varied folks –  Twenty Hill, Pembroke, Penniston, Queensbury, old and current workers, and Roy Punnett (1909-1968) from Diamond Estate.  There were pots of calaloo soup, stewed meat, ground provisions etc , lots of alcohol and ice!  The old folks danced  in their old fashioned way which soon captivated the rest of the crowd,  nancy stories were told, old swankies (?) were sung.  Cus was the centre of attention and i can still feel the happiness that that gathering brought to us all.  She had her clay pipe constantly lit with the strong brand of “nigger head tobacco” that she was never without.  i don’t know the origin of that name, but that is what is was known by.

From that night the healthy energy started to dissipate, and has steadily continued, as it has for all the other Valley estates.

with love,
brenda