Looking Back

In this episode of Looking Back, we sit down with Graham Harrop, a man whose life has been shaped by art, music, and creativity. Growing up in post-war England, Graham remembers the simple joys of childhood, his growing love for school, and the path that led him to art college, specialising in interior design.  Graham takes us back to the swinging ‘60s, where he found his people in the music scene, recorded a song at Abbey Road, and even jammed with Jimi Hendrix at a London speakeasy. He rubbed shoulders with icons like Rod Stewart and Stephen Stills, but eventually, life led him in a new direction—moving with his family to Australia and returning to his first love, design, music and creativity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Looking Back, we sit down with Maureen, whose life story is a beautiful reflection of family, resilience, and the power of community. Born in North Melbourne in 1944, Maureen was the fourth of eleven children, growing up in a time when life was simpler—filled with backyard BBQs, family dinners around the kitchen table, and the hard work of her father, a dedicated taxi driver. Later in life, Maureen moved to the Mornington Peninsula, where she built a life for her own small family. She took on the challenge of owning a Wendy’s franchise, found joy in playing tennis, and embraced the strong sense of community that surrounded her.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we’re talking to Darryl Chambers, a true railway kid whose life has been shaped by the tracks. From growing up around trains to hitchhiking across Australia during school holidays, Darryl’s sense of adventure was unstoppable. He shares memories of his mother’s two-year battle with tuberculosis, his early jobs as a telegraph boy and telephone night shift operator, and how trains became his lifelong passion. Later in life, Darryl set an ambitious goal—to travel around the world by train with his wife, covering every possible rail route, even venturing on trains where no foreigner had ever travelled. Over ten years and countless journeys, he's made that dream a reality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Looking Back, we delve into the remarkable life of Fran Chambers, a trailblazing nurse whose career has touched countless lives. From scrubbing in with Sir Weary Dunlop at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, to working alongside a survivor of Auschwitz, Fran’s story is one of courage, resilience, and humility. Fran shares her experiences working in Melbourne’s pioneering “School Health” program, and her role in establishing the "Hospital in the Home" service. Her dedication didn’t stop there—Fran was one of the first to earn a Master’s in Nursing from Monash University, and also completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology, all alongside a full-time job. She also reflects on her journey as a mother and wife, living by her inspiring motto to "just get on with it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this inspiring episode of Looking Back, we sit down with Marian Hosking, a celebrated jeweller and silversmith from the Mornington Peninsula. Marian shares her journey, from discovering her passion for jewellry-making to interpreting the Australian landscape through her intricate designs. With a career spanning decades, Marian reflects on the lessons she's learned as an artist, teacher, and advocate for Australian craft. She delves into her creative process, the personal meaning behind her work, and the influence of nature and place on her designs. Join us as we explore Marian's rich history, and her legacy as an educator and mentor. This episode is a tribute to creativity, craftsmanship, and the stories that shape our lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.