Well, as you've gathered, my name's Mary, and I'm 48 yrs old. Fortunately, I was also born in 1948 so that saves me changing my nick next year.

I was brought up in Larkhall in Scotland, the second of 5 girls, (that's why I'm always saying "I've got a sister that lives there"!). I left school and worked in Phillips factory, in Hamilton, for a year till I was old enough to start my training as a nurse at THE Glasgow Royal Infirmary in September 1965 (so if there's any of my group out there I'd love to hear from you). I loved every minute of my spell in Glasgow. We had a great time, worked and played hard!

Met my hubby-to-be in 1966, he was in the Merchant Navy, so was away a lot and didn't cramp my style (He's not getting reading this!) After qualifying, I went to Stockport and did my midwifery training ( my older sister was staying there). While it's not the prettiest place in the world, I met some great folk there.

From Stockport to the West Middlesex Hospital in Hounslow where I did a coronary care course under the direction of Dr P M McAllen. (he gets a mention cause he's got to be the very nicest gentleman I think I've ever met)

John and I got married in 1972 and came to live in Western Australia in 1973. Since then we haven't moved very much, I've been working on and off at the local hospitals and John had a few jobs before starting his own business, with his brother, in 1980.

Andrew will be 20 years old in July and is a 3rd year boilermaker/welder apprentice, just bought his 1st ute, and is over the moon. (I'm not quite as excited, although, as he's been on a motorbike for the last 2 yrs, I'm not as nervous as was then!)

Neil (aka Theweeyin) is 16, still at school and wants to be a chef. It's his computer I use. He works after school at K.F.C. to pay for it, and the scooter he hopes to get soon. He's the one that's telling me that you dont want to read my whole life story so, if you think this is long, it's him you thank that it's not longer! He also tells me he's a SNAG (sensitive new age guy). God help us. His favourite joke is "Why did the woman cross the road?" A. "What was she doing out of the kitchen!"

John left the M.N. in 1970. He was born in Urqhart nr. Elgin and went to live in Darlington (England) when he was 11. He's got a great singing voice, is heavily involved in our local repertory co. as well as running the business (his brother moved to Perth in '92). For all his entertaining abilities he's very quiet, not like his wife who'll talk to anyone, even an empty screen!

I work 7 nights a fortnight at the local hospital as well as my little job with the visiting Dermatologist 1 day/month.

Hobbies: #scotland, writing letters (snail mail), which doesn't leave much time for anything else except reading, and meditation. Is baking a hobby when you're a housewife? I enjoy that aspect of being one.

As all my pals know I'm partial to a wee drink of bacardi on my nights off, but I also enjoy a spot of port or wine (Australian, of course).

I'm putting a link to Neil's page. Hope you enjoy it. He doesn't talk as much as me!

Geraldton's a great place to live if you enjoy the slower pace. As my sister said when she was visiting "ony slower 'n ye'd be deid!" = any slower and you'd be dead. (hasn't got the same ring to it.) I'll put a link to the tourist page when they get it up. They're also affected by the slow lifestyle!

Here is a Ridley family photo...


they are from left to right: Andrew, Mary, John and Neil