Alice Laura Hemestretch Nicholls

"Auntie Laurie" as she was so fondly known by her family in Australia was born 2 July 1900 in Lyndhurst, Hampshire, England. She was the daughter of Arthur Edward Hemestretch and Alica Charlotte Holes. She was the first of three children, Ethel May and Arthur Edward were her siblings. Unfortunately, her mother died when she was 5 years old. In the 1911 census her father and her sister, Ethel, are living with her father's brother James and her younger brother is living with her father's sister Laura Sims and her husband Stephen.

During her remarkable lifetime, Laurie prepared meals for many distinguished individuals, including Queen Elizabeth II as a child. She started working when she was 14 years old, and worked in mulitple homes of the well-off. While working for Sir Cecil Boydrochford, she had met William while he was a butler and she was the cook. On July 2nd, 1945—her 45th birthday—she married William David Nicholls as a proud war bride, a moment beautifully captured in the accompanying photograph. With William still serving in the military, he soon returned to his unit while Laurie continued to work as a cook while awaiting her journey to New South Wales. In 1946, she traveled aboard a "War Bride Ship," joining scores of young women reunited with their husbands. One can only imagine the joyful anticipation as the vessel, carrying its precious cargo of hopeful new brides, was welcomed by soldiers longing for the embrace of love and home.

Though they never had children of their own, Auntie Laurie and Uncle Bill made their home in Ashfield, NSW, Australia to stay close to family. Over the years, their apartment became a cherished gathering place—a haven of stories, laughter, and unforgettable meals. Uncle Bill, with his spirited war tales, captivated listeners, while Auntie Laurie charmed everyone with memories of cooking for the Queen during her youth. Her culinary talents were legendary—every dish she served truly was “fit for a queen.” She held fast to her English heritage, with grace and propriety woven into everything she did.

Auntie Laurie’s presence was a treasure at every family gathering. She always made time to cook, to chat, and to share in the joy of togetherness—never arriving empty-handed, always bearing some delectable creation that reflected her generous heart and culinary finesse. Our young children formed a special bond with her and Uncle Bill, and we often had them over for dinner. Their visits were filled with laughter, storytelling, and a comforting sense of tradition that made every meal feel like home.

This cherished photograph was taken in our home in Tregear, NSW, on Christmas Day, 1981. Auntie Laurie sits gracefully on the left, with Dawn and Jessica sitting on her lap. Beside her, Grandma Gimson gently holds baby Theresa, while Uncle John Nicholls—Laurie’s brother-in-law—smiles warmly, holding onto active John. Angela is there too, lovingly embracing Phillip. All of our children were together, wrapped in the warmth of family. It was one of those unforgettable days filled with laughter, stories, and love—a moment in time we’ve carried in our hearts ever since.

In 1982, Auntie Laurie fell gravely ill with lung cancer—a cruel irony, as she had never smoked, though her husband had. Despite receiving the best care available, she passed away peacefully on October 29th of that year. I was blessed to visit her before she left us. It was a solemn, reflective time. In the quiet of our final conversations, she shared heartfelt recollections of her parents, siblings, and cherished memories—entrusting me with the legacy of her family’s story so it might live on through our written history. 

Auntie Laurie’s life was a tapestry woven with grace, resilience, and devotion—each thread telling a story of love, service, and togetherness. Her legacy lives on not only through the memories she created but through the lives she touched, and the traditions she inspired. Though time may pass, the warmth of her spirit lingers in every shared recipe, every fond recollection, and every family gathering. She taught us how to cherish the everyday and celebrate the extraordinary, and for that, we will always remember her.

2 July 1900 - 29 October 1982

Updated 3 July 2025

Mary Isabella McEwen Banks

Mary Isabella McEwen was born 3 February 1895 to William McKidd McEwen and Catherine McNicol as the 3rd of their 4 children in Kenmore, Perthshire, Scotland.

The 1901 Scotland census is the first census record where she is listed with her family. Her father, William, is listed as a Wood Forester and they lived at Comrie Bridge Cottage, Dull, Perthshire, Scotland. Dull is a village located in Perth and Kinross in the highlands. By the 1911 census the family had moved to Oakhouse in Kenmore where he is now a gardner and is most likely the area she grew up in.

On 16 August 1916, at the age of 21, she married Alexander Crombie Banks in Dunblane, Perthshire, Scotland. Together they had two children, William Alexander and James Watt Robertson Banks. Her husband, Alexander, was a painter by trade.

When James, their youngest, was one and half years old, they emigrated to New South Wales, Australia where they settled to raise their family. Here they are listed as passengers on the ship called the "S.S. Ballarat" on the 6th August 1925.

The first location we find this family is in the 1930 voting record which shows the family living at Colinton Dell, Oatland in Seven Hills as shown below.

They stayed in this area and for awhile and were connected with the Burnside Homes where her husband was a painter while Mary did some mending and knitting for the occupants as services provided through St. Andrews' church. Mary was a keen knitter and crocheter and would make clothing for the children.

The Burnside Home was an orphanage for young migrants and those needing a home according to their website. They eventually settled on Rosehill St., Parramatta in the early 1940s according to their voting records.

During World War 2, Mary participated along with other women, through St. Andrews Church, in making camouflage netting to cover the weapons on the ground so they would not be seen from the airplanes above. This required the use of a special oblong tool which I'm told was very difficult for the women to use. These women did many different tasks to assist their men in the battle fields.

Together they belonged to the Highland Society in the area and participated in all their celebrations. She was well known for her 'Haggis' which the two of them would make for 'Burns Night' celebrations. In fact all who knew her and her family would say she was a wonderful cook, no matter what it was; fancy foods, vegies, scones, cakes, etc. they were the best and she so loved her gas stove. The highland dancing was always delightful as she was from the highlands herself. She would dress her very best at these functions and included a hat and gloves to match.

She enjoyed her grandchildren immensely and had many a family gathering at her home. Mary and Alexander would go to Manly during their summer holidays and stay in a granny flat of their friends. Their children and grandchildren would come to visit by ferry and have a grand time.

They never owned a vehicle and traveled everywhere by bus, train or simply walking. Over a period of time her feet were giving her problems and she would go to a foot doctor to take care of them. On the 25th Sept 1964 she wasn't feeling well after returning from her visit to the foot doctor so she took the bus to the hospital and passed away later that evening at the age of 69.

She was definitely one who shared her talents with many and served others so willingly whenever needed. Her legacy of service to others lives on through her children and grandchildren along with her love of cooking, highland games and dancing and all things Scottish!

Mary Isabella McEwen Banks: 1875-1964