Evelyn Salter née France (1909 - 1989) - YWCA Volunteer. Recorded 8 June 1982. Part 1 of 1

Evelyn Salter was a member of the YWCA in Kurri Kurri and helped to start up the Weston YWCA. She discusses the YWCAs and members in Kurri, Weston and Cessnock.

Evelyn Salter was born in Lambton in 1909 and moved to the Cessnock area when her father, William France, got a job in the mines as an ostler. He worked at Richmond Main Colliery, where the family lived for a time. 

Her husband, James Trevor Salter (1905-1997), who was born in Wales, emigrated to Australia in 1912, his family settling in Kurri in 1914.. He worked at Hebburn No. 1 Colliery ("Sore-eye pit") and at BHP. 

Evelyn recalls the different picture shows and theatres in Kurri Kurri and Weston when she was growing up. She mentions:

• open air picture theatre in Weston
• Sheddon's Hall, Weston
• Royal picture theatre, Kurri Kurri
• King's picture theatre, Kurri Kurri
• The Miners' picture theatre. Kurri Kurri
• the Coalfields Amusement Company
• Pelaw Main picture theatre

She lived in Aberdare Street, Kurri Kurri.

During the interview, Mrs Salter mentions the following people:

• Ms Threlfo
• Ms Scott
• Barry Salter (son)
• Mrs Wells
• Mrs Robinson
• Mrs Dyerson
• Mrs Norris
• Mrs Woodgate, Cessnock YWCA
• Mrs Fuller
• Jimmy Johnstone
• Sam Robinson
• Beryl Cox
• Mrs Humes
• Alan Gray
• Alf Watson
• Geoff Crane, scoutmaster
• Mrs Boslem
• Ted Jeffries