I, Jamhar interviewed Barbara. When you have read about my project, please fill in the comment box and tell me about a senior citizen or grandparent that you know. Thanks
Barbara as a small child.
There were 10 children in our family, but sadly 2 died. We lived in Constantia and my father was a watch maker. The jobs In the city were school workers and the butcher people who worked harder in those days. In my spare time I played with dolls and castles. We were allowed to listen to super man stories on the radio. The milk man would deliver the milk to our house. He would always come to children.
Barbara’s Primary school days
At primary school we studied natural science, geography, history, maths and spelling. I walked to school. We wrote with a pencil and didn’t have any computers. When I was at school naughty children had detention and extra homework. We had homework every day and I played Dutch Ball.
Barbara as a teenager
I wore decent enough clothes. I didn’t have cell phone either. Our school didn’t even have extra-murals. Unfortunately we didn’t have that much spare time so we hardly had any hobbies. During winter, for our family time, we would all sit around a fire while our parents told us stories, and in the summer we would lie on the grass with our heads touching each others and watch the stars. To contact my friends I would have to walk all the way to their houses. I went on my first date on the 10th of October 1967 and in my days we would go to the Beach, walk around, go to the drive in cinemas and would NEVER be alone as a couple. My perfect date would be when you go on long walks, talk and hold hands. My favourite music artist is Cliff Richards and I really like all the love songs. I have so many photos from my childhood and it’s so cool because I can experience them again. At home we mostly had stews and occasionally we had a servant in our house to help us. I met my husband on the radio station CCFM.I have many other interesting stories to share with you, but unfortunately I don’t have the time.
How has South Africa changed since you were a child?
South Africa has changed DRASTICALLY since I was a child!
Can you tell us anything interesting about your own grandparents?
I’ll first tell you about my dad’s side. My grandpa was a Red Neck Boer and spoke Afrikaans all the time. He was also very strict. My Gran made the BEST biscuits ever and always used to give a penny. Now, on my moms side there was my other grandpa, who was a General in the army and the Brigade. He would always take me along to see his parades and he was the one that bought me my first teenage dress, a Blue Velvet one and white shoes, a bag, gloves and a hat.
What advice can you give us to help us in our lives?
My best advice would be love and respect others and yourself, study hard, live an honest life, be helpful and kind to others, set a goal for yourself, do NOT do drugs, God made you beautiful and wise so use your talents smartly and always be honest, laugh a lot and lastly consider other people and remember that they have feelings too.
Are there any herbs and remedies that people used in your days (for colds etc)People used to use worm wood for fevers. It would be steeped in hot water, strained and drunken with honey. Worm wood leaves could be used for toothache too, all you have to do is put it in your ear . You can also chew one or two leaves for pain!
Any other interesting stories you could tell us?
I have TONS of other interesting stories but I don’t really have the time.
