The Carpenters

Up to late 2012, Terence and Geraldine Carpenter were living on a small acreage on the far south coast of New South Wales, three hours away from their growing family in Canberra and Murrumbateman. The workload was becoming a challenge for their ageing bodies (Terence in his 70's and Geraldine younger), and they needed to 'downsize'. Canberra and Yass were considered, but Goulburn offered more for their particular needs.

Now just one hour away from their family, the Carpenter's live on a flat block, in a new part of Goulburn with an almost new home that meets their needs - all within their budget. Fortunately for Terence and Geraldine, no landscaping work had been done, so they were able to make their own mark on the property. The Carpenters have established productive fruit, vegetable and flower gardens (although missing the chooks and calves) and are enjoying the reduced 'work-load' on a suburban block. They now have more time for Geraldine to actively pursue her own particular hobbies and for Terence to build a model railway layout.

So why Goulburn? Goulburn provides all the medical facilities available for people of their age. When the time comes that they are no longer able to live independently, there are several retirement villages and aged care facilities available. Also, when they are no longer able to drive, they are close enough to the shopping centre to use the local bus service, or if necessary, using the local taxi service wouldn't be too costly either.

Terence's family have a long connection with Goulburn. Following earning his freedom from 'Van Diemen's Land' in 1852, Ralph Carpenter married a free Irish settler lass in Tasmania in 1853. Great-grandparents Ralph and Bridgette Carpenter settled in Goulburn in the 1860s. The Carpenters had 11 children, with and Ralph Carpenter the Second being number 9. Ralph (2nd) and Margaret Carpenter subsequently had 3 children born in Goulburn, and Terence's father, Lionel was born here in 1903. The family moved to Newcastle around 1910. No doubt there are several distant cousins here.

Shortly after settling in Goulburn in January 2013, Terence's love of railways drew him to the Goulburn Loco Roundhouse Preservation Society where he became a member, then a tour guide, and earlier this year accepted the position of Secretary. Scanning through some of the archives at the Roundhouse Terence has found details of his Grandfather's work record as a fireman based at the Goulburn Loco Depot.

Goulburn is also home to many churches and denominations, so the Carpenters have numerous options as to where they can choose to worship. Terence and Geraldine have found themselves with plenty of social activities available to them, plus they can also take the train to Sydney for the day for $2.50 return. A little closer to home, there are also several small villages within an hour's drive from Goulburn that provide an opportunity for a drive, coffee and a pie.