High above Kings Beach, in an apartment filled with treasures collected over a lifetime of travel and experience, Chronicle contributor Sue Warren enjoyed a cuppa with long-time Caloundra resident Patricia Richardson, who graciously regaled her with stories from her life.
Nonagenarian Pat Richardson emigrated with her family from a war-weary England at age 18. Once they arrived, her parents said to Pat and her siblings: “We got you here—now go out and find your life.”
She knows her parents were the ones who gave up the most, leaving behind everything they knew to give their children a better life with more opportunities. She also reflects that, having lived through the war years—hard as they were—she and others like her developed resilience and learned to do without, qualities that have stood her in good stead throughout her life.
Not only that, but a ‘tough mother’ who brooked no nonsense and had a ‘get on with it’ attitude was always at the foundation of her long and successful life. Her mother instilled in her the understanding that one is responsible for one’s own decisions and must live with the consequences, even when they don’t work out.
Originally arriving in Melbourne, she secured her first job at Myer and, by telling management she was 21, was able to draw an adult wage. Having worked during the war years in England, she continued working in Australia and went on to be self-employed for much of her life.
“Eventually moving to Queensland in the 1970s, Pat and her first husband Bob ran the Aspley Gourmet and Bakery, becoming early innovators who introduced new foods to what was then a fairly narrow Australian palate. On weekends, they followed their surfing sons to Caloundra, where Bevan Henzell—a memorable man whose word was his handshake—encouraged them to bring their gourmet pastries north.”
“They took his advice. Soon after, the enterprising pair became among the first traders on Bulcock Street, opening Pappy’s Pies & Pastries in the then-new Henzell Plaza. After the Pappy’s era, Pat and her family travelled overseas for a time before returning to Caloundra, where she opened Glamour Gifts in the main street.
Back in the ’70s, Pat recalls trade in Caloundra was very much seasonal, driven by tourist periods and school holidays. In those days, she says, everyone came to Bulcock Street to shop, as there were no shopping centres as such. She well remembers that when Sunland opened, parking meters were also introduced to Bulcock Street. Even so, while the main street remained vibrant with an excellent selection of shops, traders had to navigate these challenges and develop strategies to survive.
Pat was instrumental in the Chamber of Commerce, helping to raise funds for street decorations and initiatives, and organising competitions.
When asked what changes are most noticeable around Caloundra, Pat says emphatically the traffic and urban sprawl—both of which have surged, particularly in the past two decades. She feels infrastructure has not necessarily kept pace and suggests that Bulcock Street may one day become a mall as high-rise living increases in town—an idea, she notes, that was first floated back when she was a trader all those years ago.
Over the years, Pat has become not only a fixture of Caloundra but a highly valued and respected elder in the community. Her active involvement in many groups belies her age. She enjoys chair yoga, Toastmasters, Scone Time, volunteering at the Caloundra Kindergarten, and playing bridge, to name a few. She was also closely involved with U3A when it first started in Caloundra.
Pat is firm in her belief that people—especially older people—need connection. She strongly encourages others to find their niche among the many community groups on offer.
Patricia’s legacy continues through her two adult sons, as well as her grandchildren and now five great-grandchildren.
Left: Pappy’s Pies, Henzell Plaza – Shop assistants pictured during the bakery’s heyday. Right: Glamour Gifts in Bulcock Street, circa 1980
