Migrant Couple
p. 81 · Read in the full issue
For Norfolk
From a Norfolk Island Correspondent
A TV travelogue showing
some scenes of Norfolk Island, and a copy of the Pacific Islands Monthly, were the two main factors which persuaded Mr. and Mrs. Philip Coombs to leave their home at Harrow, England, and travel 13,000 miles around the world to settle on Norfolk Island.
MR. and Mrs. Coombs were planning to live in South Africa after Mr. Coombs retired from the Admiralty—they have a son and daughter both living in Africa—but after seeing the film on Norfolk, presented by BBC telecaster Alan Whicker, who had been there, they decided to find out more about the island. Mr. Coombs could not get much information from Australia House but was advised to write to the Department of Territories in Canberra. However, the Australia House librarian did have a copy of PIM, which gave an account of re cent Norfolk Island Council activities.
So Mr. Coombs wrote to two Norfolk councillors, Mr. F. I.
Needham and Mr. W. S. Newbald who willingly replied giving much useful information. In the meantime, the Department of Territories had forwarded Mrs. Coombs’ enquiries to the Administrator of Norfolk, who also replied.
After some coloured slides of the island had been sent to Mr. and Mrs. Coombs they decided finally to take the big step of leaving England to live on Norfolk. They embarked in the Arcadia last March, travelled across Australia from Fremantle, and boarded a plane which landed them at their goal on April 23.
Mr. and Mrs. Coombs are only two of a number of English retired couples who have arrived at Norfolk during the past year. More are expected. Since arriving, the Coombs have said they are well satisfied with the results of their decision made over a television screen “back home”.
“As complete strangers we have never felt ill at east but have been courteously greeted by all,” said Mr.
Coombs. “Our home at Duncombe Bay fits in with our hopes of an island retreat.”
Their new home will be named “Crutched Friars” after an historical part of the City of London.
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Coombs.