Listen To Older Voices : Don Carless – Part 1

Listen To Older Voices presents the stories, views and opinions of our older citizens. It is predominantly in a life & times format, with interviewees reflecting upon their lives from earliest memories. An underlying principle of the program is to promote the concept of positive ageing, reinforcing the principle that older people have & continue to make a valuable contribution to both their local & wider community.This program was originally aired in December 2007 and the then 71 year old Don Carless shared some of his story over a two program period. Don’s formative years corresponded with the Japanese attacks on Australia during WWII. He takes us from his memories of that period through to his early working years.

Born into a working-class family, his father was a self-declared socialist but, it was his mother who was the key parental figure in his life. The story of his school years form the basis of some interesting and funny stories. Having an adventurous personality led to some fascinating adventures that Don shares openly with us.

While we learn about his early working life and learn why he earned the nickname “rigor mortis”, it’s his story of how he came to be one of three partners in Melbourne’s first and most iconic folk club – “Traynor’s”. which proves to be the most fascinating part of this tale.

Established by the much loved and respected Jazz pioneer Frank Traynor, it is a story of the establishment of a club that became part of Melbourne’s music folk-lore.

 

 

 

Click to hear – Don Carless – part 1Previous Listen To Older Voices Programs can be found in our archive, by clicking on one link or the other

– 2012 to 2016   

 –  2016 onward 

[Listen To Older Voices receives funding from the Commonwealth 
Government through the Commonwealth Home Support Program Program]