THE death of Margaret Whitlam revived memories of the 10 years she and her husband Gough lived in Cronulla as he strived to kickstart his political career.
During the years the Whitlams lived in Wangi Street, Cronulla, they were part of a group which termed themselves the "Dirty 8" — the Gunns, the Hampshires, the Glovers and the Whitlams — four families with children around the same age who socialised together.
Any party that was being held, they were all there, says David Hampshire, a childhood friend of the Whitlam's oldest, Antony.
"The families had a lot of fun together."
He remembers playing in the bush with Tony and Nick who would have to fill a bucket with weeds from the back lawn before they were allowed out to play.
"Whoever was there would help them out so we could get away quicker," he said.
"We used to put bricks in the buckets and fluff up the weeds, but Mrs Whitlam was awake to all our tricks."
The former federal MP for Hughes, Les Johnson, was one of Gough Whitlam's oldest friends and political colleagues, campaigning for him in state and federal elections and succeeding him in the federal seat of Hughes when Werriwa was redistributed in 1955. As Minister for Housing, he appointed Mrs Whitlam to the board of Commonwealth Hostels.
"Margaret had the common touch," he said. "She was a very giving mother and wife, a real people person. I have been with her in many different situations and have seen her extend the hand of friendship to others.
"My best description of her would be from Rudyard Kipling's poem If: 'If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings — nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much . . ."
Joan Thorburn, whose husband Ray won the seat of Cook in the 1972 "It's Time" campaign, said Mrs Whitlam had never lost interest in the Cronulla area, which had been her home from 1947 to about 1957.
"She was a kind person, very intelligent," Mrs Thorburn said.
"Because of her experience in politics, she was able to give me some good advice.
"We went to several official functions together. She was never 'above' anyone; a truly remarkable person."
Noreen Solomon, of Cronulla, a school friend of Antony Whitlam, had personal experience of Mrs Whitlam's wry sense of humor. An old girl of SCEGGS, as was Mrs Whitlam, Mrs Solomon was in the audience when Mrs Whitlam opened an art exhibition at the school.
"As she was standing on the stage I noticed that she had under her arm an article that resembled rolled up navy blue material. I have to say that I guessed then exactly what it was.
"She reminisced about her days at school and how she would practice hurdle jumping on the school's driveway.
"In her dead-pan way, Mrs Whitlam then unfurled the rolled up article to reveal a pair of navy blue bloomers which would have come right down to her knees.
"Being very tall, you can imagine how long they were.
"These were the bloomers she wore every day to school and practiced her hurdle jumping in.
"She brought the house down, with some calling for her to auction them but she graciously ignored their requests and went on to open the art show."
Mrs Whitlam's funeral was held last Friday.
Do you have fond memories of the Whitlams living at Cronulla?
