UPDATE: A wave of nostalgic memories surrounding condensed milk has emerged from residents in Campbelltown and beyond, sparking a lively discussion across local communities. As people share their experiences, a mix of humor and sentimentality surrounds this often-overlooked pantry staple.
Just announced: Richard Kirby, a local from Campbelltown, recounted a childhood camping experience that left an indelible mark. “It was the last day, we had been shooting rabbits on the common, breakfast was a combination of what was left. We had scrambled eggs with condensed milk. Once tasted, never forgotten and never repeated,” he shared. This poignant memory highlights the lengths people will go to when hunger strikes.
In a delightful twist, Judith Rostron from Killarney Heights shared her own condensed milk-adjacent memory from a bushwalk in New Zealand. “On a hard bushwalk with strictly limited food, I was delighted to find wild raspberries and a can of evaporated cream left behind. What a treat!” she recalled, illustrating how unexpected finds can transform a challenging journey into a cherished memory.
Meanwhile, Anne Pell of Cooks Hill offered a unique perspective, recalling her childhood in 1940s England. “My mother used a dab of condensed milk to stick ceramic tiles onto our hearth after they had been knocked off,” she explained. “Those tiles never fell off again.” Such inventive uses for condensed milk continue to surprise and engage the community.
However, not everyone shares the same fondness for the creamy treat. Garry Thomas from Oatlands expressed his growing disinterest, stating, “I was listening when you said no more condensed milk stories. I was never interested in the stuff, and now I’m becoming increasingly less interested in trying it.” His candid remark adds a humorous twist to the ongoing conversation, illustrating the diverse opinions about this beloved product.
In a related discussion, Judy Archer from Nelson Bay raised questions about the pronunciation of local town names, specifically “Wauchope.” “A lovely reader on Radio 2RPH called it ‘Watch-hope’, while my niece says ‘Woo-chop-eee’,” she noted. This playful debate invites other locals to weigh in, creating a sense of community around shared experiences.
Additionally, in a significant historical note, David Gordon of Cranebrook, an archivist at the Communications Museum Sydney, confirmed details regarding the transition to automatic telephone exchanges in West Wyalong. He stated, “West Wyalong was cutover to automatic working on May 15, 1985. The West Wyalong Advocate explained that subscribers in nearby areas would continue to use manual exchanges.” This piece of history reminds residents of the technological changes that have shaped their lives.
As these stories unfold, Column 8 invites readers to share their own condensed milk memories or pronunciation tips. Engage with your community by sending in your stories to [email protected], including your name, suburb, and daytime phone number.
Stay tuned for more engaging stories as this conversation develops, bringing together a tapestry of shared experiences and local nostalgia.
