Copyright the Grove: No. 100640
Win was born Winifred Wordsworth Marshall in Bunbury in 1917. She was named Wordsworth after the nineteenth century English poet William Wordsworth. Her great grandmother Elizabeth Wordsworth was a niece of the poet. Win’s father grew up in Kalgoorlie, his parents migrated from Stranraer in Scotland. He was a journalist and influential in the newspaper industry. He made many powerful connections including Prime Minister John Curtin and mining entrepreneur Claude de Bernales. Win’s mother was Gladys Lawler Chapman. Unlike her mild-mannered father, Win’s mother was bold and fearless. She became the first female passenger to fly across Australia.
Win lived for most of her life on Ocean Road (now known as Curtin Avenue) in Cottesloe. She remembers her early life in Cottesloe and some of the local people in the area. She was particularly fond of Joan Haesler who taught her parents Ballroom dancing. Joan also taught Win, and later Win’s daughter Laura, ballet. Win said, ‘’I was no good. She used to get hold of my leg and say, ‘Come on darling, you can do it’ and shove like mad. My family thought it would improve me but it didn’t make any difference at all.’’ Win attended Cottesloe Primary School, and from the age of twelve, Methodist Ladies College.
Win was passionate about music and a talented pianist. She played the piano daily for most of her life. She was awarded a musical scholarship and moved to London to study. However, during this time, relations between the European powers deteriorated, eventualizing in the Second World War. Win volunteered as a VAD nurse and with the London Ambulance Service. During her time in London, she also met and married her first husband Teddy. He worked for Special Operations in France, fighting alongside the French resistance movement. Unfortunately, Teddy was killed in 1942. Win reluctantly returned to Australia with her mother and baby daughter Laura.
She followed her father into journalism and became the Australian Women’s Weekly representative in Perth. She said about that time, ‘’I was everything from dogs body to journalist.’’ She was noticed by Frank Packer and after a difference of opinion between Packer and Viv Courtenay, Win was given a generously sized office suite in Newspaper House on St Georges Terrace. Win said Packer saw her as a person of significance. By the 1950’s Packer was a major player in the world of Australian newspapers and magazines. Win had firmly cemented herself into the journalism scene in Perth. She was asked to undertake several Women’s Weekly world tours overseas and helped ensure they were a great success. This success, in no small way, due to her ability and commitment to ensure the guests socialized and enjoyed themselves. Win worked for the Women’s Weekly for 31 years.
She eventually retired and move to Swanbourne. One of her most prized possessions was her grand piano. After removing the legs and lid from the piano, the removalists managed to haul the piano up to her second floor unit where it was reassembled. She and the staff had a party to celebrate. She continued to play the piano into her retirement. Win sadly passed away on 27th February 2013.
Cottesloe History 