HOBBS, Margery (nee Watts)Margery Watts (MOC 1946) was a student at Morongo from 1945-1946, completing her Intermediate and Leaving studies. She went on to become a founding member and Patron of the Bushikori Australian Support Committee. Margery passed away 26 October 2020.
Classmate Hilary Steel (nee Cherry) wrote the following tribute to Margery and her life:
Margery Watts I thought I knew my friend Margery Watts when we were at school together, but I didn’t. Margery attended Morongo from 1945 till the end of 1947.
I saw her as just like the rest of us, not one of the outstanding sports stars or the intellectual genius that some others may develop into, but ordinary girls.
At the time, we were expected to get a job, get married, have a family and go to church on Sunday. And mostly that is what we did.
But Margery’s life was different. In 1989, her divergent path began with a trip to Africa with her husband Rex Hobbs.
While in Nairobi they met a young pastor called Sam Wandendeya who told them of his work in a little village in Uganda where he, with a small group of people was developing a school and a medical service to improve the life and expectations of the villagers.
Sam impressed them with his enthusiasm and dedication and when he offered to drive them to see his community, they accepted.
Some time after their return to Geelong, Sam Wandendeya came to Australia and stayed at their home in 1994.
After Rex died Margery continued to look after Sam and became immersed in the need to support the villagers in their quest for education, particularly for girls, and their need for health information and services.
Margery’s practical kindness led to her introducing Sam to many church groups, schools, and community groups in Geelong and Melbourne where Sam told his story.
Ever aware of the most useful way of helping, Margery began to organise real ways to give assistance. She raised money, collected books and writing materials, clothes and gifts and organised containers to transport this to Uganda.
Her efforts and quiet influence led to the formation of the Bushikori organisation, a not-for-profit charity based in Geelong but with members and friends everywhere.
Margery is revered in Uganda for the kindness and dedication she has always shown for the improvement of life in East Africa. There is now education, health services and training for many hundreds of young people in the district.
So, not an ordinary girl.
Rather an extraordinary person, much loved and admired.
Margery died in October 2020, aged 90 years.
Sources: Geelong Advertiser 30 October 2020; Lucernian; Bushikori Newsletter November 2020; H. Steel 2020; MOC 1946.