Interview with Lionel Bowen & Claire Bowen

Interview Synopsis

Lionel and Claire have lived in the Randwick Municipality since their childhood; his Bowen grandfather, early difficult situation of Lionel's mother renting and working; Claire's father's motor bike shop at Kingsford, schooling at Kensington, sectarian divisions, Lionel's later education and their university days; Claire's work at a Coogee chemist shop; Kingsford shopping centre, Lionel's access to the Phillip's car for outings; Lionel's invalid uncle and the difficulties of caring for him, his mother's work cleaning at schools and her union involvement, Lionel's contact with his father; Claire's leisure and sporting activities, the male physical education teacher at the convent; religious days at school. Kensington at that time, transport, riding bikes, their first car, dances, playing tennis. Residence and car after marriage, mother's convalescent home, Lionel and Claire's family, Claire's voluntary work, changes at Kensington, the University, the racecourse and the Bowen's ownership of race horses, racing industry friends. Lionel's early political involvement, election as an alderman in 1948, mother's encouragement to study law, local government issues, Danny Curtin, the Book Mobile, Harry Jensen, 'Windgap' school for the intellectually disabled,   Australian Labor Party support at the local level. Lionel's move to State politics, election as MLA for Randwick; broadened interests,  time at meetings, Claire's political involvement,  student support through the University of New South Wales. Lionel's election to the Federal seat of Kingsford-Smith, time away from home, Whitlam Government experiences and impressions. Kensington in 2008.