The below story was entered with this photograph into the 2018 History and Heritage Awards:
There was a community home for people with slight disabilities on Flora Terrace. Some of the residents would wander down when they had extra money to buy themselves a treat. Each day we had fresh vanilla slices, chocolate eclairs, custard pies all baked in the French Bakery a few streets away. A tiny lady from the home had a passion for vanilla slices and would wander in and lean over the tray of cakes. She would ask for something in the back kitchen and when we were out of sight she would put as many vanilla slices as she could into her bra and start acting as if nothing had taken place. Of course, the clues were obvious. Flaky pastry scattered all over the counter and custard splashed all down her chest. When we pointed this out, she would haughtily deny such a thin and storm out clutching her bosoms to stop the much-loved custard a luscious pastry from escaping. A gentleman one-armed violinist often followed her down to serenade her, his chin in firm grip of the violin, right hand moving the bow. The would sway and sing to the music and then pinch a custard pie (his favourite) stick it down her bra and they would glide out of the shop obviously thinking they had got away with the heist. They were a modern-day Bonny and Clyde. We were compensated by matron at the end of each month. Another gentleman had to count every step he took from Flora Terrace to the shop. He would stand at the entrance marching and counting until the right number of steps was reached before approaching the counter. One day he reached the right number but started to un-button his trousers. Obviously, his thinking was confused, and he thought he was in the 'loo'. Panic stations, we leapt over the counter, pulled up his pants and pointed him out of the shop chanting 1-2-3-4. Hi picked up the rhythm and counted him home. We were gentle with these customers; they certainly brought smiles into our busy day.
CONNECTIONS
KeywordsCommunity History; Photograph; Watermans BayRelated placeWatermans Bay
Wendy serving in the Aussiemaid Cafe 33 West Coast Drive in Watermans Bay. City of Stirling Art and History Collection, accessed 23/01/2026, https://collections.stirling.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/2996