Fred and Merle Alford, Coolgardie 1975 – Photo © Roger Garwood
I have been fortunate in being given permission by Roger Garwood to share his photographs from the book ‘Off Like Flies’ by Trish Ainslee and Roger Garwood.
Fred and Merle Alford in their home in Coolgardie – Photo © Roger Garwood
Roger told me:-
Fred’s philosophy of life : He once explained, after he had sold the Doreen Rose and the new owner (I’ve forgotten his name) found millions of dollars worth of gold and had let Fred stay on the claim in his old shack, I asked Fred whether he was sorry he’d sold. He said –
“Nah, I’ve got me tobacco, I’ve got me beer and I’ve got me dog”.
Photo © Roger Garwood
Fred Alford with his dryblower at the Doreen Rose mine south of Burbanks 1975 – Photo © Roger Garwood
The Alfords Camp at Burbanks
Grave of Tiddles the dog – Photo © Roger Garwood
Post script from Freds Grandson: Merle never married my my grand dad so she was never an Alford her real name was Patricia Taylor. The lease Doreen Rose was owned by him it was only sold by Public trustees in 1994 or 95 some 8 or 9 years after my grand dad passed as he didn’t leave a will.The Doreen Rose was at Tindalls along the old train line.
Fred & Merle are both buried in the Coolgardie Cemetery, there are no headstones, only a number markers.
Moya Sharp
Latest posts by Moya Sharp (see all)
- Jesse Young – a life well lived - 11/01/2025
- Bullfinch Cemetery – grave tales - 11/01/2025
- The Diggers New Year Song – - 11/01/2025
The mage is of Fred’s Forge, not a Dryblower. Cheers.
Firstly Merle never married my grand dad so she was never an Alford her real name was Patricia Taylor. Secondly the lease Doreen Rose was owned by him it was only sold by Public trustees in 1994 or 95 some 8 or 9 years after my grand dad passed as he didnt leave a will.The Doreen Rose was at Tindalls along the old train line.The other crap that was written in his book was that my grandfather is in an unmarked grave this is also not the case he is in Coolgardie cemetery ……so please dont take one mans word as gospel and do your research please as it is very hurtful and disrespectful ,,,his grandson Paul
I am sorry that you have felt hurt and disrespected. This was not the intention of the story. I will make the changes. The information that was in the story was what was told to Roger. When we say an unmarked grave we just mean there is no memorial, only a number marker. I will make this clear.
Unfortunately my Grand Father isn’t here nor was he here at the time the book was published to defend the claims also My Grand Father has a headstone in Coolgardie Cemetery this was also reported by Roger Garwood in his book as not having one, but as you may or may not know there is a certain time frame when the shire will not allow you to put a Head stone due to shall we say movement of the ground. I can assure you there is a grave stone not just a marker.. If you require a photo i can pass one one..Regards Paul