Learning is the fabric of life

A curious child is capable of soaking up the smallest of details. Even a seemingly menial chore can become a chance to learn about the world.

For Kay Britcliffe, sorting the family’s newly ironed handkerchiefs by their corner initials was her earliest learning experience. Her parents in Launceston had sent her to live with her maternal grandparents in Derby, a small mining town in north-eastern Tasmania, to keep her safe during a severe polio epidemic. Her grandparents, both teachers, recognised her early and insatiable appetite for education and decided she was ready to start formal learning. “They caught me teaching myself to read a much-loved book using the letters I’d already learned and thought they should teach me properly, instead of letting me make mistakes that might be hard to correct later,” Kay said. Kay returned to Launceston to complete her studies before receiving the gift of a lifetime in 1947 – a scholarship that would enable her to pursue her dream of obtaining a higher education. “I had always wanted to go to university and without the scholarship it would not have been possible. “I received £4 for books and £30 for accommodation each year. “I moved to Hobart and stayed at the Salvation Army Hostel with several friends from school and studied at the University of Tasmania which was then based on the Domain.”

After graduating from the University with an Honours degree in French, Kay worked at the State Library of Tasmania before embarking on an antipodean rite of passage – moving to London. “I originally went for 18 months but ended up staying for about six years because I enjoyed it so much.” Kay worked briefly at the Bureau of Statistics in Canberra before moving to the Australian National University (ANU) and later landing her perfect job as Humanities Librarian which she held until her retirement. Kay’s thirst for knowledge led her to complete a second arts degree, this time in German. “For me, university is not about getting more money or a better job; it’s about learning how to think, how to research a topic, about meeting like-minded people, all of which will help you to find a fulfilling job. “I have been extraordinarily fortunate to have found jobs that I have thoroughly enjoyed throughout my life. “This was made possible through the scholarship I received when I was young and that is why I continue to support the University and why I have left a gift in my Will, so that other young people may have the same opportunity I was given.” Kay is a member of the Domain Society, which recognises donors who have supported the University for five consecutive years or more, and the Bequest Society, members of our community who have confirmed their intention to leave a gift in their Will to the University. Kay is just as committed to learning about the world now as she was as a child.

The little girl who curiously studied the initials on the handkerchiefs is now 90 and has travelled the four corners of the earth with proficiency in several languages.

Kay Britcliffe Image: Supplied