A FORMER Greenock shipyard worker of 99 who started a new life in Australia has shared memories of his home town.

David Russell has penned a book to keep his family’s link with Inverclyde alive and remind them of their Scottish roots.

‘An Australian Branch of the Green Oak Tree’ is a memoir of the Greenock which David remembers, its social history and how it shaped his family.

During a visit back home last week his daughter Hazel, pictured with husband Rodney, spoke about her father’s early years as the son of an Italian cafe owner who had brought his own ice-cream recipe to Scotland.

David’s book has also been gifted to the library and McLean Museum by the family.

Hazel said: There was so much that even I didn’t know.

“I really enjoyed the social history.

“We all contributed to the book.

“My dad will turn 100 in March and he is as fit as ever but he is unable to travel here now.

“Most of his generation and his family are gone now, so that is why the book is so important to us.”

David, who changed to his mum’s maiden name, took his wife Faye and his eight-year-old daughter Hazel to Brisbane in Australia back in 1954.

He had worked in Scott’s but decided to take an initial four week trip to Australia to work as a carpenter.

Hazel, 74, who still stays in Brisbane, said: “It was after the war and he wanted a better life for his family like many people then.”

David’s family has a special place in Greenock history.
His dad Dino Zanoni brought over a recipe for ice-cream from Italy and ran cafes in the town.

He sold the recipe to a major producer and had close links with Nardini’s in Largs.

Hazel said: “I think Nardini’s used my grandfather’s powder, which they bought from the producer.

“My dad used to go to Largs with my grandfather to deliver the powder.”

Retired radiographer Hazel can still remember much of her early years in Greenock.

Speaking on Thursday during her visit with her husband Rodney, Hazel said: “I notice so many changes in the 10 years since we were here last.

“We love the changes.

“Greenock is looking good and in particular we love Ginger the horse.”

David still lives in Brisbane and is surrounded by his family, including granddaugher Areana, who is a psychologist, and grandson Tore, a doctor.

Anyone who would like a copy of An Australian Branch of the Green Oak Tree should email eiversrh@telstra.com