LEW HERBERT
 

Walt Finch Leicester
Walter Southbeer Finch-Leicester was the seventh child born to Lily and William . He was born on 12th November 1901 in London. His middle name, Southbeer, was taken from his fraternal grandmother's maiden name.

Walter grew up in London. He was about twenty-five years old when he emigrated to New Zealand in 1926. His two brothers, Ted and Fred, had already gone before him. He settled in Hastings where his two brothers lived.

Here in Hastings, he met and married Lilian Margaret Rennie on 5th April 1939.

Walt & Lil Finch-Leicester
Walter Southbeer Finch-Leicester
(Walt or Wallie or Wal)
b. 12 Nov 1901
London
d. 1 Feb 1986
New Zealand

Lilian Margaret Rennie
(Lil)
b. 17 Feb 1913
?
d. 4 Oct 1999
New Zealand

married
5 April 1939
New Zealand

THREE CHILDREN

{Click here for Walt and Lil's family tree}

Wal was a volunteer fireman for the Havelock North Brigade for many years, including during the 1932 earthquake.


Lorraine Finch Leicester
b. 15 Apr 1942
New Zealand
Jacqueline Finch Leicester (Jackie)
b. 13 Sept 1940
New Zealand
They had two daughters born in 1940 and 1942, Jackie and Lorraine.

They lived in Hastings for some years where Wal worked a the Tomoanna Freezing Works. As they wanted a “good” life for their children, they took on job of cowman, gardener, and cook for a Sheep Station out on the coast. Wal milked cows and made the butter and grew all the vegetables etc for the kitchen. Lil was a good cook – self-taught - and loved her flower garden. She also sewed and knitted for the children.

Wal and Lil had one son in 1950 called Robert.

Wal liked to bowl.

 

 
Robert Finch Leicester
b. 13 February 1950
New Zealand