Sunday, August 3, 2008

All about Little Digger and two Hughs

He was just called “Digger”, an unfailingly courteous gentleman in every sense of rhe word, a grazier and World War II AIF lieutenant and just about a true Toowoomba icon. He won the name ”The Little Digger” as a child for wearing his World War I father’s slouch hat around as if it were stuck on. I doubt if many people knew Digger’s given names were actually Hugh Harold. He was just “Digger” - and there was much sadness when not long ago he died at 84.

Last week his gentle sweet wife Barbara found a fridge magnet they had bought on their last trip abroad together and quietly slipped it into my hand at a U3A music morning Because I’m a Hugh too.

The magnet is headed simply Hugh (Hugo).and reads: Origin: Old German meaning “heart” or “soul”. Hugo is the Latin form, introduced by the Normans in the Middle Ages. Characteristics: An adventurer, with an alert, inquiring mind. Charming with a quiet determined nature. Often assertive. Vital. Enjoying true friendship and passionate relationships.

Golly gosh, at age 80, that’s so good to know at last.