By Davina Thompson Veenstra For my dear Cousin Margaret Grigg🕊️RIP 💕
Family and Friends, I'm sorry I am not with you today. As Margaret's second cousin and a storyteller for Henry the Bunyip, I have written a story for her that I'd like to share.Agent M.E.G – The Lady in the Paymasters’ RoomOnce upon a time in Melbourne, there was a railway station called Flinders Street.It was a busy place, with trains rushing in and out carrying people to school, work, and adventures. Long ago, in 1854, the very first station master was a kind man from Ireland named William Jones. He stood proudly at his post when the very first train puffed and chuffed from Flinders Street to Port Melbourne. That was the beginning of the station’s long, exciting story.Many years later, another hero joined the tale. Her name was Margaret Edna Grigg, but everyone called her Agent M.E.G.In 1971, Agent M.E.G. put on her crisp uniform and stepped into the Paymasters’ Office at Vic Track—the beating heart of the railway.She wasn’t driving the trains, oh no! Her job was just as important:She ensured that all train drivers and guardsmen received their pay and that their problems were solved. and then the trains could run right on time.She never worked alone.At her feet trotted a little white dog named Sam, her faithful companion.While Agent M.E.G kept her eyes on the timetables and signals, Sam wagged his tail happily whenever a train whistled past.The passengers never knew it, but there was a secret guardian with four paws helping to keep Melbourne moving!Agent M.E.G’s world was filled with the train drivers from 15 lines: Together, the trains on these lines carried millions of passengers each year!
For fifty years, she worked with care and kindness.She kept the books balanced, the pay sorted, and the railway families smiling.Every driver knew her name. Each day they would nod and say, “G’day, Margaret!” Thank you for making our lives better. Then one day, in 2019, the trains paused just long enough to say thank you.Agent M.E.G. was given a shiny gold watch, a bright bunch of flowers, and a box of chocolates.And little Sam wagged his tail as if to say, “Well done, Agent M.E.G!”Now, whenever a train whistles into the station and the doors slide open with a happy ding, you might imagine Agent M.E.G. smiling in her uniform, with her faithful Sam by her side, making sure everything still runs exactly right. heroes do not always wear capes.Sometimes, they wear railway badges… and take walks with Sam.Rest in peace, dear Margaret Margaret’s cousin Ross recalls a favourite memory It was many years ago that we were camping up near Licola We were fishing and the fish were not biting at allAlthough Margaret had a old metal hollow rod was ancient, it was heavy but Margaret struggled on and eventually landed a massive Eel it was so big and ugly that it was scary Margaret’s Grin was huge Thank you for some great memories, Cousin Margaret
#RIP#cousin#🚂