Expatriate Estonians in Australia, Film No. 5. Part 1 (1995-1996)

There is a rest home for elderly in an Estonian village, Thirlmere. Views of the beautiful greenery and buildings. Having lunch in the dining hall. Urmas Maidla, chairman of Estonian Relief Committee, talks about the founding of the recreation village, including the act of land purchase in 1959 and accommodating the present residents. Peeter Vilo, administrator of Thirlmere hostel, introduces the living conditions of the elderly residents and the general economic management. Interior space of the hostel. Former athlete Linda Karp introduces her room and shows the collection of ESTO badges. Jewellery artist and silversmith Niina Ots-Rätsep tells about her life: childhood in Russia, her family moving to Estonia and her studies in the department of metal art at the State Art Industrial School in Tallinn, moving to Australia and successful job hunting. She recalls her teachers, artists and people who have been helpful. Her year-long exhibition tours around Australia since April 1995. Examples of her artwork. Residents are playing lotto in the recreation room of the hostel. Marge Kongas, secretary of the Estonian Society in Thirlmere, talks about the early years of the society and the current state. Ilma Maidla, head of the society, recalls the establishing of the Estonian House. Paintings in the hall of Estonian House. Tiiu-Ann Salasoo is interviewing Anni Kaasik, head of Further Education School in Thirlmere. For twenty years, children were taught Estonian language and Estonian mentality was held high; unfortunately the activities were stopped in 1973 due to the small number of young learners. Banker Olev Rähn, who was once a student at the futher education school, recalls his youth and professional career in the field of banking. Ilma Maidla shows photographs and talks about the history of Thirlmere colony and the chicken farms founded by Estonians. Changing times brought mass production and small businesses ceased to exist. Former chicken farmer Valev Kongas introduces his new hobby - leather crafting - and shows numerous pieces of completed artwork. Visiting Hulda Kuusik, former gymnast in Ernst Idla gymnastics group.