Page 28 - The Outdoor Showman October - December 2022

Into the Sunset
May they rest in peace.
Gone but they will live on in our memories, reflections, and stories forever.
Patricia Roberts
26 March 1937 – 5 September 2022
Patricia Joan Roberts was born on 26 March 1937 at Royal Woman’s Hospital, Carlton Victoria.
Daughter to Jack Francis and Mavis Nicholson, Pat was the eldest of nine children, followed by John, Beverly Graeme, Rhonda, Paul, Maxine, Carol, and Janice.
Although Patricia was born to Jack Francis, her mother was remarried to Fred Farrah, and after this she considered Fred as her father.
Due to Patricia’s mother having many children in tough times during the depression, Patricia and her brother Johnny were adopted by Captain Ashton and Edna Fairborough who had Goldwyn’s Circus where she became a jack of all trades.
At age 6 or 7 Patricia went to a specialist school in Melbourne to become a contortionist. She had to go to learn
to stretch her body as she was not naturally double jointed. She did a tumbling act, a principal riding and jolting act and at the age of 11 or 12 she did her first trapeze act in the ring.
Patricia always loved and kept in contact with her circus family. Edna Fairborough and Captain Ashton adopted her but when Captain passed away Edna married George Perry who Patricia remained close to for the duration of their lives.
Patricia was a good looking, hardworking and strong-willed circus performer
who met her husband John Douglas Roberts aka Dougie Roberts at the age of 18 at the Maryborough Highland gathering in Victoria. Both had separate dates that night but somehow ended
up walking home together and the rest is history, as you can imagine.
Dougie said he saw the most beautiful woman doing the trapeze and it happened to be mum. Without too much time passing, they were in love and married in Northgate, Victoria.
At the age of 19 Patricia had her first child Leonie; 8 years later came Mareeka, another 8 years later came Michelle and another 2 years after John arrived.
Dougie was a travelling showman, 3rd generation and Patricia a talented circus performer; both travelling throughout Australia attending agricultural shows, fetes, and fairs where they built a successful business that they both worked in until their retirement.
They were equal partners in their business, and they worked hard to make it a success. John remembers his mum Patricia telling me the story of when they worked their tin can game in the early days of showbusiness,
and how tough it was to get ahead.
For some time they lived on the back of their truck in a tent... When their first 16ft caravan came along, Patricia said she thought she was it and a bit.
Dougie and Patricia had quite a few different business ventures, from a shoe retail and auction business to the first bat mobile attraction at the show. Dougie would often say to their children it’s one thing to earn money and its another to hold on to it.
Patricia was the saver. Dougie would say if Pat didn’t save it, we wouldn’t have 2 pennies to rub together.
Patricia loved her showbusiness the most and was a 50-year-old member of the Showmen’s guild of Australasia, and 42-year member of the Victorian Showmen’s Guild.
Patricia was well known for speaking her mind, standing up for herself and never taking a backward step on her beliefs or decisions... She was extremely strong minded and stood by her convictions. She had so many amazing qualities.
She had a huge array of different knowledge and never spoke out of school. A master
at getting the stain out of absolutely anything and ironing with her hands
better than any dry cleaners, we know. A clean home was important to her.
Patty had no problem expressing her views and was often said to have the heart of a lion. Renowned for being down to earth and had plenty of time, compassion, and care for those who were less fortunate than herself. Patricia was an amazing confidante and always had your back if you needed support. She had the courage of Braveheart and stood tall in her boots...
Pat believed there wasn’t a free ride in life, and you had to work for your goodies and live within your means. She was always extremely grateful for the life that she and Dougie had together, as she loved him fiercely.
Patricia had a great sense of humour and would often tell us a funny joke yet occasionally we had one on her. Like when she went to the Walker’s party and after being asked if she wanted
a Wild Turkey, she replied ‘sorry love,
26 THE OUTDOOR SHOWMAN