Kuala Lumpur

Margaret was among the pioneers in the appointment of women to Australian embassies in Asia. She was in Kuala Lumpur from 1972-1974.

For a press cutting from the Malay Mail, 30 March 1972, click here

Black and white photos courtesy Rex and Caroline Stevenson.

There are now THREE more colour photos down below, from Zuraida ('Zed') Shelmerdine's album. Zed writes: "[1] The photo of Margaret at the waterfall (river) was taken when we went to Pangson in Ulu Langat not too far away from KL. [2] We had a Ladies vs Men cricket match in 1973 at the Kilat Club in KL. To say the least - the men had a field day! despite that they had to bowl, bat and catch with their left hand. The Ladies of CDCC (Commonwealth Diplomatic Cricket Club) made their mark, winning the match by 3 runs. Both the British High Commissioner, Sir John Johnston and Alf Parsons (Aust High Commissioner) and their wives participated in the game." Margaret in the pigtails, seated; Zed standing at the right, in shorts, next to Blanche D'Alpuget. Jill Parsons in the white hat.

CDCC Ladies v. Men 1973; ladies side
standing: Judy McNamara, Pat Lord, Linda Ford, Jan Boldt; Vivienne Russell, Lady Johnston, Mrs Parsons, Pat Paton, Blanche Pratt, Zed
seated: Irene Hackett, Margaret Gray, Muriel Bicknell -

Below is another picture from Zuraida.
In 1974, Margaret was wearing either trousers or Laura Ashley dresses,
to the ankle. After a number of meetings with Margaret, my mother took me aside and said:
"Tell me. There's something I don't know about Margaret. What are her legs like?"
So this photo is for you, Mother!