Marie Margaret McGrath nee Nidd

Marie Margaret Nidd, eldest daughter of Bill and Mary Nidd, was known in the Ellesmere district as an "accomplished musician".  With other locals, such as Miss Lambie, Marie would often give her services as a pianist at many social events in the district for various causes.  Marie was playing piano for these events from as young an age as 15.  It was reported that she was a very popular girl.  

With her siblings, Marie attended the Leeston Convent School in Leeston.  
In 1936 Marie belonged to the Southbridge Crocquet Club and would play locally.  

Marie and Monica would socialise together, attended events locally - for example one put on by the Hibernian Society - a social evening and euchre tournament on St Patricks day, 17 March 1937.

In the Ellesmere Guardian on 8 October 1940 it was reported that her many friends throughout the district were glad to have the opportunity to attend a gift evening in honour of Marie, and her upcoming marriage to Mr J.M. McGrath, which was to take place at the end of that month.

The gift evening is then reported in the 11 October 1940 edition of the Guardian.

A very pleasant time was spent at the Southbridge Town Hall on Wednesday when a gift evening, organised by Miss P. Dearing, was held in honour of Miss Marie Nidd, in view of her approaching marriage.  Dancing took place to music supplied by Mr R. Lambie, Mr J. Taylor acdting as M.C.  Prized for a Monte Carlo were won by Mr J. Taylor and Miss Taylor.  At cards the successful players were Mesdames F.H. Greenwood and A. McCartin and Messrs R. Hannah and J. Lilley.

In asking Miss Nidd to accept many useful gifts brought by friends for her future home, Mr D. Paterson spoke of the regard in which Miss Nidd was held and extended good wishes for her future happiness.

Mr Hector McEvedy, on behalf of the parishioners of St Josephs's Catholic Church, presented a handsome dinner set to Miss Nidd, at the same time referring to the loyal service she had given in the choice and in other church activities, and wishing her a happy future.

Mr J.M. McGrath made a suitable acknowledgement on Miss Nidd's behalf, specially thanking Miss Dearing for organising the evening and Mr and Mrs Ridden for their help.

Jim McGrath was from a local family who farmed at Lakeside - near Leeston and Doyleston.  It's possible that in August 1943 he put his 120 acres up for auction, as he was going to take up military duties.*

Marie and Jim McGrath had three children - daughter Carmen and sons Bernard and Clement.

In August 1945, Carmen McGrath was injured in a motor accident, following the wedding of Monica Nidd and Gerard McEvedy in Southbridge.  Luckily, she sustained only cuts and bruises.  Later that month, Marie placed an advertisement in the Ellesmere Guardian, along with her father, F.H. Greenwood and W.J. McEvedy, thanking Dr W.G. Volckman and all the people who had assisted their families after the motor vehicle accident.  

Following her marriage, Marie continued to play piano at local events.

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*This has to be confirmed.