Family Life in the Plymouth Brethren: The Goodsell Family’s Story
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The Goodsell family share a practical view of life within the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, where family connection, work, and community are closely linked.
Their story highlights how the Plymouth Brethren values of care, responsibility, and togetherness shape daily routines.
We’re Bruce and Janet Godsell, and we’ve been married for 43 years.
We have 6 children, and some of the 19 grandchildren are here with us today. They come on a regular basis.
I grew up in Chachwin and went on a horticulture course for 3 years, then in 1974 started my own business. I designed and did everything outside the house, including tennis courts, automatic irrigation – like a one-stop shop.
Then my son-in-law, he married my third daughter, asked me to work for him as they needed someone in Sydney. So in 2007, I started working for Milform Products as a salesman. There was only Roger and myself, we built that business. Milform currently employs 78 full-time staff, including salesmen, sales managers, directors, receptionists here in Aubrey, and all the men on the floor. We treat our members, whether they’re members of our community or not, the same. Go and talk to them, see how they’re getting on, offer them advice and treat them as equals. I’m happily working there and when things get tough I prune the roses!
We think the same, and if we do disagree we tell each other – we’re up front. I walk at lunchtime, nearly every lunchtime, we walk for exercise. Doesn’t seem to be doing anything, but it is for exercise.
