The Music Advancement Society of Bendigo presents the First Concert 1961 series, presenting recital by Lauris Elms, (contralto), John Probyn, (baritone), Gwen Halstead and Phyllis Probyn (accompanistes). At City Hall, Bendigo on Saturday, 18th March, 1961 at 8.15pm. Hon. Secretaries: Madge Edgar and Mary Stanistreet. Advertisement on back for Edgars Authorised Newsagency, 293 hargreaves Street Bendigo, Telephone 3-4738. Printi ng by Boltons print Bendigo.entertainment, music, classical

A light brown programme with a brown border and blue print on the front cover. It also has the words Castlemaine Choral Society. Season 1924. Tenth Grand Concert and a photo Mr. W.C. Frazier A.R.C.O., Conductor. Underneath the photo are the words ' A programme by the Bendigo and Castlemaine Choirs. Tuesday Evening, 2nd December, 1924, in Castlemaine Town Hall. Accompanists : Miss McGauchie and Miss E. Haines. Programme Threepence. H.W. Byrne, Hon. Sec. H.W. Shelton, Printer, Castlemaine.' 8 pages.H.W. Shelton, Printer, Castlemaine.program, music, castlemaine choral society, lydia chancellor, collection, music, bendigo choral society, castlemaine choral society, programme, castlemaine town hall, entertainment, singing, choir, entertainment, amusements, buildings, concert, program

Yellow paper with black print. On the front cover are the words 'AUSTRALASIAN TOUR 1908-1909. Direction J.C. Williamson MADAME ADA CROSSLEY Mr. John Harrison Tenor. Mr. Hamilton Earle Baritone. M. Leon Sametini Solo Violin. Mr. Percy Grainger Solo Pianist. Accompanist Mr. Harold Whittle. Manager : Mr. H. Bracy. Syd. Day, Print.' There is also a photo of Madame Ada Crossley. On the inside is an outline of the programme. On the back cover is an advertisement for Dunlop Rubber.program, music, madam ada crossley, lydia chancellor, collection, ephemera, madam ada crossley, music, singing, event, person, individual, entertainment, female

The Music Advancement Society of Bendigo presents the third concert 1961 series 'The Golden Square Choral Society, Conductor - Cyril Warne. 'Mozart Requiem Mass. City Hall, Bendigo on Saturday, 8th July 1961 at 8.15 p. m. Soloists: Bettine McCaughan - Soprano, Betty Fairbank - Contralto, Gregory Dempsey - Tenor, Morris Williams - Bass. Accompanists: Shirley Clark - Piano, Hedley Jones - Organ. Book of Words - One shilling. Boltons Print, Bendigo.program, music, mozart requim mass, the golden square choral society, bettine mccaughan, betty fairbank, gregory dempsey, morris williams, shirley clark, hedley jones, madge edgar, mary stanistreet, l r harvey, edgars authorised newsagnecy, e. m. i. recordings, allan's, cyril warne

Forty pages programme for May 1902 of the Bendigo Austral Society. At the front the names of the officers: President: Mr. M. J. Stapleton - Vice President: Mr. E. S. Cahill - Treasurer: Mr. T. Butcher. Committee: Messrs. T. Byrne, C. E. Welch, Luke Murphy, J. Dunn, W. Honeybone. Hon Secretary: Mr. Frederic A. King. Mr. J. H. Bryan, Sole Hon. Accompanist. - Furnishings kindly supplied by Messrs. Henderson & Goodisson. And Lipp piano by Messrs. Flight & co,. Bendigo T. Cambridge, printer, publisher, engraver Market Square - 1902.entertainment, theatre, bendigo austral society

Quamby was built in 1898. From 1900/1903-1924 it was the home of Andrew Sherar and family. From 1924-1960s it operated as Mosgiel Hospital under the direction of Matron Elizabeth Anderson. Until Box Hill Hospital opened most Surrey Hills children were born at Mosgiel or at Nethercourt Hospital in Wilson Street or later in Union Road when Matron Tank moved her hospital here. Mosgiel Hospital was demolished c 1975 after it was sold by Box Hill Hospital. It was replaced by units. Andrew Sherar was conductor of the Wyclif Church choir for many years and was a member of the Melbourne Liedertafel. Isie Sherar was organist at Wyclif Church and also taught piano in Union Road. Connie Sherar was in the Wyclif choir and married Ernest Swan, an elocutionist and orator. Dorothy Sherar was a pianist and accompanist. Elsie Sherar was also in the Wyclif choir and was a soloist; she later moved to Templestowe. Ken Sherar was a boy soprano at St Paul's Cathedral; he later moved to Queensland.Black and white photo looking south down Vincent Street from 'Quamby', located at 293 Mont Albert Road, Surrey Hills. In the centre foreground is a timber house with 2 chimneys and a tiled hip roof. It has a return veranda and is fenced on 2 sides by paling fences and picket fences on the other two. In the background are many more houses. A road lined with power poles runs from the right foreground to the middle distance.quamby, vincent street, edwardian style, topography, andrew sherar, isie sherar, connie sherar, dorothy sherar, ken sherar, elsie wappet

A black and white programme with the words, ' Under the auspices of a Bendigo Citizens, Committee. Friday, April 30th, 1909. His Worship the Major, Cr. A. Harkness, Chairman. Cr. L. Semmens, Vice-Chairman. The Hon. R.H S. Abbott, M.L.C., Hon. Sec. Mr. Henry Thomas (Basso Cantante.) Miss Elsy Treweek, soprano. Master W.A. Bennett, solo violin, Mr. E.H. Collett, Tenor Mr. W. Tinkler's Masonic Choir. Accompanists Miss Ella Nicol, Muss Frances Leary. Lipp Piano kindly lent by Messrs, Flight & Co. Inside is the programme itself and on the back cover are some quotes from newspapers relevant to Mr. Henry Thomas.program, music, singing, lydia chancellor, collection, music, event, performing arts, entertainment, programme, program

Program for the Austral Literary and Debating Society's First Grand Annual Competitions in Music, Song and Story held at the Royal Princess Theatre. Program printed in red a creamy, silky material with a satin type finish. F. Aswel Apted, President. Arthur L. Bolton and Jtn. Smalley, Hon. Secs. Those who took part are: Northcott's Band, R Rule, A Bottoms, Flora Hill, Winifred Bishop, Vida Rogers, G Walter, G Fred Walter, A Hosking, Prof Lupton, Josephine Scott, Ralph W Brown, Lady Brassey, A B Flohm, Eathorne Rogers, T Bockelmann, Ch H King, Nellie Jeffrey, Lizzie Trevean, Ethel Osborne, Lillie Sharp and W Tinkler. Hon. Accompanist was Mr. J. H. Bryan and prizes were distributed by Lady Brassey.entertainment, concert, music, song & story, austral literary and debating society's first grand annual competitions, royal princess theatre, j h bryan, northcott's band, r rule, a bottoms, flora hill, winifred bishop, vida rogers, g walter, g fred walter, a hosking, prof lupton, josephine scott, ralph w brown, lady brassey, a b flohm, eathorne rogers, t bockelmann, ch h king, nellie jeffrey, lizzie trevean, ethel osborne, lillie sharp, w tinkler, f aswel apted, arthur l bolton, jtn smalley

Bendigo Branch Royal Historical Society of Victoria Dudley House Silver Jubilee Exhibition & Musical Performances. 29th May 1977. Soprano Patricia Lyon and Accompanist Fred Trewarne. Programme: 1. 'The Fairy Tales of Ireland' 2. ''Princess of the Dawn'' Composer Eric Coates. Refer to original document for a brief history of English Composer Eric Coates et.al. 3. ''Come Unto Him'' (from the Messiah) G.F. Handel. 4. ''Lament of Isis'' -Gone is My Love, My Lord '' (from Songs of Egypt) Granville Bantock. 5. ''Oh My Beloved Father'' (from Gianni Schicchi) G. Puccini. 6. ''Drooping Wings'' R. Quilter. 7. ''Caro Mio Ben'' (Dearest Believe) G. Geordani. 8. ''A Japanese Love Song'' May Brahe. 9. Mattinata (Morning Song) '''Tis the Day''. R. Leoncavello.bendigo, tourism, dudley house royal exhibition

Princess Theatre, Australia Day, Friday, July 30th, 1915. Programme - Part 1. 'Comrades in Arms', Combined Masonic Choir. Land of hope and Glory, Miss E Linane. The Watch on the Rhine, Mr J F Warren. The Sea is England's Glory, Miss A Macoboy. The Yankee Colonel, Mr J K Wlker. There's a Land, Miss Pauline Bindley. The Ballad of Splendid Silence, Miss E O'Keefe. Concert Caprice, Mr T P Bockelmann. Open Thy Blue Eyes, 'Till the Boys Come Home, Miss Clara Colgan. The Boys of Dardanelles, Mr F Monaghan. Accompanist-Mr Stan Elliot. Part II. Pictures will be shown by the Princess Theatre Management. Special Music by the Orchestra (Conductor Mr Upton). Piano kindly lent by Sutton's PTY LTD. Furnishings by Mr R O Henderson. The Committee wish to express their thanks to the Employees of of Messrs. Bolton Bros. for Printing these Programs, and to Messrs. Bolton Bros. for supplying the Paper.Bolton Brosprogram, music, princess theatre, princess theatre, australia day, july 30th, 1915. programme - part 1. 'comrades in arms', combined masonic choir. land of hope and glory, miss e linane. the watch on the rhine, mr j f warren. the sea is england's glory, miss a macoboy. the yankee colonel, mr j k wlker. there's a land, miss pauline bindley. the ballad of splendid silence, miss e o'keefe. concert caprice, mr t p bockelmann. open thy blue eyes, 'till the boys come home, miss clara colgan. the boys of dardanelles, mr f monaghan. accompanist-mr stan elliot. part ii. pictures will be shown by the princess theatre management. special music by the orchestra (conductor mr upton). piano kindly lent by sutton's pty ltd. furnishings by mr r o henderson. the committee wish to express their thanks to the employees of of messrs. bolton bros. for printing and paper

William Henry Gray was killed when a large slab of rock fell on his head at the Clarence Mine, Eaglehawk in April 1902. He was only aged 32 and left a widow and five children. The family lived at Bracewell Street, Eaglehawk.Brown poster advertising a concert at the Eaglehawk Town Hall. Wednesday, June 4th. Grand-class and humorous concert in the aid of the widow and family of the late W. H. Gray, who was killed at the Clarence mine recently. The leading artists of Bendigo and Eaglehawk will assist, viz. Miss Beatrice English, Miss Leonie Casey, Miss Eva Crowther, Miss Rose O'Mahoney, Mrs. Haddon, Mr. A.C. Bottoms, Mr. T. Pritchard, Mr. E.A. Parker, Mr. R. Rule, Mr. G. Martin, Mr. Joe Hastings. Dramatic selections by Mr. Scott Leighton. Highland and sword dances by Mr. W. Craven. Efficient orchestra under the direction of Mr. P.T. Bockelmann. His Worship the mayor Cr. J. Green will preside. Hon. accompanist Mr. J.H. Bryan. Doors open at 7.30 p.m. Commence at 8 sharp. Admission: Balcony or chairs 2s. body of hall 1s. E.J. Lawley Hon. Sec. Printed by T.J. Anderson, High Street Eaglehawk. eaglehawk, eaglehawk town hall, concert, w.h. gray, clarence mine

Invitation to a Complimentary Dinner to be held at the City Family Hotel on May 15th, 1912, organized by the Bendigo United Cricket Club. The front cover has the names Dr. N. S. DeRavin, Mr. G. Chamberlain, Mr. J. Stanistreet and the chairman W. Bruce, Esq. The toast list and programme contains the following names; Mr. W. Bruce, Mr. E. Cahill, Mr. A. Mackay, Mr. Val Anderson, Mr. T. Pritchard, Dr. N. S. DeRavin, Mr. H. Coombs, Dr. T. E. Green, Mr. M. Cohn, Mr. H. V. Roper, Mr. Geo. Chamberlain, Mr. F. Mendoza, Mr. E. J. Keogh, Mr. A. J. Taylor, Mr. T Pritchard, Mr. J. Stanistreet, Mr. H. Combs, Dr. N. S. DeRavin and Mr. W. Bruce. The accompanist was Mr. F. W. Drake. During the dinner, Selections will be rendered on the Auxeto Gramophone, kindly lent by Suttons'.bendigo, bendigo united cricket club

The Herald on 10 August described the Festival offerings as: "Varied 10-Day Programme For Kew Arts Festival Opened last night, the Kew Arts Festival in the Recreation Hall, Wellington Street, provides an interesting and varied programme for the next 10 days. Today at 8.15 p.m. Mr George Bell and Mr Colin Badger will have a public discussion on "What Is Modern Art?" The Vice-chancellor of the Melbourne University of Melbourne (Mr JDG Medley) will preside. Tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. Junior students of the Methodist Ladies College, directed by Dorothy Dwyer. will show how they learn to speak and move on the stage, and will present three short plays. Tomorrow night Elise Steele and Violet Ewart (violin and piano) Beryl Batten (songs) and Edith Parnell (accompanist) will give a concert. Paintings and other works of art will be on show from 2.30 to 5.30 p.m. on Sunday. On Monday night. Mr Colin Badger will speak on "Dead Wood and Green Shoot: Australian Literature Today" and on Tuesday night there will be "Ballet in Story and Action"— the story told by Norman Macgeorge, with Joan Burnett as ballerina and Fred Manners-Sutton at the piano. Wednesday night will have an illustrated lecture "Contemporary Art Education." by John Bechervaise. Remaining nights will be taken up with a performance of Somerset Maugham's "The Circle" presented by the Little Theatre, a youth concert, and another concert with songs and piano. On Saturday morning, August 18, there will be a special concert for young people. The festival will end on Sunday week with a chamber music programme in the afternoon."Important local arts festival initiated during the Second World War and continuing till the early 1950s. The souvenir programmes produced for successive festivals are historically and artistically significant records of visual and performing arts practice in Melbourne during this period.11 page souvenir program for the Kew Arts Festival, held in the Recreation Hall, Wellington Street, Kew from the 9th to the 19th August 1945. The content of the program can be viewed through the image carousel.kew arts festival - 1945, visual arts - kew (vic), performing arts - kew (vic)

Black and white photograph, mounted on cardboard, of a group of men and women posing with a trophy.Embossed on mount below photo: "Alf L. Bowden, The Studio, Corowa, N.S.W." Written on back of mount: "Coral Society 1932 | From left back - W. Steel, F. Uren, Mrs Heard, Miss P Smith, J. Small, Miss J. Smith, ---, ---, second back row: Mr Edmondson, Miss L Burch, ---, Miss N Campbell, Miss A. Quon, Mr Haig, Miss M. Denehy, W. Backman: second row: Miss Mudd, ---, ---, Mrs P. Fullerton (accompanist), Col. C. Denehy (conductor), Miss K. Denehy, Dr Banwick, Mrs C. A. Iggsten; Front, ---, Miss M. Ring, Miss A Knowles, Miss M. Ready"steel family, uren family, heard family, smith family, small family, edmondson family, burch family, campbell family, quon family, haig family, denehy family, backman family, mudd family, fern fullerton, charles denehy, bonwick family, iggsten family, ring family, knowles family, ready family

Grand Variety Concert, Kiwanis Club of Bendigo. J B Osborne Theatre, Kangaroo Flat, Bendigo. Saturday, 8th September, 1990. What Is A Kiwanian? A Kiwanian is.. . The Kiwanis Story Kiwanis was founded in Detroit.. . Kiwanis Club Of Bendigo All the performers in tonight's programme have given their services in a voluntary capacity.. . Acknowledgements: Official Accompanist - Leila Watson, Stage Manager - Geoff Hamblin, Sound System - Alan Williams, Production Co-ordinator - Doug Sayle, Ticket Sales - Collins Booksellers, News Media - Bendigo Advertiser. The Kiwanis International major emphasis program for the next three years is: ''Children : Priority 1'' Programme - Paul Andison - President. Dance Central, Kathryn Field, Ric Cutler, Emma Symes & Renee Jeffrey (Ann-Maree Dancers), Eileen Hetherington, Katherine Emond, Christine & Elizabeth Roberts, Bendigo Dance Studio. Doris Leadbetter, Bendigo Chamber Choir, Dance Central, Rod Reeve, Ric Cutler, Bendigo Dance Studio, Ana Mitsikas, Tania De Jong, Dance Central. Comperes: Tony Fittock & Ric Norris. Advertisement; Gillies.entertainment, theatre, kiwanis club of bendigo, grand variety concert, kiwanis club of bendigo. j b osborne theatre, kangaroo flat, bendigo. 8 september, 1990. story kiwanis founded detroit. acknowledgements: accompanist - leila watson, stage manager - geoff hamblin, sound system - alan williams, production co-ordinator - doug sayle, ticket sales - collins booksellers, - bendigo advertiser. international major emphasis: ''children : priority 1'' programme - paul andison. dance central, kathryn field, ric cutler, emma symes & renee jeffrey (ann-maree dancers), eileen hetherington, katherine emond, christine & elizabeth roberts, bendigo dance studio. doris leadbetter, bendigo chamber choir, dance central, rod reeve, ric cutler, bendigo dance studio, ana mitsikas, tania de jong, dance central. comperes: tony fittock & ric norris. ad; gillies.`

As a youth while working on his father's farm, Hugh Victor McKay became tired of the labour involved in winnowing wheat by hand. In 1884 he built the first machine in the world which did the winnowing in conjunction with the reaping. On Monday 21st August 1944, which coincided with the birthday of the late H. V. McKay, more than 2000 employees and friends of H. V. McKay Massey Harris Pty Ltd were entertained at the Melbourne Town Hall, in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of the Sunshine Harvester Works.The event was planned to "turn it on for the boys' in a manner befitting the occasion." The compere was Eric Pearce (of later TV newsreader fame) and the entertainment was provided by leading performers of song (W.M.Laird and Mary Miller), of music (John Robertson, W.M.King, and the Sunshine Brass Band), and of humour (Charles Sherman). The accompanists for some of the performances were Betty Miller and Eric Fox. Two films depicting the activities of the Sunshine Works were shown, and the managing director Mr C. N. McKay, was presented with a book by Mr Fred Bult who had 50 years service with the company. The book contained more than 1000 signatures from invited employees who had completed more than 10 years of service, Supper was provided in the Lower Hall, and the MC for dancing to the Synco-Harvesters Dance Band in the Main Hall was James Patrick. The committee which organised the function were Messrs. L.W. King (Chairman), G. Baker, J. Downing, R. Stewart, F. J. Lee, V. Armstrong, F. Fields, J. Aird, G. Wilson, J. G. McKay, T. N. McArthur, and R. Webb, with secretaries Messrs. G. Shaw and D. J. McKay. The above information was compiled from the Souvenir Programme, and from The Argus of Tuesday 22 August 1944 which can be viewed at http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11357700, and from the Sunshine Advocate of Friday 30 June 1944.The Souvenir Programme provides a historical record of how the Diamond Jubilee was celebrated, as well as the type of entertainment and the names of the entertainers and other people involved. It also lists the types of dances such as the 'Fox Trot' and the 'Pride of Erin' that were normal entertainment in 1944. The Souvenir Programme is also significant in what it does not tell us. There is absolutely no indication of what would be considered to be a supper for an event like this in 1944, especially in the Melbourne Town Hall. From a historical point of view it would be interesting to know.Beige coloured cardboard document which is folded in two, and has brown coloured printing on three of the four sides. The document provides a detailed list of the entertainment and the presentations held in the Melbourne Town Hall, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Sunshine Harvester Works.1884 1944 / SOUVENIR PROGRAMME / DIAMOND JUBILEE of the SUNSHINE HARVESTER / MELBOURNE TOWN HALL / Monday 21st Aug.sunshine harvester, diamond jubilee, h. v. mckay, massey harris pty ltd, 21 august 1944, 1884, 1944, melbourne town hall, sunshine harvester works, sunshine harvester, diamond jubilee, h. v. mckay, massey harris pty ltd, 21 august 1944, 1884, 1944, melbourne town hall, sunshine harvester works

William Warfield, Town Hall, Bendigo. Monday, 11th August 1958, 8.15 pm. The Australian Broadcasting Commission has pleasure in presenting the Third Concert in the International Celebrity Concert Series. Programme One Shilling. Article including photograph 'William Warfield' William Warfield made a great impression when he first toured Australia in 1950 Immediately following a sensational New York debut. He has since . . . Article including photograph 'Otto Herz' Otto Herz is a Hungarian-American pianist, accompanist, coach, teacher, and music school executive. He has studied piano with Karel Hoffmeister, at Prague and with Alfred Hoehn at Frankfurt. Dr Herz was a Professor at the Fodor Music Conservatory in Budapest, 1933-1938. . . Programme. Australian Broadcasting Commission, Sir Richard Boyer, K.B.E., M.A., Chairman. E R Dawes, ESQ., C.M.G., Vice-Chairman. Sir John Medley, KT., D.C.L., M.A. The Hon. Dame Enid Lyons, G.B.E. Mrs. G.L. Blyth, O.B.E., B.A. A G Lowndes, M.Sc., H B Halvorsen, F.C.A. (Aust.) Charles Moses, C.B.E. General Manager, Ewart Chapple Manager for Victoria. Ray Humphrey Concert Manager for Victoria. Advertisements: Shell, Orlando (Wine, Barossa Valley), Phillips, Daniel Barenboim, concert at Bendigo Town Hall, 1 Oct 1958), William Warfield Coronet Records. Front cover has photo of Wiliam Warfield, full size of page.entertainment, concert, vocalists

a & b/ Grand Variety Concert, Kiwanis Club of Bendigo. J B Osborne Theatre, Kangaroo Flat, Bendigo. 7.30pm Saturday, 4th September 1993. What Is A Kiwanian? A Kiwanian is a person of good character who adheres to the standards of good conduct in the community and believes . .. Kiwanis Club of Bendigo All the performers in tonight's program have given. .. The Kiwanis Story Kiwanis was founded in Detroit, Michigan, USA. January 21, 1915. The name 'Kiwanis' is taken from an Indian term 'Nun Kiwanis', which roughly means 'Self Expression'. .. Acknowledgements: Official Accompanist - Leila Watson, Stage Manager - Rod Symes, Sound System - Bendigo Audio Productions, Ticket Sales - Collins Booksellers, News Media - Bendigo Advertiser, Lighting - David Wilkinson. Coca Cola Operations. Underprivileged Children, A Kiwanis Concern. Program, Alan Douglas, President, Kiwanis Club, Bendigo. Bendigo Youth Orchestra - Conducted by Daniel Herbst. Valerie Broad Melodic Memories. Sandhurst Drummers - Drum Song. Shantelle Ackland - Grace and Beauty. Aaron Shelton - Tapping Tempo. Neil Cox - Keyboard Carousel. Carlie Sutton and Christy Brain - Boogie Woogie. Tatiana Macura & Alison Grenfell - Voices In Spring. Jack Paynting & Norm Fildew - Comedy Capers. Mi Casa Singers - Harvest of Harmony. Sung-a-long 'You in my Eyes' Lyrics: Rick Norris, Music: Ron Kruze. Bendigo Gym Centre - Creating Magic in the Air, Trainer John Palmer. Janine Giri - Vocal 'Feat'. Estelle Randall - Terse Verse. Kathryn & Christopher Field - Music Maestros. Christy Brain & Carlie Sutton - Beauty & Ballet. Nadine Ellery - 'Dream Time'. Jonathan Cox - Magic of Music. Anton Theatrical Dance Company - Sound of C. Compere: Valerie Broad. Advertisement: Gillies, Pies & Pasties. ''Get me a Gillies''.program, theatre, grand variey concert, kiwanis, a & b/ grand variety concert, kiwanis club of bendigo. j b osborne theatre, kangaroo flat, bendigo. 7.30pm saturday, 4th september 1993. what is a kiwanian?. .. kiwanis founded in detroit, michigan, usa., 1915. the name 'kiwanis' is taken. ..: official accompanist - leila watson, stage manager - rod symes, sound system - bendigo audio productions, collins booksellers, news media - bendigo advertiser, lighting - david wilkinson. coca cola operations. underprivileged children, a kiwanis concern. program, alan douglas, president, kiwanis club, bendigo. bendigo youth orchestra - conducted by daniel herbst. valerie broad melodic memories. sandhurst drummers - drum song. shantelle ackland - grace and beauty. aaron shelton - tapping tempo. neil cox - keyboard carousel. carlie sutton and christy brain - boogie woogie. tatiana macura & alison grenfell - voices in spring. jack paynting & norm fildew - comedy capers. mi casa singers - harvest of harmony. sung-a-long 'you in my eyes' lyrics: rick norris, music: ron kruze. bendigo gym centre - creating magic in the air, trainer john palmer. janine giri - vocal 'feat'. estelle randall - terse verse. kathryn & christopher field - music maestros. christy brain & carlie sutton - beauty & ballet. nadine ellery - 'dream time'. jonathan cox - magic of music. anton theatrical dance company - sound of c. compere: valerie broad. gillies, pies & pasties. ''get me a gillies''.

SUMMARY - Edna (Myers) Barrie, 1918 – 2018, Profile Early Life Edna was born at Melton and delivered by Hannah Watts. Her mother Martha walked in the dark at night with her basket under her arm to the bridge over the Toolern Creek Bridge and into Sherwin Street to the corner of Yuille Street to Hannah’s house Lynch Cottage. Martha’s husband was away shearing and eventually heard the news of the birth of their blue eyed third child and second daughter. She was born into a family that was surrounded by music; her father played the “squeeze box” and mother the mouth organ. From an early age the family were aware of the great composers, a framed picture of Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert and Wagner hung above the door to the lounge room of their 4 roomed cottage, the room where the piano stood. Her life on stage started as a singer aged 6 years at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall. Edna was born with a natural ear for music learning piano and singing from her older sister Marjorie who became an accomplished pianist and soloist and renowned music teacher in Melton and district. In the 1920s and 1930s concerts at the Melton Mechanics Institute were regular events were the local talent was fostered. The Myers children, like other children of Melton and Rockbank, studied singing, piano and elocution, sat examinations, entered in competitions in South Street Ballarat, Footscray and Melbourne. In 1929 a Sacred Concert was broadcast by 3AR from the Hall as part of the Back to Melton Celebrations. Marjorie Myers performed two of the items on the piano. Edna attended Melton State School 430 from 1924 – 1933. Her father Fred had also attended the same school. In 1924 the School staged Cinderella at the Melton Mechanics Institute Hall with a cast of 33 students. After completing her education a Melton she boarded in South Melbourne and attending Melbourne Girls High School (MacRobertson Girls High School), a school which recognized her musical attributes. She travelled home on the train on the weekends, sometimes getting off at Rockbank to save a few pennies in fares. Working life The early 1930s the Depression was a difficult time for a young woman to find work. Jobs were often menial and given to the youngest and therefore cheapest applicant. She worked as sales assistant at Polonskis and Myer in the city, and Irvines Modes in Footscray. Working to 1pm on Saturday, and when held up by a customer meant missing the train home. While at Myer Department store she lived at home and rode her bike to the Melton railway station. On one occasion she had a nasty fall when a part of her bicycle came loose causing the bike to crash rendering her concussed and injuring her nose. During the 1930s she was given a camera “a little snap” by Mrs Kelly her landlady. This began her interest in photography documenting family life at their “Burnbank” home. Musically, while at Myers she participated in annual performances held at The Kings Hall and the Myer Mural Hall. Working in the basement at Myers she was often embarrassed when her name was called, customers assuming she belonged to the Myer Family. Ken Myer worked in the basement at the same time handling the ‘Wheeler’, a wicker basket used for moving goods around the store. The family philosophy was for the children to start at the bottom and work their way up. Social life Social life in her teenage years was connected also with Scots Presbyterian Church. She attended Sunday School classes and received book prizes for attendance. She loved to read and welcomed the times when she received new book. She took part in the Sunday School Anniversaries and was presented with a Bible from the Superintendent, Henry Robinson for her assistance with the music. Marriage and War years In 1941 Edna married Ernest “Bonnie” Barrie. War in the Pacific was soon to break out. While in Sydney on their honeymoon they met up with Jim Barrie who was on his way to Canada via Hawaii just missing Pearl Harbour by two days. Jim became a Spitfire Pilot and joined the RAF and was based in England. He returned to Australia later in RAAF to fight the Japanese off the coast of New Guinea. The three eldest Barrie brothers were farmers and food producers and were thus except from military service. Edna and Bon were members of the VAOC- Volunteer Air Observers Corp entailing being rostered on duty as plane spotters. The women took shifts during the day and the men at night which involved staying overnight in the Shire Offices. Later the spotting tower was built in the plantation opposite the Post Office. Edna and Bon carried on with this from their home in Ferris Rd when the threat of invasion had ceased Community life Community life in Melton revolved around fund raising events for the Melton Mechanics Institute for the War effort and keeping up with maintenance for the Hall. In 1944 the Minister for Health gave approval for the Shire of Melton to open and Infant Welfare Centre inviting Edna to form part of the Committee with seven other women. In 1948 she was President of Melton Branch of the Victorian Health Centres Association. She volunteered this use of her car driving the person in charge, Sister Smith to visit mothers and their babies. In 1963, along with Betty Jones and Isabel Snell, Edna was instrumental in forming the 1st Melton Cub Pack and later supported the formation of the 1st Melton Scouts. During 1963 – 1968 she completed the Australian Boy Scout Association Cub Pack Preliminary Training and achieved her Wood Badge. Country Women’s Association In 1944-1996 she was a member of the Melton Branch Country Women’s Association (CWA), Melton Branch, Secretary of the Branch in 1945 – 1946 and Branch International Secretary 1970-1971. She worked with choir, music and drama interest groups within the branch attaining both first and second place in 1959, second place in 1952 Exhibition and second in Music in 1960 in the state. She was involved in their handicraft craft events, fund raising and musical events and singing competitions. During the 1950s she trained Trios and Quartets in part singing for the CWA competitions in Ballarat and Melbourne. It was at this time that she developed her skill as a conductor and trainer of choirs. She later auditioned for the Victorian Choir for alto parts believing she would stand a better chance of being chosen, because of her ability to sing in natural harmony. In 1962 she participated in the Tenth Australian Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial Conference “Australia Presents: CWA Massed Choir” in the Melbourne Town Hall. This event was recorded by Super Sound Spotlight on 45 extended play vinyl record. The songs were Australian music and words, for example The Silver Stars are in the Sky, The Graceful Swaying Wattle and Kookaburra. Edna continued with her interest in the Victorian Choir regularly meeting at the CWA Headquarters in Toorak for rehearsals. In 1974 she took part in the Australian Choir at the fourteenth Triennial conference of the ACWW Interfaith Service held at the Perth Concert Hall on the 13th of October. Arts and Culture Edna was also in the Choir of 3KZ Carols by Candlelight at the Myer Music Bowl in 1963 and 1964. Melton Choral Society. Edna was Director and Conductor in the 1970s performing at many community events such as Carols by Candle Light, Church Services, Easter and Palm Sunday services, Mothers Union and the 1976 Community Services Week Combined Church Service. The October – November 1978 Program covered the following: songs from the Musicals, Choral and Solo with Narratives, Guest Instrumental Item, Recitation Negro Spirituals and Australian Songs. Her involvement with church choirs included the Scots Presbyterian Church Choir Easter and Christmas performances and the 1967 Centenary Service. In 1980s the Melton Uniting Church Sacred Music Performances included The Crucifixion by Stainer, The Olivet to Calvary and other church Hymns. Edna was Musical Director of the Melton Amateur Theatrical Society and worked on performances in collaboration with Mabel Rogers on script and musical interpretation. Melton and District Historical Society Annual Art and Craft Show. First held in Melton Mechanics Institute Hall in 1973, it later took place in the in the Melton Community Hall. The Art Show was also run in conjunction with other community organizations such as Rotary and Girl Guides. Community history and research Melton streetscape and society Over 20 years commencing in the 1970s, Edna undertook extensive photographing of the changing streetscape of Melton’s High Street. She anticipated the impact of change on the community during the time of Melton’s rapid transition from a small farming district to a large urban community and this led to her extensively document and photograph many of the structures and landscape features of the township that have since been lost. She also meticulously recorded much of the contemporary life of the town and has left a significant legacy of archival material. Melton State School 100 Years Celebration, October 1970 Co-author with Mabel Rogers “The First 100 Years, 1870 – 1970” Assembled a collection of School Class Photograph and identified and compiled lists of names for future school history. She also assembled a photographic display for the 125th anniversary in 1995. Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS) Foundation Member, 1968 Held President and Secretary positions from its inception Research associated with the classification of Heritage buildings Christ Church Classification C Scots’ Presbyterian Church Classification D Set up the storage and Catalogue system in the Office at the Willows Organised society visits to Heritage sites in and beyond the Shire of Melton, including Stathtulloh, Eynesbury, Deanside, ToolernVale sites including Merrywood (now demolished) Staughton Vale, Chirnside, Point Cook, Shwerkolts Cottage. 1970 – 1983 Melton and District Historical Society Letterhead. Staughton Memorial Light from early newspaper cutting in its location before restoration to present location. Sketch by Wendy Barrie. Designing and printing pamphlets, stationery, and other sale items with Willows title. M&DHS street naming research for new housing developments (1970 – 2000). Collaborated with Mary Tolhurst to research the names of early landowners and pioneer families connected to the first settlers. Researched Aboriginal names for inclusion on lists submitted to developers. An early example is the naming of Kuranjang and the street names associated with the McPherson family. Plains of Promise (Shire of Melton history) by Joan Starr (1985). Edna assisted with Historical Society materials and contributed her own research and photographs. Contacted and organised for Hubert Opperman to launch the book. (She was also present at his last bike ride at Rochester in 1995.) Western Metropolitan Groups of Historical Societies. Member attending meetings and representing Melton, also hosted the Group at Melton The Willows Member of the Committee of Management for the restoration of the “Willows” house the establishment of The Willows Park 1982 March - Official Opening of the Willows Park- Preparation and planning for the event. Involved in the collecting of items in the furnishing of the display rooms in the Willows house. Donated items and furniture from the Myers and Daley family houses. (19th century) Machinery Shed Establishment. Involved with Jeff Robinson in the construction and collection of machinery display Other significant sites Championed and participated in the restoration and preservation significant sites in Melton, including: restoration of the Staughton Memorial Light and its return to its present site restoration of the Pykes Grave (using EW Barrie earthmoving equipment) restoration and reconstruction of Dunvegan restoration and reconstruction of Macs Cottage, the management and Caretakers residence Melton State School War Memorial Gates removed from Unitt Street entrance and relocated to the Willows Park Donated the Barrie family single furrow plough which was standing at the Court House Plaza. It removed and to Council Depot and later missing. The plaque was taken to the Willows. Jimmy Melrose (aviator) cairn restoration at crash site in Melton South Donald Mackintosh (Olympic gold medallist marksman) grave site at the Melton Cemetery (Historical items held by the Myers family collection.) Houdini first flight at Diggers Rest. Edna’s father was shearing at Diggers Rest at the time and witnessed the flight. She attended the 90 year anniversary of the event at the site in 2000. Radio and electronics Edna’s husband Bon interest in wireless communication dates in the 1920s with the building of a crystal set in the early days of public broadcasting. At the Back to Melton Celebrations in 1929, 3AR broadcast a concert from the Melton Mechanics Institute on the 20th February at 8pm featuring Footscray City Band, James Hill baritone, Vera Carew Soprano, James Foran Tenor, Marjorie Myers Piano, and James Williamson Entertainer. Accompanists: Miss Agnes Ross and Mrs James Hill. The Myers children had recordings of their piano playing made onto the aluminium records, Martha Myers’ voice can be heard introducing an item. These were made in a studio in Melbourne. Marjorie was given a upright Gramophone by Donald Mackintosh in recognition of her talent and her contribution to the cultural life of Melton. The family were then able to listen to 78rpm recordings of the famous classical recordings. The turntable was hand wound metal stylus needles had to be regularly replaced. The aluminium disk needed a bamboo needle to prevent damage to the surface. Before electricity was introduced to Melton in 1939 the Mechanics Hall relied on generators to produce electricity. Bon Barrie, being mechanically minded, built a public address system for be used a community functions at the Hall and Recreational Park. By 1939 this was up and running and used for over three decades. A large Collection of 78rpm records provided music for dances, marching, parades and any public event needing music and microphones. The early system was portable and worked on batteries. CFA Radio Communication In the 1950s with the introduction two-way HF and later VHF very high frequency radio sets. Melton Rural Fire Brigade was part of the Bacchus Marsh Group. Radio sets where located in the Melton Fire Truck, and in the house of the Barrie family at Ferris Road. This was an ideal location to observe a 360 degree view in all directions when smoke appeared on the horizon. An antenna was erected beside the house. The set OX 7 was located in the kitchen and monitored 24 hours by the family. When an electrical fire occurred at the junction of the electricity to the house there was time to radio the fire station and summons the men working in the paddocks, thus saving the house from possible destruction. With the introduction of UHF – ultra high frequency Vinten Radios the signal was clearer and static and interference lessened and radio traffic became easier to read, and reduced noise levels in the household. VL3 LY Radio Base became the Group Headquarters was established in 1967. By 1970 the Brigades were: Melton, Rockbank, Sydenham, Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Truganina, and Werribee. In 1974 when the family moved to First Avenue, another antenna and a small building were erected adjacent to the residence and used to house the equipment, maps. Radio traffic consisted of regular schedule times and communication with adjoining groups of brigades such as Bacchus Marsh, Mt Macedon and Little River Groups. Many of the brigade and group base radios were situated in private residences and operated primarily by fire fighters wives who held the position of Communications Officer, either registered as a brigade member or informally. Edna was never registered as an operational brigade member but operated informally as an assistant to her husband Bon. She was however a member of the Melton Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary from its inception in 1968, a non-operational position. Edna kept up to date with radio procedure following the 1967 handbook; preparing maps, plotting compass points and taking notes on weather forecasts from the SA Border and Western District. Daily notes were taken in anticipation of fire warnings. These log books and daily radio traffic were incidental to the regular radio schedules. Emergency turnouts noted, burning off times and predicted location of smoke. In the summer fire season all TBF (total fire ban days were recorded.) In times of emergency the Barrie family assisted Bon the base radio operator to plot the position and location of fire trucks and to help clarify garbled radio traffic, keep notes and make telephone calls. These log books are held in the EE and EW Family Archive. Melton Uniting Church Edna founded the Church Opportunity with Maisie Robinson in 1975 in the Melton South Methodist Church building. Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Melton had combined severing their long held connection with Bacchus Marsh. A Manse had been recently built for the Melton Minister. At a Parish Committee meeting at the Melton South Church it was suggested to use the building as an Opportunity Shop. It opened in July 1975, and it raised $1,600 contribution to the church budget in 1976. In 1977 The Uniting Church in Australia was formed and the Melton South Uniting Church Opportunity shop continued to go from strength to strength expanding the buildings providing the welfare needs of the community. Archive Set up by Edna Catalogued items dating from 1857 Minute Book and set ongoing system and storage of items of heritage. Melton Un Awards and recognition of service to the Melton community Rotary Award for Community Service, 1980 Victoria 150th Anniversary Celebrations contributions, 1985 Life Membership of the Melton and District Historical Society (M&DHS), 1989 Extra-Ordinary Contribution for years of service to M&DHS, 1992 Long Service for Exceptional Service MD&HS, 1993 Royal Historical Society of Victoria Award of Merit, 1997 Shire of Melton Certificate of Appreciation for continued support and dedication as a member of MD&HS to the preservation of Melton’s History, 1998 Centenary of Federation Peoplescape (Canberra) Melton Shire nomination, 2001 Uniting Church Melton Life Membership of the Opportunity Shop Uniting Church in Australia Commission for Mission for 30 years of hard work and dedications to the Uniting Church, 2007 Uniting Church Adult Fellowship Certificate appreciation in recognition of valuable support through the “Sammy” Stamp Fund Neighbourhood Watch 5 year award Photographs of Edna at different ageslocal identities