From Till CollectionTHE TILL COLLECTION SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT|The significance of the Alwyn Till Collection is that Alwyn was born in Mitcham in 1921. He attended Mitcham Primary School and Box Hill Boys High School. He served his Community mainly through his activities within the Christ Church Anglican Church Mitcham. He joined the Royal Australian Airforce in World War II in September 1939. He trained as a Pilot in Australia and Canada, was posted to England and saw action in Europe. He was shot down over France and rescued by and then joined the French Resistance and while fighting with them was fatally shot. A Baron fighting with him wrote to his mother to inform her of his death.|Alwyn's parents were Evaleen Victoria Till (nee Maggs) and Sydney Norman Till who first lived in Creek Road Mitcham, before moving to 573 Whitehorse Road Mitcham. His father served in World War I where his eyesight was damaged and he was taught by the then Blind Institute in suitcase making of which we have two examples in this collection. He died in 1931. Alwyn took over responsibility for his mother and sister Alison. We can understand how devastated his mother and sister would have been at the news of Alwyn's feeling that he must serve his country in World War 11.|His letters home were so precious to them that they carefully kept all his correspondence, notices of death and condolences from friends. After Alison's death in 2007 her relation Joan Walker transcribed each of Alwyn's letters home into two bound volumes. The executors, Joan Walker and Anne Drew deposited the original letters with the Whitehorse Historical Society. Due to their significance as historical documents of one serviceman's complete correspondence with his family the Whitehorse Historical Society Committee after consultation with the donors deposited the original letters with the State Library of Victoria. The Whitehorse Historical Society retains the copies.|Alison and her mother kept many family memorabilia and personal items which make up this significant collection as they show how people lived, worked and served in the local community and municipality.|This collection represents the love and devotion of the women to their families during the course of two world wars. The father was disabled as a result of World War 1 and died an early death and a son who thereafter took on the responsibility as head of the family at an early age. This young handsome charismatic son served his community in peace time and gave his life in World War 11. This mother and sister were devoted to his memory.Bird claw with safety chain & clasp attached. Claw is set in stirling silver band with yellow stone. Tartan ribbon with pin also worn with brooch.Brooch and ribbon presented in small box.costume accessories, jewellery

1 x Rising Sun set in Perspex. 1 x Diamond shape blue background Crown and Eagle with wings extended.Australian Commonwealth Military Forces. Originally from May 1904.

The Cross of Honour of the German Mother (German: Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter), referred to colloquially as the Mutterehrenkreuz (Mother's Cross of Honour) or simply Mutterkreuz (Mother's Cross), was a state decoration conferred by the government of the German Reich to honour a Reichsdeutsche German mother for exceptional merit to the German nation.Eligibility later extended to include Volksdeutsche (ethnic German) mothers from, for example, Austria and Sudetenland, that had earlier been incorporated into the German Reich. The decoration was conferred from 1939 until 1945[5] in three classes: bronze, silver, and gold, to Reichsdeutsche mothers who exhibited probity, exemplary motherhood, and who conceived and raised at least four or more children in the role of a parent. A similar practice, that continues to this present day, was already established in France since 1920, by conferring the Médaille de la Famille française (Medal of the French Family), a tribute to the French mother who raised several children in an appropriate way.The cross design is a slender elongated form of the Iron Cross or cross pattée and very similar in design to the Marian Cross of the Teutonic Knights Order (Marianerkreuz des Deutschen Ritterordens), enamelled translucent-blue with a slim opaque-white border. Resting on the centre radiant starburst rays is a metal roundel decorated with the words ”DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER” (In English: TO THE GERMAN MOTHER) around an enamelled black straight centred “swastika” symbol, infilled white enamel. Der Deutchen Mutter on front 16 Dezember 1938 by H...… ??german medal, the cross of honour of the german mother, ehrenkreuz der deutschen mutter, mutterehrenkreuz, reich, third reich, german reich, mutterkreuz

Crossed British Australian flags on mother of pearl fittingsShips name TSS Wiltshire

#148425 Fl.Lieut Clifford James Johnson - killed in France in Lancaster.ephemera, ww2, raaf

Framed Display of a broach, two medals and a signed letter from King George VPrivate Oscar McCarthy 6623 - 14th Battalion. Killed in Action at Bullecourt, France 11th. April 1917 aged 23. Remembered on National Memorial at Villers Bretonneux France. The Letter from the King is worded - "I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War"

Wooden Frame and backing with glass front showing memorabilia.Private Oscar McCarthy No.6623. 14th. Battalion AIF (From Bairnsdale VIC). Killed in action Bullecourt, France 11th. April 1917 aged 23. No known grave- remembered on National Memorial Villers, Bretonneux France. 14th. Battalion broach, medals and letter from The King. Donated by his Niece Kath Davis of Chirnside Park, Vic.

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, international level. They also undertook Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Craig was born Grace Adeline and was a highly respected teacher at Bendigo Girl's School and Bendigo High School. Grace Craig was the first lady to have an official part in the traditional induction of Mayor ceremony. Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail.Mrs A.S. Craig / Mayoress 1956 - 57 / 1963 - 64 / Eric (? aslington )grace adeline, mayoress craig, mayor craig, washington photographer, city of bendigo, city of greater bendigo portraits, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, The Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Rae was born Ethel Mary and during her time in office she attended functions alongside her husband for Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh during their visit in 1963.Framed, oval photographic studio portrait with flat glass. Hand coloured detail.ll, Mrs R A Rae / Mayoress 1962 - 63. lr, Martin Washington / Bendigoethel mary, martin washington photography, roy alexander rae, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, mayoress rae, mayor rae, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could be active in civic life. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and at times, national level. Mayoresses were also required to undertake Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Mayoress Snell was born in Durham UK. Mayoress Snell was the first Mayoress to wear the gold medallion which came with the office. It was presented on April 11th 1956 at the municipal centenary dinner at the Shamrock and was a gift from Sir George Lansell who followed in the tradition of his late father George Lansell in making a mayoral presentation in gold. (1) p 209 Jackman.Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail. Image is flat, glass is domed.cl; Mrs H. W. Snell / Mayoress 1955 - 56 1958 - 59 / 1959 - 60vincent kelly, studio photography, edith margaret snell, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors from the 1960’s onwards the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook Mayoral duties on occasions if their husband was unavailable. Framed, oval photographic studio portrait. Hand coloured detail.lcl, Mrs R. H. Wilson / Mayoress 1960 - 61. lr Martin Washingtonstudio photography, martin washington, wilson, lansell pendant, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayoress

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Ellen May Turner (Nell) was born in 1925 and died in 2008 aged 83. Reproduction of photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.lr; Mrs R. F. Turner / Mayoress 1965 - 66 / Martin Washingtoncity of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, martin washington photography, mayoress turner, mayor r.f. turner, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Aileen Baldwin was born in Eaglehawk and was one of the youngest Mayoresses that the City has had. Reproduction of Black and White photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, mayoress cambridge, mayor w cambridge, cambridge printers, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Gwen Jeffrey served as Mayoress from 1969 - 70.Reproduction of Black and White photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.lr; Martin Washingtoncity of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, mayor jeffrey, mayoress jeffrey, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Peg Elliott served as Mayoress from 1971 - 72.Black and White photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.lr; Martin Washingtonstudio photography, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, elliott collection, mayor d elliott, mayoress p elliot, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Phyllis Campbell served as Mayoress from 1975 - 76 and 1979 - 80 and was born in 1916 and died in 1995.Colour photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.Inside lr; Don Semmens / Bendigostudio photography, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, mayor r campbell, mayoress phyllis campbell., lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Gwenda Joan Cooper was born in Ballarat in 1924 and served as Mayoress from 1976 - 77.Colour photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.Inside lr; Don Semmens / Bendigostudio photography, city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, mayor r cooper, mayoress joan cooper, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Annie Mary (Mollie) Sibson was born in England in 1904 and worked as a nursing sister at Bendigo Base Hospital until her marriage to Alec Sandner in 1933. Mollie was an active member of the community and was particularly interested in raising the participation of girls in sports and the lack of competitive sports opportunities for girls led Mollie to create an inter school tennis competition in 1944. The Mollie Sandner Cup continues to be played today and Mollie was recognised by the Sportswomens' Association of Bendigo for her contribution to women's sports. Colour photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.Inside lr; Don Semmens / Bendigocity of bendigo mayoress, city of bendigo mayor, eugene and mollie sandner collection, mayoress mollie sandner, mayor sandner, sandner collection, bendigo base hospital, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Kathy Tomkinson served as Mayoress from 1980 - 81.Colour photographic studio portrait sitting behind oval mount.Inside lr; Don Semmens / Bendigocity of bendigo mayoress, city of bendigo mayor, mayoress tomkinson, mayor tomkinson, lansell pendant

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Elizabeth Stolz served as Mayoress from 1981 - 82.Black and White photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.lr; Don Semmens Bendigocity of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayoress stoltz, mayor stotz

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Judith Mansell served as Mayoress from 1983 - 84.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.lr; H. Hampelcity of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor mansell, mayoress mansell

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Gloria Quin was Mayoress from 1985 - 86.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.lr; H. Hampelcity of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor quin, mayoress quin

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Gloria Quin was Mayoress from 1985 - 86.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor currie, mayoress currie

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Noela Nankervis served as Mayoress from 1987 - 88.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor nankervis, mayoress nankervis

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Elizabeth Morley served as Mayoress from 1989 - 90.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.Front cover; Photograph by: / Richard Gibbs / Tel: (054)413411city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor morley, mayoress morley

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Karen Douglass served as Mayoress from 1990-91, 1991 - 92, 1992 -93.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.Front cover; Photograph by: / Richard Gibbs / Tel: (054)413411city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor douglass, mayoress douglass

Prior to the election of female Councillors and Mayors in the 1960’s, the Lady Mayoress role was one of the few ways women could officially undertake civic duties. Mayoresses made important contributions to their local communities through their charity work and as ambassadors for their region on a state and federal level. They also undertook some Mayoral duties on occasions when their husband was unavailable. Greta Balsillie served as Mayoress from 1993 - 94 and was the last official Mayoress as the role disappeared after amalgamation due to the election of female Mayors.Colour photographic portrait sitting behind oval mount.Front cover; Photograph by: / Richard Gibbs / Tel: (054)413411city of bendigo mayoress, city of greater bendigo portraits, city of bendigo mayor, lansell pendant, mayor balsillie, mayoress balsillie