This Trust agreement declares the intention of the Trustees, namely Albert William Whiteside, Matilda "Tilly" Ann Aston, William Henry Paterson and Charles Monteath to utilise a gift of War Bonds to the value of 200 pounds to form the Jean Bickford Bequest. The income arising from the Bequest would be used to pay for Board, Lodging and Attention at the Associations Home for Adult Blind at Brighton Beach" of Victorian soldiers who were blinded as a result of the War. Dated 18th September, 1918. Signed by Albert William Whiteside, Matilda Ann Aston (after being read the document by Mary Lawson, signature also affixed), William Henry Paterson and Charles Monteath. 2 signed copies are held of this Trust Declaration, as well as one other copy with typed signatures. 3 typed pages establishing trustalbert whiteside, tilly aston, william paterson, charles monteath, jean bickford, fundraising

Six pages of typed notes. Amy Huxtable Memorial Lecture, 20th January 1985 titled 'Taking Time' by Norma D. Young. The theme for the lecture was 'Take Time to Work, It's The Price of Success'. Headings are: Take time to think - it's the source of power; Take time to play - it's the secret of Youth; Take time to read - It's the foundation of wisdom; Take time to be friendly - It's the road to happiness; Take time to dream - it's like hitching your wagon to a star; Take time to look around - It's too short a day to be selfish; Take time to laugh - It's the music of the soul;document, amy huxtable memorial lecture - taking time, norma d young, captain hopwood r. n., earl of chesterfield, william booth, salvation army, tilly aston, association for the blind, victorian girl guides association, marshall field, twelve things to remember, marcus aurelius, old sydney town

This agreement between the Association for Advancement the Blind and Trustees (namely William Henry Paterson, George Arnot Maxwell and Bertram Grosbie Goold) lays out the terms and conditions surrounding the Association's access and usage of the Kooyong Clubhouse for the Blind and Cricket Oval. The agreement is Dated 21st August 1933, and is signed by the three Trustees, as well as members of the Association, namely Matilda Ann Aston and William Charles Willmott. There are 2 copies of the agreement, one containing hand-written annotations in pencil, which are largely illegible.2 typed pages of legal agreementassociation for the advancement of the blind, william paterson, george maxwell, bertram goold, tilly aston, william willmott, kooyong club house

In 1894 the Victorian Braille Writers Association was established in order to create a braille lending library. Such an endeavor also meant a need of space for storage. At first the library was accommodated in the home of Mrs May Harrison before moving to the home of Mrs Dickinson two years later. Eventually, with the help of donors, a space was rented in the Block Arcade to house the 1300+ volumes it held and the yearly increase produced by its braille transcribers. Fortunately in 1918 the Trustees of the Edward Wilson Estate provided 4000 pounds to pay for a new building in Commercial Road. Despite some misgivings from the RVIB at the time, this building was home to both braille volumes and talking books (albums and cassettes) for many years.1 b/w photograph of people on a stageFree Lending Library for the Blind. Senator G. Fairbairn, on behalf of the Edward Wilson Trust, presenting the key of the building to Miss Aston, a Braille reader, representing the Braille Writer’s Association. 26th April 1919. (Label on mount board)tilly aston, braille and talking book library

Built in 1918-1919, this distinctly styled building was constructed with the needs of returned blind soldiers in mind by architects Anketell and Henderson. Matting tracks were placed in the single level floor and handrails on the wall to guide users around the building. In 1929, two stained glass windows were constructed and placed in the building to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Louis Braille's birth. (These were removed and transferred to Kooyong when the library moved its operations in 2002.) The building is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.1 x col. photograph of red brick octagonal buildingbraille and talking book library, tilly aston

The AFB were aware that accommodation options for blind people were limited and sought to open a hostel to assist with this.The first hostel opened in Lara Street, South Yarra but could not meet demand. In 1926, a suitable property 'Egremont' at 54 The Avenue, Windsor, came on the market. The price was £2650. Lack of funds to purchase seemed an insurmountable barrier. With assistance from the Trustees of the Edward Wilson Estate and the Felton Bequest a deposit of £650 was raised. In a huge step of faith the Committee took out a mortgage of £2000. The interest on the mortgage and its repayments weighed heavily on the Committee. The Avenue, as 'Egremont' was commonly termed, was also a seven roomed house. Mr Paterson and the Architect, Mr Parkes of Oakley and Parkes, immediately began planning an extension, fourteen single bedrooms were added. They were filled from the Waiting List. A Windsor Auxiliary was formed and worked to reduce the mortgage of £2000. An active programme of dances, card evenings, theatre nights and the like took place under the leadership of Mrs. Robertson. The Auxiliary also took an interest in the boarders, arranging entertainment and social activity. £1500. was still owed in 1930. Living side by side is no easy task for a group of people, and the Hostel meeting minute books are filled with stories of disputes over wireless sets, telephones, hot water bottles and wardrobes. In 1958, with rising costs and the growth of aged care centres, the Hostel was closed and the house sold to a succession of private buyers. In 2016 it still stands and has been refurbished as a guest house.B/W copy of newspaper photographThe hostel for blind women at 54 The Avenue, Windsor was established in 1926 to provide a place where sightless women may live together to their mutual advantage under proper and sympathetic supervision. The Windsor Hostel was sold in 1958. This building still stands today and has been refurbished.egremont, blind womens hostel, tilly aston

Letter reads as follows: Sir, M.A. Aston Estate To enable me to completed the Declaration required by the Commonwealth Bank please let me have: - 1. Full names of Messrs, Paterson and Worrall 2. Amount of stock held Yours truly, V.S. Hollow Handwritten in blue pen at top: Bickford Trust Handwritten in black pen at base: 12.15pm Stamped at base: 16 Feb 1951 A carbon copy of the response reads: 16th February 1951 Mr V.S. Hollow, M.A., LL.B., Solicitor 140 Queen Street Melbourne C1 Dear Sir, M.A. Aston Estate Your letter dated 20th December was hand delivered to me at 12.15 today. In answer thereto, I have to advise: 1. Mr Paterson is William Henry Paterson. Mr Worrall is Albert Victor Worrall. 2. The stock comprises two blocks 300 (pounds) and 200 (pounds) totalling 500 (pounds). Yours faithfully, General Secretary1 white page and 1 blue page (cc)In top left hand corner: V.S. Hollow, M.A., LL.B. Solicitor, etc. Commissioner for Affidavits, High Court, Vic., Qld., Sth A., W.A., Tas., NZ. Telephones: Office MU 1926, Private XA 1933 On the right hand corner: 140-146 Queen Street, Melbourne, C1association for the advancement of the blind, tilly aston

To celebrate the work undertaken by various members on the Centenary Appeal, the Association for the Blind presented wooden shields as mark of recognition and respect.1 brown wooden shield with engraved gold and blue plate Association for the Blind Centenary. John Wicking. In appreciation of your outstanding contribution as Chairman of the Tilly Aston fund, part of the $7.5M Centennary appeal 1994-1997.association for the blind, john wicking

A set of UNO cards with printed instructions and a single Braille page. On the box is marked 'Braille UNO game 26787'. This set was used by Tilly Aston members when on holiday. UNO playing cards with braille embossed on top left-hand and bottom right-hand corners in red cardboard box recreation equipment, games

This award was presented at an award night hosted by the Braille and Talking Book Library to Richard Flanagan for "Death of a River Guide". As Richard Flanagan did not receive his award on the night the Braille and Talking Book Library kept it for him, however it was not collected. To encourage the development of audio books, a series of awards were established by the National Library of Australia in 1988, and sponsored by TDK from 1991 until their demise in 2000. Open to both commercial and non-commercial publishers, it aimed to recognise the quality achievements by individuals and publishing houses and to promote the inclusion of audio books into the mainstream market.Wooden rectangle with metal plate inscribed with winners nameBraille and Talking Book Library Tilly Aston 1873 - 1947 ... that all may read Benalla Award Audio Book of the Year 1996 Presented to Richard Flanagan for "Death of a River Guide"awards, audio books

"The Board, Tilly Aston Customer Council and Staff acknowledge and record for posterity the outstanding service given to blind and vision impaired people in Victoria. This exceptional contribution was made in a selfless and warmhearted manner and continues Vision Australia's tradition of caring and sharing. Inherent in the many attributes displayed were the admirable qualities of leadership, loyalty, consistency of purpose, and a great generosity of spirit. In recognition of this distinguished service we now pay tribute to and honour Neil and Elizabeth Maxwell in the presentation of the John Wilson Award on 6th October 2000." Signed by John Cook - Chief Executive Officer, ? Chairman, Tilly Aston Customer Council and Malcolm Daubney, President.1 white A3 page with blue border around edgevision australia foundation, neil maxwell, elizabeth maxwell

These meetings were held at the Kooyong office and the minutes include Present, Chair, Apologies, Minutes, Matter arising from minutes, Correspondence, Life governors, Election of members, Nominations, Reports from Regional Blind Members groups. Some highlights are: 30/6/1990 under the capable leadership of Mrs Elsie Germon the schools programme has been re-convened. Regular visits are being made to primary schools. Speakers are accompanied by sighted guides. 9/8/1991 Executive Director, Mr John Cook reported merger of the Braille & Talking Book Library with AFB. First radio appeal for 3RPH raising over $30,000, opening of the new Baringa Day Centre at Shepparton. 30/6/1996 the annual report highlighted the Centenary of AFB it was noted that self-help has always been the major emphasis underpinning the work of the Blind Member's Council. The Tilly Aston Fund raised over $1/2 million for the new National Information Centre. The peer support work and monitoring of services, ensures that we give back something to AFB, for the support we receive. BMC representatives made 70 visits across the State. The Council registered the Tilly Aston Rhododendron as a lasting way of acknowledging the work of our founder. 19/9/1997 The Chairman welcomed those present to the second combined meeting of the AFB and the Tilly Aston Customer Council. The Council welcomed the change in Articles and Memorandum of the Association and the formation of the Tilly Aston Customer Council which allowed all customer of the Association automatic membership and input to the monitoring of services. Minute book of Blind Members Council annual reports and general meetingsassociation for the blind, blind members council

Brochure advertising a ride to and from Ballarat on a vintage steam train to raise funds for Talking Book Library relocation from South Yarra to Kooyong, and the Kelaston Day Centre. The Tilly Aston Fund was part of the Centenary Appeal, and it was hinted that the lady herself may appear.Brochure advertising ride to Ballarat to raise funds for Talking Book Librarynon-fictionneil maxwell, association for the blind, fundraising

In 1995, the Association for the Blind celebrated it's centenary with the release of a silver coloured medallion that was available for purchase. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Tilly Aston' and '1873-1947' . On the reverse is brailled 'They're sowing the tiny seeds of action!' on the outer rim and in the middle is the figure '100' with a small spray of laurel each side. Beneath this are the words 'Association for the Blind Centenary 1995'. The medallion is inset to a blue velour box, with a white lining on the lid and a round circle in gold with 'Association for the Blind Centenary', '100' and '1895-1995'. A small yellow paper leaflet briefly describes the setting up of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind by Tilly Aston. Silver coloured medallion with illustrations, in box with accompanying leafletBox - Association for the Blind centenary, 100, 1895-1995association for the blind, awards

In 1995, the Association for the Blind celebrated it's centenary with the release of a gold coloured medallion that was available for purchase. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Tilly Aston' and '1873-1947' . On the reverse is brailled 'They're sowing the tiny seeds of action!' on the outer rim and in the middle is the figure '100' with a small spray of laurel each side. Beneath this are the words 'Association for the Blind Centenary 1995'. The medallion is inset to a blue velour box, with a white lining on the lid and a round circle in gold with 'Association for the Blind Centenary', '100' and '1895-1995'. A small yellow paper leaflet briefly describes the setting up of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind by Tilly Aston. Gold coloured medallion with illustrations, in box with accompanying leafletBox - Association for the Blind centenary, 100, 1895-1995association for the blind, awards

Articles in annual report include: board of directors 1994-95, surging into the next century, president's report, a year of achievement, Tilly Aston, the looming need, preparing for the second century of service, centenary appeal, blind members report, volunteers, services, treasurer's report, supporters, office holders. 31 printed pages with illustrationsassociation for the blind, corporation records

To honour the service provided, a bronze coloured medallion was awarded to individuals. On the front is a cameo of a woman wearing a pendant and an old fashioned ruffled blouse. Around the outside is written 'Association for the Blind Medallion / Founder Tilly Aston'. On the reverse is 'Presented to' with a spray of laurel around the edge. The medallion hangs on a blue fabric band that goes around the neck. Bronze coloured medallion with illustrationsassociation for the blind, awards, medals

Concerts were a fundraiser that the Association for the Advancement of the Blind first introduced in 1900, based upon the experiences of the RVIB concert tours that Tilly Aston had participated in whilst attending the school. Initially not as successful as hoped, they were re-introduced in 1911 and soon became a regular fundraiser for the fledgling organisation. This undated handbill lists the acts and the ticket seller for one such performance, possibly around 1923.Long paper sheet with printing on one sideThe Most Popular Company on Tour Blind Variety Entertainers will visit here Thur May 28 The following Up-to-date Artists will appear Norman Leslie comedian Charles Bennett welcome reappearance of the famous Blind Tenor and Pianist T.H. Andrew welcome reappearance of Blind Instrumentalist A. Solomon welcome reappearance of Old Time Blind Comedian Special Engagement Paul Debur paper manipulator and sketch cartoonist Fred Tilley welcome reappearance of the Popular Blind Basso in Songs, humorous and sentimental Leslie & Debur in Double Comedy & Melody The Most Popular Company now on Tour. Interesting Program of Genuine Delight. Instrumental, Comic, Classic, Trios, Duets, Etc. The Whole of the Proceeds in aid of Association for the Advancement of the Blind and the Home for the Adult Blind Any Blind Person may participate in the benefits of this Association. An Association of Blind People. Popular Prices No Tax Advance Representative, R. Reid Touring Concert Manager, Norman Leslie General Secretary: T. Marks, Oxford Chambers, Melbourne City Service Press (A.J. Charles), Rear Payne's, Bourke Streetassociation for the advancement of the blind, fundraising

Invitation and program for Neil and Elizabeth Maxwell to the 100th Birthday celebrations held at Melbourne Town Hall on Friday 8th December 1995. The MC was John Blackman, with the unveiling of the Tilly Aston Memorial bell, audio visual re-enactment of 100 years of achievements, birthday lantern procession by Carisbrook Primary School students, cutting of the birthday cake and speeches by Premier Kennett and other dignitaries on the occasion.1 paper cream coloured card with imagery on front and text inside, foldednon-fictionassociation for the blind, elizabeth maxwell, neil maxwell

Newspaper article and image of unveiling of clock at the AAFB home in Brighton. Article reads: A Memorial Clock in Honour of a Blind Woman, Tilly Aston, who helped found the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, was unveiled at the new annexe of the Brighton Home for the Blind by the Minister for Public Works (Sir James Kennedy), centre, on Saturday. The Minister is seen with Mr W.H. Paterson, left, and Mr A.V. Worral.1 laminated image of newspaper articleReproduction Rights Reserved Copied by State Library of Victoriawilliam paterson, a.v. worral, sir james kennedy, association for the advancement of the blind, elanora home (brighton)

A display of Louis Braille Audio and BTBL audio books at the 1998 (?) awards ceremony at the Arts Centre. Audio books are scattered across two adjacent benches, with three felt-covered pin boards behind them. Audio book covers, some information about the Braille and Talking Book Library and Tilly Aston, as well as a tribute to 25 years of producing commercial quality talking books is attached to the boards.Display of LBA and BTBL audio books at ceremonybraille & talking book library, robert de graauw, louis braille audio, awards

Plaque dedicated to the founding members and the Jubilee anniversary of the organisation. To commemorate this, a tree was planted in the grounds of the Brighton office of AFB and this plaque was created.Metal plate with inscription and four holes in each cornerThe Association for the Advancement of the Blind was founded on December 7th 1895 By the following Blind Persons Tilly Aston Thomas Marks David Blakley Katherine McDougall George Cobain Janet Robertson Harry Lee David Robertson This tree was planted to commemorate the Jubilee of the Association "From tiny seed to towering tree"association for the advancement of the blind, nameplates

Report from individuals and agencies forming the Illawarra Community Centre, including: the retirement of Flo Dodge and Joyce Lake, awarding of 32 Tilly Aston awards for 15 year or more voluntary service, the 'Illawarra Tigers' Day Centre bowlers winning the State Blind Indoor Biased Bowls Competition, telephone support groups established in Colac and Portarlington, and involvement in a local Taxi Driver training day with other agencies, running a successful 'Banking and Budgeting Program' with Gordon Technical College.1 volume of printed materialassociation for the blind, illawarra community centre