Promotional poster style invitation to University of Ballarat, Bachelor of Visual Arts (Graphic Design / Multimedia) third year, graduating student "Designers' Dinner '04". Styled to look like letterpress. The NOVEMBER 9 type likely to have been originally provided by Sovereign Hill, as they are acknowledged on related materials. The magnet front matches the limited edition badges produced by students this same year. (29172). This square format poster used a multiple choice quiz to provide details of the event. Invitees met at the Wharf opposite door 1 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre (at 5.45pm) and were literally ferried to the dinner, returned at 11pm. Dress was "Smart Casual". Two colour (red and black), two-sided folded poster, magnet originally attached within. (probably with double sided tape). Magnet consists of a 'badge' style front, made with faculty badge maker, and magnet attached to reverse.university of ballarat, federation university, graphic design, multimedia

This is an album used as a scrapbook to insert memorabilia of the 1927 opening of Parliament House in Canberra. The compiler of the scrapbook is unknown. The scrapbook includes small sepia-coloured photographs, a stamp, copies of photographs of the Duke and Duchess of York and a printed program of the 1927 Dedication of the Houses of Parliament. The photographs include the opening of Parliament House in 1927, the N.S.W. Mounted Police, notable military men of the time, the Melbourne escort for the Duke and Duchess of York procession and some views of Canberra. The states of Australia were created in 1901 with the establishment of Federation and the Australian Parliament met at Melbourne from 1901 to 1927 when the Australian Capital Territory was created and the first Australian Parliament House was built. This album is of minor significance as the material concerns mostly the opening of Canberra’s Parliament House in 1927, a national event. One photograph, that of C.A. Rogers, has local significance. He was a Warrnambool man who was part of the Melbourne mounted escort for the processional car of the Duke and Duchess of York in 1927 in MelbourneThis is a 12 page photograph album with a brown cardboard cover with the pages tied with brown cord. Front Cover: ‘Portraiture’canberra establishment, opening of parliament house in canberra 1927, warrnambool

Caroline Elizabeth Newcomb (1812 - 1874) woman squatter. Born in London and emigrated to Hobart Town in 1833. She went to Port Phillip in 1836 as governess to the children of John Batman. She met Anne Drysdale in Geelong and they set up a farming partnership. Caroline Newcomb joined the Wesleyan Methodist Society in 1839 and became the first secretary of the Methodist Church at Drysdale, founded in 1849. After Anne's death in in 1853 she continued to run the Coryule property. On 27 November 1861 she married Wesleyan minister the Rev James Davy Dodgson. She died at Brunswick on 3 October 1874. She was buried beside Miss Drysdale at Coryule.Sepia toned enlarged reproduction of original full-length studio portrait of Mrs Caroline Dodgson, formerly Miss Caroline Newcomb. caroline elizabeth newcombe, anne drysdale, rev james davy dodgson, coryule, geelong, hobart town, john batman, squatter, methodist, drysdale

Photocopy of brief biographical notes in respect of the guest of honour, Colonel Sir Edward Dunlop at a Legacy meeting. Legatees met regularly and usually had guest speakers to entertain and inform on different subjects. This document was from a file of information about guest speakers (see also 00812-00822 and 00829-00837). The requirement to be a guest of honour at a Legacy meeting is highlighted in purple. It says: A Guest of honour shall be an individual who by reason of his services to the community and/or the ex-servicemen and his dependants, is unanimously deemed by the Board of Management to be worth of being so described". In this case Sir Edward (Weary) Dunlop was a speaker and his brief biography was included in this Bulletin.A record that the speakers at Legacy functions were from very different walks of life and the subects spoken on were many and varied. Weary Dunlop is famous for his work to many organizations but most notable was his service in WW2 as a Japanese prisoner of war.White A4 paper photocopy of a Melbourne Legacy Bulletin Page 3 mentioning the Guest of Honour at a meeting was Sir Edward Dunlop.dunlop, speakers, edward dunlop

The original Tawonga District Hospital was situated at the corner of Ryder's Lane and Kiewa Valley Highway. The construction was initiated by the Hospital and Charities Commission with considerable assistance from the State Electricity Commission.The building was transported from Bonegilla where it was originally a part of the Bonegilla Military Hospital. It started with 12 beds and eventually increased to a total of 35 beds. "Add ons" provided theatre, offices, stores and Nurses Home. It was officially opened on 24th September, 1949. Up until this time, any person requiring hospitalisation had to travel to Yackandandah. This photograph is of the theatre and there was no anaesthetic or recovery rooms. While rather primitive by todays standard, it met the demands of the construction days as well as that of the Kiewa Valley community. Shows the rather spartan conditions and equipment of the theatre in the original Tawonga District Hospital compared to the present day hospital. Black and white photograph of the operating theatre in the original Tawonga District Hospitalhospital, operating theatre, tawonga

This document was from a file of information about guest speakers (see also 00812-00822 and 00829-00837). Legatees met regularly and usually had guest speakers to entertain and inform on different subjects. The highlighted paragraph from the 1962 Annual Report mentions the low attendance of Legatees at the weekly luncheons. In part is says: "Programme Committee consists of a number of saddened and disillusioned Legatees. . . the Committee acquired what is considered were good speaker, speaking on interesting and topical subjects and so it reasoned that Legatees would flock to the Tuesday Luncheons. However the opposite was the case as, during the year, attendances fell away to around 80, despite a total of 511 Legatees now living in the metropolitan area."A record that the speakers at Legacy functions were from very different walks of life and the subects spoken on were many and varied. However not always were they well attended.Single sheet from an Annual Report with a paragraph "Programme" highlighted.speakers, committee

Primarily working across painting and digital art, Lazzaro’s artworks are characterised by figures of wrestlers, vampires, zombies, toys and subjects from imaginary worlds. Often using gouache, acrylic and paint pen, Lazzaro’s imagery blends sinister interpretations with a quirky sense of humour. Lazzarro’s works usually depict historical figures, pop-culture icons or people he has met or seen. This work depicts two women holding hands. Lazzaro has been a regular studio artist at Arts Project Australia since 2004. Arts Project Australia supports artists with intellectual disabilities through their studio and gallery, promoting artists’ work and advocating for their inclusion in contemporary art practice.

Thirty two page book contained within a heavy card cover, saddle stapled. Printed on gloss paper with many black and white photos inside and colour cover. Book titled "Melbourne Tram Review" written by R.A. Birrell Details the formation of the MTA, The Met or the Metropolitan Transit Authority from the MMTB in 1983, the changing nature of the fleet, depots and allocations of tramcars, listing of tram classes, with various technical specifications, including tramcar numbers and photographs. For the B class, includes those which were not in service at the time of publication. Two separate allocation listings are given, the last one being that at 19/9/1988. Has contents pages, introduction by author and on rear cover, a listing of other publications produced by the publisher, Railmac. On the title page, (page 1) in green ink "Ex B.K."trams, tramways, melbourne, mta, metropolitan transit authority, tramways, tramcars

Photocopy of an article in the State Electricity Commission of Victoria Magazine, Contact, Vol 2, No. 2, Aug 1937 titled "The Commission visits Ballarat". The single page item details the visit of the SEC Commissioners to Ballarat 16/7/1936. Gives a list of the people from the SEC who visited. Met with Council, explained the purpose of the SEC - "not for profit". Visited the operations of the SEC in Ballarat, tramway works under the supervision of R. H. Meakin and a visit to Electra Hall. Features a photo of a line up of 21 motor vehicles outside the Ballarat Power House. Record revised 3/4/2019 to add digital images with those from Andrew Cook CD. Each item had a thin strip of paper attached by staple to the top left hand corner, giving the Vol. No. details.trams, tramways, ballarat, sec, city of ballarat, trackwork, electra hall

Yields information about Ballarat tramcars in 1950's.Letter, typed two pages, signed H. W. Linaker as Manager answering questions for Wal Jack. Letter date etc not known as it appears the top half of the first page has been cut off, includes the response to the first question. From question 2, noting the Coronation week, the letter is post mid 1953. Q & A concern trams decorated for the Coronation, tram services provided on Sunday morning in 1953 that met the train from Melbourne, the size of the Julien storage batteries, date of sale of the Horse tram company to ESCo, the scrapping of trams, tram tickets older than 1934 but did have a folder of old sample ESCo tickets at the office and the address for the Mt Beauty Railway, The paper has a "Invicta Bond" watermark. trams, tramways, tramcars, ballarat, decorated trams, sunday services, julien system, battery tram, scrapped trams, tickets, esco, sec

Report - 10 A4 photocopied pages titled "Friends of the W class Trams Policy Statement" undated, signed by Don Gibson. Looks at the fleet after the delivery of all the B class trams, numbers of cars required for service, issues, a requested approach, equipment and their request - continue to run W class trams, store Z1 and Z2 trams. Provides a statement of the trust's policy - classification, present threat, Met Proposal, comparison with Z class trams, tables of costs for each type of tram, options, power consumption, ride, life span, crew costing, public support, views on upgrading, conclusions. Notes that Mr. Peter. Spyker was Minister for Transport at the time and that B class still being delivered - completed 1994. Mr Spyker was Minister from 1990 to 1992 - document c1991.trams, tramways, w class, b class, z class, national trust, the met

Set of two A4 documents about the future and current situation or status of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Victoria (The Met). .1 - A3 folded sheet, titled "A message from the Managing Director" signed by Kevin Shea, dated 24/3/1987 setting out the current situation, changes, services, Jolimont, new tram lines, ticketing, vehicles and future planning. Business Plan released the same day by the Minister Tom Roper. .2 - 12 A4 pages - centre stapled printed on orange paper, titled "MTA Business Planning Report No. 1 - Analysis of the Existing situation" - setting out the policy context, goals and objectives, international perspective, patronage and service levels, fares system, human resources, capital investment, financial performance, changing environment, key issues and next stepstrams, tramways, the met, planning, reports, finances, railways, new trams, new track

Yields information about The Met tram routes and their timetables..1 - Route 55 - West Coburg - Domain Interchange via William St - dated Nov. 1994 .2 - Printed 28-page book stapled timetable for "West Maribyrnong - City Route 57" tram service, dated Nov. 1994. The "The Met" logo, was published by the Public Transport Corporation. Document No. TT011 Provides a map, description of route, time points, timetable, ticketing information, some ticketing information, introduction by the Manager Essendon Depot, including a photo - Chris Hatzis and an image of a single truck (No. 8) tram available for hire as a party tram and a adverts for the City Circle Tram and Queen Victoria Market. .3 - Route 82 - Moonee Ponds - Footscray - dated Nov. 1994 .4 - Route 96 - St Kilda Beach - East Brunswick - dated March 1994trams, tramways, tickets, the met, tram services, timetables, route 57, city circle, route 55, route 82, route 96

1586 - Photocopy - report - 9 A4 sheets stapled in the top left hand corner, titled "Upgrade the Trains, Keep Sydney Road Trams - Position Paper on the Upfield Public Transport Corridor - Executive Summary", setting out the Union view of the conversion of the Upfield line to light rail. Notes the issues with the project, experience on the conversion of the St Kilda and Port Melbourne lines, level crossings and staffing. 1586.1 - as above but the full report - 66 pages, stapled along the side with clear plastic front, white card rear cover with a table of contents, including notes on the North-South rail (St Kilda and Port Melbourne) - experience to date, critique on The Met's Upfield line study, the Union's preferred option, Benefits of preferred option and the role of light rail, appendices and recommendations.trams, tramways, upfield light rail, sydney rd, unions, light rail

Book - 36 sheets - A4, two colour - printed on off white paper, titled "Tram Network Disability Services" published by Public Transport Corporation Victoria, with a drawing of SW5 758 on the cover along with a The Met logo. Provides information in map form on each tram route in a large print format, contact numbers and some general information. No date of publication. Port Melbourne route shown as route 111; Reg Item 252 notes that this route ran between Port Melbourne and the Exhibition Buildings between 12/1987 and 12/1993. See Reg Item 1865 for pamphlet version and 6000 for a PTC 1998 version. 2nd copy added 24-5-2023 - larger size issue - 248H x 242W - wire boundtrams, tramways, ptc, the met, maps, disability services, tram routes, routes

This plate was probably part of a crockery set used by the Warrnambool Congregational Church for church functions and receptions. The Warrnambool Congregational Church began when two men, Robert Winton and Thomas Nayler, met in 1862 to discuss the possibility of establishing a church of the Independent order. As a result the first Congregational Church was opened in Liebig Street, Warrnambool in 1864 with William Pentland as the first Minister. Samuel Nettleton was a notable member of the congregation, being the Superintendent of the Sunday School for 60 years. In 1940 the Congregational Church moved to a building in Henna Street and in 1973 the Congregational Church merged with the Methodist Church to form what is known today as the Uniting Church. In 1976 the former Congregational Church building in Henna Street was sold to the Salvation Army. This plate is of interest as a memento of the Warrnambool Congregational Church, an institution that no longer exists under that name. This is a cream-coloured china plate with a gold trim around the outer edges and the name of the church in the centre in a black and white scroll pattern. The gold trim is now almost obliterated. The edges of the plate are chipped in several places and the plate is much stained and blotched. ‘Warrnambool Congregational Church’ congregational church, warrnambool, history of warrnambool

The Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club was formed in September 1977 when a group of enthusiasts met to discuss the idea. The club, located in Mount Beauty has conducted many activities and programs for its members and other cross country skiers at the Falls Creek Ski Resort, Alpine National Park and the Bogong High Plains. Club objectives are to promote the development of cross country racing, ski touring and associated activities. To assist in searches for persons lost in bushland areas and to maintain a Search and Rescue group. It also provides its members with opportunities for skiing and social activities. The Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club constructed a clubhouse at Falls Creek for the use of members in 1996. The club has conducted the annual Kangaroo Hoppet since 1991. Since its inception, the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club has been active in promoting cross country skiing including racing and touring in the Falls Creek, Alpine National Park and the Bogong High Plains areas and have actively participated in search and rescue in the alpine region. Birkebeiner members have represented Australia at five Olympic Games. A number of Kiewa Valley residents are active members or have been past members of the club over the years.Printed material from the internet with colour illustrations – History of the Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club Inc. Sourced from http://birkebeiner.org.au/about/history/, 14/01/2016 7.45pmbirkebeiner ski club; nordic skiing; cross country skiing; falls creek; bogong high plains

Photo taken immediately after the Wiregrass gallery closed at the end of November. The property was purchased in October 2004 for $565,000 by a local investment company, Sentinel Equities run by local residents Jethro and Suzanne Still. Plans to redevelop the property into offices and a gallery designed by Robert Marshall and supported by a number of local artists met with opposition from Eltham Gateway Action Group in 2007 over the proposed new building size and insufficient parking provision given the proposed reliance on the VicRoads reserve on Main Road for parking. The development proposal was finally approved by VCAT in January 2008 subject to VicRoads approving the use of the road reserve for parking. That did not happen and the property remains undeveloped 15 years later (August 2023).fay bridge collection, 559 main road eltham, 2004-12-05, eltham, eltham gallery, graffiti, main road, wiregrass gallery

The camera belonged to Benjamin Marshman LONG No 97 Australian Remount Unit 1 Sqd 1. He enlisted on 15.9.1915 aged 47 years. Serving overseas he was hospitalised on 26.4.1916 with heat stroke. He was discharged from the AIF on 5.12.1916 as the unit was disbanded. He had 3 sons in the AIF. Horace (Swag) No 437, 9th & 4th L.H. Regt - he was hospitalised 3 times with various illnesses. Benjamin (Marsh) No 439, 4th L.H.Regt - he was hospitalised twice necessitating a return to Australia. Reuben (Rube) No 2192, 4th reinforcements 60th Batt AIF - he was WIA in France twice. Swag and Marsh met up with their Father while overseas. Refer Cat No 16P for his service details .1) Tan leather case. .2) Auto graphic Brownie Camera, black bellow style (uses No. A-120 Film).Handwritten inside case flap: A SQD B M Long ARU" (AUST REMOUNT UNIT) Handwritten on back of case: 97 (Regimental No) equipment, military forces, personal effects, photography, cameras

The Victoria Tower made landfall after a voyage of 85 days from Liverpool, and headed towards the Port Phillip Heads pilot boarding ground. It had been an uneventful voyage despite some contrary headwinds (causing the long voyage) and problems with the compasses, that could not be relied upon. The weather was hazy, with gale force winds and heavy rain squalls. Reaching the pilot ground Captain Kerr fired rockets and burned blue lights to attract attention, but met with no response. Sighting the Cape Shank lighthouse he sailed towards it, then wore the Victoria Tower onto a port tack in a westerly direction. No soundings nor observations were taken, as Captain Kerr was confident he was on a safe course and knew his position tolerably well. Slatted wooden cabin door with 2 locksPatent disk on top lock, W2 SR on either side of coat of arms. Number 60 in the middle and 1A carpenter patentee underneathdoor, cabin, victoria tower, shipwrecks

Roy J Mitchell was born in Williamstown in 1935 and grew up in Ballarat. He was the son of Horace Mitchell, a railway man, and Catherine Donovan whose father James Donovan was himself a railway man. Roy worked for the Victorian Railways also, until this era finished and worked into the MET era. Roy never lived in Bendigo but visited often, many times taking his daughter Rebekah with him, drawn in by the historical trams. His passions in life were his family, dogs, trains and trams and photography. His cousin Frank O'Meara, said "Roy always had his camera with him. He Took it everywhere". Roy's ancestors came from Maldon, Mt Edgerton, Trentham, Ballarat, Creswick, Berringa and Geelong.Eleven Coloured slides of Bendigo Trams and Trains taken by Roy J Mitchell. history, bendigo, bendigo trams, roy j mitchell, bendigo r766 steam engine

A poster advertising the performances of Melbourne's Finest Jazz Bands presented by Arts Academy Diploma of Entertainment, Lighting and Sound Course at the Courthouse Theatre, SMB Campus, Lydiard Street South, Ballarat. Performances were nightly starting at 8pm from May31st-June 3rd, 2005. A Bar (18+ ID Req)and a Groove Atmosphere. Tickets $10. Bands performing were: Tuesday May 31st: Adam Simmons and Andrew Ogburn Wed. June 1st - Nick Freer Quartet; When Harry Met Frank; Symbiosis. Thursday June 2nd: Giannis Quartet; Bachelor Pad Royale; David Rex Quartet. Friday 3rd June: Ainslie Wills Band; Rohan Wallis; Eneo Roberto and Friends Original black and white and grey postercourthouse jazz, courthouse theatre, arts academy of entertainment lighting & sound course, nick freer quartet, when harry met frank, symbiosis, giannis quartet, bachelor pad royale, david rex quartet, ainslie wills band, rohan wallis, eneo roberto and friends, university of ballarat, musical performance

Leaflet dropped from German aircraft on to troops of the Royal army in Crete in May - June 1941 The propaganda leaflets were designed to lower moral of defending troops.Printed LeafletPrinted on leaflet “Soldiers of the ROYAL BRITISH ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE! There are MANY OF YOU STILL HIDING in the mountains, valleys and villages. You have to PRESENT yourself AT ONCE TO THE GERMAN TROOPS. Every opposition will be completely USELESS. Every ATTEMPT TO FLEE will be in vain. The COMING WINTER will force you to leave the mountains. Only soldiers, who present themselves AT ONCE will be sure of a HONOURABLE AND SOLDIERLIKE CAPTIVITY OF WAR. On the cntrary who is met in civil-clothes will be treated as a spy. THE COMMANDER OF CRETE On the reverse side of the leaflet is writing in the Greek language and also writing in English indicating that the leaflet was issued by the “GERMAN HIGH COMMAND OF CRETE”, MAY - JUNE 1941world war two, leaflet, propaganda, air drop

Whilst the foundation stone for the Ascot Vale Masonic Hall was laid in 1886 Gordon Lodge was not able to meet in their new lodge-room until 1887. In the meantime whilst the Ascot Vale Masonic Hall was being build subsequent meetings were held in the Essendon Council Chambers however this was not a satisfactory arrangement Consequently at the June 1886 meeting a motion was passed that the Gordon Lodge hold its meeting, “…at the Melbourne Masonic Hall, Collins Street East, until such time as the Ascot Vale Masonic Hall is ready for occupancy…” (Due to a ball in full progress) So for the next 6 months the Lodge met at the Masonic Hall at 25 Collins Street.

John Gall Mainlands father John Mainland Snr. was born in 1835 in the town of Lerwick in the Shetland Isles off the coast of Scotland. At the age of fifteen, he migrated to the South Island of New Zealand where he trained as a carpenter/builder after settling in Oamaru where he soon became a prominent citizen. He was for many years the Chairman of the Hospital Board and Captain of the fire brigade (which he founded). Mary Gall, Johns wife had also migrated with her family from Glasgow Scotland in 1837 at the age of thirteen to New Zealand where she had met and married John Mainland and in 1866 John Gall Mainland the second eldest of their six children was born. After John Gall Mainland Jnr. had trained as a jeweller and watchmaker he also developed itchy feet and left New Zealand for Australia in the late 1880s eventually settling in Walhalla Victoria where he became chief of the fire brigade for ten years before moving to Warrnambool. Gertrude Emily born 1872 met and married John G Mainland after he had increased his skills to become an optician. In Jan 1892 opened a business in Liebig St Warrnambool the sign outside his premises read, (J Mainland Watchmaker Jeweler and Optician). While he was establishing his business and profession John had set about contributing to the cultural and business life of the Warrnambool community. One of his many community commitments was with the scouting movement where he became a King Scout and an original charter member of the Warrnambool Rotary Club.The clock was made by an early Warrnambool business identity who had also made an important contribution to the local community over the years through his involvement with Rotary as a founding member the fire brigade. Having an item that was made by John Mainland during the early development of Warrnambool and in such good condition is in itself significant, it's provenance is well established and it is another piece of local history that further tells a story of Warrnambool's cultural life and early development in the 1890s. Wall Clock, circular in a wooden case Roman numerals on a twelve hour dialName of maker to dial face "J Mainland & Co Warrnambool"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, warrnambool clock maker, john mainland, john gall mainland, mary gall, clock maker, optician, jeweller

Doris Mercy Willmott was born in May 1896 in Stamford Hill, London, the eldest of three daughters of Albert and Minnie Willmott. The family lived in various parts of north London until the beginning of the First World War, when they moved to Redhill in Surrey. It was in Redhill that Doris met her future husband, Frederick John (Jack) Bennett. Jack had met Eric Mercy, a cousin of Minnie’s, in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and visited the Wilmotts with him whilst on leave from France. Although Jack Bennett returned to Melbourne in March 1919, he and Doris continued to correspond and they were engaged in March 1923. She came to Melbourne on her own, and was married in the Congregational Church in Canterbury on 23 December 1923. By 1931 Doris and Jack and their three sons - John Willmott, Winfield Robert Curtis and Peter Reginald Dane - moved to 21 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn but moved back to his father’s home, Therapia, 2 (now 6) Hepburn Street, Auburn, shortly before his father’s death. In 1937, the Bennett family moved back to the United Kingdom, spending the war years in Uxbridge and Torquay. The family returned to Melbourne in October 1946, after the deaths of Doris’ parents. The family lived at 12 Stanhope Grove, Camberwell and 51 The Ridge, Canterbury before Jack died in February 1952. After this Doris moved to 12 Stanley Grove, Canterbury, her home until c. 1970 when she moved to 25 Corhampton Road, North Balwyn. She died in May 1980 in Princeton Nursing Home, 3 Bellett Street, Camberwell. (Adapted from notes provided by Sue Barnett, the donor).The collection of evening clothes owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett, of which this item is one, date from the 1930s and may have been purchased in Australia or in the United Kingdom. Each of the items, apart from the evening dress, which has a few minor tears in the lace, is of fine quality and evidences Doris Bennett’s love of glamour and style. While the evening dress and the mantilla are of the same fabric, the two capes might have been worn with the dress as alternative fashion accessories. None of the items has a maker’s mark, however each displays evidence of fine dressmaking skills. It is however probable that the two fitted capes were commercially made.Long black lace, floor-length evening dress extending to a short train at the back. The dress has a belt at the waist that is joined by two white metal clasps studded with diamentes. With the dress there is also a matching lace square (2017.00921) that might have been used as a mantilla or as a shawl. The dress was owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett (nee Willmott) [1896-1980], and donated to the Society by her grandaughter. women's clothing, evening wear, evening dresses, doris bennett (nee wilmott)

Doris Mercy Willmott was born in May 1896 in Stamford Hill, London, the eldest of three daughters of Albert and Minnie Willmott. The family lived in various parts of north London until the beginning of the First World War, when they moved to Redhill in Surrey. It was in Redhill that Doris met her future husband, Frederick John (Jack) Bennett. Jack had met Eric Mercy, a cousin of Minnie’s, in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and visited the Wilmotts with him whilst on leave from France. Although Jack Bennett returned to Melbourne in March 1919, he and Doris continued to correspond and they were engaged in March 1923. She came to Melbourne on her own, and was married in the Congregational Church in Canterbury on 23 December 1923. By 1931 Doris and Jack and their three sons - John Willmott, Winfield Robert Curtis and Peter Reginald Dane - moved to 21 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn but moved back to his father’s home, Therapia, 2 (now 6) Hepburn Street, Auburn, shortly before his father’s death. In 1937, the Bennett family moved back to the United Kingdom, spending the war years in Uxbridge and Torquay. The family returned to Melbourne in October 1946, after the deaths of Doris’ parents. The family lived at 12 Stanhope Grove, Camberwell and 51 The Ridge, Canterbury before Jack died in February 1952. After this Doris moved to 12 Stanley Grove, Canterbury, her home until c. 1970 when she moved to 25 Corhampton Road, North Balwyn. She died in May 1980 in Princeton Nursing Home, 3 Bellett Street, Camberwell. (Adapted from notes provided by Sue Barnett, the donor).The collection of evening clothes owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett, of which this item is one, date from the 1930s and may have been purchased in Australia or in the United Kingdom. Each of the items, apart from the evening dress, which has a few minor tears in the lace, is of fine quality and evidences Doris Bennett’s love of glamour and style. While the evening dress and the mantilla are of the same fabric, the two capes might have been worn with the dress as alternative fashion accessories. None of the items has a maker’s mark, however each displays evidence of fine dressmaking skills. It is however probable that the two fitted capes were commercially made.With the black lace evening dress (2917.0093.1) there is also a matching lace square with long lace ties (2017.0093.2) that might have been used as a mantilla or as a shawl. The outfit was owned and worn by Doris Mercy Bennett (nee Willmott) [1896-1980], and donated to the Society by her grandaughter. women's clothing, evening wear, shawls, lace, doris bennet (nee willmott)