A Vale article that was published in the Bulletin in 1977 on the death of Mr Robert Alfred (Bob) Wight who had been the supervisor of Blamey House for 13 years. Bob Wight with his wife Jane Wight as Assistant Superintendent, looked after the boys in Blamey House at 1267 Burke Road from June 1964. The article includes some details of their lives. A record of the life of a long term staff member.White A4 paper photocopy from the Bulletin of an article on the death of Supervisor Bob Wight.vale, bob wight, jane wight, blamey house

A letter from Gerta Gillies to Legatee Aaron Bettie about the publication of the biography of Stan Savige. Mrs Gillies was the first instructor for girls classes. Legatee Aaron Beattie helped organise many of the early demonstrations. The letter says Mrs Gillies was thrilled to receive a copy of the book by W B Russell titled 'There goes a man'. She says: 'How can I convey in words how deeply touched I am at your gift of the book! What wonderful memories it calls up of the Great Man, General Savige. I also realise even he couldn't have made such as marvellous success if he had not been ably backed up by yourself and the men he gathered round him'. Attached to the letter was a newspaper article dated 10/10/1959 discussing the publication of the book.A record of a past staff member praising Savige and the legatees.Blue paper letter to Legatee Beattie about Stan Savige's biography.gillies, aaron beattie

A letter from Claude Blatchford to Legatee Stan Savige about the writing of the book about the history of Melbourne Legacy. It discusses the cost of printing and holds up that might mean the book was not published. He says: "Naturally I should be greatly disappointed if it fails to see the light of day. It cost me a great deal of effort at a time when effort with me was not easy, and, quite frankly, I should never have attempted it if I thought for a moment that my hard work would not result in the book being printed."A record of a past staff member praising Savige and the legatees.White paper letter on Junior Legacy Club letterhead from Blatchford to Stan Saviage about his biography.Handwritten in blue pen 'Blatchford 1932' and signed in black ink 'Yours Blatch', and noted in red pen 'Claude Blatchford (Editor of the History)'.claude blatchford, history

In the early l 970's , when our population was increasing rapidly and resident ministers were needed at both Melton and Bacchus Marsh, and after discussion between both denominations over many months a decision was reached , that in both areas they would unite and be known as Methodist - Presbyterian joint parishes. In 1972 Ministers were appointed, and Melton's minister occupied one of the Bacchus Marsh Manses during the building of Melton's church residence in Y uille Street. Services were held at Scots Presbyterian Church Melton. Youth Club and church meetings were held in the Methodist Church at Brooklyn Road, Melton South. At a joint Parish Committee Meeting held in May 1975 at Melton South - a major item of business was finance, to meet the repayments on the recently built Church Manse and the minister's Stipend. The meeting closed without any solution to this problem being made. As the men restacked the chairs Maisie and I viewed the building with the possibility of opening an Opp Shop on the premises. We then made the suggestion to the other members and during the forthcoming weeks investigations concerning the feasibility of this idea were made, volunteers recruited and the shop opened in July 1975. The first contribution to the Church funds of $1,600 was made in 1976 and was followed by regular contributions to the church budget each year. In 1981 a 30'x 20' steel garage costing $2,000 was erected adjacent to the original Methodist Church to provide more space. Meanwhile an Opp Shop was opened in Melton Markets and operated from 1981 to 1985. Further accommodation was needed at Yuille Street and the Atco Hall was installed at the rear of the Bluestone Church (known as Melton Uniting Church - 1977). A large proportion of finance for this project was contributed by the Opp Shop $16,000. Simultaneously finance was being built up to provide further facilities at Brooklyn Rd, resulting in the commencement of a concrete block masonry and steel extension, with facilities & fittings, being commenced during 1986 & completed in 1989. The approximate total cost of this structure was $60,000. Over the 16 years, members and friends of our church have contributed many many hours to staff the shop and many other supportive works. As an acknowledgement of their efforts, our Minister prepared Certificates for Service and Dedication which were presented to 75 supporters at a special Church Service in June 1991. The assistance that has been given to the community of Melton & District has been extensive and much appreciated by many families. In addition many appeals for goods and clothing have been received and packages sent to many outside supportive agencies. Three volunteers having a tea break in the staffroom of the Op Shoplocal identities, churches