Basket weaving and brush making was a source of income for those who worked in the workshops at RVIB and other institutions in New South Wales and Queensland. A diverse range products could be produced with cane, such as cane chairs, cots, washing baskets and trolleys, and the Institution sought to highlight these in the annual report. Over time the demand for, and supply of, cane changed - particularly during World War 2 when Asian sources were under attack or destroyed. At home, other materials such as plastics as well as the ability to import cheaper pre-produced products further reduced the demand for workshop pieces. This laundry basket was reinforced with a solid heavy base that gave it both strength and the ability to remain upright as clothing items were placed inside. This cane laundry basket made in the basket shop of RVIB for use in the organisation possibly between 1930-1940, not for sale. Held with staff in the Enterprises section since the move to 201 High Street in the early 1990s.1 cane basket with lidroyal victorian institute for the blind, employment

'The Years Between' is an oral history of RVIB 1866 - 1991. It was put together by Allan Nuske and Jamie Kelly and consists of narration and excerpts of oral histories from past staff/students. Through historical data and personal recollections, former students tell the story of how the institution developed under the changing approaches of teachers and other staff, the need to keep fundraising, being shipped to Olinda during the war, 153 MP3 audio recordings comprising a file for each section of the bookMany thanks to Alan Nuske, Betty Vinters, Jon Lock, Ross Johnstone, Simon von Saldern, Leo Hartman, Elaine Leahy, Mary Adams, Ben Quin, Kasia Graphics, Art Attack, June Treadwell, Jamie Kelly, Neville Kerr, Dorothy Hamilton, family and friends of Alan Nuske, Pam McAleese and Julie Brain.royal victorian institute for the blind, allan nuske, jamie kelly, alice mcclelland, john murphy, harry worland, dorothy hamilton, hugh jeffrey, violet arnett, ian cooper, harry finlayson, elaine leahy, joan neich, reuban ryan, neville kerr, e.e. (ted) petersen, neil westh, norman rees, charlie bradley, ethel sutcliffe, esme dunnell, margaret fialides, carol baxter, ben quin, graeme mcgowan, margaret bull, jim smith, dick sutcliffe, ray smart, george findlay, edward (ted) hanlon, david blyth, martin stewart, len stevens, oral history

Gladys REYNELL (04/091881 - 16/11/1956) Born Glenelg, South Australia Gladys Reynell was South Australia's first studio potter and the first Australian artist to apply modernist principles to the crafts. For four years she worked from Ballarat. Osrey Pottery Ballarat operated between 1922 and 1926 by Gladys Reynell and George Osborne. The name of the pottery was an acronym formed from their surnames. Gladys Reynell, her sister Emily and brothers Rupert and Carew supported the war effort during World War One. Rupert Reynell was a neurologist who valued handicrafts in the rehabilitation of shell-shocked soldiers. He influenced Gladys and Margaret Rose (Rose) McPherson (later known as Margaret Preston) to learn pottery at the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts, London, in 1916. Next year a friend sent Gladys some Kangaroo Island clay which excited her: 'I thought then that it could be the most delightful thing on earth to make pots in Australia from virgin clay'. In 1918 Gladys and Rose began teaching pottery to soldiers at Seale Hayne Neurological Hospital, Devon. In September 1919 Gladys Reynell came home in September due to her father's illness. She established the Reynella Pottery and became responsible for all stages of pottery production. Using a seasoned dump of buff-coloured clay from a well at nearby McLaren Vale Gladys Reynell built and fired her own kiln; threw simple, robust forms based on early European folk pottery; and decorated them with designs inspired by both Aboriginal art—one of the earliest to use this as a source. Gladys Reynell decorated her earthenware pottery with the characteristic rich 'Reynella blue' slip. On 14 August 1922 at St Mary's Church, Edwardstown, Gladys married George Samuel Osborne, an ex-serviceman and gardener at Reynella; they had no children. Between 1922 and 1926 they set up Osrey Pottery In Ballarat. Gladys produced pottery for sale at fairs with George as her assistant. She would throw her pots in the street, causing a sensation. In 1926 George contracted lead poisoning from lead in the glazes. They moved to rural Curdievale where Gladys resumed painting and making woodcuts. From 1939 Gladys and George lived in Melbourne. In World War II she worked in the army pay corps, in the Taxation Office, and as a translator of French. Gladys died of cancer on 16 November 1956; her husband scattered her ashes at Reynella. Her ceramics, the work of one of Australia's earliest studio potters, have been avidly collected since the late 1960s and are in most major art galleries. Small blue glazed ceramic bowl incised around the top with a decorative frieze. Incised on the base "(Dam Clay) Ballarat 1923, Osrey"gladys reynell, osrey pottery, blue bowl, incised bowl, australian studio pottery, ceramics, native clay

The Boer War took place from 11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902. Also known as the Anglo–Boer War, or the South African War, the conflict was fought between the British Empire and the two Boer Republics (the South African Republic and the Orange Free State) over the Empire's influence in Southern Africa. As part of the British Empire, the Australian colonies offered troops for the war. Samuel McGowan was born in North Ireland in 1845, immigrating to Australia in 1870. He arrived in Bendigo 1871 and having worked in a large engineering works at home was quickly able to find management work in foundries, later opening a legal manager's office growing this into one of the largest of its type in Bendigo. Samuel McGowan was elected a member of the City Council in 1883 and was elected Mayor in 1885 and again in 1899, resigning as a councillor in 1901. He was the treasurer of the Bendigo Hospital, a senior member of the Zenith Lodge and president of the Bendigo Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Samuel McGowan and Kate Goyne from Epsom married on 29th August 1874. Samuel died in 1921 aged 76 and Kate in 1930 aged 78. This plaque was probably attached to a commemorative board such as an honour board, however its whereabout are unknown. Engraved plaque in the shape of a flag and flag pole. Four small holes indicate that it was previously attached to a larger commemorative board.Flag; Special functions by / Mayor & Mrs McGowan / entertainment and distribution of Comforts to the / Bendigo Soldiers Contingent prior to their / departure for the Boer War. / Reception at the Town Hall / Ball to the Citizens. / Entertainment of distinguished visitors, etc.etc.etc / Flag pole; F. Prescottmayor mcgowan, councillor s h mc gowan, mayoress mcgowan

p.407.fictionCharles Kingsley's Westward Ho! is the novel after which the English seaside village was named. The story follows the adventures of Amyas Leigh, an obstinate young man who decides to go sailing. He settles for a certain period in the Caribbean islands searching for gold and succeeds in making a little fortune. He then decides to go back to England by the time of the Spanish Armada, a sixteenth-century Spanish fleet that intended to invade England and overthrow Queen Elizabeth I for rivalry over colonies in the Netherlands, the Atlantic and the Pacific. Much of the novel describes the struggles between the two world powers, picturing the continuous naval battles that they engaged in. Amayas becomes greatly concerned when the Spaniards abduct his brother Frank Leigh as well as an admired local beauty named Rose Salterne. Furthermore, Amyas's life turns into a sad tragedy when he is further struck by a thunderbolt that costs him his eyesight. Generally, Kingsley gives the story a religious touch by making the war between England and Spain equally appear like a war between Protestantism and Catholicism, particularly when he shows how English hostages are often burnt at the stake by the Catholic Inquisition. england - fiction, spanish armada

Index, bib, ill, p.566.non-fictionAn undisputed classic, England Under the Stuarts is an account of England in the years between 1603 and 1714, charting England's progress from a 'great nation' to a 'great empire'.G. M. Trevelyan's masterful narrative explores the major events of this period, which witnessed the upheavals of Civil War, the Restoration and the Glorious Revolution. While never neglecting to examine the conditions of English life, this celebrated historian highlights the liberty and toleration that emerged during these years.england - history, stuart monarchy

Ill, p.156.non-fictionAn account of the battle of wits between the German and British secret servicesworld war 1939-1945 - secret service - britain, world war 1939-1945 - secret service - germany

p.57.non-fictionOriginally published in the United States in 1938 Address Unknown was an instant sensation and international bestseller. It was written before World War Two to alert the American public to the reality of Nazi power and its power remains undiminished after decades.The series of fictional letters between a Jewish art dealer in San Francisco and his German business partner in Munich traces their relationship as it changes after the coming to power of the Nazis. germany - social conditions, germany - history

This red plastic folder entitled "1M''s Peaceful Protest" and the response letter from the Prime Minister of Australia at the time, are part of Record Series 35. Student Work. In October 1986 the girls from Form 1M [Year 7] compiled a volume of poems and drawings titled “1M’s Peaceful Protest” that was sent to the Honourable Robert (Bob) Hawke, regarding the importance of peace in this country and around the world. Bob Hawke, responded with a thank you letter and returned the student’s work back to Lauriston. This “Peaceful Protest” from the girls of Form 1M was significant as it showed how Lauriston students were prepared to speak out and let politicians know what their thoughts were on the zeitgeist issues at the time. In 1986 the ongoing Cold War between the West and the communist states of the Soviet Union, provided a real threat to world peace. The vibrant colours of the students’ poems and drawings bely their concerns about the ongoing threat of the Cold War. The spelling mistake on the front page reminds us how these young students were given the opportunity to develop their own contributions and make mistakes.

The SS Edina was one of the longest running steam vessels anywhere in the world. Built in 1853, it was used in the Mediterranean during the Crimean War, carried cotton for the Confederate states during the American Civil War and ended its days on Port Phillip Bay, over a century later, making the trip between Geelong and Melbourne. It was only recently relocated during the work for the Our Heritage, Our Collection project.

Russell H Whitehead serve in 1 Field Regiment Royal Australian Artillery in Vietnam between 22/05/66 and 27/03/67 Plastic Framed Certificate of Vietnam Service Vietnam War Service / Private / Russell Henry WHITEHEAD / Service No: 3411520/ Service: Army / Service Between 22/05/1966 and 27/03/1967 /Total Days: 310 /Unit: 1st Field Regiment / Australian Coat of Arms bottom left hand corner Australian Government/ Department of Veterans Affairs/ on centre left sign Rising Sun Emblemvietnam, 1 field regiment, first field regiment, royal australian artillery

This mask would have presumably been manufactred and used as a gas mask during World War One conflicts. It is presumably British made. It could also possibly date to the World War Two era.This item is a piece of protective equipment which presumably dates to the World War One era. As a surviving artefact from the Great War, this item holds historic value.Gas mask with rubberised light brown fabric face cover, plastic goggles for seeing, straps for fastening and a nozzle to attach to a canister. The canister is now missing. The goggles have corroded steel rings around themwhich protrude sloghtly from the mask. The light brown fabric covered rubber nozzle is attached to a black metallic component, which is attached to the mask with a circle of black rubber in between the metal and the mask. There is also another short piece of rubber attached to this black metallic component which is folded and positined between the nozzle and the mask. There is an inscription On the exterior of the mask, where the nose would ordinarilly be positioned. There is also an inscription in the interior on an almost full circular piece of fabric which is stitched into the same posion. This has a circle of metal stitched beneath it, which protrudes in two sections towards the wearers face. On the ends of the protruded sections are square pads of fabric, which are presumably there to position on either side of the wearers nose. The mask has a reinforces rubberised fabric rim where it would be incontact with the face. The main rubber nozzle protrudes through the inside of the mask, forming a mouth piece. There are four black straps and one light brown colour strap stitched to the exterior rim of the mask. Two of the black straps are severed.On the exterior at the nose: 3 On the interior at the nose: 22 109gas mask, mask, world war one, first world war, world war 1, ww1, wwi, the great war

The badge design The League’s badge represents a readiness at all times to render service to Queen and country and to former comrades. It can’t be purchased and may only be worn by those who have served their country. The shield design is symbolic of the protection provided to those who wear it. Within the badge, red represents the blood ties of war that exist between comrades; white stands for the purity of the motives in joining the league – to render service without personal gain or ambition; and blue indicates a willingness to serve a comrade anywhere under the blue sky. The wattle represents Australia, with the leek, the rose, the thistle and the shamrock standing for Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland respectively.The collection of badges,medallion,issue diary and photograph shows what a soldier who served in WW1, received.It is good that this collection is still intact. Badge awarded to Driver of the 6th Field Ambulance, Malachy Sandy, no 3320,who enlisted March 6th 1915. RTA 14 Jan 1919.Metal badge with crown attached to top of badge.Two folded metal loop(for pin to attach to coat etc), soldered on back of badge. "1919" on crown."Australia" in red scroll along bottom of of badge.Engraved flowers top left and right below crown."Returned Sailors & Soldiers Imperial League" on blue circular background surrounding embossed soldier holding rifles. On the back of badge is : "Copyright / 83978 / Prouds Ltd"sandy, malachy, badge, rsl, imperial, league

Brassards were worn on the right arm by an Australian soldier on active duty with the United Nations. This brassard was worn by Sapper Tommy Wickham on peacekeeping duty in Namibia. The Australian Army contributed soldiers to the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) peacekeeping mission to Namibia between 1989 and 1990. Sapper Wickham gave the Brassard to Ken Howe in 1992-93, and Ken donated it to the Beechworth RSL around the year 2000. The Australian contribution to the UNTAG mission was the largest deployment of Australian troops since the Vietnam war. Sapper Wickham was one of 300 soldiers sent to Namibia. Polyester/Cotton brassard in a light green. Sewn on the main body of the brassard are two round patches, the first patch represents Australia and features a kangaroo in gold and the words 'Australia' in white, the second represents the United Nations featuring the United Nations symbol. The brassard is secured to the sleeve by a slit in the top through which the shoulder strap is threaded and elastic strip around the arm. Australian patch: AUSTRALIA/ UN patch: UNITED NATIONS / united nations, namibia, tommy wickham, australia, army, un patch, brassard, peacekeeping

Photo, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Remembrance Garden, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, 17 August 2000.Record of earlist links between Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre and the Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans.Photo, Framed, wooden. Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Remembrance Garden, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, 17 August 2000.Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Remembrance Garden, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre. Unveiled and dedicated in 1999. Photographed at Vietnam Veterans Day Service on 17 August 2000. Presented to Diamond Valley Vietnam Veterans by Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre 10 November 2000.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

DViet Working Party at Repatriation and General Hospital - evidence of the close ties between the two parties.Photo confirms that the Diamond Valey Sub Branch and the Repatriation and General Hospital have worked cooperatively for many years.Rectangular coloured photograph showing sub branch members and friends working bee, Repatriation and General Hospital, 2002.A Listing of participants at the working bee.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, repatriation hospital

The flag of the Republic of Vietnam served as the South Vietnamese national flag during that country's existence between 1948 and 1975. The flag, being of a defunct state, is no longer officially used in Vietnam today, but is still shown and used overseas by many Vietnamese emigrés.The flag under which the soldiers of South Vietnam fought and by association, alongside which the Allied nations also fought during the Vietnam War.Framed textile, with glass and dark brown timber and gold frame. Large yellow flag with three red horizontal stripes. Small brass plaque in lower quadrant.Flag of Republic of Vietnam.flag, vietnam, republic of vietnam national flag, 1949 to 1975, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch

The bottle of port is one of many memorabilia items from the era.Like all of the Vietnam War memorabilia, this bottle of port is a reminder of the Vietnam War and of the Veterans Service 'in country'. Clay bottle of port; bottle cream in colour with black seal. Bottle has two pictures around the side: black sketch of Vietnam Memorial at Australian War Memorial, Canberra; colour iconic picture of diggers awaiting dustoff. Above the sketch of Vietnam Memorial is text: "Vietnam Memorial', below the sketch is "For all those who served, suffered and died 1962 - 1973"; a map of Vietnam sits between the Vietnam Memorial and the dustoff picture.vietnam, vietnam war, diamond valley vietnam veterans sub branch, memorabilia

The Victory Medal (also called the Inter Allied Victory Medal) is a bronze medal that was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star and, with certain exceptions, to those who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded alone. These three medals were sometimes irreverently referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred. The medal of which the basic design and ribbon was adopted by Belgium, Brazil, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, France Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Siam, Union of South Africa and the USA in accordance with the decision as taken at the lnter-Allied Peace Conference at Versailles but in a particular form of a historic Greek monument as determined by each nation, with the exception of the nations of the far east who issued the medal but with a different design. Eligibility for this award consisted of having been mobilized in any of the fighting services and having served in any of the theatres of operations, or at sea, between midnight 4th/5th August, 1914, and midnight, 11th/12th November, 1918. Women who served in any of the various organizations in a theatre of operations were eligible, such as nurses, members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, Woman Army Auxiliary Corps, Women’s Royal Air Force, canteen staff and members of the many charitable services.Original medals issued to the Hoffman family post WWI and donated to the Beechworth RSL Sub Branch by his sister Miss Anna Hoffman with the Hoffman Family collection.British War Medal 1914 -1920 with ribbon and Victory Medal with ribbon court mounted and the recipients name inscribed on the rim. On the reverse side is red felt and the mounter's label629 PTE. F. HOFFMAN . 33 - BN . A . I . F . is inscribed on the rim of both medals.medal, medal wwi, victory medal, the war medal

Green hardcover book for boys, with the title Bretherton Khaki or Field-Grey? by W.F. Morris as well as the publisher Geoffrey Bles printed in black lettering with the symbol of a bird. 319p. 319p.fictionA tale of mystery and identity, first published in 1929 is an account of the brutal conditions at the battlefront in WW1 between English and German soldiers. It is an espionage thriller with a twisting and unusual plot with the English soldier G Bretherton as the main character.war fiction, romance fiction, spies fiction

A large yellow paperback book titled: The Shire of Lilydale and its Military heritage - Volume Three - The Second World War: The war in Europe & the Middle East. It has English and Australian crossed flags underneath the title at the top, with a black and white photograph of a soldier embracing his mother. Inside are black and white photographs of significant people, advertisements, militia facts and stories as well as a bibliography and index at the back. Pp. 339.non-fictionThis collection of Lilydale's military heritage covers The Second World War: The war in Europe and the Middle East. It has sections on - Between the wars: The Spanish Civil War (1936 - 1939, Local Militia Forces (1918 - 1939), The Coming of the War. It details The Homefront, Patriotic Welfare, Our Service Personnel, V.E. Day, and Locals in Australian Military History.second world war, lilydale history, lilydale military history, military heritage

From the Imperial War Museums website (IWM UK): Second World War period transceiver set widely used by US, and Allied, Armed Forces in Italy, N W Europe, and the Pacific. The US Signal Corps developed the SCR-536 early in the Second World War, It was produced from 1942 onwards by the Galvin Manufacturing Co. By 1945 130,000 had been produced. The SCR-536 was an extremely popular set and was colloquially known as a "Handie-Talkie". It consisted of a five-valve, low-power, battery operated, AM (HF) transceiver that was designed for portability and ease of operation. It featured a single channel crystal control between 3.5 and 6Mc/s, and it had an R/T communication range of 1 mile over land and 3 miles over salt water. The set was switched into a receiving mode by extending the telescopic aerial, and to transmit the press-to-talk switch was depressed. The aerial was protected by a connected cover. The set was well-engineered and designed and could be held in one hand, hence "Handie-Talkie" . It was used virtually everywhere in the world, weighed only 2kg, and was proofed against fungi and moisture.The SCR-536 was also modified for use in military gliders under the designation SCR-585.Short range portable transceiver. A large green-painted metal box with perforated small round holes in the shape of hexagons (original perforated round black earpiece and mouthpiece missing). On the back is a long green webbing carrying strap. (not original)Between the earpiece and mouthpiece is a plaque that reads "SIGNAL CORPS US ARMY RADIO RECEIVER AND TRANSMITTER BC-611-C. SERIAL NUMBER: 3017. ORDER NUMBER: 1345-WF-43. MADE BY GALVIN MFG CORPORATION CHICAGO ILLINOIS. On label : FREQUENCY 3996 Kev/ CHANNEL/ BAT. DATE Red square stamp walkie talkie, handie talkie, telecommunication, ww2, world war 2, american, wireless equipment, signal corps, us army, transceiver, bc 611 c

During May through to July 1920 Prince Edward, later to become King Edward VIII of England toured Australia to thank the country for its support during World War One and to strengthen ties between Australia and the United Kingdom. He arrived in Victoria on the 26 May 1920 and on the 29 May attended a special agricultural show at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds at Flemington. Bacchus Marsh district was invited to contribute to a display of agricultural produce and products which was displayed in the Government Pavilion at the Showgrounds. The display according to a newspaper report in the Bacchus Marsh Express on 5 June 1920 included 33 trays of fresh fruit, preserved fruit, pickles, sauces, bacon and other small goods, vegetables, hay grasses, grain, turned wood, wines and other drinks', &c., aided by pot plants, flags, draping of maroon and gold (official Exhibit colors) made up a color scheme and general effect worthy of the occasion. The Prince inspected the exhibit and expressed his admiration of it, his only regret was that he could not give more time to its examination. There was also 'an improvised "pheasant" nestling in one corner, and what "amazing" eyes it had!'. The organiser of the display was F. C. Minns, and the decorator was T. Stewart. This photograph is notable for its size and high quality framing. This signifies the importance the local community placed upon being chosen to participate in a major royal event and the desire to record this in a grand and elaborate way for posterity. Very large framed photograph of the agricultural produce and products from the Bacchus Marsh district displayed as part of a special exhibition for Prince Edward, the heir to the British throne when he visited Melbourne in May 1920. The display comprised a wide variety of produce such as fresh and preserved fruit, meats, vegetables, hay, grasses, grain, turned wood, wines and other drinks. The image is divided in the middle into two different angles of the display.A caption in gold lettering at the foot of the image reads 'The Prince's Show May 1920 Bacchus Marsh District Exhibit Royal Agricultural Society Showgrounds'royal visits, shows and exhibitions

A printed book published in paperback edition. 92 pages, with illustrations, portraits, and maps. BMDHS Location: AR/SU4non-fictionAn account of the impact of the Boer War upon the community of Bacchus Marsh. Like many communities across Australia Bacchus Marsh saw a number of men enlist in the military forces and participate in the conflict in South Africa between Great Britain and its allies such as Australia against the Boer forces in South Africa in the early 1900s. This work documents this history from the perspective of the individual soldiers involved and the way the community responded to this conflict. Citation: Bacchus Marsh and the Boer War: A Community's Response. By Gillian Davis, Geoff Hine, Barbara Manly and Chris Stancliffe. Published by Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society, Bacchus Marsh, Vic., 2001.bmdhs publication, south african war 1899-1902, boer war 1899-1902, soldiers bacchus marsh vic.

A drawing of Stanly Savige in uniform during the second world war. Stanley Savige is seen as the founder of Legacy when it was founded in Melbourne in September 1923. He was born in Morwell Victoria on 26/6/1890. He served in the Australian Army between 1915 and 1946, including service in both World Wars. Stanley Savige was a awarded a KBE, CB, DSO, MC,EDThis is a photographic portrait of the founder of the First Legacy Club in Australia, Stanley SavigeBlack and white drawing on white paper in an ornate gilded frame.stan savige, portrait

A file copy of a letter from Mrs Vasey of the War Widows Guild to Legatee Radford who was Vice President of Melbourne Legacy at the time. She says 'It was most heartening to read how staunchly you supported our idea that a man who dies in the service of his country should not leave his children to poverty and sub-standard living. Thank you very much indeed for speaking for us publicly in the unequivocal way you did." The War Widows Guild was founded by Mrs J M Vasey, the wife of Major-General Vasey. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this letter, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation - it shows a close bond between the two organisations. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of a close link between Legacy and the War Widows Guild.Yellow carbon copy of a letter from Mrs Vasey to Vice President Radford in 1956.war widows guild, wwg, radford

A file copy of a letter from Legatee Harding of the Widows Committee to Legatee Foskett, President of Melbourne Legacy at the time. It discusses work that the War Widows' Guild was doing in providing accommodation for frail, aged war widows and a close relationship with Legacy. It mentions the Guild's president at the time was Mrs Lois Hurse. The file copy must have been sent to the Guild as they returned it to Legacy when the Guild closed. The War Widows Guild was founded by Mrs J M Vasey, the wife of Major-General Vasey. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this letter, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation - it shows a close bond between the two organisations. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of a close link between Legacy and the War Widows Guild.Yellow carbon copy of a letter from Legatee Harding to Legatee Foskett in 1972.war widows guild, wwg

Two letters on Melbourne Legacy letterhead to Mrs Lois Hurse, the War Widows' Guild president in 1970. The address showed the Guild was also known as The Vasey Housing Auxiliary (War Widows' Guild) Ltd. Both letters discuss the 45 bed nursing home that the Guild was establishing in Church Street Brighton. One is signed by the Executive Officer Ivan Layton and the other by EP Evans the Hon. Secretary. The letters were returned to Legacy by the Guild when the Guild closed. The War Widows Guild was founded by Mrs J M Vasey, the wife of Major-General Vasey. During the second world war she became secretary of the AIF Women's Association, a body which sought to help soldiers' wives. Her work with this body drew her attention to the plight of war widows. After Major-General George Alan Vasey died in an aircraft accident on 5 March 1945 she became a widow herself. At the end of the war Mrs Vasey founded the War Widows Guild. The Victorian War Widows Guild closed in 2021. Some items, including this letter, were donated to the Legacy archive for preservation - it shows a close bond between the two organisations. It was possible for a widow to be members of both Legacy and the War Widows Guild. Both organisations helped war widows in various ways.A record of a close link between Legacy and the War Widows Guild.White letter x 2 from Legacy to the War Widows' Guild in 1970.war widows guild, wwg

Rationing regulations for food and clothing were gazetted on 14 May 1942. Rationing was introduced to manage shortages and control civilian consumption. It aimed to curb inflation, reduce total consumer spending, and limit impending shortages of essential goods. The broad reasoning behind the introduction of rationing was to ensure the equitable distribution of food and clothing. It was also hoped that a cut on consumer spending would lead to an increase in savings, which in turn could be invested in war loans. Australians were never as short of food nor rationed as heavily as civilians in the United Kingdom. Rationing was enforced by the use of coupons and was limited to clothing, tea, sugar, butter, and meat. From time to time, eggs and milk were also rationed under a system of priority for vulnerable groups during periods of shortage. Rationing was administered by the Rationing Commission. The basis for policing food rationing was through the surrender of coupons before rationed goods could be supplied. This had to occur between traders as well as consumers. Coupons were passed back from consumers to retailers, from retailers to wholesalers, and in many cases from wholesalers to producers, who were requested to return them to the commission. Breaches of rationing regulations were punishable under the general provisions of National Security Regulations by fines of to £100 or up to six-months imprisonment. Responding to the complaint that these penalties were inadequate, the government passed the Black Marketing Act at the end of 1942. This Act was for more serious cases and could carry a minimum penalty of £1,000.The clothing ration books and coupons belonged to Edna Barrie, the food ration card belonged to Wendy Barrie and the tea and butter ration card belong to Elizabeth Daley.local identities, war