Edna Barrie handwritten notes – copied 18th October 2013 web The early story of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Victoria At Melton between Bal [Ballarat] and Melb [Melbourne] was introduced by the Revd Wlm Blamires in 1862 ably seconded by the late Mrs Westlake (afterwards Mrs Spargo). Mr J James, the active and indefatigable Revd Eb Taylor and such workers as Atkinson Corr and Ferris. Mawson and John Dare 1867 the foundation stone of the present church was laid. Revd D Waugh 1867. Melton and Toolern Vale have benefited by the generous help of Mr J Browne esquire of White Hills Station Diggers Rest and are now comprised in the Sunshine Circuit. Written at a later date – Wesleyan 16-4-1867 then Methodist 3-10-1867. Bluestone building cost Lsd 350-13-6. Seating 40 pounds Rev Ken Moore Methodist opened at Brooklyn Rd Melton South c1940 closed c 1972. Timber Church shifted from Staughton Vale, prior to this Services held in Victoria Hall Melton South. The source of the information – ? and date notes were made On the Chart outlining Melton Churches the following additional notes- At opening (nil Plaster, nil ceiling) Slate roof. Closed 1910-1911- most likely from 1867 Express My research - Melton Express noted 15th Aug 1939 porch added to Church at Melton South making the date earlier than 1940. Photographs taken when the building was being used as the UC Opp Shop and demolition of the building showing the porch. Charles Ernest Barrie was prominent in the life of the Methodist Church and established a thriving Sunday School. He built the Chaff Mills at Melton South in 1900. In 1910 he sold the Mill to Glover Onians and moved to a farm at Trundle NSW, where he lived for about a year. In May 1911 he purchased “Darlingsford” in Melton when it came on the market. The address Elizabeth St Moonee Ponds appears in the family records during this period and during WW 1 they also lived at Ascot Vale where the Lang parents lived. On returning after the war to Melton to occupy the Darlingsford house, which had been occupied by a caretaker. The family joined the Presbyterian Church. Evidenced in the Church Minute Book. 1920 What happened to the Methodist Church between 1910 – 1920? How long did it exist while in the Bluestone building in Palmerston St (Heritage listed 2008) When did the church commence in Victoria Hall? Built 1910 on land donated by C E Barrie. I attended the Methodist Church Melton Sth when monthly services were held in the afternoons. We were members of the Presbyterian Church and also supported the Melton Sth Church during the 1950’s Signboard from Melton South Methodist Churchchurches

Group gathering for Maisie's retirementlocal identities

The Willows Restoration Committee members: Chairman Cr Ed Gillespie, Lorraine Gillespie, Mr & Mrs Alan Reed, Ken Young, Bill Amor, Edna Barrie, Max Watson, Cr Jeff Robinson and Wendy Barrie.Jeff Robinson, Bill Amor, Lorraine and Eddie Gillespie standing in front of the Willows, inspecting the house and surroundings from the front verandah. local identities, local architecture

Front of house looking through the front gate and wire fence local architecture, local special interest groups, local identities

Exterior of view of barn and attached cow bales. The barn was demolished in 1980.local architecture, local special interest groups

Edna Barrie, Lorraine and Eddie Gillespie inspecting the underground well near the stables. local identities, local architecture, local special interest groups, council

Jeff Robinson, Alan Reed and Bill Amor standing in the interior of the barn.local architecture, local special interest groups, local identities, council

Remains of the Stable, barn and rubble plasterer, and cement render from houselocal architecture, local special interest groups, local identities, council

The Willows built by Ralph Parkinson on his farm c. 1855. local architecture, local special interest groups

Information from research by Mabel Rogers from the first meeting in August 1939 – 1969 Notable Events of the CWA The document contains information about meetings and events and numbers of members who attended. December 2013 – a selection of some of the items of interest have been extracted by Wendy Barrie NOTABLE EVENTS Page 1 1938 August 10th 1938 Minutes of inaugural meeting of Melton Branch Country Women’s Association. Cr Coburn introduced Mrs Toose, Ballarat G.P. [Group President] 42 ladies were present, including visitors from Bacchus Marsh and Smeaton Branches. September – Miss A Raleigh was elected Magazine Secretary October- 26 members present. Penny Collection for Million Members Fund November December – Mrs Swan gave demonstration of basketry, using stringy bark, Eucalyptus bark and reeds 1939 February 1939 – 18 members present. Branch total 50. Donation towards Pedal Transmitting Set. Inquiries made of Shire Council re permission to fence War Memorial March April – cost of fence material beyond Branch Funds May- 24 members present June, July, August – birthday celebrations. September 25 members present October – Meeting hled at Toolern Vale Bird Sanctuary 36 members present November – 1st Annual Meeting December – Owing to harvest operations, only 11 members present. 1940 February electric kettle and urn to be purchased for Mechanics Institute. Also to install a power point. [Electricity was connected to Melton in December 1939] April end of page 1 Page 2 May – Council Permission to be sought, to plant trees on oval below Shire Hall P.M.G. to be asked to supply a seat outside telephone booth for convenience of callers after P.O. was closed. June- Wives of A.I.F. soldiers be made honorary members. “1d per week drive” for gift for the Empire. July, September, October November – Group President stressed the importance of keeping Branches together during time of war. Collection of sheep skins to be made into vests for fighting forces worthy of consideration. Group President, Mrs Morgan-Paylor. December 1941 February 30 members present March – Eight members attend Ballarat Group Conference. Approach Council re fencing and preparation of land for tree plantation May – Mrs Swan demonstrated making of slippers from pieces of sheepskin June – Empire Gift Scheme of 1d per week to be continued for another year or duration of the war. July – Demonstration on making camouflage nets August, September Group Conference at Smeaton, October, November meetings held 1942 February- Enquiries to be made as how to help with A.R.P. work March, April, May, June,- Headquarters busy on war work. July end of page 2 Page 3 August, September. October – 15 Camouflage Nets forwarded to Headquarters November- Mrs Glasson Group President presided at Annual Meeting. Meetings to be held at 3 monthly intervals. Overseas link, enquiries be made of Melton Mowbray had a C.W.A. Branch 1943 February- Overseas link to be Lampeter, Cardiganshire, Wales May- 7 Camouflage Nets to Headquarters. American overseas link Nov 5th Annual Meeting, letters received from Wales and America 1944 May – Approach to be made to Council re formation of Baby Health Centre July – Ball held for Baby Health Centre effort. Admission 3/- 1945 February- Mrs Lemke present at meeting May August- Miss Strahan of Womens Hospital gave a talk on “Work of Almoner Departments in Public Hospitals” November Annual meeting. eight food parcels sent to Britain, 2 to Lampeter 1946 meetings held every two months May- Congratulations to Mrs Swan, Group President Elect June – 20 members present. August- 8th Birthday celebrated with a Social Evening Music was supplied by Mrs E.W. Barrie September - Scone competition 1. Mrs Beaty, 2. Miss Robinson 3. Mrs Exell November- Eggs sent to Somers House 1947 February – Demonstration of Glove-making March – revert to monthly meetings April - decided to have an auto tray made for the Branch May – Branch decided to plant a tree for Princess Elizabeth’s 21st Birthday.. Council to be asked if agreeable to continue arrangements in 1940, to fence C.W.A. Plantation end of page 3 Page 4 June - Food parcels sent to Overseas Link July – Invitations to birthday celebrations sent to Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Sunbury, Mt Egerton August September - Collection of silver coin taken a donation from Branch towards wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth … forwarded to H.Q. November – C.W.A. together with Red Cross and Bacchus Marsh C.W.A. to provide afternoon tea and luncheon at Eynesbury sale. 1948 February – Food parcels sent to ex-Prisoner-of-war. Publicity agent appointed April – Decided to apply for trees to be planted in area already chosen a beauty spot May – Additional listeners to Broadcast Session were appointed June July – Gift of books received from Overseas Link. I was decided to stat a Library . Miss Raleigh to at a Librarian. August – 5 pound donation from Branch funds to “Save the Children” Appeal. September, October, November 1949 January – At Group Conference, delegates to vote in favour of resolution that State School children be allowed to sit for exams in own school March – Decided to contact Council for permission to fence off Water Reserve April, May – Another parcel to be sent to Ret. British P.O.W. Association June July – Fancy Dress Children’s Ball to be held for Annual Effort August – 11th Birthday September – Bank Balance November – 11th annual Meeting. Members agree to supply small gifts to Ballarat Mental Hospital 1950 February – Five books were received from Lampeter March – Branch to support idea of holding a Music Drama Festival in Group April – Miss Smith elected Group President May – C.W.A. Science Van visited Melton June – Demonstration of Macrame work - July August – 12th Birthday Celebration end page 4 Page 5 September, October November 12th Annual Meeting, Miss Smith Group President. Melton's Country Women's Association Choirlocal special interest groups, local identities

Associated Country Women of the World C.W.A. Melton local special interest groups, local identities

Blacksmith Shop High Street Melton Residence and Blacksmith Shop was continuously occupied from 1860 and demolished in 1966. Mr A.G. Macdonald operated the shop from 1923-1962 (39 years) An early photo exists of the Blacksmith Shop. It stood on what is now part of the landscaped area of the Melton Community Hall. The three blacksmiths wearing aprons are from the left, W. Whittington, G. Macdonald and A Falconer. MacDonald were employed by Whittington prior to each one in turn taking over the business, Falconer soon after selling the to MacDonald, died. He is buried in the Melton Cemetery. The old Smithy [on the right] stood in what is now 8 High Street Melton. The blacksmith and wheelwright was the forerunner of the modern motor mechanic, whose task it was and is, to keep the wheels of locomotion turning. According to the records there was a Blacksmith in Melton before 1850. In 1871, three blacksmiths, Messrs. A Blackwood, J MacPherson, and A Cameron were operating in Melton. In 1872 Mr. J.B. Whittington commenced as a blacksmith in Toolern Vale. On January 30th 1900, Mr Alexander Blackwood sold the property shown in the picture to J.B. Whittington where his son William Whittington conducted the business. William’s three children attended Melton State School No 340 The family left the district in 1921 when they moved to Essendon. Mr William Whittington died in 1963 at the age of 94. The next owner of the business, for a short period, was Mr. Ackland Falconer, who was succeeded by Mr A.G. Gordon MacDonald, in September 1923. Mr MacDonald raised a family of three. Thirty nine years later, in 1962, he retired, going to live with his son Robert in Sunshine, and the blacksmith shop finally closed its doors. This part of Melton’s history was demolished in by order of the Housing Commission, in 1966. Article research by Melton and District Historical Society Members. note: spelling should be Macdonald. History of the Melton Mechanics Institute. Mabel Rogers 1985 A.G. Macdonald Secretary 1927 – 1956 page 17. Committee member for 41 years. He also held the position of caretaker Blacksmith Shop, High Street Melton. The three blacksmiths wearing aprons are from the left, W. Whittington, G. Macdonald and A Falconer. local identities

Hornbuckle Girls – children of Robert and Mary nee Poulton. Robert Hornbuckle was Shire President from 1882-83, 96-98, 1907-8. Wife Mary died 1914. Son T. Hornbuckle Councillor from 1919-20 Children attended Melton State School 430 July 1881 No 580 Sarah Hornbuckle Approx age in yrs-mnths 7-5 No 581 Robert .. 10 No 582 Emma .. 8 They enrolled at the same time. Ages entered only a general guide to their birth dates. October 1881 No 610 William Occupation 5-6 July 1883 No 662 Charles Hornbuckle – Farmer 5 –10 October 1884 No 702 Thomas Hornbuckle Farmer 4 – 8 Sept 1885 No 265 Mary Hornbuckle Robert Farmer Mryniong 7 – 8 Photograph of the Hornbuckle Girls, Melton identitieslocal identities, council

Hornbuckle women- Emma (Raileigh), Sarah (Nixon) and Mary (Knox)local identities

Governor of Victoria Sir Rohan Delacombe opened the Djerriwarrh Reservoir and pipeline in 1963. Governor of Victoria Sir Rohan Delacombe and Lady Delacombe visiting Melton.council, local significant events

Staughton family owned Exford. Eynesbury and Brooklyn Estates. Prominent family with civic connection in Melton holding very large areas of land The Melton and District Historical Society visited Staughton Vale estate in 1984.local architecture, local identities

Edna Barrie received this photo from Margaret nee McCoy Robinson c 1980. In 2011 the original photograph was scanned and digitised and restored by Morrie Forte. Norma ( Mothers’ Club Representative 1970) and Morrie Forte of Melton have been associated and supported the Melton State School No 430 and contributed to the 100 years celebrations. In December 2011 when viewing the enlarged restored print Mary Tolhurst identified brothers Andrew and Edward Byrns.[Burns] she is a descendent of this family. The brothers were enrolled at the Melton Common School in 1864 aged about 8 ½ and 5 years and left in 1870 and 1871. Head Teacher J H Murphy 1869-71Students in front of the bluestone buildinglocal architecture, education

Old Gum Toolern Creek from North side, Main Road. landscapes of significance

Black and white photograph of Scots Presbyterian Churchchurches, local architecture

One of the windows from the Melton Methodist Churchchurches, local architecture

Included in the 'crowd' is Mary and Annie McPherson, Annette Jongebloed, Dick Riddell, Jack Tolhurst and Margaret Mearle.Held at Mechanic Institute. The backdrop banner says "Welcome st Vincent's Ball". local architecture, local identities

Portrait of a womanlocal identities

Portrait photo of a womanlocal identities

Group of people surrounding two men in fighting poseslocal identities

Bon Barrie was one of the foundation members and president of the Melton Historical Society from 1968 – 1985. For the Willows Historical Park, he supported the establishment of the park and contributed many volunteers hours in the construction and landscaping of the precinct Bon Barrie (President of the Melton Historical Society) with Jan Brumpton holding the painting 'River Scene'. The artwork featured in the Melton Art Show.local special interest groups, local identities, council

Picture from 'Chuck Album' Latrobe LibraryAnthony Cottrell was one of the member's of Batman's partylocal identities

Bird's eye view of Main Street, Melton, looking west.landscapes of significance

Bird's eye view of the purification works at Melton Sewerage Authoritycouncil

In the front row of the group is Joan Johnston, Edna Barrie Janet Gratton, , Heather Mathews, Pearl Harris, Val Dick and Margaret Hinks. 'Mothers Day' event held at Melton Uniting Churchchurches, local architecture, local identities

Photo is from Werribee District Historical Society and Susan Oliver, descendent of Lambie. Information from Alec Cameron: July 28th Alec Cameron article Late Rev James Lambie came to Melton in 1863 from Paisley, Scotland. He was married the second time. By the first marriage he had one son and two daughters. By the second marriage, one son and three daughters. The second son was Mr William John Lambie. When Rev Mr Lambie took charge of the Presbyterian church it was held in a wooden building. He was a good preacher. He and his family took great interest and commenced to form a committee to collect funds to build a new bluestone church. The collected the rent money for the building. Mr Lambie lived for several years in Melton before he went to Wyndham Church to take charge there, and the family went to live there also. The reason was that the Melton Congregation could not provide the stipend he required. He came from Wyndham on a Saturday and preached to the congregation on Sunday morning and then went back to Wyndham to continue his services in the afternoon and evening. After a few years, Rev Lambie retired from the ministry and purchased a house in South Yarra where he and Mrs Lambie died. The eldest daughter Jessie, married James Scott a teacher at the Melton School. They left Melton and while teaching near Melbourne he got his BA and other degrees. He then purchased the Warnambool College for L5000 and resided there for a number of years. His wife predeceased him. There were two sons and two daughters. He was a brother-in-law of the late Mr Lang wine and spirit merchant Collins street, who was the Mayor of the City Council. His brother Mr Robert Scott was the licensee of the hotel at the corner of Bourke and Russell St and one of Mr Scott’s daughters married Mr Smith, solicitor, a nephew of the late Mr Smith of Toolern Vale, and another one married Dr Officer of Warnambool. They went to Western Australia to reside and Mr J Scott with them. He died abour 6 years ago. Miss Lambie the second eldest daughter, married Mr Samual McDonald, JP, butcher and Clerk of Courts, Melton and late correspondent for the Bacchus Marsh Express. He also acted as the Shire Secretary for the Melton Shire, and got an auctioneer’s license while here. He then left Melton to go to Shepparton, where he became the President of the Shire and the Clerk of Courts. Before he left Melton he was presented with a purse of sovereigns from the residents. The late Mr Lethbridge, Shire, was chairman. Mr McDonald left Shepparton and went to reside at Warnambool and is still living there. He had two sons in the bank. His wife died a few months ago at Boxhill, at the nursing home of her daughter, Sister Jessie McDonald, who was peronsally invested with the Royal Red Cross by the King a Buckingham Palace, for good work done at the front in the recent Great War. Mr William John Lambie, a brother was war correspondent for the “Age”in the South African war, where he was killed. The “Age” proprietary gave a shield in his memory to be shot for the Williamstown rifle competitions, called the Lambie Shield. The last time I was speaking to Mr Donald McDonald, war correspondent for the “Argus” in South Africa he said he thought the next war would be with the whites and the blacks. He said he saw some fine looking well built blacks while he was away. It looks like his words are coming true. Portrait of Revenant James Lambiechurches, local identities