Chalmers Free Church was in Harrington Street, Hobart and was demolished in 1955. The burning bush is the emblem of the Church of Scotland. Nec Tamen Consumebatur translates to 'it was not however consumed'.White china saucer with blue rim and burning bush transfer print.Chalmers Free Church. Nec Tamen Consumebaturpresbyterian, chalmers' free church, burning bush

This photograph show the promotional display for the Victorian School Dental Service. Poster in display outlines work done by the School Dental Service in the period 1951 to 1955

Moonyean McNEILAGE (1935- ) Born Melbourne A watercolour painter, printmaker (lithographer) and freelance book illustrator who worked with ArthurBoyd at Murumbeena between 1955 and 1958.Framed painting of capsicums.LL Peppers Dr I LR Moonyean McNeilage 77peppers, capsicum, vegetables, moonyean mcneilage

Moonyean McNEILAGE (1935- ) Born Melbourne A watercolour painter, printmaker (lithographer) and freelance book illustrator who worked with ArthurBoyd at Murumbeena between 1955 and 1958.Framed. Drawing and painting of capsicums.LR Peppers Dr IIavailable, capsicums, peppers, vegetables

Identification discs issued to Private George Charles Styles, 32715, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 7 May 1954-12 May 1955Identification discs, "dog tags", WWIIAust, 32715, G C Styles, C of E, A2 Pos

Negatives No. N358 and N359 and black and white prints made by a laser printer (stored in folder ) of AETA tour (Australian Electric Traction Association) on 25/6/1955 at Spencer St. terminus. Both trams have AETA tour signs and the slogan. 980 has "Save traffic congestion, Move People not vehicles" 1618.1 - 980 and 1001 at the then new Bourke St. terminal at Spencer St. Carlyon's hotel in the background. 1618.2 - 980 and 1001 with the Mail Exchange in the background See also Reg. item 1611 for other photos at the same time. hi res scan made and image updated 23/5/2020. Two prints or copies of the photograph, 101mm square, added 1/6/03. Photo used in the Melbourne Immigration Museum's "Trammies" Exhibition Feb to May 2003. Prints made by the Immigration Museum for use in the making of the display panels. hi res scan made and image updated 23/5/2020.trams, tramways, melbourne, bourke st, spencer st, aeta tour, tram 980 tram w7 1001

Ski-Horizon is the official journal of the Federation of Victorian Ski Clubs which began publication in 1949. The were 26 original member clubs which included Albury Ski Club, Bogong Ski Club, Myrtleford Ski Club, Tallangatta and District Ski Club and Wangaratta Ski Club. Two pioneers of Falls Creek, Tom Mitchell, M.L.A., and Martin Romuld were Vice-Presidents of the Federation.This Journal is significant because it documents the early development of skiing in Victoria.The journal features stories and events chronicling developments in Victoria and internationally. Items related to the Falls Creek Area in this issue include:- Page 7- Bob Hyman will have a new instructor, Henri Devouasseux from Chamonix, France working with him at Falls Creek this year. Page 10 -11 A detailed account of preparations being made in North East Victoria for the 1955 season. It discusses changes at Falls Creek having grown from two lodges to a community of 17 buildings and other changes in the ski industry in Victoria. The article is written by Marguerite Curtis, wife of Jim Curtis, a leading skier at Falls Creek. Page 13 - The Red Cross Ski Rescue Service was formed on 17th May 1955bob hymans, falls creek village, red cross ski rescue service

In 1869, the Warrnambool Meat Preserving Company commenced their business on the site, where it operated until 1875 when it was sold to the directors of the Warrnambool Woolen Mill Company. After being destroyed by fire in 1882 it wasn’t until 1910 that the Warrnambool Chamber of Commerce was approached by Marcus Saltau and Peter McGennan to invest in a new mill. The original directors were James Dickson, P J McGennan, Robert Swinton, M Saltau, and J W Younger. In 1955 the Warrnambool Woollen Mill formed a partnership with the Wangaratta Woollen Mills. Dunlop bought the mill in 1968. From that time until its closure in 2000 it had a number of different owners, the last being the Smith Family Industries. Directors listed for this period 1956 -1965 include Mr Fletcher Jones, E.E Ladner, N. K. Morris, C. J. McIntyre, J Bennett, J Dickson.. W. S Crowe was manager and Mr E.M Dempster was secretary.The minutes record the decision- making process of one of the major industries of Warrnambool for a significant period of the Woollen Mill’s operation.Heavy black card binder held with thick cloth binding. 1557 Pages with some loose pages at the back of the folder.Kalamazoo Loose leaf Books. Size 42. warrnambool,, glenleigh fabrics pty. ltd., warrnambool woollen mill

Explanatory notes for a display of photographs of the Bendigo Butter Factory. Date given on the reverse of the title photograph is 1950-1955. In another photograph there is a calendar with the date March 1957. These notes, mounted on cardboard relate to the photograph 11011.21. The notes as written - The next and highly important process of the cream is Pasteurism. Here in the pasteurizer, it is sterilized under vacuum.bendigo, industry, bendigo butter factory.

2 'Imperial Typewriter' calendars 1955 and 1958. Have flower decorated covers - one with red writing and one black and white. Published. By GEO Raitt & CO., Pty., Ltd. 15 McKillop Street, Melbourne, C.I. Victoria. Imperial Typewriter Company, Limited, Leicester and Hull, England. With flower illustrations by Margaret Stones.ephemera, mementoes, calendars, lydia chancellor, collection, calendars, ephemera, botany, flowers, illustrations, drawing

"Easier Shearing - A Practical Manual for Shearers and Farmers written by an Expert" by Ern Barnes, 1955. Originally owned by Mr Bob Cuttler (a shearer and relative of Ian Cuttler).To Bob / With my Compliments / Ern Barnesshearing

Eric McCutchan was a Life Member of Heidelberg Golf Club. He was HGC Club Champion 10 times between 1938-1955; and HGC Captain 1953-1954.One of a set of framed portraits of Life MembersFramed black and white portrait, black plastic frame with white mount under glass. Annotations on mount."Eric McCutchan - Life member" and annotationslife members, eric mccutchan, hgc captains

Warrnambool was created as a municipality on 7th December 1855, declared a Borough on 1st October 1863, proclaimed a Town on 2nd February 1883, and a City on 8th April 1955. This booklet is of significance as it shows the governance of the Town of Warrnambool in 1898, fifteen years after Warrnambool was proclaimed as a town.A 54 page bound paper booklet with a green cover. The inside front page has a handwritten Government Gazette reference to the proclamation of Warrnambool as a town.Town of Warrnambool By-Laws and Regulations Warrnambool M Hassett "The Reporter" Printing Works Timor Street 1898 Higgins & Parrington handwritten in inkwarrnambool, town of warrnambool, municipal bylaws and regulations

This book was part of a large group of books referred to as the Pattison Collection, which belonged to the Warrnambool Public Library, part of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute. About RALPH ERIC PATTISON and the ‘PATTISON COLLECTION’ The ‘Pattison Collection’ is a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the WMI was led to ask the City Council to take it over in 1911 due to lack of financial support. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Public Library as it was then called. Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 when Pattison accepted the position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council his huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower areas of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave from 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However, he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. THE NEW WARRNAMBOOL LIBRARY When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Pattison. Eventually, the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. WARRNAMBOOL PUBLIC LIBRARY The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) was formed by a voluntary community group in 1863, within six years of Warrnambool’s beginnings, and its Reading Room opened in 1854. The WMI operated until 1963, at which time it was one of the oldest Mechanics’ Institutes in Victoria. Mechanics’ Institutes offered important services to the public including libraries, reading rooms and places to display and store collections of all sorts such as curiosities and local historical relics. In 1886 a Museum and Fine Arts Gallery were added to the WMI and by the beginning of the 20th century, there was also a billiards room and a School of Art. By this time all Mechanics’ Institutes in country Victoria had museums attached. Over the years the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Library was also known as the Warrnambool Public Library the Warrnambool Library and the Free Library. Early funding from the government was for the “Free Library”. The inscription in a book “Science of Man” was for the “Warrnambool Public Library”, donated by Joseph Archibald in 1899. Another inscription in the book “Catalogue of Plants Under Cultivation in the Melbourne Botanic Gardens 1 & 2, 1883” was presented to the “Warrnambool Library” and signed by the author W.R. Guilfoyle. In 1903 the Warrnambool Public Library decided to add a Juvenile Department to library and stock it with hundreds of books suitable for youth. In 1905 the Public Library committee decided to update the collection of books and added 100 new novels plus arrangements for the latest novels to be included as soon as they were available in Victoria. In July 1911 the Warrnambool Council took over the management of the Public Library, Art Gallery, Museum and Mechanics’ Institute and planned to double the size of the then-current building. In 1953, when Mr R. Pattison was Public Librarian, the Warrnambool Public Library’s senior section 10,000 of the 13,000 books were fiction. The children’s section offered an additional 3,400 books. The library had the equivalent of one book per head of population and served around 33 per cent of the reading population. The collection of books was made up of around 60 per cent reference and 40 per cent fiction. The library was lending 400 books per day. In 1963 the Warrnambool City Council allocated the site of the Mechanics’ Institute building, which included the Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, for the new Municipal Offices and the Collections were dispersed until 1971. The Warrnambool Library took over the Mechanics’ Institute Library’s holdings on behalf of the Warrnambool City Council. Since the closure of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute the exact location and composition of the original WMI books and items have become unclear. Other materials have been added to the collection, including items from Terang MI, Warrnambool Court House and Customs House. Many of the books have been identified as the Pattison Collection, named after the Librarian who catalogued and numbered the books during his time as Warrnambool Public Librarian in the time before the Mechanics’ Institute closed. It seems that when Warrnambool became part of the Corangamite Regional Library some of the books and materials went to its head office in Colac and then back to Warrnambool where they were stored at the Art Gallery for quite some time. Some then went to the Warrnambool Historical Society, some stayed at the Art Gallery and some were moved to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. The various stamps and labels on the books held at Flagstaff Hill show the variety of the collection’s distribution and origin. The books in the collection at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village date from the 1850s to the late 1950s and include rare and valuable volumes. Many of the books are part of the “Pattison Collection” after the Warrnambool’s Public Librarian, Mr R. Pattison. Rolf Boldrewood (1826-1915) ‘Rolf Boldrewood’ is the pen-name used by Thomas Alexander Browne as a writer. Browne was the eldest child of Captain Sylvester John Brown and Elizabeth Angell nee Alexander. He was born in London on 6th August 1826 and arrived in Australia with his parents and siblings when he was 5 years old and grew up in Sydney. In the 1860s Browne added the ‘e’ to his surname. As a 17-year-old Browne took up land in the Western District of Victoria between Portland and Port Fairy on a property named “Squattlesea Mere”. He remained there until 1858, enjoying the squatters’ life on his 32,000-acre property, growing potatoes and running cattle and horses. He sold in 1858 and purchased a sheep station on the Murray River near Swan Hill. He later sold this and bought another sheep station near Narrandera until bad seasons and severe droughts eventually caused him to change his career after 25 years as a squatter. Over the next 25 years Browne held the position of Police Magistrate and as a gold commissioner in various locations. His third career as an author lasted approximately 40 years. In 1865 he wrote two articles on pastoral life while he was recovering from a riding accident. In the 1870’s his writing was bringing in the income to support his family, changing his focus to the writing of novels. A series of these was written for the Australian market and published in The Sydney Mail and the Centennial Magazine. His later novels were aimed at the overseas markets. His best known novel “Robbery Under Arms” was written from 1882 to 1883 and has been serialised on radio in Australia and Britain. The novel was filmed in 1907, 1920 and 1957, and in 1985 it was made into a television series. It is now an Australian Classic. He also wrote short stories, several nonfiction graziers’ guides, and an autobiography named “Old Melbourne Memories” in 1884. [This information has been taken from Wikipedia; Australian Authors-Perry Meddlemiss; Australian Dictionary of Biography, Browne, Thomas Alexander (1826-1915)] The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Ghost Camp Author: Rolf Boldrewood Publisher: MacMillan & Co Ltd Date: 1902 Further Information: The Ghost Camp Or The AvengersThe spine is handwritten in black ink giving the books name, authors name, and R.S. 899.3 BOL Front loose endpaper has a sticker from Warrnambool Public Library that notes that this book was reconditioned in 1955 flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the ghost camp, rolf boldrewood, the ghost camp or the avengers

The Grave of Francis William Wingrove (died 28/05/1892), Henry Vivian Wingrove (died December 1855) and Bessie Wingrove (died 1955), St Helena Cemetery.St Helena Cemetery was originally the burial place of the Beale family and friends. The first burials took place in the 1850s. There are now over 200 burials.Digital copy of colour photograph (grave)st helena cemetery, wingrove family

3/772902 James K Oliver was a National Serviceman, April Intake 1955, he completed his training with 20th National Service Training Battalion, this is his story.This book is an original that was written by 3/772902 James K Oliver covering his experiences as a National Serviceman in the April Intake 1955, with 20th National Service Training Ballation at Puckapunyal.An oblong shaped book, yellow cover with white pages. On the front cover a photograph of the author 3/772902 James K Oliver.Printer, Cambridge Printers, ISBN 0-646-36510-X, first published January 1999.3/772902 james k oliver, national service, april 1955, 20 nstb

This form of winter dress for the Australian Army replaced the WWII style tunic c.1952. The silver regimental badge replaced the silver Rising Sun on the black beret in 1955.Mannequin dressed in battle dress uniform with boots, belt and beret. Hat badge is 8/13 Victorian Mounted Rifles.military, uniform, armour

8th/13th VMR was equipped with Centurion tanks 1955 - 1959 and 1966 - 1970. Provides information for gunnery crew commanders & gunnery instructors to train crews in tank gunnery.Representative of training pamphlets used when Australian Army received Centurion tanks Centurion gunnery intro - handling, servicing & mechanismGrey covered booklet" Royal Armoured Corps Training Volume III - Armament Pamphlet No. 15 Centurion 1964. " 286 pages, staple bound.On front cover " 66-022-7190" and ink stamp " A Sqn 2 Cav Regt" Holsworthy 2173 and another very faint stampmilitary, tank, centurion, gun, vmr

Bendigo Advertiser '' The way we were'' from 2002. Little league: Ordnance Baseball Club, junior premiers in 1955. Standing: S. Speechly, R. Sharp, ??, J. Absalom, G. Gibbs, G. Jinks, G. Kemp, G Symes and N. Botton. Kneeling: W. Rogers, Dinger Bell, ??, and C. Chew. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Explanatory notes for a display of photographs of the Bendigo Butter Factory. Date given on the reverse of the title photograph is 1950-1955. In another photograph there is a calendar with the date March 1957. These notes, mounted on cardboard relate to the photograph 11011.23. The notes as written - Science plays its part. All stages of manufacture are scientifically checked to ensure purity and quality.bendigo, industry, bendigo butter factory.

Documents: Bundle of documents - envelope contains entertainment tax forms, statement of receipt & expenditure, bank statements, bank receipts, handwritten accounts records, 1954 accounts, ticket seller dockets, 1955 official programme for Bendigo 1000 entertainment tax return for Bendigo 1000 - 1953 tax on rickets sold. John Stanistreet treasurer.MCCOLL RANKIN & STANISTREETentertainment, bendigo 1000 - 1953, mccoll rankin & stanistreet

Two grey covered catalogues with black printing for an auction sale under instruction from Department of Supply, Melbourne held on 5th May 1955 at Tottenham, Vic. Auctioneers were J. H. Curnow & Sons Pty. Ltd. For sale were motor vehicles, vehicle spares, tools, radio equipment, furniture, clothing and typewriters.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - department of supply, j h curnow & son pty ltd

The EP-1 "Spruce Goose" sailplane was designed and built by Ted Pascoe in 1955 as a smaller than average single seat sailplane that could be operated by two or three people. At times it was launched by auto-towing by Ted Pascoe and his wife without the aid of a third person at the wing tip. The glider exhibited good soaring capability and was used for some cross country flights. For instance, in 1956 Ted Pascoe succeeded in a 36 mile goal flight during which he attained a maximum height of 4500 feet. It was flown at the Mt Gambier Gliding Club from 1956 until about 1961. The Log Book shows that it was flown at Everard in 1961 and at Everard, Waikerie, Gawler and Keith in 1962. There is a gap in flying record for this aircraft from 1962 until 1967. From 1967 to 1972 it was flown regularly at various places in South Australia including Whitwarta, Stonefield, Renmark, and Gawler. For many years it was owned and flown by Mervyn Gill of the Balaklava Gliding Club.The EP-1 glider is an example of a successful Australian home built design from the 1950s. It was one of a small number of notable locally designed gliders of less than the usual 15 metre wing span from the 1950s and 1960s.Small, light weight, sailplane of wooden construction with fabric covering on wings (strutted), elevator and rudder. Instruments have been removed and control column is not in place. Serial Number GFA/HB/24 australian gliding, glider, sailplane, spruce goose, ep 1, ted pascoe, mt gambier gliding club, mervyn gill, balaklava gliding club

Demonstrates aspects of the SEC governance and monitoring system, gives information on actual tram running, tickets sold against a date. Could be used by Inspectors to check tickets on a tram. Version prior to the introduction of Pensioner fares.3045.1 - Printed form titled "Trip Way-Bill" of the SEC, Electricity Supply Department, Provincial Tramways, on thin off white paper. Gives value of tickets up to 7d, City 2d, Pensioners 2d and 3d and parcel stamps of 4d. Has space for the Run No, Conductor, Day, Date , route time and tram no. Able to be used on both sides of the sheet. Has sheet or print number of TYE 1-250 3045.2 - Photocopy of the same form with fares up to value of 1/-c, three city tickets, no pensioners and parcels of 6d. Original form to Bendigo Tramways. Under sheet number of TYE 1-250, has date of (R6/63). 3045.3 - similar to 3045.1 - but different TYE number and differences in font etc. While fare denominations to max value of 7d, has does not have City and Pensioner fares - used prior to the introduction of these fares - 1/11/1955 to 1/7/1958. Should be checked with SEC by-laws. trams, tramways, tickets, accounting, trip waybills, conductors

The Fred Rochow Railways Collection incorporates photos related to the operation of the Wodonga Railway Station including different types of trains and railways staff C. 1930 – 1990. It was donated to the Wodonga Historical Society by Fred Rochow, a railwayman who spent many years based in Wodonga. He joined the Victorian Railways on 17th June l947 and retired in 1988. For some time, he was a member of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen and served a term as a member of the Trades Hall Council. He had an extensive knowledge of the struggles that took place to achieve better conditions for railway workers. Fred worked for many years as a fireman and then worked his way up the ranks to driver, experiencing many changes from the days of steam locomotives through to diesel trains, locomotives and even the modern XPT train. He worked throughout Victoria at different stages of his career, with his final working years focused on the northeast of Victoria and the Albury to Melbourne line. After his retirement, Fred continued to share his love of steam miniature trains with the community.This collection has local and statewide significance as it captures images of trains, locomotives and personnel who operated the railway services in Wodonga and throughout Northeast Victoria. The railways played a critical role in opening up Victoria and connecting Australia for trade, business, social communication and transport.Gathering of Railway men at a retirement function for Driver Robert Thompson in 1955. Back row Left to right: Len Gregson, David Shannon, Les Cheesley, Tom Cosgrove, Roy Wagner, George Lloyd, Alan Elvish, Mick Seymour, John, Shannon, Unknown, Unknown, Gordon Scholes, Stan Warnock Centre row Left to right: Bill Welch, Unknown, George Taylor, Ted Jenkins, Buddy Straghan, Allan Smyth, Terry Farellly, Bob Burns, Morrie Larkins, Frank Boadle, Reg Matthews, Unknown, Vin Snow, George Kruss, Tom Fitzgerald, Bob Sangster Seated: Jack Anderson, Paddy McDonald, George Padgett, Alex Reid, Bobby Thompson, Vic Jones, Jack Dawe, Colin Whitehand, Harry Binder, Bill Odgers, Hughie Fraser Front row seated: Mick Kowalzuk, Wally Riley, Ton Guinane, Bill Baldock, Brian Putt, Norm Hughes, Garnett Reid, Johnny Hallawell, Frank Conway, Steve Cuperrailways wodonga, fred rochow, wodonga railwaymen, driver robert thompson