Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection. Royal blue sequinned lace with taffeta lining, halter neck, full-length sheath with blue chiffon drops from back to floor. The dress was worn by Robin Vanser (aka Robin Kelly nee Vandersluys) in live performances in the 1960s, including as Guest Artist, Wentworth Hotel Police Association Ball, Sydney, 1966.performing arts - australia - 1960s, robin vanser, performance costumes, floor show dresses

James Albon is credited with building the first bowling green in Surrey Hills at his home on the corner of Mont Albert Road and Wilson Street (later occupied by the Roman Catholic convent). This green was so popular with his friends that he organised the formation of a bowling club at the corner of Montrose and Wilson Streets. It opened in 1912. Earliest club records date from 1916. The original club-house was rebuilt in 1922/23 using interlocking blocks as recommended by Walter Burley-Griffin. This was quite an innovative design at the time. In turn cream brick buildings replaced this building in the 1950s. The Surrey Hills Bowls Club disbanded in 1995. The donor believed that this spoon belong to her grandfather David Miller (Dave) Mair who lived at 20 Barton Street until his death in 1938. Dave was an extremely keen sportsman (particularly bowls and cricket). He started the Kangaroo Cricket Club and worked for the Melbourne Cricket Club. She initially sent the spoon to the Surrey Hills Bowling Club in 1996, not realising that it had closed the previous year. It was returned to her and over 20 years later was donated to this collection. This is part of a large donation of material relating to the Deakin, Mair and Young families, all with connections to the Surrey Hills and Mont Albert area. This augments other material relating to the history of the Surrey Hills Bowling Club that was saved by Jocelyn and Ken Hall after the club closed in 1995. The official records of the club were deposited with the State Library of Victoria, but prior to this some summary notes were made by the Halls. The material is evidence of one of the earliest sporting clubs established in the area.An EPNS metal teaspoon, consisting of a curved bowl with a decorative plaque at the top of the handle. On the front of this is an image of a lawn bowls ball and a jack within a scroll and linked with a band containing the words "SURREY HILLS BOWLING CLUB VIC". The plaque is inlaid in red, navy, white and black enamel. The makers name is impressed into the back of the handle.Rear: "Paramount" / "E.P.N.S."surrey hills bowling club, souvenir spoons, david miller mair, dave mair, laurie young, laurie newton

The Empress of the Sea is historically and archaeologically significant as it was one of Donald Mackay's famous wooden clipper ships ie: representative of a particular design or type. It was also associated with both the Black Ball and White Star Lines of Australian Packets, which carried thousands of immigrants from Britain to Australia.An original watercolour painting of the burning of the sailing ship 'Empress of the Sea' by charles Dickson GregoryFront: Burning of the Empress of the Sea, C. Dickson Gregory. Back: Whatmans watercolour drawing board, 36640, C. Dickson Gregory, 41 Albert Street. Fixed label: 'Destruction of the famous clipper 'Empress of the Sea' at Port Phillip Heads 19th December 1861 Drawing by C. Dickson Gregoryempress of the sea, watercolours

The Empress of the Sea is historically and archaeologically significant as it was one of Donald Mackay's famous wooden clipper ships ie: representative of a particular design or type. It was also associated with both the Black Ball and White Star Lines of Australian Packets, which carried thousands of immigrants from Britain to Australia.Photograph of an original water colour painting of the burning of the sailing ship 'Empress of the Sea' by Charles Dickson GregoryFront: Burning of the Empress of the Sea, C. Dickson Gregory. Back: nilempress of the sea, watercolours

Pines. Royal Mail Hotel Glenorchy 1863-1870. In 1862 John Meredith let a contract to Candy & Giles to build this hotel. It was a large brick building and elaborately furnished and had most expensive accommodation. It was opened with a Dinner and Grand Ball in 1863. W.B. Pine was the first Licensee.Large Brick Hotel with wing each side of central verandah. Men and women standing in front. Women in hoop dresses and one man holding shovel stawell, hotel

This rocket launcher has fittings to mount it onto a lifeboat or similar vessel. Once mounted, a it would be fitted with a line-throwing rocket that would be launched from the vessel and aimed over the shipwreck. The line would be fixed to the ship in distress. A heavier line would then be sent out to the wrecked vessel and survivors would be hauled to safety. Its design suggests that it dates to the First World War ear of the 1910s. The coastline of South West Victoria is the site of over 600 shipwrecks and many lost lives; even in Warrnambool’s Lady Bay there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905, with eight lives lost. Victoria’s Government responded to the need for lifesaving equipment and, in 1858, the provision of rocket and mortar apparatus was approved for the lifeboat stations. In 1859 the first Government-built lifeboat arrived at Warrnambool Harbour and a shed was soon built for it on the Tramway Jetty, followed by a rocket house in 1864 to safely store the rocket rescue equipment. In 1878 the buildings were moved to the Breakwater (constructed from 1874-1890), and in 1910 the new Lifeboat Warrnambool arrived with its ‘self-righting’ design. For almost a hundred years the lifesaving and rescue crews, mostly local volunteers, trained regularly to rehearse and maintain their rescue skills. They were summoned when needed by alarms, gunshots, ringing bells and foghorns. In July 1873 a brass bell was erected at Flagstaff Hill specifically to call the rescue crew upon news of a shipwreck. Some crew members became local heroes but all served an important role. Rocket apparatus was used as recently as the 1950s. This item is significant for its connection with maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed coastal Victoria, including Warrnambool, in its very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised.Rocket launcher, lifesaving equipment, attaches to rail on vessel. Schermuly's Patent, Grey metal, L shaped pipe with large clamp on one end and small, hooked U shaped fitting on the other. Connects to half-cylinder sleeve with gimbal fitting, ball joint and adjusting fittings; painted grey and red. "SCHERMULY'S PATENT" cast into clamp.Cast into metal "SCHERMULY'S PATENT" flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, rocket launcher, rocket apparatus, rocket firing equipment, lifesaving equipment, wwi, world war i, 1210s, schermuly’s patent, schermuly launcher, sea rescue, lifesaving, shipwreck, life-saving, rescue crew, rocket rescue, rocket crew, line rescue, maritime activities, marine technology, volunteer crew, boat to ship rescue, william schermuly,

A cream card with the words, ' The Mayor of Bendigo and Mrs. J.H. Curnow request the pleasure of Company at a Ball to be held in the Town Hall on Friday June 4th. 1920. Dancing to commence at 8.30. pm. Reception at 8 p.m. The favor of an early answer is particularly requested addressed to The Town Hall Clerk . On receipt of acceptance an Entrée Card will be sent.'civic mementoes, invitation, lydia chancellor, collection, invitation, civic mementoes

Black and white photograph. Dilapidated wooden platform with vertical post with wheel at top. Wire attached to bucket and pulled by horse. Two males, one with horse, other emptying bucket. Inscriptions: on back - hand written in ball point pen 'Mining Whip Bendigo', 'A Richardson, 29 Harrison Street, Bendigo', 'Rec'd photo, 21.4.67'.mining, surface equipment, mining whip bendigo, bendigo, mines and mining, mine, mines, miner, male

black and white photograph, view across mining area showing at least 9 poppet heads. At least 11 chimneys and many buildings associated with the mines. Centre to left, flume, wood stacks, mullock heaps. In image ' Duchess Tribute' on weatherboard building at centre. On back '12' Devonshire gorup' in ball point pen. MNG 1.buildings, commercial, devonshire group of mines

Coloured slide transparency. Image is of a male reclining in a chair. He is wearing a white robe over a brown shift. A brooch is pinned to his left shoulder and he has a bracelet on his right wrist. He is holding a bunch of grapes. On the lower edge of the white border the words Roman Toga Ball have been handwritten.Kodachrome Transparencyslide, bendigo, bendigo institute of technology

Black and white photograph on back of photo: one boy chasing after another boy who has a Soccer ball, Golden City, Eaglehawk Bendigo Advertiser description: Golden City v Eaglehawk (KM) 26/9/93 EL Won 1-0 Golden City's Matt Umino(a) in front of ELH's Ben PengellyKMrecreations, sports, soccer

Document: In Honor of the visit of Admiral Robert E. Coontz and Officers of the American Fleet. The Lord Mayor of Melbourne and the Lady Mayoress Councillor and Mrs. W. Brunton request the pleasure of the company of Mr. and Mrs J.H. Curnow at a Ball to be held in the Exhibition Building Wednesday 29th July 1925 at 8.30 o'clock. Osboldstone & Co., Printers, Melbourne.entertainment, ball invitation

Colour photograph of Stella Montague (Bill's first wife),crouching down in the orchard with 2 dogs. One dog is black and tan and the other, named Rajah, is a golden Labrador, with a frisbee or ball in its mouth. The apple trees behind Stella are about 2 metres high. Stella is wearing a blue and white striped summer frock.

Green coloured card. Gold scalloped edges. St. Mary's Catholic Ball. Nathalia Sports & Community Centre. Saturday, 14th June, 1986 8.00 p.m. till 1.30 a.m. Wedderburn Old Timers Band $40 MONTE CARLO SMORGASBORD Bob Moss Catering B.Y.O. Drinks Tickets - $15 Single - $30 Doubleperson, individual, peter ellis oam

Colour photograph. Band on stage. Emu Creek Bush Band. Young man in suit shaking hands with older man in tartan waist coat. Band members clapping. Back of photo reads: Bradley Barker receiving musical instrument from Peter Ellis at Dinki Di Ball Eaglehawk. A program to encourage young people.entertainment, music, emu creek bush band

Two photographs of the Emu Creek Bush Band performing in the Hargreaves Street Mall in Bendigo. One photograph of the band - location unknown. One ticket for the Dinki Di Old Time Ball. Saturday 19th September 2015. Eaglehawk Town Hall. Bendigo 7pm 'Til Late' Emu Creek Bush Band and The Gay Charmers.

Royal Historiocal Society of Victoria, Bendigo Branch - German Masked Ball at City Hall Dress 1882 - 1982 Saturday 4th September 1982, 7:30PM - 1:00 AM Doubles: $36, Singles $18 150mm W x 90mm H - programme, beige 110mm W x 70mm H - ticket, yellow

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Shot silk purple ball gown, featuring a fitted silk bodice with puff sleeves and a wide full-length skirt. The dress has coloured guipure lace at the neck and the cuffs, which has been identified as being of the period. The brush braid on the hem has probably been replaced at a later date. Dated to 1899-1900. ball gowns - 1900s, australian fashion - 1900s, costume

A wooden racquet with concave throat, plastic whipping, and leather handle grip. Decal across throat on both sides features the inscription: JC HIGGINS/OUR OWN TRADE MARK/WHIZ. Incorporated into the logo is a speeding tennis ball design. Materials: Wood, Nylon, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Ink, Adhesive tape, Cloth tapetennis

A wooden racquet with concave throat, plastic whipping, and cloth tape handle grip. Decal across throat on both sides features the inscription: JC HIGGINS/OUR OWN TRADE MARK/WHIZ. Incorporated into the logo is a speeding tennis ball design. Materials: Wood, Nylon, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Ink, Cloth tape, Plastic, Painttennis

A Cortland Victor tennis racquet, with plastic whipping on shoulders and shaft, vinyl handle grip and butt cover, and plastic end wrap. Throat features the model name. Shaft on obverse features Cortland trademark featuring tennis player in front of ball. Materials: Wood, Nylon, Plastic, Vinyl, Ink, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Adhesive tapetennis

A Wright and Ditson 'Country Club' tennis racquet, with: laminated convex throat; and, fine-grooved, thick octagonal handle. Decal inscription across throat on obverse: COUNTRY/CLUB. Wright & Ditson Championship logo, with tennis player on ball trademark feature on throat on reverse. Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Glue, Metal, Paint, Ink, Leather, Guttennis

A Wright and Ditson 'Leader' tennis racquet, with: plastic tape around shoulders and shaft; and, fine-grooved, octagonal handle. Decal inscription along throat on obverse: LEADER. Wright & Ditson Championship logo with tennis player on ball trademark feature on throat on reverse. Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Glue, Metal, Ink, Leather, Nylon, String, Plastictennis

A Spalding transitional flat-top tennis racquet, featuring: solid convex throat; and, cross-hatched handle. Decal of A.G. Spalding & Bros. Makers logo encircling ball trademark features on throat on obverse. The initials 'G.M.D.' have been carved into shaft on reverse. Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Glue, Metal, Ink, Leather, Gut, Stringtennis

A Spalding 'Geneva' tennis racquet, featuring: solid convex throat; and, fine-grooved, octagonal handle. 'A.G. Spalding & Bros. Made in U.S.A.' logo encircling ball trademark features on throat on reverse. Decal of model name features across throat on obverse. Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Glue, Metal, Ink, Nylon, Leather, String, Painttennis

A Spalding 'Geneva' tennis racquet, featuring: laminated convex throat; and, fine-grooved, octagonal handle. 'A.G. Spalding & Bros. Made in U.S.A.' logo encircling ball trademark features on throat on reverse. Decal of model name features across throat on obverse. Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Glue, Metal, Ink, Gut, Leather, Painttennis

A Spalding 'Greenwood' tennis racquet, featuring: laminated convex throat; and, fine-grooved, octagonal handle. 'A.G. Spalding & Bros. Made in U.S.A.' logo encircling ball trademark features on throat on reverse. Decal of model name features across throat on obverse. Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Glue, Metal, Ink, Gut, Leather, Painttennis

A Spalding 'Favorite' tennis racquet, featuring: solid convex throat; and, fine-grooved, octagonal handle. 'A.G. Spalding & Bros. Made in U.S.A.' logo encircling ball trademark features on throat on reverse. Decal of model name features across throat on obverse. Materials: Wood, Lacquer, Glue, Metal, Ink, Gut, Leather, Paint, Stringtennis

A Spalding 'Rally' tennis racquet with concave throat, bevelled crown, string whipping around shoulders, and grooved octagonal handle. Model name across throat on obverse. Spalding ball trademark features along throat on reverse, and impressed in gold on butt cover. Materials: Wood, Metal, Lacquer, Glue, Gut, Ink, Leather, String, Painttennis