HAMILTON COLLECTION: Certificates awarded to Mr. A. J. Hamilton as prizes in various categories of the Austral Literary and Debating Society's Annual Musical, Elocutionary and Literary Competitions Bendigo in 1903. Printed in black on card with illustrations of cherubs, maidens and flora in shades of pink and green. Comic Recitation Alexander John Hamilton (1874 - 1964) was a well known amateur performer,and teacher of elocution in Bendigo. As a young man he entered many compettions with great success.performing arts, elocution, awards

HAMILTON COLLECTION: Certificates awarded to Mr. A. J. Hamilton as prizes in various categories of the Austral Literary and Debating Society's Annual Musical, Elocutionary and Literary Competitions Bendigo in 1903. Printed in black on card with illustrations of cherubs, maidens and flora in shades of pink and green. Humorous Duet (Open) Messrs Hamilton and Bradley Alexander John Hamilton (1874 - 1964) was a well known amateur performer,and teacher of elocution in Bendigo. As a young man he entered many compettions with great success.performing arts, elocution, awards

Prize certificates on card awarded to Golden City Choral Society Bendigo, for second prize in their second annual Musical, Literary and Elocutionary Competition for Choir Competition, Printed in gold on off white card, bordered with butterflies, flowers and vines. Markings - Sands & McDougall Ltd. Printers Melbourne.performing arts, elocution, choral society

Prize certificate on card awarded to Mr. Alexander John Hamilton by the Maldon branch of Australian Natives Association for first prize in their Second Annual Musical and Literary and Elocutionary Competition for Recitation Gentlemen Printed in gold on off white card, bordered with butterflies, flowers and vines. Markings - Sands and McDougall Ltd. Printers Melbourne.performing arts, elocution, competition

Prize certificate on card awarded to Mr. Alexander John Hamilton by the Maldon branch of Australian Natives Association for first prize in their Second Annual Musical and Literary and Elocutionary Competition for Baritone Solo Printed in gold on off white card, bordered with butterflies, flowers and vines. Markings - Sands and McDougall Ltd. Printers Melbourne.performing arts, elocution, competition

Prize certificate on card awarded to Mr. Alexander John Hamilton by the Maldon branch of Australian Natives Association for second prize in their Second Annual Musical and Literary and Elocutionary Competition for Humorous Recitation Printed in gold on off white card, bordered with butterflies, flowers and vines. Markings - Sands and McDougall Ltd. Printers Melbourne.performing arts, elocution, competition

Music sheet for the words and music for voice and piano of Advance Australia Fair , God save The Queen , God Defend New Zealand / fold out sheets containing the three songs , three flags and Allans music store logo at the bottom of the front page /Allans music storemusical instruments, accessories, sheet music, advance australia fair , god save the queen , god defend new zealand / allans music store

Purchased from Turriff Antiques BendigoBrown paper roll with imprinted with with holes associated with music that is to be played. Black bakelite circular ends. Contained in a black and white cardboard box.MasterTouch Word Roll A.D.4309|Sweet Rosie O'Grady from Sweet Rosie O'Grady Waltzmusical instruments, accessories

Diggers & Mining. Stores at the diggings. GLORIOUS NEWS!! THE LITTLE WONDER has OPENED a BRANCH STORE near the CONCERT HALL, EUREKA, with an IMMENSE STOCK of - Boots, shoes and clothes. A splendid assortment of Jewellery, watches and Clocks. A superb collection of Musical Instruments and Elegant Musical Clocks with Mechanical Figures. NOTE the ADDRESS!:- LITTLE WONDER, Poverty Point, Balaarat, near the concert Hall Eureka and at Queen's Arcade, Melbourne. Bank price given for gold. Slide reads: An advertisement from the Gold Diggers' Advocate, May 20, 1854. Markings: 17 994.LIF. 5. Used as a teaching aid.hanimounteducation, tertiary, goldfields

Colour photo of three men playing musical instruments. The one on the left is playing a banjo, the middle one is playing a violin and the one on the right is playing a button accordion.photo, group, musicians, peter ellis collection, musicians

Colour polaroid photograph. Sheet music. Banjo. Colonial Musical Cabinet containing new and popular songs. Native dried flower.entertainment, music, sheet music

Colour polaroid photograph. Sheet music. Banjo. Colonial Musical Cabinet containing new and popular songs. Native dried flower.entertainment, music, sheet music

Colour polaroid photograph. Sheet music. Banjo. Colonial Musical Cabinet containing new and popular songs. Native dried flower.entertainment, music, sheet music

Colour polaroid photograph. Sheet music. Banjo. Colonial Musical Cabinet containing new and popular songs. Native dried flower.entertainment, music, sheet music

Colour polaroid photograph. Sheet music. Banjo. Colonial Musical Cabinet containing new and popular songs. Native dried flower.entertainment, music, sheet music

4 page A4 printed document. Achievements of Peter Ellis (for consideration for the Order of Australia) Peter is regarded as one of the leading collectors and presenters of traditional dance tunes, dances and musical instruments in Australia. At the 2005 National Folk Festival it was announced by Robyn Holmes that he has the largest selection of dance related material collected in the National Library Archives in Canberra. Peter has been collecting for many years and has collected with the late John Meredith (AM), Shirley Andrews (AM), Rob Willis and Dave Di Santi amongst others. Peter has literally travelled Australia collecting over the past thirty years. He has extensive field recordings from Western Australia and Tasmania in addition to his Victorian collection, for example. Most of his recording has been in North Western and Central Victoria. Peter collected a lot of his material from Harry McQueen ( Castlemaine), which led to a double CD of Harry's music. Harry had played in dance bands for over sixty years in Central Victoria. Harry had a number of tunes from Bill McGlashan who had taken Harry under his wing as a young man. Through Peter's efforts much valuable material and knowledge from almost a century ago was saved for posterity. Founder, Charter member and life member of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo. Life Member of the Victorian Folk Music Club. Recipient of the Graham Squance award (for the person who has done the most to promote folk dance and music in Victoria)) from the Folk Song and Dance Society of Victoria. Member of the famous Wedderburn Old Timers Band for over twenty-eight years (two platinum and several gold recordings in that time). Founder and leader of the Emu Creek Bush Band (twenty-nine years old in 2010) Emu Creek has made many CDs of dance music as listed. Friday Night at the Spring Gully Hop, Three double CDs called 'Quadrille Mania' which contain many rare dances and tunes which have been learnt and recorded, under Peter's guidance, so they would not be lost to posterity. A triple CD called 'Take Me Back To Bendigo' with heritage songs and music from the Gold Rush to Federation (solely organised and financed by Peter) These CDs show the multicultural heritage in Bendigo and include music and groups from the Koorie, Chinese, Cornish, German, Irish, Italian, Scots, English and Welsh communities of Bendigo and district. Upon his recovery of costs Peter has handed over copyright to the Bendigo Community so future profits go back into the community. Three double CDs called 'The Merry Country Dance' with dances and tunes going back to the time of Governor Lachlan Macquarie's Ball in 1804. Most of the tracks are performed by Emu Creek Following much practice under Peter's tutelage. For further authenticity Peter liaised with other musicians to record some tracks which were revived from almost two hundred years ago and have now been recorded using the instruments of the time. A three volume set of Bush Concert recordings (Vol 1 Goornong (launched Australia Day 2006 with any profits going to the Soldier's Memorial Hall Committee), Vol 2 Heywood and Vol 3 Maldon/Sutton Grange, already recorded and to be released as money from other projects becomes available. NOTE: None of these CDs have led to any profit. All money raised is put back into the community and further heritage recordings, books and videos through the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. In 2009 a full collection of all Peter's book and CDs was donated to the John Gorton Library as part of the recognition of the fifty year career of the Gay Charmers Dance Band from Lake Charm. 'Music of the Diggings' (4 tracks by Peter or Emu Creek). In addition the Emu Creek Band, under Peter's leadership, has appeared on a CD backing Bruce Watson on his song, 'The Old Bush Dance'. Emu Creek has performed at National Folk Festivals in four states and several times at the National Folk Festival in Canberra. They have also been mainstays of the Maldon Folk Festival for over twenty years as well as doing dance programs for the Port Fairy Folk Festival on two occasions. Peter has written and published many books related to traditional music and dance. These include Three volumes of 'Collectors Choice' which is musical notation for bush dances coupled with much dance history which would have been lost without Peter's efforts. 'Two Hundred Dancing Years - How to run a Colonial Ball: (co-authored with Shirley Andrews (A.M.), 'Music Makes Me Smile - The Music of the Nariel Valley' (co-authored with Harry Gardner). The Merry Country Dance' (292 pages) a companion to the three double CDs. He has also been a contributor to Verandah Music' authors Rob Willis and Graham Seal and 'The Oxford Companion to Australia Folklore' Ed Graham Seal. Peter is also a regular contributor to 'Trad and Now' Magazine. His latest completed book is titled 'The Merry Country Dance' and is over three hundred pages of social history, recipes and dance instructions. It was completed with the assistance of a Victorian Government Heritage Grant. The first edition sold out in only a few weeks. Peter has taught many children about old time musicianship through the junior bands which have functioned over the years with many children joining Emu Creek and then going on to follow their own musical inclinations. He has trained several young concertina and button accordion players over the years. Peter has been a regular tutor with Continuing Education in tin whistle, harmonica and old time dancing for many years. Peter has conducted workshops in music dance at National Folk Festivals in Perth, Alice Springs, Maleny, Melbourne, Adelaide, Kuranda and more recently at several Canberra National folk Festivals. He has also done this at Maldon for many years, Port Fairy, Glen Innes, Jamberoo and Kiama Festivals. For over thirty years Peter has been a guest player and MC for the dances at the Nariel Folk Festival (Australia's oldest continuing Folk Festival) Peter is very well known in the Corryong area as a collector and the co-author of the book, Music Makes Me Smile, about the Klippel/Simpson dynasty in the Nariel Creek Band. This book is currently being revised for re-issue as more material has come to light since the original publication. For many years Peter trained Debutante Sets in the Bendigo District. Peter was an instigator of the annual Dinki Di Ball held each September in Eaglehawk for the past thirteen years. At this ball three bands play for a quarter of the night and then join together for the final part of the evening. The bands are Emu Creek, The Wedderburn Old Timers and the Gay Charmers. Up to four hundred dancers, many in heritage costumes have attended this dance. The ball also pays tribute to, and involves, the old MC's. Through this example their skills have been passed down to a younger generation of MC's. All profits are returned to the Dance Club to foster our musical heritage. Each Ball includes presentations designed to promote social dancing in Australia. Over the years several young musicians have been presented with musical instruments at the Ball, libraries have been given copies of Peter's books and CDs and one year a keen young dancer was presented a pair of dancing shoes. Peter is a trained ballroom dancer and has gained gold medal status in this field. Peter is an accomplished musician and is one of Australia's foremost button accordion players. He is also highly accomplished on the tin whistle, bones and harmonica. He is the only exponent of the Swanee whistle that I have seen. Peter also plays the piano and ukulele. Thirty six years membership of the Bendigo Field Naturalists Club, Secretary in the 1970s and actively involved in campaigns to save Lake Pedder and establish the Whipstick and Kamarooka State Parks (now part of the Bendigo National Park). Peter was also extremely active in the establishment of the Salomon's Gully and Jackass Flat Flora Reserves in Bendigo which have now been saved for posterity. Peter has also been involved in efforts to save One Tree Hill and this area has now been included in the Greater Bendigo National Park. He has discovered and named new plant species in the Whipstick Forest and propagates Australian plants. Peter takes regular guided tours of interested people through the Whipstick each Spring on wild flower educational tours. He is a keen and gifted photographer of local plant species. Life member of the Bendigo Field Naturalists. Peter contributed text and photographs to their publication 'Wildflowers of Bendigo'. When the Victorian State Parliament had its first historical sitting outside Melbourne Emu Creek played during lunch for the guests and public. They have also played at functions such as the Centenaries of Federation, the Bendigo Post Office, the Shamrock Hotel and the opening of the new Melbourne Museum and the Federation Museum in Bendigo. The band regularly plays for Seniors week and at homes for the aged such as Bethlehem, Mirridong, Bignold Park, Bendigo Village and others. Peter has been instrumental in getting the band to play for fundraisers such as schools, scouts and environmental groups. The band plays many charitable 'gigs'. The band supports the Bendigo Easter Fair and the Eaglehawk Fair when able and has appeared in several parades over the years. The above list shows the invaluable contribution that Peter Ellis has made towards the collecting and distributing of Australia's musical and dance heritage. No one has done more than Peter in this area. He has also been active locally and nationally in his endeavours towads saving the natural environment. He has put many years of time and energy into both area's and has many on going projects in mind for the years ahead. The awarding of an honour from Australia would be just reward for a man who has preserved so much of our musical and dance heritage for future generations. Knowing Peter I have no doubt he would treasure such an honour as he has given so much to preserve Australia's music and dance heritage over most of his sixty plus years. Compiled by John Williams. Handwritten notes at bottom of last page reads: Referees Jacinta Allan MLA Steve Gibbons MHR Willie Carney ex Mayor of Bendigo Supporting letter Mary Smith Sec. Bush Dance + Music Club.person, individual, peter ellis oam

3 Page Letter printed on A4 printer paper. Bearing the letterhead of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. Postal Address Secretary PO Box 922 Bendigo 3552 Telephone number (03) 5442 1153 email [email protected] Mark Maddock Case Officer Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat Government house Canberra ACT 2600 28th February 2011. Dear Mark, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak for Peter Ellis. We know Peter to be a worthy candidate for the award and I think that most people that know him would agree. I had been putting together a nomination for Peter that was suggested by a couple at our club meeting on a night when Peter was not present. Everyone felt that he should have recognition for all the work that he has done and it was unanimously voted on. I was given the job. As someone else has beaten me to it I now can speak for him on my own behalf and in my role as secretary of the Bush Dance & Music Club Inc. Peter Ellis is a very good friend of mine and I have known him since April 1975 when we met at a Saturday night dance. At that time there was a small group of us that went around the dances. We would go 100kms to find dances that were not on the average programme, dances such as The Lancers, Albert's, Waltz Cotillion and lots of Polkas. We bemoaned the fact that they appeared to be dying out in the Towns and Cities so we tried to get the Bendigo Old Time Dance Club of which we were members, to introduce these dances on to the programme, but they were not interested. After a lot of discussion Peter, Maurie Rayner, myself and several others decided to start our own dance club where we could do the dances that we liked, and to endeavour to keep them alive. We formed the Sandhurst Dance Club in June 1979 (renamed ten years later as the Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc.) In 1981 Peter made two attempts to form a band for the club and in 1983 the 'Celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band' was born, with Peter as the leader. Later Peter set up a junior section of the Emu Creek Band and some of these children grew up to become competent musicians and leaders of their own bands/Groups. Peter's friendship with the late Harry McQueen of Castlemaine led to and increased knowledge of the dances, calls for the sets and the various tunes used. Peter joined the Wedderburn Old Timers Orchestra in late 1979 and travelling around Victoria and interstate with them was of immense help in learning to MC dances, call sets acoustically and in collecting new 'old dances' and tunes. He met elderly MC's who gave him information on the way that they ran the dances in the old days. It was also an introduction to playing items at concerts and in reviving much of the old traditions of the bush. Demand for the tunes for dances led to Peter compiling a series of three books called 'Collectors Choice' which were published by the Victorian Folk Music Club in 1986, 1987 and 1988. 1988 was a very busy year for Peter and The Emu Creek Bush Band as they recorded two double music tapes for the club 'The Merry Country Dance' and 'The Waltz the Polka and all Kinds of Dancing' which were in much demand at the time. Also in 1988 he collaborated with the late Shirley Andrews and they co-authored the book 'Two Hundred Dancing Years and how to celebrate them with a Colonial Ball' for the Bicentennial of 1988. this publication, was instigated by the Government backed Bicentenary Committee, and distributed free to every municipality in Australia. In 1996 The Emu Creek Bush Band and Peter recorded and produced a single CD called a Friday night at 'The Spring Valley Hop'. In 1998 The Bush Dance & Music Club again happily agreed to financially back Peter to produce a series of CDs. The first thing he did was to revive and update the 1988 music tapes for CD. The first of the Qadrille Mania series of double CDs with companion call books was launched in 1999 then in 2000 and 2001. then the triple CD called The Waltz Polka & all kinds of Dances in 2002 followed by the Merry Country Dance CDs in 2005, 2006 and 2007. There were six double CDs and one triple CD produced which was a major undertaking that went on for eight years. The CDs have a great many tunes that Peter collected over the years mixed in with well known tunes and there are very few repeats. During this time we applied for a Grant from the Victorian Government to publish a book on the social History of country dances and dance instructions with Peter as the author. We were successful and published it in 2005. Our CDs and book have all been lodged with the National Library of Canberra as has all Peter's sheet music, boxes of it, as well as everything he has produced. At the 2005 Canberra National Folk Festival, at a meeting of collectors, it was stated that Peter has the largest collection of dance related material in the National Library. Peter compiled and produced his own project a triple CD called 'Take Me Back to Bendigo' in 2002. 2006 Peter and Emu Creek Bush Band produced another single CD 'Bush Concert Vol one Back to Goornong'. 2008 A pet project of Peter's was compiling and producing a double CD for the Wedderburn Old Timers it was of all the recorded material performed by them at concerts and taped by friends and fans. It was funded by Gavan Holt a son of the late Lindsay Holt an original 'Old Timer'. Recent publications are a book mainly music 'Music Makes Me Smile' a tribute to Con Klippel and the music of the Nariel Valley near Corryong Victoria. Peter Ellis & Harry Gardner 1998. The Waltz, The Polka & All Kinds of Dancing' a sheet music book for musicians supported by the Folk Song & Dance Society of Victoria. 2007-8 not sure of year. Peter has been involved over the years in collecting music and dance by himself and also with Rob Willis and the late John Meredith for the National Library in Canberra. He is continually asked for information and to write articles for people and to verify points re dance and music. He corresponds with like minded people overseas and frequently goes off to Folk Festivals all over the country, usually running dance classes, musician's workshops or just playing for dances. He is an excellent musician and plays Piano, Button Accordion, Concertina, Mouth Organ, Tin Whistle, Ukulele, Spoons and the Bones. He is regarded as one of Australia's foremost collectors and presenters of Australian traditional dance tunes, dances and some musical instruments. Over the years I have heard him referred to as the Guru of folk dance and music. Peter lives and breathes for this passion of his and always has several irons in the fire. He is a life member of The Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc. The Victorian Folk Music Club, and The Bendigo Field Naturalists Club. He was a recipient of the David Squance Award in 1994 presented by the Folk Song & Dance Society of Victoria. Over the last twelve months for the folk magazine 'Trad & Now' he has written articles on the old dances and music and this is an ongoing project. This has led to our clubs present project which is the filming of the dances to be shown on UTube as it is referred to in the magazine. This involves members in hours and hours of practising the dances then filming them, and all with Peter's expert teaching and watchful eye on everyone. The Bush Dance & Music Club are and always have been behind Peter wholeheartedly in everything that he does and we are extremely proud of what he has achieved. His drive and enthusiasm for the preservation of music and dance is catching. People like Peter are absolutely necessary in finding and preserving our Australian Heritage, without them it would be lost forever and Australia would be a great deal poorer for it. The Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. and I fully support this nomination for an award as he is truly deserving of it. Yours sincerely Mary E Smith. Secretary of the Bush Dance & Music Club Inc. Peter's Timeline. 1979 A Foundation Member of the Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc. 1979 Joined the Wedderburn Old Timers Orchestra. 1983 The Celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band was formed. 1986 Collectors Choice. Volume one. 1987 Collectors Choice. Volume Two. 1988 Collectors Choice. Volume Three. 1988 Recorded Tapes - The Merry Country Dance & The Waltz Polka & all Kinds of Dances. 1988 A book with the late Shirley Andrews called Two Hundred years of Dancing. 1991 Across to Perth collecting for National Library with the Late John Meredith. 1996 Single CD A Friday Night at the Spring Gully Hop. 1998 Music Makes Me Smile. A tribute to Con Klippel 7 music of the Nariel Valley. 1999 Double CD Quadrille Mania 1&2 2000 Double CD Quadrille Mania 3&4 2001 Double CD Quadrille Mania 5&6 2002 His own project triple CD Take Me Back To Bendigo. (Goldrush to Federation and Beyond). 2002 Triple CD The Waltz The Polka & All kinds of Dances. 2005 Double CD The Merry Country Dance 1 & 2. 2002 Book, The Merry Country Dance. 2006 Single CD with Emu Creek 'Bush Concert Vol 1 Back to Goornong' 2006 Double CD The Merry Country Dance 3&4 2007 Double CD The Merry Country Dance 5&6 2007-8-? A book of music, The Waltz, The Polka & All Kinds of Dances. 2008 Double CD The Wedderburn Old Timers in Concert.person, individual, peter ellis oam

Bendigo Operatic Society ''You're in Love'' Capitol Theatre - Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., March 24th,25th,26th,27th, 1958. Programme, 1/- Bendigo Operatic Society President: Mr. John Cannon - Vice-President: Mr C. Bubb - Secretary: Mr. E.B.Thomas - Treasurer: Mr. Bruce Ralph - Hon. Auditor: Mr. Frank Iredale - Committee: Messrs L. Spencely, J. Smyth, W. Kelly, Mesdames J. Cannon, N. McCarthy, J. McGrergor, J. Smyth and Miss M. Welch. Our Producer: Norman Lee - Our Musical Director: Max O'Loghlen Gertrude Perry Plays Georgiana - Bert Donovan Plays Hobby Douglas - Alfred Annison Plays Mr. Wix - Celia Douglas Plays Mrs.Payton - Barbara McGregor Plays Dorothy - Brian Brewer Plays Lacey Hart. Synopsis of ''You're in Love'' The action of this story takes place prior to and during a pleasure cruise of the Hawaiian Islands and centres around Hobby Douglas and Georgianawho both wish to marry, but are unable to do so without the consent of georgiana aunt, Mrs. Payton. Mr. wix a missionary worker and Hobby's Guardian is also against marriage. Dorothy and Lacey are a young married couple on the honeymoon cruise. What happens to this assortment of people will have to be seen. Cast in order of appearance: Judge Brewster: Max Beckwith - Lacey Hart: Brian Brewer - Dorothy: Barbara McGregor - Mrs.Payton: Celai Douglas - Georgiana: Gertrude Perry - Hobby Douglas: Bert Donovan - Mr. Wix: Alfred Annison - The Captain: Mervyn Penno - The Steward: Joseph Quigg - Specialty Dancers; Ann Stone, Rosalie Spencely. Costunmes and Scenery by J.C. Williamsons Ltd. Music by Rudolf Friml. Book and Lyrics by Otto Hauerbach and Edward Clarck.program, theatre, bendigo operatic society

3 A4 pages stapled together. Peter's Eulogy. We have lost a giant from the folklore scene. The huge crowd here today shows how much Peter meant to so many people. He has been my friend and band leader for the past twenty five years. Peter was the glue for our band. He planned the musical program in conjunction with the MCs. He listed all the tunes to be played and where to find them for those who read the dots. Peter was great fun to be around and I'd like to mention just a few things to show that. Peter was always an exuberant player. He would bounce around on his seat. This caused a near disaster at a drought relief benefit we were playing. The band was on a platform but our pianist Olive was at ground level as the piano could not fit. Peter bounced around so much his chair leg slipped and Peter ended up on top of poor Olive. Peter loved to entertain. He would play bones or swanee whistle at the drop of a hat. He would demonstrate the Charleston, can can or bunny hop for groups. For a big man he was very light on his feet. He loved to stand and circle his concertina, a memory I won't forget. I have to confess I have slept with Peter. Twice. The first time was at Port Fairy Folk Festival when the band slept in the nunnery at Koroit. Peter, Dean Swift and I shared a room. Peter's snoring was so bad Dean grabbed a blanket and a pillow and went to sleep in the mini bus. I went into another room but even with two closed doors found it difficult to sleep. As recently as this year's Illawarra Folk Festival Peter was in a tent in the performer's area. I noticed the tents either side quickly became vacant. The next time was in Canberra when Peter and I were at one end of a caravan and Mary Smith was at the other. I don't think poor Mary got much sleep that night. On another occasion in Canberra Peter was Half asleep in his van when another well known female performer (not from the band) came in and stripped off. She realised she was in the wrong van and grabbed her stuff and took off. She returned very red faced the next morning to collect her shoes. Peter maintained he saw nothing. One freezing cold night in Canberra Peter ad I had been at a terrific session in the bar. We had to support each other across the oval towards our caravan. Peter tried to straddle the fence and got stuck. There was a real Canberra frost on the fence and a sensitive part of Peter's anatomy was in grave danger of frost bite. Peter took an eternity to extricate himself. I couldn’t help him as I was laughing so much. We'll never forget making Harry McQueen's bull boar sausages at Nariel. Peter had already organised the meat and intestine casings from the butcher in Corryong. He was such an organiser and the sausages were brilliant. Peter was quirky. He always made a morning cuppa complete with tea cosy. It even left Martin Pearson speechless in the breakfast tent at Illawarra this year. Another example was when he sold his beloved FJ which is parked out the front today. As the new buyer drove off down the road Peter stood there playing 'Now is the hour' and 'wish me luck as you wave me goodbye' on his concertina. Peter loved a joke. He knew Shirley Andrews loathed the tune Danny boy so he played it in her hearing any chance he go. He even gave her a cd with a dozen different performers doing their versions of the song. We once played at the Rifle Brigade Oktoberfest and Peter was just a bit under the weather after being there for two days (the band got free drinks). The late night crowd was getting restless so Peter tried to shut them up by holding his finger up. They got more restless. Peter couldn’t understand it. 'it worked for Grummy Ross,' he wailed. It was the only time we ever over rode him and started playing without him. He wasn’t happy but disaster was averted. The dance club once had a reverse deb ball. Peter shave his beard, got his sister Robyn to make up his face and came to the ball in a lovely gown. It took ages for people to realise who it was.Margaret Hogan said the other night 'Peter let me see and do things I never would have done otherwise.' I think that is true of all of us in the band. We performed in major festivals regularly, travelled widely and had experiences such as playing at the opening of Melbourne Museum or State Parliament. Experience we'd never have had without Peter. I'm glad Peter didn’t suffer. He told me last Monday morning on my last visit he was in no pain. For that I am grateful. He passed away that night. He was taken far too young and has left a huge hole in all our lives. Personally I have lost a great mate, but then we can all say that. We'll miss you Dirty Pierre. John Williams.person, individual, peter ellis oam

Black and white photo of the Emu Creek Bush band outside a small weatherboard building with Emu Creek sign over the door. To the left of the door is a sign with large black printing. It reads: In Memory of the Pioneers of Emu Creek. The band members are sitting or standing with their musical instruments. A heeler dog is sitting on the ground in front of them.photo, group, emu creek bush band, peter ellis collection, emu creek bush band

Coloured photo of the Wedderburn Old Timers. Most of the people seated at the front are holding musical instruments. Men and women standing behind them. Photo taken outside Coles Family Restaurant.photo, group, musicians, peter ellis collection, wedderburn oldtimers, coles family restaurant

Black & White Document With Red & White Cove, Bendigo Operatic Society Theatre Programme Production 'Rose Marie' Venue: Capital Theatre Opening Night 15 th October 1959. For Seven Nights. Price 1/6. J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd Norman Lee Production. ''Rose Marie'' Books & Lyrics Otto Harbach & Oscar Hammerstein II. Music Rudolph Friml & Herbert Strothart. Musical Director Mr Max O'Loghlen. Music Numbers Include: ''Vive la Canadienne'', ''Rose Marie,'' ''Indian Love Call,'' ''Over the Snow'','The Door of my Dreams.''Cambridge Press Bendigo.clubs and associations, theatre, bendigo operatic society, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/rose-marie

Bendigo Operatic Society ''Viktoria and Her Hussar''Theatre Programme Capital Theatre Bendigo Opening Friday, 14th April 1961. For Five Nights. Price 1/6. A J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd Production. Producer Norman Lee. Music Paul Abraham. Book and Lyrics Harry Graham. Musical Director Max O'Loghlen. Songs Include: 'Petals of the Plum', ''Pardon Madame,'' ''Yokohama'', ''Land of Song,'' ''Star of My Night'', ''Follow the Drum'', ''No Time for Anyone but You,'' ''Goodnight.'' Cast: Leonard Carr, Ferd. Lorenz, Reginald Boromeo, Peter Houston, Gerald Hayward, Carol McKenzie, Brian Thomas, Frederick Trewarne, Annette Wilson, Bryan Brewer, Greta Smyth, Patricia McCraken, Peter Haines, Patricia Lyon, Alfred Annison. 2 copies.Cambridge Pressclubs and associations, theatre, bendigo operatic society, 2 copies

Bendigo Operatic Society Production Oklahoma Capital Theatre Bendigo Opening Friday, 14th July, 1961 For Six Nights. Produced By Norman Lee. A Rodgers & Hammerstein Musical based on Lynn Rigg's play 'Green Grow the Lilacs.' A Chappell & Co. Ltd Production. Songs Include: 'Oh What a Beautiful Morning,' 'The Surrey with the Fringe on Top' 'Many A New Day' People Will Say We're in Love,Oklahoma. Cast: Gertrude Perry, Harry Brewer, Dawn Beckwith, Leonard Carr, Peter Houston, Gerald Gleeson, Bryan Brewer, Brian Thomas, Annette Wilson, Alfred Annison, Wendy Griffiths, Emily Westgarth, Joan Crane, Carol McKenzie, Aileen Simmonds, Patricia McCraken, Frederick Trewarne, Reginald Boromeo, Gerald Hayward, Victor White, Peter Haines, Terry Carr, Bronwen Townsend.Cambridge Press.clubs and associations, theatre, bendigo operatic society, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/oklahoma!_(1955_film)

Bendigo Operatic Society Programme Booklet 'Production Ánything Goes Capital Theatre Bendigo Opening, 6th April 1962. For Four Nights. Former Producer The Late Norman Lee, New Producer Miss Beatrice Oakley. Arrangement Samuel French Ltd. Lyrics & Music Cole Porter, Book By P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton. Musical Numbers Include: Ï Get a Kick Out of You' Ýou're the Top', 'There'll Always Be A Lady Fair, 'Ánything Goes' 'Gypsy in Me'' Cast: Denis Cremen, John Stephens, Ferd. Lorenz, Heather Lindhe, Margery Reed, Len Carr, Fred Trewarne, Carol McKenzie, Bernice Boromeo, Max Beckwith, Peter Unmack, Daryl Walker, Ian Beckwith, Rick Perry, Victor White, Roger Sprawson, Roy Cronin, George Steele, Joan Crane, Joan Heard, Alfred Annison, Kath Alexander, Reginald Boromeo, Ray Austin, Peter Houston.Cambridge Press.clubs and associations, theatre, bendigo operatic society, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/anything_goes

Bendigo Operatic Society White Paper Cover Black & White Text Programme Booklet Production 'South Pacific' Opening 10th August 1962 for six nights. Does not state where performed. With the permission of Chappells Ltd Bendigo Operatic Society presents 'South Pacific.' A Beatrice Oakley Production. Music & Lyrics Rogers & Hammerstein II. Book Hammerstein II & Joshua Logan. Musical Director Mr Max O' Loghlen. South Pacific's plot is based on James A. Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1947 book Tales of the South Pacific and combines elements of several of those stories. Rodgers and Hammerstein believed they could write a musical based on Michener's work that would be financially successful and, at the same time, would send a strong progressive message on racism. South Pacific focuses on an American nurse stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II, who falls in love with a middle-aged expatriate French plantation owner but struggles to accept his mixed-race children. A secondary romance, between a U.S. lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman, explores his fears of the social consequences should he marry his Asian sweetheart. The issue of racial prejudice is candidly explored throughout the musical, most controversially in the lieutenant's song, "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught". Supporting characters, including a comic petty officer and the Tonkinese girl's mother, help to tie the stories together. Because he lacked military knowledge, Hammerstein had difficulty writing that part of the script; the director of the original production, Logan, assisted him and received credit as co-writer of the book. Cast: Ray Austin, John Boromeo, Ruth Lyon, Carol Crane, Roger Sprawson, Patricia McCracken, John Stephens, Patricia Lyon, Kenneth Nicholls, Victor White, Alfred Annison, Brain Whetstone, Fred Trewarne, Peter Houston, John Gow, Ian Beckwith, Gerry Gleeson, John Reed, Roy Cronin, Reginald Boromeo, Len Carr, Denis Cremen, Daryl Walker, George Steele, Barry Washington, Joan Crane, Dawn Beckwith, Annette Wilson, Emily Houston, Jill Angwin, Carole McKenzie, Greta Smyth, Rhonda Scott, Lorraine Brennan, Mary Speedy, Katherine Alexander, Bronwen Townsend, Ferd. Lorenz. Songs Include: ''Bali Hai'', ''I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy,'' ''Younger Than Springtime,'' ''This Nearly Was Mine,'' '' Some Enchanted Evening,'' ''There is Nothing Like a Dame,'' ''I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair,'' and many others.Arthur Hocking Press.clubs and associations, theatre, bendigo operatic society

Bendigo Operatic Society Programme Booklet 'The New Moon' performed at the capital Theatre View Street Bendigo for six nights opening September 27th, 1963. Bendigo Operatic Society with permission of J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd presents 'The New Moon' A Beatrice Oakley Production. Music Sigmund Romberg Book & Lyrics Oscar Hammerstein II, Frank Mandel & Lawerence Schwab. The New Moon is the name of an operetta ,the show was the third and last in a string of Broadway hits for Romberg (after The Student Prince (1924) and The Desert Song (1926)) written in the style of Viennese operetta. It spawned a number of revivals and two film versions, and it is still played by light opera companies. The piece turned out to be "Broadway's last hit operetta",] as World War II and the Golden Age of musicals approached. Songs Include: 'Dainty Wisp of Thistledown,' 'Marianne,' ''The Girl on the Prow,'' ''Gorgeous Alexander,'' ''Softly as in a Morning Sunrise,'' ''Love is Quite a Simple Thing'' and many others. Cast: Mary Speedy, Victor White, Desmond Duguid, Peter Houston, Alfred Annison, Leonard Carr, Fred Trewarne, Reginald Boromeo, Roger Sprawson, George Steele, Aileen Simmonds, Graham Filcock, Max Rule, Gertrude Perry, Graham Filcock, Erica Scharp, Anne PearsonArthur Hocking Press.clubs and associations, theatre, bendigo operatic society