Digitised video (2.94GB). Duration: 57 minutes. Recorded October, 2025 (Video is available for viewing at Ringwood & District Historical Society Archives by appointment)For this presentation, prominent researcher and RDHS member Anne Heywood has been busy uncovering the history of this relatively unknown area of Ringwood. It is the convergence of four suburbs - Mitcham, Ringwood, Heathmont and Vermont. The area has been a mixture of agriculture, then light industry, and is disected by rail and power lines, yet joins two major east-west arterial roads - Canterbury Road and Maroondah Highway.

‘In the Tracks of Hercules’ was a multi-media visual and performing arts event in London in December 2005, transforming this ancient hero into a spiritual trail-blazer for our time. The Lucis Trust, London, as part of its educational outreach sponsored this exhibition at the Wathen Hall and Lennox Gallery. The Lucis Trust is an educational charity which promotes an understanding of spiritual values and principles and works towards right human relationships. Alice Bailey in her book ‘The Labours of Hercules’ an astrological interpretation, links Hercules’ journey through the labours, with the twelve signs of the zodiac. The guidelines of the exhibition called for works of art, music, poetry, dance and prose that would encapsulate the great leap of imagination that Hercules faced at each stage of his journey to reach the highest expression of who he was. At the start of his journey through the twelve labours, the ancient story tells us “Minerva handed him a robe, woven by herself, a robe that fitted well, of beauty rare and fine. He put it on with triumph and with pride, exalting in his youth, he had to prove himself” (The Labours of Hercules, by A Bailey). The robe impressed upon him a sense of vocation. Our group, the Aquarian Esoteric Group, was studying Baily’s book early in 2005 and with so much creative ability in our group, my vision was to blend our many talents and create ‘Minerva’s Robe’. The Lucis Trust accepted our suggestion for the robe as an entry to the exhibition and the enthusiasm, creativity and joy that followed amazed us all. Inspired at each stage by one of us, with particular skills needed, knitting, felting, beading, dressmaking and copper engraving. It truly became the 13th labour of love! The robe was exhibited in the foyer at the performing arts and then at the visual arts exhibition. Now it has returned to Melbourne we feel it’s journey should continue as a gift to the National Wool Museum, Geelong, for future exhibitions we hope it will inspire the spirit of group endeavour to continue in our country and in the world. We believe in this lies the vision for humanity. - Anne Heywood, on behalf of the Aquarian Esoteric Group 'Minerva's Robe' is a large hand knitted and felted garment decorated with beads, yarn twists and copper discs. The discs represent the astrological signs of the group participants.knitting handicrafts textile art, aquarian esoteric group, costume, knitting, handicrafts, textile art, anne heywood, robe

This program was given to attendees at the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra performance on 8 September 2024. Bravo Bendigo presents a spectacular showcase of local talent. This concert features two exceptional compositions by musicians from Bendigo Symphony Orchestra’s very own ranks, and Kaid Normington as soloist in Arutiunian’s brilliant Trumpet Concerto. BSO is joined by renowned concert organist Thomas Heywood for Saint-Saens’ mighty Organ Symphony. BRAVO BENDIGO Sunday 8 September, 2024, 2.30pm Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo Luke Severn Conductor Kaid Normington trumpet Thomas Heywood organ Claude DEBUSSY Les Couleurs Debussique arr John Matthews Alexander ARUTIUNIAN Trumpet Concerto in A flat major Cally BARTLETT Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre INTERVAL Camille SAINT-SAËNS Symphony No 3, in C minor, Op. 78bendigo symphony orchestra, luke severn, regional victorian orchestra, performance