This needle case belonged to Nina Ayers (nee Casement) 1891-1972. She was taught sewing by her aunt, Blanche Casement, with whom Nina lived after her mother died when she was seven. NIna and her husband, Arthur Ayers 1887-1964 lived in Avonsleigh 1929-1964. Nina, in turn, gave this needle case to her daughter Frances Ayers who later married the grandson of Carl Axel Nobelius.This needle case belonged to a local woman whose daughter was related by marriage to the Nobelius family, and it tells a story of sewing skills passed from mother to daughter.Attractive small needle case with red background and red and gold lettering. At one end is a small hole for dispensing needles and a top able to be swivelled to the correct needle compartment. Inside the case are five compartments for dispensing five different needle sizes. (There are no needles now in the case.)On side of needle case: 'THE /CROSS-FOX / NEEDLE CASE / ABELL MORALL LTD /REDDITCH ENGLAND / TRADE MARK' On bottom of needle case: ' BEST ENGLISH EGG EYED SNAPS / CONTAINING 50' On top of needle case: 'ABELL MORALL / CROSS FOX / NEEDLE CASE / REDDITCH ENGLAND'nina casement, arthur ayers, blanche casement, sewing, avonsleigh, carl axel nobelius

This postcard belonged to Blanche Constance (Nina) Casement 1891-1972 whose fiancé, Arthur Woodzell Ayers (1887-1964), enlisted with the Australian Imperial Force in 1914 and served at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Arthur was completing officer training at Oxford New College 23 Feb 1917 - 27 May 1917 when he sent these postcards. Nina and Arthur married in 1919 and moved to Avonsleigh in 1929. This postcard was passed to their daughter Frances Nobelius (Ayers).This is an example of communications between Australian soldiers and family members during World War I.Postcard with photograph of Oxford New College Dining Hall. On the back is a handwritten message postmarked 18 April 1917.On front of postcard, printed: 'Oxford New College Dining Hall (Founded A.D. 1386)' On back of postcard printed: ' POST CARD / This space to be used for Communication. The Address only to be written here.' On back of postcard postmarked: 'MELBOURNE / 6 IF 74 A' 'OXFORD / 8.30 PM / 18 APR 17' On left side of postcard printed: 'George Davis, 7 The Turl, Oxford.' On back of left side of postcard handwritten: 'This is where we / have our meals / and some of / the lectures / We are going/ to Warwick on / Sunday for 5 / days. / Love W' On back of hand side of postcard handwritten: 'Miss Nina Casement / C/o Mrs Quince / Roy Court / Mit-ford St / St Kilda / Melbourne / Victoria / Australia [an alternative street address in Richmond, Melbourne has been crossed out]' world war i, nina ayers, postcard, 1917, arthur woodzell ayers, oxford new college

This postcard belonged to Blanche Constance (Nina) Casement 1891-1972 whose fiancé, Arthur Woodzell Ayers (1887-1964), enlisted with the Australian Imperial Force in 1914 and served at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Arthur was completing officer training at Oxford New College 23 Feb 1917 - 27 May 1917 when he sent this postcard. This postcard is a group of trainee officers of which Arthur was one. Nina and Arthur married in 1919 and moved to Avonsleigh in 1929. This postcard was passed to their daughter Frances Nobelius (Ayers).This is an example of communications between Australian soldiers and family members during World War I.Postcard photograph of group of thirty-six trainee officers arranged in four rows in front of an Oxford college building. On the back is a handwritten message postmarked 18 April 1917.On back of postcard: Left hand side of postcard a handwritten message: "With very/fondest love/ Woodzell". The middle top printed words "POST CARD" Left hand side printed "Norman ??VIOR, Day and Electric Studios Carfax House/142 High Street and 4 Cowey Road Oxford/ Portraits taken day or night". No stamp in the place provided on the top righthand corner world war i, nina ayers, postcard, 1917, arthur woodzell ayers, oxford new college

This dress was hand crocheted by Miss Muriel 'Dolly' Williamson, who was noted for her skill at handicrafts and her sense of fashion. Throughout her life she hand made many of her own clothes and enjoyed wearing them to local social events. She had a large collection of hand knitted and crocheted clothes, most of which were dispersed amongst her friends when she finally went into a nursing home. The donation of this dress was facilitated by Ms Julia Fry from Community Options Barwon who is Miss Williamson's case worker. This dress is typical of the style of the 1960s, with its bright colours and long line. Miss Williamson called it her 'Carmen Miranda' dress.Dress, hand crocheted by Miss Muriel Williamson in bands of mid green, light green and white wool, c.1960s. Detail of dress hand crocheted by Miss Muriel Williamson, c.1960s.fashion handicrafts crochet, williamson, miss muriel blanche, fashion, handicrafts, crochet