A group of males play a game of blind cricket, possibly on the front lawn of the RVIB buildings in St Kilda Road. Three fieldsmen stand close, as a bowler prepares to underarm throw towards a man holding a bat. Behind a small box, acting as a wicket, another male partially crouches with his arms outstretched to clasp the incoming ball. As the bowler's arm is just out of shot, it is unknown if he holds a cane wicket ball (with bells inside) or another small object which makes a sound.Lantern slide of males playing cricketroyal victorian institute for the blind, recreation

When the Victorian Blind Cricket Association approached Mr Paterson for assistance in gaining access to a permanent cricket pitch upon which games could be played, it set in chain a series of events that remain in place today. Mr Paterson had been heavily involved in the formation of the Association for the Blind and saw this as a problem to be solved. Raising money through public donation and door knocking, Mr Paterson arranged the purchase of land on the banks of Gardiner's Creek, and adjacent to the tram and train lines. The land was raised, to avoid flooding, and a surface prepared. The sportsground was adjacent to the AAB, however due to the interest of Malvern Council in the land and knowing that the AAB at that time was in financial difficulties, a Trust was set up to handle the management with Mr Paterson, Mr Gould the Malvern Council Town Clerk and George Maxwell as trustees. A clubhouse was also needed to allow players to take shelter during matches and once again, Mr Paterson came to the rescue. Using their personal funds, Mr and Mrs Paterson loaned the Trust the monies required for the building. This plaque recognises the dedication and support that Mr Paterson gave to help establish the first blind cricket playing ground in Australia.Digital image of metal plaqueErected to the Memory of W.H. Paterson, M.B.E. Obit. Feb. 19 1957 By his personal efforts and sacrifice these playing fields were obtained and this clubhouse erected The first for blind cricket in Australia Erected by the Blind Cricketers of Victoria October 22nd 1957william paterson, victorian blind cricket association

Brief overview of the establishment of a blind cricket ground at Kooyong and growth of services for blind and vision impaired by the Association for the Blind.16 pages of text and illustrationsassociation for the blind, victorian blind cricket association

Blind cricket had been played since 1922 and originated in Melbourne, yet had no permanent home. In 1926, William Paterson (who had helped establish the first retirement home for the blind in Brighton,) approached Council asking if a section of land fronting Glenferrie Road could be used by blind sporting groups. The Council agreed, upon the proviso that a trust be set up (and one of the trustees be the Town Clerk) and that if the land was not used for recreation or sporting purposes, they would have first option to buy it back. Under this agreement, the first blind cricket oval was established and on the 7th April 1928 the first ball was bowled at a competition between the Victorian Blind Cricket Association and interstate teams. To commemorate this event and the man who helped it come about, this marker (part of the Federation Markers project, jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government and Stonnington Council,) was placed.1 plastic sign with images and wordingWorld's First Sports Ground for Blind Cricketers On 7 April 1928 the playing field at this location was inaugurated as the World's first permanent sports ground for blind cricketers when the first ball was bowled at a competition between the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and the Association for the Advancement of the Blind, both now known as Vision Australia. Mr William Paterson, a volunteer worker and advocate for blind people for over 60 years, was instrumental in obtaining access to these facilities on behalf of the cricketers.victorian blind cricket association, association for the blind, william paterson, cricket

Watsonia man Ned Brewer Maiga will represent Australia in the Blind Cricket Twenty20 World Cup in India later this month (January 2017).News article 1 page, black text, colour image.ned brewer maiga, cricket twenty20 world cup, blind cricket, cricketers

The black nylon blind cricket ball was in use since 1974 until the end of the 2002/2003 season. It was hand woven around a wire frame, with lead for weight and bottle tops for sound placed inside.1 black nylon cricket ball with metal bellsrecreation, victorian blind cricket association

This cricket ball is made of cane wicker and was used in cricket games with visually impaired players by people who lived or were educated at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind from the 1920's through till 1972. It is a circular shape made of plaited strips of woven natural cane and is lighter than a conventional cricket ball. The hollow center of the ball contains pieces of twisted metal pieces which rattle as the ball is moved to aid players in tracking the ball's movement. The stumps also had bells attached so fielders knew when the batsman was out. Blind cricket was invented in Melbourne in 1922 when two blind factory workers started playing a game using a tin can containing rocks. The game soon gained popularity and the Victorian Blind Cricketers' Association was formed. Mr William Paterson, a volunteer worker and advocate for blind people for over 60 years, was instrumental in acquiring and developing the sports ground and clubhouse in Glenferrie Road Kooyong, Victoria on behalf of the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (now called Vision Australia). In 1928 play began on the world's first sports ground for blind cricketers, in the first official blind cricket match. Blind cricket is now played internationally. This particular cricket ball was awarded to William Paterson Esq in 1928 in recognition of his support in establishing the world's first blind cricket ground in Kooyong. On the front of this ball is attached a small metal crest with an inscription: 'Presented to W.H. Paterson, Esq as a token of esteem for his interest in Blind cricket being the first ball bowled on the cricket ground for Blind Kooyong 7. 4.28'.1 wicker cricket ball with metal shield attached and metal bells in the hollow centre'Presented to W.H. Paterson, Esq / as a token of esteem for his/ interest in Blind cricket/ being the first ball bowled /on the cricket /ground for Blind /Kooyong / 7. 4.28'. recreation, cricket, awards

This award was given to Charlie Bradley upon the occassion of his 1000th wicket, by the Victorian Blind Cricket Association. It consists of a round cricket ball sized wire frame with black nylon tubing wrapped around it, and bottle tops to create sound.1 black nylon cricket ball with metal bellsrecreation, victorian blind cricket association, charlie bradley

Plaque commemorating the support of Alfred E. Clarke. A passionate supporter of Blind Cricket for 20 years, he was taken ill whilst umpiring a match and passed away at his Middle Park home on November 28th, 1950. Mr Clarke was one of South Melbourne's best cricketers in his youth, and after retirement continued his involvement in the sport he loved through committee and various management roles. He continued to watch matches with his friend Sam Morris - a fellow South Melbourne player who have gone blind - and became involved with the Blind Cricket Association, spending most weekends umpiring matches. Source: Record (Emerald Hill), Sat 2 Dec 1950, p4 "The Final Call" http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164499137Metal plaque attached to woodIn Memory Of Alfred E. Clarke Obit. November 28th 1950 A True Friend of the Blindassociation for the advancement of the blind, nameplates, victorian blind cricket association

Articles in the annual report include: the official opening of the Victor Maxwell nursery by the Governor General, the continued need for more accommodation at the Helen Keller hostel and one for males, texts brailled for first year students at the University of Sydney, four long term prisoners continue to transcribe books, the election of Mrs Ringland to replace Foundation President Roy Kippax, the decision to employ a fully qualified Kindergarten Teacher at the nursery, the work undertaken by the Northern Branch in Newcastle, the availability of several newly qualified switchboard operators tutored by E Teulan, inaugural section for the blind in the Handicrafts Section at the Royal Agricultural Show, monthly concerts held in the hall, another successful 2UW Blind Appeal was held on Sunday 6th June, the Black and White Ball was again the outstanding social event of the season, broadcasting of the 'Glow Worm' sessions on 2GB, appointment of a Special Representative (F.G. Garden) to publicise the work of the Society to country areas, the ability for blind citizens to attend the Royal Progress of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh upon their arrival in Sydney - including donation of equipment to broadcast a description of the event to those within the enclosure, in addition the Society were also able to erect a stand in front of the William Street premises and sold seating to the general public for the event, NSW Blind Cricket and Athletic Club continue to pay local and further afield including the Interstate Blind Cricket Carnival at Wiley Park, the establishment of two blind bowling clubs, and the passing of committee member A.W.M d'Apice who served for 14 years.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, annual report, victor maxwell kindergarten, justice maxwell, sir john northcott, helen keller hostel, library, parramatta gaol, braille writers association of new south wales, e teulan, 2uw, goodie reeve, black and white committee, f g garden, queen elizabeth ii, duke of edinburgh, cricket, nsw blind cricket, nsw blind bowling club, nsw blind women's bowling club, a w m d'apice, dorothy falkiner

Articles in the annual report include: opening of the only nursery for blind babies and children at Victor Maxwell House, a new Braille shorthand class, the erection of an Occupational Therapy Department building, the development of a new switchboard operation course, a trial of long-term prisoners producing Braille has resulted in 83 being created, a profile on the late Jean Currie and appointment of Coral Cook in that position, awarding of an MBE to R.W. Kippax (who has occupied many positions at the Institution), thanks to A.F Toll for the free transport of Braille volumes and the Black and White Committee on another outstanding Ball, and the success of the NSW Blind Cricket Club and the young women at Helen Keller hostel forming the Amazons Blind Girls Sports Club.1 volume of text and imagescorporation records, royal sydney industrial blind institution, jean currie, black and white committee, nsw blind cricket, coral cook, victor maxwell kindergarten, cricket, braille writers association of new south wales, a.f. toll pty ltd, roy kippax, graeme dark, sandra dark, parramatta gaol

Articles in the annual report include: the RNIB approving the use of Clarke and Smith talking book players, appointment of Margaret Green as a social worker at Victor Maxwell House, the passing of Polly Thompson who visited the Society in 1949 with Helen Keller, the election of Justice Maxwell as the Chairman and re-appointment of Ken Bunn as Secretary to the Australian National Council for the Blind, the demolishing of 'Heathfield' due to disrepair and possible use as a Youth Hostel or Adjustment Centre for people who are newly blind, the opening of the Light House as a home for Aged Blind Women by NSW Governor Sir Eric Woodward, appointment of Freida Goon as manager of the Light House, update on Alexis Albert House, continued impact on decreased sales of workshop products, high demand for musicians trained or supported by the Society, music and singing lessons with Gordon Lavers, success of monthly concerts given at the Hall by various musicians, introduction of judo lessons, the cricket team led by Barry Ward played matches against the Queensland Blind Cricket Team at Wylie Park, indoor bowling clubs enjoyed both social and competitive matches with many members also joining the Balmain Blind Bowling Combination, the prized addition of a Braille duplicator to the library, listing of Transcribers, Pupil Subscribers (Transcribers), Voluntary Braille Instructors, Voluntary Car Drivers and Library Workers, Newcastle and Hunter River chairman W.M. Cannington joining the Committee, a list of Prize Winners for the 1959 Royal Agricultural Show in the Handicrafts Section, the work undertaken by the fundraising auxiliaries including the Black and White Committee, the 2UW Blind Appeal and the 21st Birthday of the 'Glow Worm' radio show on 2GB.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, annual report, victor maxwell kindergarten, justice maxwell, helen keller hostel, library, braille writers association of new south wales, 2uw, goodie reeve, black and white committee, cricket, nsw blind cricket, nsw blind bowling club, william street blind women's bowling club, polly thompson, margaret green, ken bunn, australian national council of and for the blind, light house home, alexis albert hostel, gordon lavers, balmain blind bowling combination, w. cannington, 2gb, major general paul cullen, herbert thompson, h.f. benning, c d darvall, e t herford, phyllis burke, k. g hunter-kerr, freida goon, barry ward, sir eric woodward, hrh princess alexandra of kent, roy kippax, b button, w dunn, c j delaney, n allen, matron scott, marno parsons, charles jobson, billie sinclair, c green, john o'connor, donald debus, george herrmann, joyce herrmann, bert hussey, neville smart, john irvine, jacky myers, percy warner, frank lindburg, sir james bissett, c.r. rae, hal hennessey, w.a. davis, d ferrier, reginald camp, l maurer, joyce grenfell, googie withers, alexis albert, l hynes, phyllis shillito, bruce macleay, n kinnaird, billy matthews

Paterson Hall Story is told through the reminiscences of 23 people who played an active part in the life of a popular recreational and entertainment hub from 1929 to 1999. They relate how a simple concrete structure in Glenferrie Road, Kooyong became a 'home away from home' for people who were blind or vision impaired, their families and friends. The hall was originally built as a clubhouse for blind cricketers in 1927, but by 1929 it had been extended to include a social hall and other facilities including a verandah where spectators could watch the cricket. Over the years the hall was used for activities as diverse as square dancing, singing, craft classes, ball games, art and craft shows, drama groups and annual meetings.60 MP3 sound files of oral history interviews and book excerptsNarrated by Maurice Lockie, Bill Charles and Norah Tooheypaterson hall, association for the advancement of the blind, victorian blind cricket association

This agreement between the Association for Advancement the Blind and Trustees (namely William Henry Paterson, Howard Murray Lightfoot and Arthur Malvern Yeatman) lays out the terms and conditions surrounding the Association's access and usage of the Kooyong recreation grounds and club-house. The agreement is dated 14th February 1951, and is signed by the three Trustees, as well as members of the General Committee, namely Bruce Small, W.J.S. Horsfall and Edwin Dean, as well as Secretary G. R. Fowler. There are 2 copies held. 2 pages of typed legal agreementassociation for the advancement of the blind, william paterson, h.m. lightfoot, arthur yeatman, victorian blind cricket association, victorian blind soccer association, kooyong club house

Maurice Gleeson holds an audible ball used in blind cricket, whilst standing at Kooyong and near a cricket pitch.7 digital images of Maurice Gleeson at Kooyongvision australia, blind sports victoria, maurice gleeson

Photograph taken by a staff member of the rear view of the Kooyong building, facing the blind cricket ground, in the early morning.vision australia, buildings

Photograph taken by a staff member of the rear view of the Kooyong building, facing the blind cricket ground. The Charlie Bradley Cricket Pavilion is to the left.vision australia, buildings

Black and white photograph of the Kooyong clubhouse, which was offically opened in 1929. Set above ground level, it provided blind cricket players with shelter and storage underneath, as well as a venue for dances and other social activities organised by groups and the AFB. The responsibility for the clubhouse was set out as a deed of agreement between three people (the Malvern Town Clerk, Mr Paterson and Mr Maxwell) and run independently of the Council, Blind Cricket clubs and the AFB.1 black and white image of the clubhouse at Kooyong buildings, association for the blind

Photograph taken by a staff member of the rear view of the Kooyong building, facing the blind cricket ground. There is a rainbow above the building, visible against the stormy clouds.vision australia, buildings

On February 13, 2008 a tandem cycling event was held at Kooyong. Riding around the blind cricket oval, then along the Gardiner's Creek bike track beside the freeway.19 digital images of tandem cycling event at Kooyongvision australia, recreation, owen d'costa, kate gniel

Penny Stevenson uses her white cane and dog guide to walk down from Talbot Road and around the grass between the path and the blind cricket club house.11 digital images of staff member Penny Stevensonvision australia, staff, penny stevenson

Photograph taken by a staff member of the rear view of the Kooyong building, facing the blind cricket ground, of hot air balloon descending one morning to the sports grounds behind. vision australia, buildings

Aerial view of Kooyong. The Kooyong Tennis Centre, Glenferrie Road, train station, Talbot Crescent, Monash Freeway and parklands are clearly visible. Few trees are lining the roadway around the sporting fields, the Glenferrie Road building has not expanded and the Blind Cricket pavilion is not yet built. Aerial photograph in white frameassociation for the blind, kooyong tennis centre

Aerial view of Kooyong. The Kooyong Tennis Centre, Glenferrie Road, train station, Talbot Crescent, Monash Freeway and parklands are clearly visible. Few trees are lining the roadway around the sporting fields, the Glenferrie Road building has not expanded and the Blind Cricket pavilion is not yet built. Aerial photograph in brown frame.association for the blind, kooyong tennis centre

Articles in the annual report include: the expenses incurred due to increased client numbers and wages rises, the need and inability to sell the Woollahra (Helen Keller hostel) site, the success of the fledging Reference Library seen as a model for other organisations, Matron Scott (Victor Maxwell nursery) received an M.B.E., plans to develop 3 more day centres to add to the five already operating, operations undertaken in the workshop, continued demand for places at Alexis Albert and Lighthouse hostels, recognition through the renaming of 2UW Blind Appeal to the 2UW Lions Blind Appeal which has been run since 1952, blind bowlers looking forward to being on the green at Enfield, Cricket club looking forward to when tip in Mitchell St is filled in so that it can be made into a home ground, and the collaborative relationship had with other blindness related organisations.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records, john l waddy, alexis albert, mary lidbury, sandy robertson kindergarten, victor maxwell kindergarten, june gollan, max nisbett, terry kenaghan, h.f. benning, gillian bunning, hugh hay, leith myerson, william street blind women's bowling club, lawrence mccredie, edward (ted) hanlon, kerrie donovan, balmain blind bowling combination, cricket

From its beginning, the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind grew in size and its number of employees and benefactors. These bound volumes of annual reports contain the information sent to subscribers of the Institute and outline the notable events and difficulties facing the blind and the RVIB. In this report praise for both the school and the work of the Insitute by external agencies is mentioned, the program of allowing children to handle exhibits courtesy of the Museum of Victoria, Hugh Jeffrey has just attained his degree as a Bachelor of Music (only the second to do so), honours also to Arthur McKay and other pupils who received Honours passes at university, over 1000 piano tunings were carried out this year by RVIB trained specialists, the Institute classes in cooking and hand and machine sewing have proven useful to single and married women of Melbourne, the Institute supports two cricket teams as well as other physical culture, and providing advisc to the Post Master General concerning telephone dials.1 volume bound with illustrations.royal victorian institute for the blind, annual report, cricket