Explanation and instruction on the setting out of braille volumes by E. Kell, Secretary of the Braille Writers Association of New South Wales. There are pencil markings on the fourth page.6 pages of typewritten notes with pencil markings on one pageroyal blind society of nsw, braille, braille writers association of new south wales

Annual report outlining the achievements of the Braille Writers Association of N.S.W. including the presentation of certificates of recently qualified members, transcription of public exams, acquisition of 2 Stainsby machines, list of authors of contributed articles to 'Boomerang' magazine, Eisteddfod Braille reading contests, production of a programme for ABC Youth Concerts, Paramatta gaol transcribers and book binders, and a list of books transcribed by transcriber and number of volumes.1 printed volume with photographsbraille writers association of new south wales, annual reports

Annual report outlining the achievements of the Braille Writers Association of N.S.W. including a special foreword by Helen Keller, the presentation of certificates of recently qualified members, transcription of public exams, acquisition of 6 Stainsby machines, list of authors of contributed articles to 'Boomerang' magazine, Eisteddfod Braille reading contests, production of a program for ABC Youth Concerts, Paramatta gaol transcribers and book binders, the passing of Miss L.M. Harris and Mrs G.G. Blake, short profile of Mrs E. Vance and a list of books transcribed by transcriber and number of volumes.1 printed volume with photographsbraille writers association of new south wales, annual reports, helen keller, eva cooper

Annual report outlining the achievements of the Braille Writers Association of N.S.W. including the presentation of certificates of recently qualified members, transcription of a NSW public school magazines circulated by the Department of Education, request from the Childrens' Book Council of NSW to take part in a Book Week exhibition at Mitchell library, list of authors of contributed articles to 'Boomerang' magazine, Eisteddfod Braille reading contests, production of a program for ABC Youth Concerts, Paramatta gaol transcribers and book binders, and a list of books transcribed by transcriber and number of volumes.1 printed volume with photographsbraille writers association of new south wales, annual reports

Annual report outlining the achievements of the Braille Writers Association of N.S.W. including the presentation of certificates of recently qualified members, transcription of a school and exam materials, the Amended Braille Code being considered by the World Braille Council, list of authors of contributed articles to 'Boomerang' magazine, Eisteddfod Braille reading contests, production of a program for ABC Youth Concerts, Paramatta gaol transcribers and book binders, passing of transcriber H.W. Hill who also gifted his corneas to blind person, and a list of books transcribed by transcriber and number of volumes.1 printed volume with photographsbraille writers association of new south wales, annual reports

Acknowledgements were given for the receipt of volumes transcribed by volunteers. In this set of cards, Mrs Brangwin is acknowledged for multiple volumes of various books in the 1950s.White index card with pre-printed fields and spaces for handwritten itemsImage of Braille punch in top left hand corner in a circle. Braille Library William Street Sydney Dear ...... Thank you for Volume ...... of ................ This will be bound and added to the library of the Royal Blind Society of N.S.W. We are grateful for your continued interest in our work. Yours sincerely, President Braille Writers Association of N.S.W.iris brangwin, braille writers association of new south wales

To recognise the achievements of those who undertook and completed a transcription course, this certificate was awarded to "a duly qualified Braille writer", by the Royal Blind Society of New South Wales, incorporating the Braille Writers Association of NSW. These volunteers were involved in the expansion of the library as they created Braille from the print version of texts. 27/5/1954 - Iris E. Brangwin, President: A. Maxwell, Hon. Secretary: Paul A Cullen.White page with black writing and profile of Louis Brailleroyal blind society of nsw, iris brangwin, braille writers association of new south wales

An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: the acquisition of Roselands Nursing Home to provide the first NSW based nursing home for blind people, passing of Roy Kippax, preparation to celebrate Centenary and Second Century of Service in June 1980 with outline of events, funds raised via the Annual Fair and various groups, Blind Sporting Association participated in various bowls and cricket events and 2 NSW athletes will be participating at the 1980 Olympiad in Holland, Braille Writers Association update, the Australian National Council of and for the Blind arranged the training of 10 doctors at Chittagong Eye Hospital in Bangladesh, and 'Art in Touch' exhibition was held at the Art Gallery of NSW.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records, roselands nursing home, roy kippax, kevin j stewart, bill byrne, judith lawrence, rex jackson, fundraising, blind sporting association, australian national council of and for the blind, braille writers association of new south wales, balmain blind bowling combination

An overview of activities and achievements during the past financial year. Articles in annual report include: the handing over from former President Sir Alexis Albert to Paul Cullen, the implementation of Project 5000 (increasing C77 Talking Book Machines to that number as well as book titles), new fitness groups and CB clubs supported by John Simon and Norman Healey, new course that teaches Braille at home via cassette developed by Louise Long, continued success in supporting children to attend integrated kindergartens rather than an segregated one, introduction of music therapy and Father's Groups, loss of beloved reader John Dease, 3rd RBS Arts Festival at the Grace Gallery, Chatswood, sales increase for workshop products particularly bicycles, the success of the Black and White Ball (held since 1936), and the production of two films sponsored by OPSM and depicting the impact of RBS "I see, I see" and "Future Sight". It also updates on the Braille Writers Association, the RBS Literary Contest (inaugurated 6 years ago by Max Nisbett) and the successful production of some works by the Mitchell Street Theatre group, name change of William Street Blind Women's Bowling Club to Blind Society Women's Bowling Club, Enfield and Blind Sporting Association formed just over a year ago and competed in the Leeton Rowathon.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records, alexis albert, paul cullen, sir robert drew, laurel brennan, john simon, norman healey, carol lausch, margaret smallwood, louise long, sylvia manuel, loreen rosser, diana palmer, anne palfrey, john dease, mitchell manufacturing, ken martin, sueann wilson, duncan archbold, cath littlefair, gai wibberley, jack chamberlain, des lean-fore, michael simpson, ron black, john mountford, marno parsons, black and white committee, graham laurence, w. cannington, films, lee smith, matt ponsonby, ray hunter, joan ledermann, mitchell street theatre, max nisbett, vivian hargrove, australian national council of and for the blind, braille writers association of new south wales, blind sporting association, william street blind women's bowling club, balmain blind bowling combination

In 1894 the Victorian Braille Writers Association was established in order to create a braille lending library. Such an endeavor also meant a need of space for storage. At first the library was accommodated in the home of Mrs May Harrison before moving to the home of Mrs Dickinson two years later. Eventually, with the help of donors, a space was rented in the Block Arcade to house the 1300+ volumes it held and the yearly increase produced by its braille transcribers. Fortunately in 1918 the Trustees of the Edward Wilson Estate provided 4000 pounds to pay for a new building in Commercial Road. Despite some misgivings from the RVIB at the time, this building was home to both braille volumes and talking books (albums and cassettes) for many years.1 b/w photograph of people on a stageFree Lending Library for the Blind. Senator G. Fairbairn, on behalf of the Edward Wilson Trust, presenting the key of the building to Miss Aston, a Braille reader, representing the Braille Writer’s Association. 26th April 1919. (Label on mount board)tilly aston, braille and talking book library

Articles in the annual report include: the awarding of an O.B.E. to Vice President H.F. Benning, presentation of a silver cigarette box to Roy Kippax for his 50th year of service, aim to move out of old William Street building by the second half of 1971, Mark IV Talking Book machine began to be circulated, first library advisory committee on book selection was convened, images of the Alexis Albert, Helen Keller and Lighthouse hostels, formation of Nepean, Lighthouse Younger Set, Ryde and Hornsby auxiliaries, the use of a swear jar by the 'Blind Club' of the Queensland Hotel (cnr Erskine & Kent St) to top up the RBS donation box, the various blind bowling and cricket clubs, the use of the Main Hall by the Boomerang Singers, and various volunteers who assist departments with their work.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records, alexis albert, lady albert, sandy robertson kindergarten, australian national council of and for the blind, balmain blind bowling combination, william street blind women's bowling club, helen keller hostel, braille writers association, h.f. benning, r.w. alkin, roy kippax, victor maxwell kindergarten, w.a. davis, k. bruce, lighthouse hostel, alexis albert hostel, r wellsmore, h.c. standen, ray watson, paul cullen, ian burnet, nola dekyvere, alan wotherspoon, ron frazer

Articles in the annual report include: the opening of the new building at Burwood (Enfield) and the facilities it provides, including a bowling green, swimming pool and rooms for specialist areas such as orientation and mobility and music braille; the need for the new building, the support of Long Bay Gaol in the fabrication of mat frames and use of shearing machine and the binding of Braille volumes through the support of Parramatta Gaol, publication of a booklet 'The Pre-School Child who is blind', the development of rehabilitation services for those who are unable to visit the new site and the introduction of Mark IV talking book machines.1 volume of text and imagesroyal blind society of new south wales, corporation records, sir roden cutler, alexis albert, lady albert, john w.a. o'brien, lady cutler, kerrie donovan, joan ledermann, mary lidbury, victor maxwell kindergarten, sandy robertson kindergarten, sue dixon, richard lyle, lady austin, walter rice, margaret clark, australian national council of and for the blind, australian council for rehabilitation of disabled, balmain blind bowling combination, william street blind women's bowling club, helen keller hostel, long bay gaol, barbara giblin, braille writers association, parramatta gaol

An honour board recording winners of the Barbara Rutherford Memorial Braille Reading competition. From 1985, the decision was made to expand the children's Braille book collection in lieu of an award. The Barbara Rutherford Memorial Braille Reading competition was created by James and Margaret Rutherford when their daughter Barbara died in 1974, in recognition of her enjoyment as a transcriber at RBS. They donated $1000 to RBS, for the purpose that it be invested and the interest used as prize money, and that it be administered by the Braille Writers Association.Wooden board with plastic letteringThe Barbara Rutherford Memorial National Braille Reading Competition Winners 1975 Merrilyn White 1977 Joan Ryan 1979 Nola Flommersfeld 1981 Katherine Brookes 1983 Katherine Brookes, Josephine Nicholson From 1985 the Memorial has become a Children's Braille Book Collectionroyal blind society of new south wales, nameplates

Tilly Aston was a writer, educator and social reformist for blind and visually impaired people. Her desire to overcome the limitations in her own life, and that of others, led to the establishment of the Victorian Braille Writers Association (later the Braille Library of Victoria) and the Association for the Advancement of the Blind (later Association for the Blind). When the Kooyong site of the AFB required redevelopment due to the success of activities at Paterson Hall, a new building was constructed and named the H.M. Lightfoot Centre. As part of their contribution to acknowledging the work of Miss Aston, as well as two of the men who later worked with her, this plaque was struck and presented by the Blind Members' Council of the AFB.Brown metal plaque with gold writing"All noble things we do and dare, Must be fruitful, sometime, somewhere" Tilly Aston 11.12.1873 to 1.11.1947 Founder of The Association for the Blind Ltd. A gift to the H.M. Lightfoot Centre from The Blind Members' Council November 1991association for the blind, tilly aston, h.m. lightfoot

Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. 'Helping the afflicted" from The Herald Jun 14, 1917 - ' On Thursday evening the Entertainment Committee of the Braille Writers' Association held it's first social evening in the Braille Library. More than 100 blind readers responded to the invitation. A hearty welcome was give to two blinded soldiers, Sergeant Walshe and Private Glew. A musical programme followed, and the evening ended with the serving of light refreshments. These gathering will be held fortnightly in the Braille Library, and the next is to be a picture competition'.1 volume of handwritten minutesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation

These three books contain braille printing and may have come from The Victorian Association of Braille Writers and may have been used by Miss Skirrow in South Warrnambool in 1916. This latter information comes from the loose card in one of the books. Braille writing was invented by the French man Louis Braille in 1824 based on the French alphabet. These books are of historical interest and appear to have local significance..1 A hard cover book with a mottled pattern and black bindings containing 42 pages of braille printing. There is one loose card. .2 and .3 as above except for the card and .2 has 32 pages ,.3 has 36 pages .1 L9 55 .2 L9 53 .3 L9 54warrnambool history, vintage braille books

This book contains verses written by Tilly Aston. Matilda Ann (Tilly) Aston was a blind writer and teacher who was born in Carisbrook, Victoria in 1873. She became totally blind at the age of seven. She learned Braille and gained her Matriculation Certificate, spending a short time at Melbourne University. She helped to establish the Victorian Association of Braille Writers and to found the Association for the Advancement of the Blind. She was the first Secretary and later President of the latter association. She was appointed the Head of the School for the Blind in Melbourne and retired from this position in 1925. She published several books of verse and prose. There is a Parliamentary electorate in Victoria called Aston. This book is of considerable interest because the author, Tilly Aston, has an important place in Australian literature. The book, ‘Maiden Verses’ has a local Warrnambool connection as it contains a poem written about Warrnambool, a town which Tilly Aston visited on occasions.This is a hard cover book of 146 pages. It is a book of poems written by Tilly Aston. The cover is dark red with the printing on the spine and on the cover in gold lettering. There is at least one page at the front of the book torn out. There is a receipt for the purchase of the book pasted on to the inside of the front cover. The date of the receipt made out to ‘John F. Watts’ is for three shillings and sixpence (1900). The book is bound with glue and string.Signature on the first page: ‘John F. Watts, Nov. 18th 1900’ (or maybe ‘1901’)tilly aston, australian literature, history of warrnambool

Private Elmer Glew was an original ANZAC who was blinded at Gallipoli in World War 1Item belonged to an original ANZAC from the districtA wooden base with brass implementsPresented to Private E Glew by the Victorian Association of Braille Writers 17th November 1917anzac, gallipoli, braille, grew, dingley village

This annual report covers both the AGM of 1962 and a special AGM held in 1961. Articles include: celebration of Alice McClelland's 40 years of service, resignation of A. Brahe and L. Dextor as Trustees and appointment of R Bigwood and E Webb to replace them, extension of membership so that blind readers could become voting members, overview of the decisions and affects of the decision to become an incorporated entity and the name from Victorian Association of Braille Writers to Braille Library of Victoria, the use of subcommittees to handle entertainments, building, publicity, library and braille textbooks, property owned at 4 Margaret Street, South Yarra was subdivided into 2 lots and sold, Braille Boat House has been redecorated and renovate and available for hire, appointment of Alan Woods to assist as a Reviser for music transcription and Ivan Molloy in the Home Teaching Service, resignation of Joyce Bolger, appointment of Doreen Ross, Mr and Mrs Hinchcliffe left as honorary caretakers and death of Mrs J Rowe, past Mayoress of Ballarat, who was a keen subscriber of the Ballarat branch.32 pages of text with drawingsbraille library of victoria, corporation records

An honour board listing the current and past presidents of the Braille Library of Victoria, formerly known as the Victorian Association of Braille Writers.Wooden board with gold letteringPresident J.H. Cockayne Past Presidents Thomas Luxton 1895-1900 Sir Malcolm Mc Eachern M.H.R. 1901 Hon. Thomas Luxton M.L.C. 1902-1910 Cr. J.G. Davey, Lord Mayor 1911-1912 Cr. A.J. Weller, JP 1913-1919 W.H. Mac Lennan 1920-1921 F.E. Pettifer, JP 1922-1928 Malcolm M. Brodie 1929-1946 A. Harold Gaze, C.B.E. 1946-1953 A. Lawrence Keep 1954-1963 Dr. R Graeme Orr 1963-1970 F.H. Bathurst 1970-1984 victorian association of braille writers, braille library of victoria

Two sighted women sit in an outside porch at the Braille Library in South Yarra, transcribing the books in front of them into Braille, using a stylus and frame. This image shows sighted volunteer Braille transcribers. At this time all Braille was manually transcribed using a hand frame and metal stylus. These volunteers worked at Australia's first Braille Library created by the Victorian Association of Braille Writers.Black and white image of two Braille writersbraille equipment, victorian association of braille writers

A bust of Louis Braille was gifted to the Victorian Association of Braille Writers in 1929 by the sculptor Guilliame Daniel Duprat. The bronze bust sits upon a blackwood plinth, with an inscribed nameplate below the chest, and a revolving medallion at the base of the stand.Sculpture of man on wooden plinth with inscribed medallion on axis and base plateOne side of medallion: Offert par le Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres (curved edge) Louis Braille Centenary Presented by French Government to The Victorian Association of Braille Writers Melbourne 1929 Reverse side: Republique Francaise Baseplate: Presented by Mrs George Swinburne to commemorate the Centenary of Louis Braille. Copied from the plaster cast. Made & Donated by G.D. Delprat Esq. 1929 victorian association of braille writers, guilliame daniel duprat

Reproduction of a tribute to Malcolm McCaul Brodie, who died in 1946, by his friend and work colleague William Tainsh. Mr Brodie was a passionate supporter of the Braille Library and joined the Board in 1923, occupied the position of Honorary Secretary before becoming Vice President in 1925, then President in 1929 until his death in 1946. Mr Brodie was the grandson of John Alston who made the first Braille bible.1 white page attached to cardboardvictorian association of braille writers, malcolm brodie

Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. It was noted at the June 4, 1953 meeting that the Braille Cottage at Chelsea had been sold to Mr and Mrs Smith of Ascot Vale, both who are blind readers for £1,950.1 volume of handwritten pages and typewritten sheets glued on to pagesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation

Victorian Association of Braille Writers had subcommittees including the 'Entertainment Committee' which organised concerts, lectures including fortnightly socials and dances throughout the year. These minutes contain information on attendees, meeting chair, apologies, minutes acceptance, matters arising from the minutes, accounts, reports, matters arising from reports, donations, general business and the date of the next meeting. This minutes includes a copy of the 41st & 42nd Annual Report 1935-1936 of the Entertainment Committee it noted that the Boat House, which was the gift of Mrs Cecil Macmeikan 10 years ago, was wholly destroyed during the storm in November however was repaired the next year. The Boat House has been a wonderful source of pleasure for day trippers, and many picnics have been arranged, enabling the blind to meet their friends and have an outing at the seaside at a nominal cost. 1 volume of handwritten pagesvictorian association of braille writers, recreation, boat house