A photo of Jack Geoghegan holding the violin that is part of Melbourne Legacy's collection (see 00080) at The Shrine. The photo appeared in an article in The Age in 1989. One photo also appeared in the President's Highlights report in 1989. The caption of that photo says, 'Pensive thoughts for ex-prisoner of Changi Prison, Jack Geohegan when, as a guest of Melbourne Legacy, he was reunited with a very special possession kept in Legacy's care. Jack, whose signature is one of many, had not seen the violin since his days at Changi.' Background: This violin was played by VX30301 Dvr Roy Arnel, as a member of the Australian Imperial Force Concert Party, in the Changi POW camp, Singapore from 1942-1945. It is claimed that the violin, in its case was thrown over the wall by a Chinese civilian. Roy Arnel, a South African by birth enlisted on 7 June 1940 at Royal Park, Melbourne and served with 2 AASC Company as a driver. He was captured by the Japanese Imperial Army at the fall of Singapore in February 1942. There was more than one concert party in Changi as indicated on the rear of the violin. The details of the Dutch, British and American Concert Parties scratched in to the varnish. There are some well-known names scratched into the violin including: The English author and cartoonist, Ronald Searle; Australian entertainer, Frank Rich; and Australian Author, Russell Braddon. Mr Arnel died in 1982 and the violin was presented to Melbourne Legacy for preservation, safe keeping and display by his widow Mrs Florence Arnel in 1983.A record of a poignant reunion, Jack Geoghegan knew the violin while in Changi Prison and posed for photos on the Shrine to tell the story in The Age. Black and white photo x 3 of the Changi Violin at The Shrinechangi violin, pow, jack geohegan

A photo of Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop holding the violin that is part of Melbourne Legacy's collection (see 00080). Unsure when this photo was taken. Background: This violin was played by VX30301 Dvr Roy Arnel, as a member of the Australian Imperial Force Concert Party, in the Changi POW camp, Singapore from 1942-1945. It is claimed that the violin, in its case was thrown over the wall by a Chinese civilian. Roy Arnel, a South African by birth enlisted on 7 June 1940 at Royal Park, Melbourne and served with 2 AASC Company as a driver. He was captured by the Japanese Imperial Army at the fall of Singapore in February 1942. There was more than one concert party in Changi as indicated on the rear of the violin. The details of the Dutch, British and American Concert Parties scratched in to the varnish. There are some well-known names scratched into the violin including: The English author and cartoonist, Ronald Searle; Australian entertainer, Frank Rich; and Australian Author, Russell Braddon Mr Arnel died in 1982 and the violin was presented to Melbourne Legacy for preservation, safe keeping and display.A record of relationship of Weary Dunlop with Legacy.Black and white photo of Sir Weary Dunlop with the Changi violinchangi violin, dunlop

This violin was played by VX30301 Dvr Roy Arnel, as a member of the Australian Imperial Force Concert Party, in the Changi POW camp, Singapore from 1942-1945. It is claimed that the violin, in its case was thrown over the wall by a Chinese civilian. Roy Arnel, a South African by birth enlisted on 7 June 1940 at Royal Park, Melbourne and served with 2 AASC Company as a driver. He was captured by the Japanese Imperial Army at the fall of Singapore in February 1942. There was more than one concert party in Changi as indicated on the rear of the violin. The details of the Dutch, British and American Concert Parties scratched in to the varnish. There are the some well known names scratched into the violin including: The English author and cartoonist, Ronald Searle; Australian entertainer, Frank Rich; and Australian Author, Russell Braddon. Mr Arnel died in 1982 and the violin was presented to Melbourne Legacy for preservation, safe keeping and display. Further research found that one of the AIF comedians, Harry Smith, had a catch phrase, 'You'll never get off the Island' which became almost the watchword of the prisoners throughout the captivity. That ties with the phrase etched around the outside of the violin, "We'll never get off the island."A very valuable piece of equipment brought back from World War II now on display in Legacy House function room.Violin (00078.1): Violin case (00078.2): Bow (00078.3): Bag of violin parts (00078.4):Around the edge of the instrument's body: "We'll never get off the island" On the front body of the violin: "AIF concert party"; "P.O.W. camp Singapore" Names inscribed on the front body of the violin in columns from left to right: Ray Tullipan, Fred Stringer, Herb Almond, L Jacques, Keith Harris, Jack Garrett, Dave Goodwin, H Sabin, Fred F Brightfield, Jack Boardman, Ern Warne, Ern Banks, T Hoffman, Roy P Arnel, Harold W Reid, W Middleton, Douglas Matthews, Bob Picken, Harry Smith ('appy Harry), Ted Druitt "VIOLIN PLAYED BY" VX30301, (DVR) R S Arnel AIF Concert Party in POW Camp Selerang and Changi Gaol Singapore 1942-1945; T Mack O.C and Producer Harry Tennall; Jack Smith; Walter W Dains; Keith C Stephens; C E Trotter; W Sullivan, Syd Piddington; John Nibbs; Doug Peart; John Wood; Jack Geoghegan; Berry Barton; Barney Bolton; Tom Hussey; Kim De Grey; Clarrie Barker; Ron Caple; Russ Bradon; Bernard McCaffrey; Bart Galbraith; Charles Wiggins; Stan “ Judy” Garland. Rear of Violin has inscriptions top to bottom, left to right. Hans???en; Dutch Concert Party; H.S. Van der Linden; M Bark; B Freunbusch; F Horguine; H. J. Hurgarden; Lt H. J. Scholer (Violin); H.A.F. Pet; M Van Dyk; W J Witte; G H Fransen; E Ewig; M Ruwart (Hypnotist); A V Korem(Dancer) C N Rob (Violin) C H Kuipers (Guitar); W C Emmenes (Cellist) L H R???? (Violin) British Concert Party Alex????; P Holland ( “ Dutchy” Accordian); Wray Gibson :AH!; E J Bawer (Drums); Clem (Lofty) Relf(Clarinet); Bill Williams (Piano); Ken Luke; Ronald Searle; Charles Dobman “Good Luck”; Dan Harts(”Professor”); Gil Mitchell ( Violinist); John Fitzgerald; E Botor (Tenor Horn); Ronald Lewis; Ronnie Horner; Robin Wilbury; Jack M Wood ( Producer); Denis A S Houghton (Bass); C J Buckingham; Stan Mesurier; E B Dobson USA Concert Camberts Party Don Smith; Owen Baggett; Denis Roland; Stan Willner; Albert “ HAP” Kelley (Trombone); Joe Manella; Charles Kelleher. Internal manufactures tag “ “Excelsior” Brand Specally made for the Tropic and reputed for good ton and workmanship Made in Czechoslovakia”changi violin, pow

An article in the Sun about the donation of the Changi violin to Legacy in 1982. It mentions that the violin was thrown over the fence at Changi prison and Mr Roy Arnel played it for the 3 and half years he was in Changi. When the war ended he went around the camp getting concert party members and friends to sign it. He died in January 1982 and his wife Netta contacted Legacy who had it restored by Roger Lewis. He said many of the parts were not original but had been made for it in prison. The notation H35 in red pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy. The text of the letter to President E J Larkin says: Dear Ed, I attach a press cutting which is self explanatory except that the violin has been given to me on behalf of Legacy by one of many widows - Mrs Arnel. I have discussed with 'Kem' Kemsley and others what we should do with this interesting relic. Kem has endorsed my fear that if it is sent to Canberra no-one will ever see it. The prospective War Museum in Victoria will not be ready for some years and could not handle it. I suggest that is be displayed 'pro?' at Legacy House until it could be passed to the Victorian War Museum. Both Mrs Arnel and Kem agree with this suggestion. I should be glad to make a display cabinet if Legacy agrees to the above suggestion. I shall be glad if you will return the cutting to me in due course. Yours sincerely Roger Westerback (?) 581.A record of the donation of the Changi violin to Legacy in 1982.White A4 photocopy of an article about the Changi violin published in the Sun in 1982 and a copy of a two page letter.Handwritten H35 in red pen. history, changi violin

A newspaper article with a photo of veteran Jack Geoghegan holding the violin that is part of Melbourne Legacy's collection (see 00080) at The Shrine. Mr Geoghegan was a Prisoner of War in Changi prison. He remembered playing in the concerts that the violin was used in. His signature is one of many, that had signed the violin. Background: This violin was played by VX30301 Dvr Roy Arnel, as a member of the Australian Imperial Force Concert Party, in the Changi POW camp, Singapore from 1942-1945. It is claimed that the violin, in its case was thrown over the wall by a Chinese civilian. Roy Arnel, a South African by birth enlisted on 7 June 1940 at Royal Park, Melbourne and served with 2 AASC Company as a driver. He was captured by the Japanese Imperial Army at the fall of Singapore in February 1942.A record that the violin was of importance to many people during their internment.Newspaper article about the Changi violin published in The Age 26 July 1989.changi violin, pow

Jean Salvado the President of the Kingston Widows' Club sent this photo of a display in the Brighton Library. It is assumed to 1993 as that is the year that Clive James was Legacy Personality of the Year and his picture is included in the display. Also a photo of Weary Dunlop and the Changi Violin and the abseiling event involving Ron Barassi.A record of Legacy Week in 1993.Colour photo of a display case in Brighton Library.Handwritten on the back "Display case at Brighton Library for Legacy Week, 1993. By Jean Salvado, President Kingston Legacy Widows' Club"legacy week, legacy promotion

Handwritten sheet music played in Changi Prison. It was stored with sheet music that came with the 'Changi violin' donated by the family of Roy Arnel. It was on display in 2nd floor function room until 2024. The music was written on the reverse of a letter dated 30 November 1940, on the letterhead of 'The Batavia Sea and Fire Insurance Co Ltd'.A record of life in a POW camp and that paper was so scarce they used whatever they could find to write on.Handwritten sheet music on the reverse of a letter dated 30 November 1940.Title of the music is partially missing only '___etto' and 'HERINI.' are legiblechangi prison, pow, music

Handwritten sheet music played in Changi Prison. It was stored with sheet music that came with the 'Changi violin' donated by the family of Roy Arnel. It was on display in 2nd floor function room until 2024. The music was written on the reverse of a letter dated 29 January 1940, on the letterhead of 'The Batavia Sea and Fire Insurance Co Ltd'.A record of life in a POW camp and that paper was so scarce they used whatever they could find to write on.Handwritten sheet music on the reverse of a letter dated 29 January 1940.changi prison, pow, music

Handwritten sheet music played in Changi Prison. It was stored with sheet music that came with the 'Changi violin' donated by the family of Roy Arnel. It was on display in 2nd floor function room until 2024. The music was written on the reverse of a letter dated 20 March 1941, on the letterhead of 'The Batavia Sea and Fire Insurance Co Ltd'.A record of life in a POW camp and that paper was so scarce they used whatever they could find to write on.Handwritten sheet music on the reverse of a letter dated 20 March 1941.changi prison, pow, music

Handwritten sheet music played in Changi Prison. It was stored with sheet music that came with the 'Changi violin' donated by the family of Roy Arnel. It was on display in 2nd floor function room until 2024. The music was written on the reverse of a letter dated 4 January 1941, on the letterhead of 'The Batavia Sea and Fire Insurance Co Ltd'.A record of life in a POW camp and that paper was so scarce they used whatever they could find to write on.Handwritten sheet music on the reverse of a letter dated 4 January 1941.changi prison, pow, music

Handwritten sheet music played in Changi Prison. In pencil is a list of song names that were played. It was stored with sheet music that came with the 'Changi violin' donated by the family of Roy Arnel. It was on display in 2nd floor function room until 2024. The music and song playlist were on the reverse of the cover of a Prison Annual Report from 1931.A record of life in a POW camp.Handwritten sheet music on the reverse of the cover of an Annual Report on the Prisons of the Colony for the year 1931.Handwritten in pencil, bottom left 'End of a perfect day G D Slumber Song (Roy Arnell) request (inserted) Piano solo : Net St___ (inserted) O__a__ds 1st Waltz Annie Laurie C - E1 Vienna, City of Dreams G - D Let me call you sweetheart - G B Till we meet again G - Bchangi prison, pow, music

A watercolour portrait of an unknown prisoner of war. Presumed to be from Changi Prison as it was stored with sheet music believed to be come with the 'Changi violin' donated by the family of Roy Arnel. It was on display in 2nd floor function room with hand written sheet music until 2024. The reverse of the portrait is text of page 5 from a prisoner of war rule book. It has holes that appear to have made been by a pest.A record of life in a POW camp.A watercolour of the head of a man from Changi prison.Handwritten in pencil, top right is a partial date '31st Ja__'; bottom left 'The Mummy : PA van Dijk' and an indistinct signature. On reverse handwritten pencil notations to the text.changi prison, pow

The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. This edition contained articles on the Changi violin, Ohi Day Commemoration and a look back at Government House Christmas parties for the young junior legatees in the 1940s and 50s. Lockdowns were still affecting many of our programs such as the walking group, the stamp ladies, and widows club gatherings. There were updates on the Path of the Horse and Lunge for Legacy.A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from Dec 2021/Jan 2022.activities, answer, widows

Chas Wilks was the President in 1989, his highlights report includes significant events throughout the year. Vietnam veterans were asked to launch Legacy Week. Ron Barassi was the personality of the year and abseiled a building in Flinders St (after practicing in a quarry which is featured on the cover). Jack Geoghegan posed with the Changi violin on the steps of the Shrine. Up to the 1980s the annual report would usually contain pages containing the Presidents report and photos of significant events of the year. Between 1987 and 1990 these were published in a separate document called 'Highlights from the Annual Report'. This could be used in promoting Legacy in different ways, without all the financial information normally held in an annual report. In following years it became called 'Report from the President' then 'Highlights from the President', before becoming 'Melbourne Legacy Highlights' which was published twice a year from 2007. It was eventually renamed, 'The Torch, Melbourne Legacy Highlights' in 2012. 'The Torch' is still published twice a year. Other annual reports in 00027, 01095, 01096 and 01097, 01098, 01310 and 01311. The President's report was used to capture important events throughout the year and the activities Legacy provided for those in their care.Black and white printed report of the Highlights from 66th Annual Report 1989 x 4 pages, with photosannual summary, activities