A group of widows at exercise classes in a pool at Melbourne City Baths. Melbourne Legacy ran an excellent exercise program for its widows for many years and the swim classes were very popular. The instructor for many years was Betty Luders. In one photo she can be seen at the poolside, that photo was printed on then cover of the Melbourne Legacy Widows' Newsletter in July 1991. Back row: Verene Lawrence, Mary Allen, unknown, Lorraine Dalton, Glad Baker, Doris ?, Mary?, Middle row: Unknown, Jan Metcalf, unknown, Inez Bruce, In front: Glad Cousens. The photo was on the front of The Age and classes took place at the City Baths twice a week and Betty instructed them in aqua aerobics, as well as setting up the first teacher courses for Victorian Council for Swimming beginning in 1985. Betty was often coerced into helping fill in at some of Pat Hanna's performances entertaining the troops, as well as assisting Enez Domec Carre with the Miss Victoria pageants at the Windsor Hotel in the 1950s. Similar photos from other years at 00643 and 00644. Another copy of the photo with Betty was stamped with the Keesing Photographers' stamp which implies these photos were professionally taken in 1991.A record of the types of activities Legacy provided as a physical and social outlet for widows. Colour photo x 7 of Legacy widows in a pool doing exercises and an article in the Answer.White paper label with black type 'Weekly swimming and keep fit classes are popular with Legacy ladies'. widows, exercise classes, swimming, activities, betty luders, answer

A group of widows at Legacy House doing seated exercises, being taught by Instructor Bill Stevens who ran the classes for many years. These photos were published in the Answer in 1996 and they were in a scrapbook of photos spanning 1983 to 1991. Similar to photos 00619 and 00620 which show exercise classes in 2004. Melbourne Legacy ran an excellent exercise program for its widows for many years at Legacy House.A record of the types of activities Legacy provided as a physical and social outlet for widows. Colour photo x 3 of Legacy widows doing exercises at Legacy House.White paper label with black type 'Weekly swimming and keep fit classes are popular with Legacy ladies'. widows, exercise classes, activities

On Saturday 17 May 1947, an article on page 25 of the Australian Women’s Weekly reported on the formation of a new women's club: the East Kew Women’s Community Club. The article reads: "Wives and mothers in a Melbourne suburb, East Kew, have formed the East Kew Women's Community Club. While babies and young children are under the supervision of a play leader, wives and mothers follow up their own interests. The club caters for varying tastes, has musical appreciation, drama, and "Keep Fit" classes. President Mrs. Grace Thake says that the club hopes soon to have tennis, debating, and discussion groups. The club originated from a debate, "Should women take an active part in social and civic affairs?" Two days later their interest in these matters was proved by the forming of the club, which took for its motto: "To help others, improve ourselves, and foster the community spirit." Membership is open to all women, regardless of age, politics, and religion, and aims to co-operate with all societies working for the improvement of health and cultural standards." The East Kew Women's Community Club, also called the East Kew Women's Community Club functioned from 1946 to the end of the 1960s (to be verified). The records of the Club were placed with Kew Historical Society to preserve them for posterity. The records and objects belonging to the East Kew Women's Community Club have significance socially for their capacity to illuminate women's associations in the post war period in Australia.Brown leather wallet, dated 1946, embossed with the owner's name and information about the club of which she was the founding president."G Thake | Founder EKWC | 1946 To help others | Improve ourselves | Foster the community spirit"community clubs - kew (vic), women's clubs - kew (vic), east kew women's club, grace thake, presentation wallets

On Saturday 17 May 1947, an article on page 25 of the Australian Women’s Weekly reported on the formation of a new women's club: the East Kew Women’s Community Club. The article reads: "Wives and mothers in a Melbourne suburb, East Kew, have formed the East Kew Women's Community Club. While babies and young children are under the supervision of a play leader, wives and mothers follow up their own interests. The club caters for varying tastes, has musical appreciation, drama, and "Keep Fit" classes. President Mrs. Grace Thake says that the club hopes soon to have tennis, debating, and discussion groups. The club originated from a debate, "Should women take an active part in social and civic affairs?" Two days later their interest in these matters was proved by the forming of the club, which took for its motto: "To help others, improve ourselves, and foster the community spirit." Membership is open to all women, regardless of age, politics, and religion, and aims to co-operate with all societies working for the improvement of health and cultural standards." The article relates particularly to the plaque in the collection of the Kew Historical Society.The East Kew Women's Community Club, also called the East Kew Women's Community Club functioned from c. 1947 to the end of the 1960s (to be verified). The records of the Club were placed with Kew Historical Society to preserve them for posterity. The records and objects belonging to the East Kew Women's Community Club have significance socially for their capacity to illuminate women's associations in the post war period in Australia.Framed red and gold enamelled plaque belonging to the East Kew Women's Community Club."TO HELP OTHERS / IMPROVE OURSELVES AND / FOSTER THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT"east kew women's social club, community groups -- kew east (vic.)

90 year old Lyla Browne attends gym classes at Eltham Leisure Centre to keep herself fit and active.News clipping, black text, colour image.lyla browne, eltham leisure centre, prime movers

A group of widows at Legacy House doing seated exercises in June 1991, being taught by instructor Betty Luders who ran the classes for many years (at least from 1996 to 2001). Similar to photos 01544, plus 00619 and 00620 which show exercise classes in 2004. Melbourne Legacy ran an excellent exercise program for its widows for many years at Legacy House. Photos were in a scrapbook of photos spanning 1983 to 1991, they were taken by Susie Howard, Publicity Officer. The labels with the photos explain: ' Exercise - You can do it Legacy . . . organise many activities for their widows. Helping them to keep fit is high on the list of priorities. Instructor Betty Luders keeps a watchful eye on proceedings and ensure the classes are enjoyable as well as beneficial. Many of the health problems associated with old age can be be prevented for managed with the help of regular exercise.'A record of the types of activities Legacy provided as a physical and social outlet for widows. Colour photo x 5 of Legacy widows doing exercises at Legacy House.Handwritten white paper label in blue pen 'June '91'. widows, exercise classes, activities, betty luders

The newsletter from March 1950. It featured a drawing of three children on the cover. There was a piece to help girls keep fit and for boys to improve their basketball skills. A newsletter published by Legacy in this format for many years from 1942. It mentions "Issued from time to time for Private Circulation among the Sons and Daughters of Deceased Service men and Merchant Seamen who served their Country during the War of 1914-18, or the present War". Articles on the work of Legacy, including features on boys classes, girls classes, camps, the residences and where their past residents ended up. There are some suggestion for careers and some general interest articles. Some very interesting photos.Newsletter outlining news of Junior Legatee activities.Black and white printed newsletter x 12 pages from March 1950. Volume 4 Number 1.boys classes, activities, girls classes