The Melbourne Argus on the following Day reported on the event: "MILITARY CONCERT. A sequel to the military sports gathering recently held on the Melbourne Cricket ground was provided last night at the Town Hall in the shape of a military concert, at which the prizes won at the sports were distributed. The proceeds of both fixtures will go to further the Y.M.C.A.'s work of providing winter comforts for troops on active service. Additional aid to the fund will be forthcoming from the sale of the handsome souvenir programmes the cover ol which is a replica of the A.N.A. roll of honour, and depicts the landing on Gallipoli. The charge made was an indefinite I one, with an irreducible minimum of six-pence." (Source: The Argus, 26 Jan 1916, p. 9)Military Concert, Melbourne Town Hall, 25th January 1916. 4 page program illustrated on the cover with an image of Australian troops landing at Gallipoli. Also included are the coats of arms of the Australian States at the time. The insert (Image 2016.0461a) includes details of the performances and performers. The best known of the performers at the concert was Horace Stevens.first world war (1914-18), gallipoli, military concerts -- melbourne -- 1914-1918

Photos show the Legatees and widows marching along St Kilda Road past the Melbourne Concert Hall behind a bagpipe band - it was Widows' Sunday when there is a service at the Shrine for the Legacy Widows. An article in The Answer newsletter in September 1993 mentions that the Legatees and widows set off from St Pauls Cathedral in a 'Pilgrimage to the the Shrine' behind the Hawthorn City Pipe Band. There may be more photos and a proof sheet still to come. It is assumed to be 1993 Widows Sunday as Legatee John Stevenson is in the front row, he was president in 1993 which was Legacy's 70th Anniversary. (NB It is not Anzac Day 1993 as that is shown at 00021 when the Legatees marched behind a 70th Anniversary banner).A record of a march to the Shrine by Legatees and Widows for Widows Sunday.Black and white photo x 2 of a march past the Melbourne Concert Hall.Marked B7 and B8 in blue pen, which are the frame numbers from a B proof sheet but its whereabouts isn't known.widows, 70th anniversary, widows' sunday, pilgrimage

A regular event for the widows was a concert by the Police Band at the Melbourne Town Hall. Held in March each year, it was originally at the Fitzroy Gardens but moved to the Town Hall in 1995. The photos show the widows enjoying the music and performers, including an Elvis impersonator (Brian Carbery) and singer Constable Julie Leder. Widow Elsie Longstaff is in a photo with Music Director, Inspector Mike Pyne.A record of regular events for widows to attend and enjoy together.Colour photo x 14 of a Police band concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1995 and an article in the Answer.widows, answer, concert, police band

A regular event for the widows was a concert by the Police Band, 'Off Beat' at the Melbourne Town Hall. Held in March each year, it was originally at the Fitzroy Gardens but moved to the Town Hall in 1995. The Victoria Police Pipe Band also played and used bagpipes. One performer dressed as Elvis (Brian Carbery). The photos show the widows enjoying the music and performers, and what appears to be the winner of a prize receiving a suitcase. One photo shows, from left to right: Legatee Peter Barden, L/- Saltmarsh, Joan Miller, L/- Dave Evans and L/- Ray Kean. One police performer appears in several photos and is Lindsay Robins. A record of regular events for widows to attend and enjoy together.Colour photo x 12 of a Police band concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1996 and an article in the Answer.widows, concert, activities, answer, police band

A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall. Often the performers were the RAAF Central Band. Held in December each year. The photos from 1994 show President Woodward presenting flowers to Gwen Gunn, Vera Lang and Irene Noll. Usually the concert was the time the Widows Clubs presented Legacy with funds raised through their fundraising each year - in this case $16,200 - and the president acknowledges with flowers. The article mentions that over 1,200 widows came together for the concert, and the RAAF Central Band was conducted by Sq. Ldr. Graham Lloyd, and Ivor Lloyd (ex POW from Changi) also performed. 01336.9 has Glad Cozens, in white top on left hand side, sitting with two other ladies.A record of regular events for widows to attend and enjoy together.Colour photo x 12 of a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1994 and an article in the Answer.widows, concert, christmas, answer, gwen gunn, raaf central band

A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall. The performers were the RAAF Central Band. Held in December each year. These photos were from a proof sheets 911202A and 911202B. The photos from 1991 show President Sullivan presenting flowers to Inez Bruce, Vera Lang and Joan Redmond. Usually the concert was the time the Widows Clubs presented Legacy with funds raised through their fundraising each year - in this case $14,000 - and the president acknowledges with flowers. The article mentions that over 2000 widow attended the 29th Annual Widows' Club Christmas Concert. The concert is a welcome highlight of the year, widows from Melbourne and country Victoria join together to sing carols and enjoy the music of the RAAF Central Band conducted by Squadron Leader Graham Lloyd. Special guest artist included Ivor Jones (a POW in Changi Prison). Proof sheet also shows Legatee Eddie Jowett singing and dancing with an audience member, he was a regular performer at singalong functions.A record of regular events for widows to attend and enjoy together.Black and white photo x 2 of a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1991, 2 x proof sheet and an article in the Answer.Proof sheet is marked 911202Bwidows, concert, christmas, activities, answer, raaf central band

A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall. The performers were the RAAF Central Band. Held in December each year. The photos from 1995 show President Millie presenting flowers to Inez Bruce, Gwen Gunn and Irene Noll. Usually the concert was the time the Widows Clubs presented Legacy with funds raised through their fundraising each year - in this case $21,000 - and the president acknowledges with flowers. The article mentions that over 1,800 widows came together for the concert despite the rain and bad weather. The RAAF Central Band was conducted by Sq. Ldr. Graham Lloyd, and Ivor Lloyd (ex POW from Changi) and singer Lisa Hugo also performed.A record of regular events for widows to attend and enjoy together.Colour photo x 8 of a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1995 and an article in the Answer.widows, concert, christmas, answer, raaf central band

A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall. The RAAF Central Band played for many years. Held in December each year. The photos show President Millie presenting flowers to Inez Bruce, Gwen Gunn and Irene Noll. Usually the concert was the time the Widows Clubs presented Legacy with funds raised through their fundraising each year - in this case $21,000 - and the president acknowledges with flowers. The article mentions that over 1,800 widows came together for the concert despite the rain and bad weather. The RAAF Central Band was conducted by Sq. Ldr. Graham Lloyd, and Ivor Lloyd (ex POW from Changi) and singer Lisa Hugo also performed. A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall, held in December each year. A record of regular events for widows to attend and enjoy together.Colour photo x 6 of a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1995 and an article in the Answer.widows, concert, christmas, answer, raaf central band

A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall. Often the performers were the RAAF Central Band. Held in December each year. The photos show President Ray Ward presenting flowers to Elaine Ward, Gwen Gunn and another lady. Usually the concert was the time the Widows Clubs presented Legacy with funds raised through their fundraising each year - in this case $15,500 - and the president acknowledges with flowers. The RAAF Central Band was conducted by Sq. Ldr. Graham Lloyd, and Rozanne Dew also performed. A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall. Often the performers were the RAAF Central Band. Held in December each year. A record of regular events for widows to attend and enjoy together.Colour photo of a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1996 and an article in the Answer.widows, concert, christmas, activities, answer

A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall. Often the performers were the RAAF Central Band. Held in December each year. The photos show President Swan with Inez Bruce and Vera Lang. Usually the concert was the time the Widows Clubs presented Legacy with funds raised through their fundraising each year - in this case $11,900. The RAAF Central Band was conducted by Sq. Ldr. Graham Lloyd, and trombone soloist Sergeant Mike Hawkins and Ivor Jones (ex POW from Changi) also performed. A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall. Often the performers were the RAAF Central Band. Held in December each year. A record of regular events for widows to attend and enjoy together.Colour photo x 2 of a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1992 and an article in the Answer.widows, concert, christmas, answer, raaf central band

A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall. Often the performers were the RAAF Central Band. Held in December each year. Usually the concert was the time the Widows Clubs presented Legacy with funds raised through their fundraising each year - in this case $12,100. The RAAF Central Band was conducted by Sq. Ldr. Graham Lloyd, and trombone soloist Sergeant Mike Hawkins and Ivor Jones (ex POW from Changi) also performed. The article shows Legatee Eddie Jowett with performers Ivor Jones and Margaret Nisbett. The RAAF Central Band had been involved with the concert for 31 years. A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall. Often the performers were the RAAF Central Band. Held in December each year. A record of regular events for widows to attend and enjoy together.Colour photo x 7 of a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1993 and an article in the Answer.widows, concert, activities, christmas, answer, raaf central band

A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall. The performers were the RAAF Central Band. Held in December each year. These photos are the same event as black and white photos and a proof sheet 911202A and 011202B (01335). One photo show President Sullivan presenting flowers to Inez Bruce, Vera Lang and Joan Redmond. Usually the concert was the time the Widows Clubs presented Legacy with funds raised through their fundraising each year - in this case $14,000 - and the president acknowledges with flowers. The article mentions that over 2000 widows attended the 29th Annual Widows' Club Christmas Concert. The concert is a welcome highlight of the year, widows from Melbourne and country Victoria join together to sing carols and enjoy the music of the RAAF Central Band conducted by Squadron Leader Graham Lloyd. Special guest artist included Ivor Jones (a POW in Changi Prison). Also Sgt. Mike Hawkins who had performed 19 times for Legacy. One photo includes Legatee Salty Saltmarsh who was the coordinator of events for widows. Another shows Legatee Eddie Jowett dancing with a widow in a white outfit. A record of regular events for widows to attend and enjoy together.Colour photo x 7 of a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1991 and an article in the Answer.widows, concert, activities, answer, raaf central band

A regular event for the widows was a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall. Held in December each year. The Band playing was the RAAF Central Band. Part of the event was the welcoming of the incoming President of Legacy. In 1993 President John Stevenson welcomed Allan Quayle. Unfortunately he was unable to take on the role and George Woodward became president in 1994 in his place (see 01902 01903).A record of regular events for widows to attend and enjoy together.Colour photo x 4 of a Christmas concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1993.widows, concert, activities, raaf central band

Photos of Legacy Widows at a function, possibly a Christmas Concert. There are numerous events throughout the year for the widows to attend and be part of. The summer outfits imply it might be a Christmas event. The names and date are unknown.A record of a event for the Legacy widows.Colour photo of widows at a concert.Printed on the back "

The Finn Koren Collection.B5 size booklet with blue cover. 12 pages. Program of the Grand Youth Concert, held in the Melbourne Concert Hall on the 1st September 1993. Williamstown High School music students and teachers performed.williamstown high school, music, 1993, aydin abdullah, jamila brogan, shaun murray, george smpyrakis, christopher brown, lucette cordell, kylie sperling

The Finn Koren CollectionThe Finn Koren Collection.B5 size booklet with brick red cover. Program for the Grand Youth Concert held at Melbourne Concert Hall in 1992. Williamstown High School participated in the event through the soul band The Wet Reeds and also several students were part of the Combined Secondary School Concert Band.williamstown high school, music, performances, 1992, grand youth concert, the wet reeds, aicha brogan, jamila brogan, naomi cordell, tong lee, johnny wong

Photos of march of Legatees / returned servicemen past Melbourne Concert Hall, assumed to be an ANZAC Day parade. Names and date unknown.A record of Legatees marching on ANZAC Day.Colour photo of men marching past the Concert Hall in St Kilda Road.anzac day, march

Programme for September 1985 Legacy Week 'A Legacy Night to Remember' concert at Melbourne Concert Hall on September 2, 1985. Photos in programme of the following: Australian Jazz Band, Barry Crocker, Simon Gallaher, Rolf Harris, Anne & Johnny Hawker's Band, Colleen Hewett, Jackie Love, Paul Martelle, 3rd Military District 'Redcoats'. Special guest compere - Daryl Somers. Photos of the evening at are 01412.Example of program from major Legacy fundraising event during Legacy Week.Programme for a Legacy concert. White paper with blue and black printing. Contains photographs of famous Australians who supported Legacy. Two inserts on blue and yellow paper.legacy promotion, fundraising, concert, gala performance

Promotional poster for September 1985 Legacy Week 'A Legacy Night to Remember' concert at Melbourne Concert Hall on September 2, 1985. Photos on poster include: Australian Jazz Band, Barry Crocker, Simon Gallaher, Rolf Harris, Anne & Johnny Hawker's Band, Colleen Hewett, Jackie Love, Paul Martelle, 3rd Military District 'Redcoats'. Special guest compere - Daryl Somers. Photos of the evening are at 01412.Example of publicity material for major Legacy fundraising event during Legacy Week.White paper with blue, black and red printing, promoting a concert being held for Legacy.legacy promotion, fundraising, gala performance, concert

According to the paper label "Over 300 Legatees participated in the ANZAC Day march commemorating Legacy's 70th Anniversary." The photo shows the Legatees marching along St Kilda Road past the Melbourne Concert Hall. (See also 00754, 00755, 00788). Some of these photos were published in the May edition of The Answer. The article mentioned that the Anzac Day Commemoration Council allowed Legacy to march as a contingent because of Legacy's 70th Anniversary. President John Stevenson led the contingent of over 300 Legatees. All of the marchers received a sprig of rosemary as a gift from Legacy (and thanks to the widows that prepared them). See also 00021 for the photo of President Stevenson and the banner.A record of a Anzac Day march to commemorate the 70th Anniversary.Black and white photo of Anzac Day March 1993.Marked A6, in blue pen, which is the frame number from the A proof sheet (00754.1)70th anniversary, anzac day, answer, march

According to the paper label "Over 300 Legatees participated in the ANZAC Day march commemorating Legacy's 70th Anniversary." Photos show the Legatees marching along St Kilda Road past the Melbourne Concert Hall, and two veterans talking at the Shrine - one of whom is wearing an OBE medal. (See also 00754 and 00755). Some of these photos were published in the May edition of The Answer. The article mentioned that the Anzac Day Commemoration Council allowed Legacy to march as a contingent because of Legacy's 70th Anniversary. President John Stevenson led the contingent of over 300 Legatees. All of the marchers received a sprig of rosemary as a gift from Legacy (and thanks to the widows that prepared them). See also 00021 for the photo of President Stevenson and the banner. Legatee Jack Holmes was identified in the 8th row on far left in a hat.A record of a Anzac Day march to commemorate the 70th Anniversary.Black and white photo x 3 of Anzac Day March 1993.Marked A6, A14, and A30 in blue pen, which are the frame numbers from the A proof sheet (00754.1)70th anniversary, anzac day, answer, march

These are photos of a Melbourne Legacy charity concert, which is possibly it is the concert in September 1985. Photos of singers and performers during the concert also guests and some performers afterwards. According to a programme stored at 00056, 'A Legacy Night to Remember' concert was at Melbourne Concert Hall, some of the performers were Barry Crocker, Simon Gallaher, Rolf Harris, Anne & Johnny Hawker's Band, Colleen Hewett, Jackie Love, Paul Martelle, 3rd Military District 'Redcoats'. Special guest compere - Daryl Somers. One of the photos show a lady holding a programme saying 'National Australia Bank proudly supports The Melbourne Legacy Charity Concert' - so it might be a different concert but the same performers are present. 01412.6 shows Legatee J C Dean who was president in 1984. The photos came from a Legacy envelope marked "P3 Fund Raising" in red pen, with assorted photos of fundraising events, including appeal tins in different years and a charity concert, and a fundraising marathon run (some are items 00433 to 00438, 01410 to 01415).A record of a Legacy run event for fundraising in either 1984 or 1985.Black and white photo x 6 of a charity concert for Legacy and 3 proof sheets.Proof sheets are labelled 'Cassidy and Baker, 226 Coventry St, South Melbourne, 699 4000 / Neg: ' The negative numbers are '4663', 4664' and '4665'fundraising, concert, gala performance

Sanders was a well-known local potter who worked for a time with David Boyd at the Martin Boyd Pottery, before returning to Melbourne where he had some association with Arthur Boyd, at the pottery in Murrumbeena. Sanders set up a studio in Eltham in the early 1950s and made the first of a series of architectural ceramic murals with painter and print maker Lawrence Daws in 1956. After returning from his travels in Europe to Australia in 1964, he began to work solely on creating ceramic murals. Murals created during the second half of the 1960s and into the 70s can/could previously be found at Southland Shopping Centre in Cheltenham, Melbourne (1968) - now demolished, the National Mutual Centre, Melbourne (1964-5) - now demolished, Dee Why Library, Sydney (1966), Woden Valley High School, ACT (1967), Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne (1969, 1970), Perth Concert Hall (1971) and University of Melbourne (1975) (with John Olsen). Sanders has worked with many of Australia’s pre-eminent painters and ceramicists including Fred Williams and John Olsen. In 2015 Nillumbik Shire Council will be installing a mural by Sanders, donated by Tom and his family before Tom passed away in 2009, for the redevelopment of the Eltham Town Square. During the 1970s Sanders produced a number of tapestry designs. Highly respected artist and one time local resident Hilary Jackman worked with Sanders developing and adapting his tile designs to be translated into silk tapestries that were made in Japanese Mills of Kawashima Orimono in Kyoto. They were displayed in the big Hall in the NGV. Sanders gave these tiles to Jackman as payment for her work. The tapestries are based on abstract designs and have a cotton warp, and silk weft. The tiles are similar to Sanders’ other mural works such as Wall of the Moon (Homage to Miro) and the mural located in the Perth Concert Hall. It’s clear that Sanders was inspired by the Spanish surrealist artist Joan Miro from the 1930s in both philosophy and style. Miro’s work is quite playful, symbolic and imaginative. Miro’s preference for painting like this was “to express contempt for conventional painting methods, which he saw was a way of supporting a bourgeois society”. He "famously declared an "assassination of painting" in favor of upsetting the visual elements of established painting.” Three earthenware tiles, embossed with an abstract linear design. N/A

Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection.Black and white publicity photograph of Robin Vanser (aka Robin Kelly nee Vandersluys) taken while performing in Sydney in 1965 by the photographer Greg Desmond, Ray Leighton Associates."1965, SYDNEY"robin vanser, perfoming arts - australia - 1960s, greg desmond (photographer), ray leighton associates - sydney - new south wales - australia (photographers)

Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection.Black and white publicity photograph of Robin Vanser (aka Robin Kelly nee Vandersluys) taken while performing in Sydney in 1965 by the photographer Greg Desmond, Ray Leighton Associates.PHOTOGRAPHED BY GREG DESMOND RAY LEIGHTON ASSOCIATES 278294-272231robin vanser, perfoming arts - australia - 1960s, greg desmond (photographer), ray leighton associates - sydney - new south wales - australia (photographers)

Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection.Colour publicity photograph of Robin Vanser (aka Robin Kelly nee Vandersluys) taken while performing in Sydney in 1965 by the photographer Greg Desmond, Ray Leighton Associates.robin vanser, perfoming arts - australia - 1960s, greg desmond (photographer), ray leighton associates - sydney - new south wales - australia (photographers)

Robin Kelly was born Robin Vandersluys in Mary Street, Kew. As a child, she sang in backyard concerts run with her brother, Leslie. The family moved to Deepdene in 1949 and Robin joined church and school choirs. Later she was to study classical singing with Stella Power, modern singing with Jack White, TV Presentation with Natalie Raine of Crawford Productions and acting/singing with Jessie Matthews. Following her victory in a talent quest at the Orama Ballroom, she was invited to join the Orama Big Band with singers Harry Cox and Arlene Forrest. She also sang with the Kerm Jones Jazz Band at Power House and with Frank Johnson's Jazz Band at Jazz Junction. Robin became resident band vocalist at the historic Federal Hotel in Collins Street with the Rudi Laquer Trio. She also sang at The Savoy Plaza with the George Cadman Trio. A year later she became resident vocalist at the Ress Oriental Hotel with the Lennie Holmes Trio. Later, Robin married pianist Peter Jones, singing under the name 'Robin Vanser' in clubs in Sydney and regional New South Wales. She was booked for a Vietnam War tour and also sang in Tahiti. Returning to Melbourne, her agent booked her to appear in shows in Tasmania including West Point Casino and Melbourne country venues. Another agent, John Bishop, booked her to do floor shows in Melbourne, including Xmas Seasons at the Hampton Hotel where she entertained audiences with her comedy and audience participation routines. In 1971, Robin Kelly retired to run her Robin Hood Antiques business in Canterbury, during which time she was married to tenor Glenn Kelly. Later she joined Sing Australia Camberwell Choir, performing as a soloist at their Melbourne Town Hall Concert.The Vandersluys-Kelly Collection of photographs, costumes and musical performance memorabilia was donated to the Kew Historical Society by Robin Denise Kelly in 2018. The collection is an important record of stage and recorded performances in Australia in the second half of the 20th century. This new nationally-focused and artistically significant collection augments and contextualises the local performing arts materials in our collection.Colour photograph of Robin Vanser (aka Robin Kelly nee Vandersluys) taken while performing at Hawthorn Town Hall in 1995."6 PCE. 1995. HTC HAW. T. HALL / 1995"robin vanser, performing arts - australia - 1990s, hawthorn town hall