Parry CollectionOld Time Dances, Charity Ball Memorabilia and War Savings Stamp Folder a. Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival Gala Charity Ball, Eaglehawk Town Hall Friday March 19th 1982, judges names and program, small yellow printed folder. b. Bendigo Old Time Dance Club first old time ball program at the Spring Gully Hall 1976 with the Merrymakers Orchestra. Blue folded program. c. Spring Gully Debutante Ball 1978 white and purple coloured program. d. Invitation to the Dedication of the Bendigo Seventh Day Adventist Church. e. Invitation Envelope f. War Saving Stamps folder contains one six pence stamp. history, bendigo, old time dances, war saving stamps, merle lummis collection

First published in 1932 and designed to fit into an average sized pocket for easy reference, this booklet was published in response to an upswing in the popularity of old time dances and reels. The fourth edition was published in 1937 and the 7th Edition was published in 1944. Robertson and Mullens , publishing company was formed in 1922 by the merger of George Robertson and Company and Melville and Mullen. Mullen and Robertson were friends who had immigrated from Scotland together and had initially set up separate bookselling and publishing businesses. The business operated out of 107-113 Elizabeth St., Melbourne and was delisted as a public company in 1960.A photocopy of Mullens Old Time Dance Guide on white paper with black text featuring an illustration of a man and a woman dancing in formal attire. The reverse side features a description of how the dances were to be performed. The publishers of the guide were Robertson and Mullens of Melbourne.emu creek bush band, australian colonial dance, old time dance guide

The dance was held on Friday 8th November 1985 at the Port Melbourne Town Hall to celebrate the wind up of Victoria's 150th anniversary celebrations. Cost of admission was $5.00 which included a light supper. White admission ticket with green printing for a 'Grand Old Time Dance' at the Port Melbourne Town Hall.celebration - ball, local government - city of port melbourne, victoria 150 anniversary, port melbourne town hall

The dance guide contains set dances, the Alberts, the First Set; the Lancers, the Fitzroys, the Valetta where couples dance side by side), the Schottische, and the Two Step, prepared by "M.C.". Mullens' "Old Time" Dance Guide. 7th edition. 6d. Robertson and Mullens; Melbourne (Vic); nd. 2p. Soft cover.mullens'; dance guide;

White writing paper with Bendigo Old Time Dance Club printed 7cm from the top of the page. Beside the name is a lady and a man dancing and underneath is President and Secretary.person, individual, peter ellis oam, peter ellis collection, stationary, bendigo old time dance club

The Merry Country Dance, a description and social history of colonial and old time dance and music, published by the Bush dance and music club of Bendigo and district with black & white photographs and illustrations.Peter Ellisperforming arts, elocution, bush dancing, dance, music, musical instruments.

Note from Frances Warren. 'The Dance Card really belonged to George, I think perhaps he did try to learn to dance. Didn't like it very much. Probably about 1935. We didn't have dance cards we just knew the dances and the sets and the Alberts were great fun. With the sets you had to swing and change your partners. If the partners were tall they just had to lift their arms a bit and you were off your feet and around you would go. Great fun.Yellow card folded into thirds Called 'Old Time' Dance Guide x Mullens 5th Edition 6d. Seven set dances. Three Round Dances, Valetta, Schottische, Two Step Printed instructions for these dances.documents, programmes

Photograph - black and white. Sailor's Set from Epsom Reading Rooms (now Antiques shop). Mary Bourke (nee Dixon) - top middle, Scottish, Irish, Old Time Dancing. Photo's from Peter Ellis.sailor's set, epsom., mary bourke (dixon). sailor's set.

White Bendigo Old-Time Dance Club Birthday Old-Time Ball Programme held at the Eaglehawk RSL Hall on Friday March 11th 1977. Music by Moores Orchestra. On the inside is the names of 26 dances and spaces to write partner's name. Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Fred Richter.entertainment, dance, dance cards, peter ellis collection, bendigo old-time dance club, eaglehawk rsl hall, moores orchestra, fred richter

A programme from the Bendigo Old-Time Dance Club at the Spring Gully Hall on 14/05/1976 featuring the Merrymakers Orchestra. On the inside is a list of order of dances. Printed on blue card with navy blue text. The front features a drawing of a man and a lady in formal attire dancing together.emu creek bush band, bush ball programme, merrymakers orchestra, bendigo old-time dance club

Organised by Peter Ellis and Shirley Andrews following on for the National Folk Festival in Melbourne. It featured old time dances and folk dances MC'd by Peter Ellis.A program from the Grand Colonial Ball at the Woodville Town Hall in South Australia on pale orange card with brown text. The card features a couple dancing in a frame that reads Adelaide Colonials. The bands playing were the Gawler Town Band and Enfield City Band. Year unspecified. Card is folded in half to make a booklet. On the inside is a list of the dances.emu creek bush band, adeliade colonials, gawler town band, enfield city band, woodville, australian colonial dance

White coloured card with black, green and red typeOld Time Music, Dancing, Dinner, Entertainment. Dress - Formal Louge Suit or Costume of Period. Tickets $25 Single

The National Folk Festival was first held in Melbourne in 1967 and thereafter was held in various cities throughout Australia. In 1992 it became a permanent fixture in Canberra and is held each year over Easter. 1. Colin Silk was born in Geelong 31/1/1920 and developed his interest in Old Time Dancing in his early teens. He and his wife moved to Bendigo in 1946 where they both continued their love of dance, also becoming teachers. Colin was responsible for the building of the Lockwood Sth. Hall in 1966 and the Sutton Grange Hall. He and Harry Wiegard MC'd dances at Lockwood for 40 years. He died 10/8/2011. 2. Henry (Harry) Wiegard, (1918 - 8/10/2002) began dancing as a young man primarily at the St Killians Hall in Bendigo. He also travelled to Melbourne to undertake more advanced training in Old Time Dances. He MC'd and called dances throughout the district for over 20 years.A country music dance program from the Canberra Folk Festival in 1995. The program is printed on pale blue card with black text and features an illustration of a man and a woman dancing. on the reverse side is a list of dances. The Masters of Ceremonies were Colin Silk and Harry Wiegard and the band was the Gay Charmers from Northern Victoria.emu creek bush band, australian colonial dance, canberra folk festival, gay charmers band, colin silk, harry wiegard

Green covered history of dances, The Dance Program, Musical Forms and Dance Examples and Celtic Music Forms. Dance Programs include the Eighteenth Century, the Nineteenth Century, the Twentieth Century, the 50/50 Dance, the Old Time Dance the New Vogue Dance, Decline of the Set Dance, the Contemporary Program and Old Time and New Vogue and musical time signatures. Collected by Peter N Ellis and dated 23 June 1992. On the front are sketches of two emus playing musical instruments and a koala and a wombat dancing. The name Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc. is printed on a banner below the illustration.clubs, music, bush dance & music club of bendigo, peter ellis collection, bush dance & music club of bendigo, john williams, peter n ellis, michael treacy

Bendigo Old Time Dance Club Inc. President F. Richter, Hon Secretary Mrs L.L. Taylor. Printed on yellow paper with green letters. Top right hand side: ticket No. 340. Under the heading on the left: thank you for attending this, our endorsed Bicentennial Old Time Ball held at Strathdale Community Centre, Bendigo Saturday, June 11th, 1988. Continuous dancing to music by Premiers Orchestra and Organist Leon McGlashen. Dancing 8 pm to 1.30 am. Sashes: four sections of Bicentennial Sashes, Matron, Junior Matron, Star and Belle. Best Lady - Best Gent. Prize for the Beau of the Ball. On the right hand side the Programme from: Foxtrot, Swing Waltz, Progressive Barn Dance, Lucille Waltz, Merrylin, Tracy Leigh, Tangoette, Le Gaye Waltz, Foxtrot M.C., Alpha, Gypsy Tap, Melba Blues, Twilight Waltz, Joyette, Dorothea, Carousel.entertainment, dance, bendigo old time dance club

Charles Henry (Harry) McQueen (1910-1994) married Olive May Graham in 1935. He was a butcher by trade (McQueen's Butchers, Castlemaine). He was a pioneer of accordion dance music and was mentored by Billy McGlashan. He played by ear and his preferred instrument was a Mezon Grand Organ in the key of A. He played old time waltzes, bush dances and Scottish reels. He was well known for his double and triple right hand fingering. From 1940-1977 he led "McQueen's Old Time Band" and recorded their music.A biography written by Adrienne Losin about an old time musician and accordian player named Harry McQueen (1910-1994)harry mcqueen, old time dance music, accordian music

A4 sheet white printer paper with 8 newspaper clippings glued on. Handwritten note reads: Death notices for Peter Ellis - Bendigo Advertiser Wed 20th - Saturday 23rd May 2015. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter OAM. Our college community pays tribute to Peter, a highly respected former staff member and ex-student. He was a highly valued and supportive colleague, mentor and friend. Peter will be remembered for his wealth of scientific knowledge, his love of the natural environment and his contribution to the local and state Lab Technicians Associations. - Principal, staff and Students of Bendigo Senior Secondary College. City of Greater Bendigo. Ellis- Peter. A gentle man with a wonderful passion for Greater Bendigo's natural, built and musical heritage, Peter will be greatly missed by the Greater Bendigo Heritage Advisory Committee. He willingly shared his love and knowledge of the rich and unique heritage around us. Ellis - Peter Nicolaus OAM. You went so quickly. I will miss our trips to Festivals doing crosswords on the way. My sympathy to both families and Brian a great mate to the last. A void impossible to fill. - Mary Smith. Ellis- Peter OAM. A tribute to our intrepid band leader of 34 years who took us on an unforgettable musical journey of preserving and teaching the traditions of dance and music to old and young throughout Australia. You are irreplaceable ' Dirty Pierre' - Past and present members of the celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band. Ellis - Peter OAM. Founder and leader of Emu Creek Bush Band. Australia's largest collector of dancing history. A great friend taken far too young. Au revoir 'Dirty Pierre' - John and Sue Williams. Ellis - Peter OAM. Thanks Pete, you introduced me to a life of extraordinary experiences, amazing friendships, dance and music. We did have some fun. - Marg Hogan. Ellis - Peter. We are so saddened by your passing. Your music and great sense of humour will remain with us. - Wedderburn Old Timers Band. Ellis - Peter. A friend of many years. We will remember your warmth, humour and tireless pursuit to preserve the Natural Environment of Bendigo. Your love and knowledge of the Bendigo Flora was inspirational. - Mary and Patrick Ward. Ellis- Peter. A music and dance man with a warm appreciation and encouragement of diverse talent. - Winzar boys. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter. Greatly respected and loved by his many friends in the traditional music and dance movement across Australia. His achievements were many and he will be missed. - The Traditional Social Dance Association of Victoria. Ellis - Peter. The Bendigo Historical Society is saddened at the passing of fine musician and friend Peter Ellis. - Committee and members, Bendigo Historical Society. Ellis- Peter. A talented musician and long time friend who was always willing to help us. - Members of Euro fest Choir and Inc. Ellis - Peter. Friend and neighbour, nature's gentleman at rest. Sincere sympathy to Robyn, Rick, Ryan and Doug. - Judy Monti. Ellis- Peter OAM Fond memories of 28 years with the band. Sadly Missed. - Stan and Heather Symes. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter OAM Pete, a much loved friend of many years. We fondly remember your knowledge, humour and those great times together, especially in the bush. Deeply missed. - Rob and Glen Moors. Death Notices. Ellis- Peter. Fond memories, so sadly missed. Keep playing your music Peter. Loved cousin Cheryl and families. Ellis -Peter. Loved cousin of Sandra and Phil Jubber and families. Deeply Missed. Ellis - Peter. A long term member of the Bendigo Field Naturalist Club. Deepest sympathy to his friends, he will be sadly missed by all. Ellis - Peter. Leader of the 'Celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band' Memories of lots of great times playing and travelling all over. We learned so much about dancing and music and it just won't be the same. - Don and Julie. Ellis - Peter. Much loved friend, dancer and band leader. - Dianne and Doug Pearse. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter. Peter, you gave so much laughter and happiness to many, many people through your lovely nature and your brilliant music to listen to and dance to. You have left a legacy of music, books and dance as well as unforgettable memories. Rest in peace. - Diana Austin. Death Notices Ellis Peter 27/3/1946 - 18/5/2015 Formerly of Emu Creek Bush Band and the Wedderburn Old Timers). Passed away suddenly at Bendigo Hospice. Loved son of Joan and Allan Nielsen (both Dec). Loving brother of Robyn and Doug. Brother-in-law of Rick and Uncle of Ryan and the extended family. Let the music play on… For Funeral arrangements see later edition. Death Notices. Ellis - Peter Nicolaus O.A.M. Suddenly. An inaugural member of the Bush Dance and Music Club and the Emu Creek Bush Band. A much loved friend, dance instructor and musician. Very generous with his time and knowledge. Passionate collector of dance music and old time dances. Will be sadly missed by all who knew him. - Devastated dance members. Ellis- Peter. OAM 27/3/46 - 18/5/15 Passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Much loved and irreplaceable brother, cousin and uncle to the Lilford, Datson, Burns, Shaw and Kitch families. You enriched our lives. No words can express how much we will miss you. Ellis Pierre (Peter) You were as much a father to me as an uncle. I never told you that or how much I looked up to you. You will be sadly missed - Boswald ( Ryan). Ellis - Peter. We are going to miss our Monday night dinners before rehearsal. A lover of fine wine, good food and great music. Pierre, our Maestro and fearless band leader, we will miss the sound of your squeeze box and your passion for the music. - Paul and Alida Robinson, Emu Creek Bush Band. Ellis - Peter. A close friend colleague, musician, authority on native plants and colonial music researcher. An enormous influence in preserving early Australian dance and dance music. We will all miss you Pete. - Jill and Graeme Balaam. Funeral Notices Ellis. A service of thanksgiving for the life of the late Mr Peter Nicolaus Ellis will be held at the Mulqueen Family Chapel, 15-25 Bridge street, Bendigo on MONDAY (May 25) at 11.00am. A private cremation will follow. Tributes can be left at www.heavenaddress.com Mulqueen Family 15-25 Bridge street, Bendigo Est. 1853 5443 4455.person, individual, peter ellis oam

3 Page Letter printed on A4 printer paper. Bearing the letterhead of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. Postal Address Secretary PO Box 922 Bendigo 3552 Telephone number (03) 5442 1153 email [email protected] Mark Maddock Case Officer Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat Government house Canberra ACT 2600 28th February 2011. Dear Mark, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak for Peter Ellis. We know Peter to be a worthy candidate for the award and I think that most people that know him would agree. I had been putting together a nomination for Peter that was suggested by a couple at our club meeting on a night when Peter was not present. Everyone felt that he should have recognition for all the work that he has done and it was unanimously voted on. I was given the job. As someone else has beaten me to it I now can speak for him on my own behalf and in my role as secretary of the Bush Dance & Music Club Inc. Peter Ellis is a very good friend of mine and I have known him since April 1975 when we met at a Saturday night dance. At that time there was a small group of us that went around the dances. We would go 100kms to find dances that were not on the average programme, dances such as The Lancers, Albert's, Waltz Cotillion and lots of Polkas. We bemoaned the fact that they appeared to be dying out in the Towns and Cities so we tried to get the Bendigo Old Time Dance Club of which we were members, to introduce these dances on to the programme, but they were not interested. After a lot of discussion Peter, Maurie Rayner, myself and several others decided to start our own dance club where we could do the dances that we liked, and to endeavour to keep them alive. We formed the Sandhurst Dance Club in June 1979 (renamed ten years later as the Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc.) In 1981 Peter made two attempts to form a band for the club and in 1983 the 'Celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band' was born, with Peter as the leader. Later Peter set up a junior section of the Emu Creek Band and some of these children grew up to become competent musicians and leaders of their own bands/Groups. Peter's friendship with the late Harry McQueen of Castlemaine led to and increased knowledge of the dances, calls for the sets and the various tunes used. Peter joined the Wedderburn Old Timers Orchestra in late 1979 and travelling around Victoria and interstate with them was of immense help in learning to MC dances, call sets acoustically and in collecting new 'old dances' and tunes. He met elderly MC's who gave him information on the way that they ran the dances in the old days. It was also an introduction to playing items at concerts and in reviving much of the old traditions of the bush. Demand for the tunes for dances led to Peter compiling a series of three books called 'Collectors Choice' which were published by the Victorian Folk Music Club in 1986, 1987 and 1988. 1988 was a very busy year for Peter and The Emu Creek Bush Band as they recorded two double music tapes for the club 'The Merry Country Dance' and 'The Waltz the Polka and all Kinds of Dancing' which were in much demand at the time. Also in 1988 he collaborated with the late Shirley Andrews and they co-authored the book 'Two Hundred Dancing Years and how to celebrate them with a Colonial Ball' for the Bicentennial of 1988. this publication, was instigated by the Government backed Bicentenary Committee, and distributed free to every municipality in Australia. In 1996 The Emu Creek Bush Band and Peter recorded and produced a single CD called a Friday night at 'The Spring Valley Hop'. In 1998 The Bush Dance & Music Club again happily agreed to financially back Peter to produce a series of CDs. The first thing he did was to revive and update the 1988 music tapes for CD. The first of the Qadrille Mania series of double CDs with companion call books was launched in 1999 then in 2000 and 2001. then the triple CD called The Waltz Polka & all kinds of Dances in 2002 followed by the Merry Country Dance CDs in 2005, 2006 and 2007. There were six double CDs and one triple CD produced which was a major undertaking that went on for eight years. The CDs have a great many tunes that Peter collected over the years mixed in with well known tunes and there are very few repeats. During this time we applied for a Grant from the Victorian Government to publish a book on the social History of country dances and dance instructions with Peter as the author. We were successful and published it in 2005. Our CDs and book have all been lodged with the National Library of Canberra as has all Peter's sheet music, boxes of it, as well as everything he has produced. At the 2005 Canberra National Folk Festival, at a meeting of collectors, it was stated that Peter has the largest collection of dance related material in the National Library. Peter compiled and produced his own project a triple CD called 'Take Me Back to Bendigo' in 2002. 2006 Peter and Emu Creek Bush Band produced another single CD 'Bush Concert Vol one Back to Goornong'. 2008 A pet project of Peter's was compiling and producing a double CD for the Wedderburn Old Timers it was of all the recorded material performed by them at concerts and taped by friends and fans. It was funded by Gavan Holt a son of the late Lindsay Holt an original 'Old Timer'. Recent publications are a book mainly music 'Music Makes Me Smile' a tribute to Con Klippel and the music of the Nariel Valley near Corryong Victoria. Peter Ellis & Harry Gardner 1998. The Waltz, The Polka & All Kinds of Dancing' a sheet music book for musicians supported by the Folk Song & Dance Society of Victoria. 2007-8 not sure of year. Peter has been involved over the years in collecting music and dance by himself and also with Rob Willis and the late John Meredith for the National Library in Canberra. He is continually asked for information and to write articles for people and to verify points re dance and music. He corresponds with like minded people overseas and frequently goes off to Folk Festivals all over the country, usually running dance classes, musician's workshops or just playing for dances. He is an excellent musician and plays Piano, Button Accordion, Concertina, Mouth Organ, Tin Whistle, Ukulele, Spoons and the Bones. He is regarded as one of Australia's foremost collectors and presenters of Australian traditional dance tunes, dances and some musical instruments. Over the years I have heard him referred to as the Guru of folk dance and music. Peter lives and breathes for this passion of his and always has several irons in the fire. He is a life member of The Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc. The Victorian Folk Music Club, and The Bendigo Field Naturalists Club. He was a recipient of the David Squance Award in 1994 presented by the Folk Song & Dance Society of Victoria. Over the last twelve months for the folk magazine 'Trad & Now' he has written articles on the old dances and music and this is an ongoing project. This has led to our clubs present project which is the filming of the dances to be shown on UTube as it is referred to in the magazine. This involves members in hours and hours of practising the dances then filming them, and all with Peter's expert teaching and watchful eye on everyone. The Bush Dance & Music Club are and always have been behind Peter wholeheartedly in everything that he does and we are extremely proud of what he has achieved. His drive and enthusiasm for the preservation of music and dance is catching. People like Peter are absolutely necessary in finding and preserving our Australian Heritage, without them it would be lost forever and Australia would be a great deal poorer for it. The Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. and I fully support this nomination for an award as he is truly deserving of it. Yours sincerely Mary E Smith. Secretary of the Bush Dance & Music Club Inc. Peter's Timeline. 1979 A Foundation Member of the Bush Dance & Music Club of Bendigo Inc. 1979 Joined the Wedderburn Old Timers Orchestra. 1983 The Celebrated Emu Creek Bush Band was formed. 1986 Collectors Choice. Volume one. 1987 Collectors Choice. Volume Two. 1988 Collectors Choice. Volume Three. 1988 Recorded Tapes - The Merry Country Dance & The Waltz Polka & all Kinds of Dances. 1988 A book with the late Shirley Andrews called Two Hundred years of Dancing. 1991 Across to Perth collecting for National Library with the Late John Meredith. 1996 Single CD A Friday Night at the Spring Gully Hop. 1998 Music Makes Me Smile. A tribute to Con Klippel 7 music of the Nariel Valley. 1999 Double CD Quadrille Mania 1&2 2000 Double CD Quadrille Mania 3&4 2001 Double CD Quadrille Mania 5&6 2002 His own project triple CD Take Me Back To Bendigo. (Goldrush to Federation and Beyond). 2002 Triple CD The Waltz The Polka & All kinds of Dances. 2005 Double CD The Merry Country Dance 1 & 2. 2002 Book, The Merry Country Dance. 2006 Single CD with Emu Creek 'Bush Concert Vol 1 Back to Goornong' 2006 Double CD The Merry Country Dance 3&4 2007 Double CD The Merry Country Dance 5&6 2007-8-? A book of music, The Waltz, The Polka & All Kinds of Dances. 2008 Double CD The Wedderburn Old Timers in Concert.person, individual, peter ellis oam

Newspaper cutting from Bendigo Advertiser, dated Saturday, December 3, 1988 - Page 14. Photo on left is captioned: ABOVE: John Meredith and Peter Ellis prepare traditional dance music for the National Library archives. Top right picture is captioned: ABOVE: Peter Ellis plays and 80-year-old celluloid penny whistle. Ellis' 'Collector's Choice' will be launched today at the National Trust chambers in View St at 3 pm. LEFT: Peter Ellis demonstrates the one string fiddle and collection of various instruments. Article reads: Duo's work an insight to music over the years. Local musical identity and Australian social dance authority Peter Ellis, co-author of the Bicentennial publication 200 Dancing Years, has completed his series on dance music entitled 'Collector's Choice'. Noted Australian folklorist John Meredith will launch volume three of Collector's Choice today at the National Trust chambers in View St at 3 pm. A photographic display by John Meredith can be seen at the chambers between 2pm and 5pm. The display is called Pioneers of Performers and it exhibits a cross section of traditional musicians from all over Australia. Fifty superb black and white toned prints will also be on display. John Meredith is one of Australia's foremost folklorists and has many publications to his credit including Folk Songs of Australia, Frank the Poet and The Wild Colonial Boy. Peter and John have just returned from the third national folklore conference in Canberra. Collector's Choice has more than 300 popular tunes written in a clear single melody line with guitar chords provided. Forty different dances are represented with music including the Pride of Erin, Parma Waltz, Evening Three-step, Swing Waltz, Barn Dance, Progressive Jive and Old Time Medley. A detailed introduction provides handy advice on choice, presentation and suitable tunes plus historical details on the evolvement of colonial, modern ballroom, old time and new vogue dances and music. Illustrations on the social history of the bands and individual musicians can be found throughout the book. Bendigo bands of old which are illustrated including Cyril Sawyer's Swingsters. As part of the launch the Sandhurst Dance Club will host a free dance from 8pm at the Marong Public Hall.Bendigo advertiserperson, individual, peter ellis oam

4 page A4 printed document. Achievements of Peter Ellis (for consideration for the Order of Australia) Peter is regarded as one of the leading collectors and presenters of traditional dance tunes, dances and musical instruments in Australia. At the 2005 National Folk Festival it was announced by Robyn Holmes that he has the largest selection of dance related material collected in the National Library Archives in Canberra. Peter has been collecting for many years and has collected with the late John Meredith (AM), Shirley Andrews (AM), Rob Willis and Dave Di Santi amongst others. Peter has literally travelled Australia collecting over the past thirty years. He has extensive field recordings from Western Australia and Tasmania in addition to his Victorian collection, for example. Most of his recording has been in North Western and Central Victoria. Peter collected a lot of his material from Harry McQueen ( Castlemaine), which led to a double CD of Harry's music. Harry had played in dance bands for over sixty years in Central Victoria. Harry had a number of tunes from Bill McGlashan who had taken Harry under his wing as a young man. Through Peter's efforts much valuable material and knowledge from almost a century ago was saved for posterity. Founder, Charter member and life member of the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo. Life Member of the Victorian Folk Music Club. Recipient of the Graham Squance award (for the person who has done the most to promote folk dance and music in Victoria)) from the Folk Song and Dance Society of Victoria. Member of the famous Wedderburn Old Timers Band for over twenty-eight years (two platinum and several gold recordings in that time). Founder and leader of the Emu Creek Bush Band (twenty-nine years old in 2010) Emu Creek has made many CDs of dance music as listed. Friday Night at the Spring Gully Hop, Three double CDs called 'Quadrille Mania' which contain many rare dances and tunes which have been learnt and recorded, under Peter's guidance, so they would not be lost to posterity. A triple CD called 'Take Me Back To Bendigo' with heritage songs and music from the Gold Rush to Federation (solely organised and financed by Peter) These CDs show the multicultural heritage in Bendigo and include music and groups from the Koorie, Chinese, Cornish, German, Irish, Italian, Scots, English and Welsh communities of Bendigo and district. Upon his recovery of costs Peter has handed over copyright to the Bendigo Community so future profits go back into the community. Three double CDs called 'The Merry Country Dance' with dances and tunes going back to the time of Governor Lachlan Macquarie's Ball in 1804. Most of the tracks are performed by Emu Creek Following much practice under Peter's tutelage. For further authenticity Peter liaised with other musicians to record some tracks which were revived from almost two hundred years ago and have now been recorded using the instruments of the time. A three volume set of Bush Concert recordings (Vol 1 Goornong (launched Australia Day 2006 with any profits going to the Soldier's Memorial Hall Committee), Vol 2 Heywood and Vol 3 Maldon/Sutton Grange, already recorded and to be released as money from other projects becomes available. NOTE: None of these CDs have led to any profit. All money raised is put back into the community and further heritage recordings, books and videos through the Bush Dance and Music Club of Bendigo Inc. In 2009 a full collection of all Peter's book and CDs was donated to the John Gorton Library as part of the recognition of the fifty year career of the Gay Charmers Dance Band from Lake Charm. 'Music of the Diggings' (4 tracks by Peter or Emu Creek). In addition the Emu Creek Band, under Peter's leadership, has appeared on a CD backing Bruce Watson on his song, 'The Old Bush Dance'. Emu Creek has performed at National Folk Festivals in four states and several times at the National Folk Festival in Canberra. They have also been mainstays of the Maldon Folk Festival for over twenty years as well as doing dance programs for the Port Fairy Folk Festival on two occasions. Peter has written and published many books related to traditional music and dance. These include Three volumes of 'Collectors Choice' which is musical notation for bush dances coupled with much dance history which would have been lost without Peter's efforts. 'Two Hundred Dancing Years - How to run a Colonial Ball: (co-authored with Shirley Andrews (A.M.), 'Music Makes Me Smile - The Music of the Nariel Valley' (co-authored with Harry Gardner). The Merry Country Dance' (292 pages) a companion to the three double CDs. He has also been a contributor to Verandah Music' authors Rob Willis and Graham Seal and 'The Oxford Companion to Australia Folklore' Ed Graham Seal. Peter is also a regular contributor to 'Trad and Now' Magazine. His latest completed book is titled 'The Merry Country Dance' and is over three hundred pages of social history, recipes and dance instructions. It was completed with the assistance of a Victorian Government Heritage Grant. The first edition sold out in only a few weeks. Peter has taught many children about old time musicianship through the junior bands which have functioned over the years with many children joining Emu Creek and then going on to follow their own musical inclinations. He has trained several young concertina and button accordion players over the years. Peter has been a regular tutor with Continuing Education in tin whistle, harmonica and old time dancing for many years. Peter has conducted workshops in music dance at National Folk Festivals in Perth, Alice Springs, Maleny, Melbourne, Adelaide, Kuranda and more recently at several Canberra National folk Festivals. He has also done this at Maldon for many years, Port Fairy, Glen Innes, Jamberoo and Kiama Festivals. For over thirty years Peter has been a guest player and MC for the dances at the Nariel Folk Festival (Australia's oldest continuing Folk Festival) Peter is very well known in the Corryong area as a collector and the co-author of the book, Music Makes Me Smile, about the Klippel/Simpson dynasty in the Nariel Creek Band. This book is currently being revised for re-issue as more material has come to light since the original publication. For many years Peter trained Debutante Sets in the Bendigo District. Peter was an instigator of the annual Dinki Di Ball held each September in Eaglehawk for the past thirteen years. At this ball three bands play for a quarter of the night and then join together for the final part of the evening. The bands are Emu Creek, The Wedderburn Old Timers and the Gay Charmers. Up to four hundred dancers, many in heritage costumes have attended this dance. The ball also pays tribute to, and involves, the old MC's. Through this example their skills have been passed down to a younger generation of MC's. All profits are returned to the Dance Club to foster our musical heritage. Each Ball includes presentations designed to promote social dancing in Australia. Over the years several young musicians have been presented with musical instruments at the Ball, libraries have been given copies of Peter's books and CDs and one year a keen young dancer was presented a pair of dancing shoes. Peter is a trained ballroom dancer and has gained gold medal status in this field. Peter is an accomplished musician and is one of Australia's foremost button accordion players. He is also highly accomplished on the tin whistle, bones and harmonica. He is the only exponent of the Swanee whistle that I have seen. Peter also plays the piano and ukulele. Thirty six years membership of the Bendigo Field Naturalists Club, Secretary in the 1970s and actively involved in campaigns to save Lake Pedder and establish the Whipstick and Kamarooka State Parks (now part of the Bendigo National Park). Peter was also extremely active in the establishment of the Salomon's Gully and Jackass Flat Flora Reserves in Bendigo which have now been saved for posterity. Peter has also been involved in efforts to save One Tree Hill and this area has now been included in the Greater Bendigo National Park. He has discovered and named new plant species in the Whipstick Forest and propagates Australian plants. Peter takes regular guided tours of interested people through the Whipstick each Spring on wild flower educational tours. He is a keen and gifted photographer of local plant species. Life member of the Bendigo Field Naturalists. Peter contributed text and photographs to their publication 'Wildflowers of Bendigo'. When the Victorian State Parliament had its first historical sitting outside Melbourne Emu Creek played during lunch for the guests and public. They have also played at functions such as the Centenaries of Federation, the Bendigo Post Office, the Shamrock Hotel and the opening of the new Melbourne Museum and the Federation Museum in Bendigo. The band regularly plays for Seniors week and at homes for the aged such as Bethlehem, Mirridong, Bignold Park, Bendigo Village and others. Peter has been instrumental in getting the band to play for fundraisers such as schools, scouts and environmental groups. The band plays many charitable 'gigs'. The band supports the Bendigo Easter Fair and the Eaglehawk Fair when able and has appeared in several parades over the years. The above list shows the invaluable contribution that Peter Ellis has made towards the collecting and distributing of Australia's musical and dance heritage. No one has done more than Peter in this area. He has also been active locally and nationally in his endeavours towads saving the natural environment. He has put many years of time and energy into both area's and has many on going projects in mind for the years ahead. The awarding of an honour from Australia would be just reward for a man who has preserved so much of our musical and dance heritage for future generations. Knowing Peter I have no doubt he would treasure such an honour as he has given so much to preserve Australia's music and dance heritage over most of his sixty plus years. Compiled by John Williams. Handwritten notes at bottom of last page reads: Referees Jacinta Allan MLA Steve Gibbons MHR Willie Carney ex Mayor of Bendigo Supporting letter Mary Smith Sec. Bush Dance + Music Club.person, individual, peter ellis oam

Kiewa Valley Line Dancers meet regularly to move in unison to music while standing in lines. There are certain moves that are memorised to the music creating the effect of everyone moving together while facing one direction and dancing on their own. Line dancing has been around for a long time possibly originating from round & square dancing in the 1800s. In the 1990s country western music was influenced by the popularity of line dancing. Then ballroom rhythms and technique took line dancing to the next level. Line dancing reached Europe and in 2008 gained the attention of the French government. Line dancers dance to most styles of music and is popular throughout the world.This shirt belonged to Lorna Reid who lived in Tawonga in the Kiewa Valley. Line dancing began with Jim Budd in Mt Beauty in 1994 at the old Guide Hall with the assistance of the Neighbourhood Centre. Isla, a visiting teacher, with her husband Peter, continued classes at the Community Centre followed by Yvonne Sutton. At this time Social events were held with clubs from Myrtleford, Wodonga, Albury and Wangaratta. The next teacher was Joy Keith who held classes twice a week (Tuesday and Wednesday), with Eileen Speechly, from Gippsland, who held a class on Saturdays. In 2007, Robyn Quick took classes. An Intermediate class on Wednesday and Beginners on Friday. She visits Myrtleford once a week to learn from a teacher there. Line dancing is still (2018) enjoyed by many women in the Kiewa Valley giving them the opportunity to socialize and exercise together.Red polo shirt with collar and two red buttons at top front. Short sleeves. Front and back - black print of two 'mountains' with "High Country / Line Dancers / Kiewa Valley. Label size 18 "Player"kiewa valley line dancers, music, kiewa valley, tawonga, lorna reid

The photograph was published in the Ship to Shore Autumn Edition 2004. Mrs Edith Warburton was visiting the Mission and told her story: she met her husband, Walter, at a dance in the Mission during Christmas 1942. Walter was an English gunner on the tanker, the Sepia which was docked at the Duke and Orr's dry dock at the time.Photograph depicting an older lady with white hair, holding her classes in her hands, standing in front of large black and white photographs and looking at the photographer.edith warburton, mission to seafarers, seamen's mission, walter warburton, dances, volunteers, lhlg

This book would have been used for physical education for schools all over Victoria from 1946 onwards. It has a very good foward by HP Kelly MB BS Medical Inspector of Schools stating the importance of pyshical movement and sport which is still trying to be installed into children today! This book cover all ages of children from infants to sixteen year olds. This book has social and historical significance because it shows the games, sorts, exercises, and gymnastics, swimming, dancing and rhymes that were done in the mid 20th century. This shows that teachers were aware of the importance of PE during this time. Many of these principles are still being taught today and with so many children in Victoria being obese through lack of exercise, this is very topical book! It was used by Bogong State School which had a very active PE education and therefore makes it very good interpretive capacity, It is the only book of this type in our collectionThe book is covered in light brown material with black writing on the front cover and spineHas a library marking number on the spine, 613, edu.1 in white paint on a black square. The inside cover has a purple stamp State School 4590 Bogong Vic and the number 2170 in pen. On the back cover has got 613 Edu.1 in pencilbook, school, teaching, pyhsical-education, education-department-of-victoria, teachers-aid, bogong state school

A brown spiral bound book titled 'Collector's Choice of Music for Old Time, New Vogue and Modern Ballroom Dances in Australia. Vol. 3.' Compiled by Peter Ellis. Includes over 300 tunes for 40 dances, with a section for Special Occasions and Novelties.Companion to 'Take Your Partners' by Shirley Andrews. Published by The Victorian Folk Music Club of Victoria Incorporated. Box 2025S, G.P.O., Melbourne, 3001. Printed by Ajax Printing & Duplicating Pty. Ltd. 23 Nevin Drive, Thomastown, 3074. 202 pgs. Ill., music, ph. Presentedto the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, Bendigo Branch, with kind regards from Peter Ellis 3/12/1988.entertainment, dance, bush dance, peter ellis, collection, dance, dancing, dances, music, old time dancing, new vogue dancing, modern ballroom dances, australian history, colonial dancing, bush dancing, bush dances, shirley andrews, recreation, leisure, book

Yellow folded card. On front: Royal Historical Society of Victoria Bendigo Branch. ''Alexandra'' Costume Dinner Ball, Programme, City Hall, Saturday, 4th July, 1981. On the inside: Wedderburn old time Orchestra programme listing 18 songs. Master of ceremonies: Mr. Peter Ellis.entertainment, dance, rhsv bendigo victorian ball

Dahlia & Arts Festival, Eaglehawk.16th - 26th March, 1995. Programme. Debutante Ball (1), 'The Festival' Exhibition at the Borough Galleries. Debutant Ball (2). Art Preview and Presentation of Awards. Craft Market. Displays of Cake Decorating. Sidewalk Busking Competition. Gala Fair. Eaglehawk Fire Brigade open day. Porcelain Art and Craft Show. Art Show. Display of Memorabilia-Cornish Assoc. Static Display-Irish Assoc. Children's Multi-Dimensional Art Exhibition. Children's Photographic Display. Flower Show. Photographic Print Competition. Eaglehawk Heritage Society-Display. Bridge to Park, foot race. Street Procession. O'Shea-Ryan Bendigo Irish Dancing School and O'Shea-Ryan Academy of Irish Dance - Melbourne Performance. 2nd Seasons Fashion Show. 13th Annual Dahlia & Arts Half Marathon. Ecumenical Church Service. Picnic Lunch. Free Concert-Guinness Show Band. Cycling Criterium. Mining Heritage Tour of Eaglehawk. Dahlia Diner. Variety Concert. ''High Jinx On The High Seas''. Childrens Fancy Dress Parade. Gala Charity Old Time Ball. Brass Instrument Solo/Party Competition. 'Gardening Through The Drought'-Guided Tour. California Hill Church Open Day Craft & Devonshire Teas. Traditional Cornish Concert. 'A Time to Remember'. Annual Croquet & Bowls Tournaments. Festival Guest of Honor Mr Wayne Gregson - Journalist. Editor - Bendigo Advertiser. Festival President, Mr Noel Thomas. Vice Presidents Alan Bull, Kevin Herdman. Executive Officer Jeanette Moss. Treasurer Lorna Thomas. Acknowledgements and sponsors on back page.event, entertainment, eaglehawk dahlia & arts festival, dahlia & arts festival, eaglehawk.16th - 26th march, 1995. programme. debutante ball (1), 'the festival' exhibition at the borough galleries. debutant ball (2). art preview presentation of awards. craft market. displays of cake decorating. sidewalk busking competition. gala fair. eaglehawk fire brigade open day. porcelain art and craft show. art show. display of memorabilia-cornish assoc. static display-irish assoc. children's multi-dimensional art exhibition. children's photographic display. flower show. photographic print competition. eaglehawk heritage society-display. bridge to park, foot race. street procession. o'shea-ryan bendigo irish dancing school and o'shea-ryan academy of irish dance - melbourne performance. 2nd seasons fashion show. 13th annual dahlia & arts half marathon. ecumenical church service. picnic lunch. free concert-guinness show band. cycling criterium. mining heritage tour of eaglehawk. dahlia diner. variety concert. ''high jinx on the high seas''. childrens fancy dress parade. gala charity old time ball. brass instrument solo/party competition. 'gardening through the drought'-guided tour. california hill church open day craft & devonshire teas. traditional cornish concert. 'a time to remember'. annual croquet & bowls tournaments. festival guest of honor mr wayne gregson - journalist. editor - bendigo advertiser. festival president, mr noel thomas. vice presidents alan bull, kevin herdman. executive officer jeanette moss. treasurer lorna thomas. acknowledgements and sponsors

Annual Ball, City Hall Bendigo, a/ Royal Historical (Bendigo Branch) Souvenir Programme Victorian Ball, City Hall Bendigo, Friday, 24th July, 1970. Dance programme. b/ Royal Historical (Bendigo Branch) 1881-1981 ''Alexandra'' Centenary, Costume Dinner Ball. Programme. City Hall, Saturday, 4th July, 1981. Wedderburn Old Time Orchestra, Programme, Master of Ceremonies: Mr Peter Ellis.Cambridge Pressevent, social, annual ball bhs, annual ball, city hall bendigo, a/ royal historical (bendigo branch) souvenir programme victorian ball, city hall bendigo, friday, 24th july, 1970. dance programme. b/ royal historical (bendigo branch) 1881-1981 ''alexandra'' centenary, costume dinner ball. programme. city hall, saturday, 4th july, 1981. wedderburn old time orchestra, master of ceremonies: mr peter ellis.

The letters address three parents of daughters who attended Ruyton Girls' School at the time — Mrs Friedman, Mrs Horan and Mrs McDonald. The letters invite the three mothers to make a contribution to the School's war scholarship fund by making homemade sandwiches or cakes to help cater the annual School dance, or providing a small financial donation towards it. Although the letters are signed by Hilda Daniell, given that the handwriting differs across all three examples, it is possible the content of the letters were scribed by a student or assistant to the Principal. The war scholarship fund (also referred to as the Scholarship Fund) was managed by the treasurer of the Old Ruytonian's Association (ORA); Ruyton's alumnae community. The earliest mention of Ruyton's war scholarship fund is in the Ruytonian December 1918, which recalls how the Senior Dramatic Club performed Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" in the Kew Recreation Hall and raised over £100 to "provide a Ruyton scholarship for the daughter of a soldier who has given his life for his country." In the Ruytonian December 1955, the criteria for the war scholarship fund was revised to prioritise students in the following order: the child of a deceased serviceman, an ex-serviceman, and an Old Ruytonian. Other editions of the Ruytonian from this period recount how students also participated in fundraising activities to support the scholarship. It is unclear when the war scholarship fund ceased.The letters are historically significant as they were written by Miss Hilda Daniell, the longest serving Principal of Ruyton Girls' School from 1913-1952. She had enrolled as a student at Ruyton in 1893, and then appeared in a list of teaching staff dated 1898. When Hilda became Principal in 1913, Ruyton was still located on A'Beckett Street in Kew, Victoria. Hilda had purchased "Tarring" (now Henty House) from the old Henty family estate in 1919 to accommodate the growing School. In 1920, Hilda, teachers and the students moved to Ruyton's new location at "Tarring", 12 Selbourne Rd, Kew. The building became home for Ruyton’s boarding students and included a flat for Hilda to live onsite. Hilda passed away in March 1970. The record's significance is also supported by its strong provenance, having been produced by Ruyton Girls' School and donated to the Archives by the daughter of a former student.Three individual loose sheets of cream coloured paper, each printed with Ruyton Girls' School's name and emblem. All sheets are handwritten with black/charcoal ink and signed by H. (Hilda) Daniell.Reverse: RGS008/2024/0007.1 / Reverse: RGS008/2024/0007.2 / Reverse: RGS008/2024/0007.3 /ruyton girls' school, students, scholarship, school, ruyton, principal, victoria, high school, senior school, day school, letter, miss hilda daniell, hilda daniell, henty, tarring, old ruytonians association, kew recreation hall, kew

Most likely worn to balls around the Yarrawonga district most notably at Wilby where there were monthly old time balls held during the 50’s to 1980’s. Tomato pink crepe gown with tafetta lining. Three quarter full flowing Sleeves.V neck, gathered at bust with a beaded diamond shape set in the middle. Back zipper Label on bodice Silver Star, Sydney, size 18 Bust 100, waist 80, hip 105old time dancing, costume