Historical information

The 1981 Eltham Community Festival was held from 16th to 18th October, with the festival parade being held on Saturday 17th. In recent years the Society had participated in the parade and a display for the festival, winning prizes for the Society’s float in 1979, 1980 and again in 1981 with a prize for the best effort by a local group, donated by Bob Clarke's Menswear.

Peter Quirke provided the use of his truck as a float. Peter had formerly operated his fruiterer's business at Research and Diamond Creek and in 1981 opened a shop in the Eltham Village Arcade.

Joh Ebeli, with assistance from other members decorated the float.

Members of the Victorian Folk Music Club accompanied the Society on the float and their music helped create the appropriate mood.

A new feature of the Society’s 1981 parade entry was the inclusion of horse drawn vehicles owned and driven by the Hennel family of Hurstbridge, which added to a highly successful day.

Society member and long-time Eltham resident, Jock Read also won an award for the “Best Eltham Theme.” Jock and his horse were a feature of Eltham parades for many years and he also established a local tradition in leading Anzac Day parades.

Physical description

35 mm colour positive transparency (1 of 5)
Mount - Agfachrome Agfa CS System black 8 dots