Historical information

In 1977, artist Annette Meikle undertook a commission to illustrate a book recording stories of places and people in the Bayside area. It was published in 1978 as Sandringham Sketchbook, with text by Elizabeth Waters. The sketches were intended to record remaining examples of Bayside’s early architecture and environment, as well as reflect newer architectural changes. Meikle went on to donate 22 of these sketches to Bayside City Council in 2003.
This gun stood in the grounds of the Beaumaris RSL, located on the highest hill in Beaumaris – more than 300 metres above sea level. The ‘25-pounder’ was one of the best field guns of its day and was used by British and Commonwealth armies during the Second World War.
The original ten-acre property, which was the former holiday home of wealthy Toorak resident Langford-Jack, was sold to the Legacy Club in 1942 and operated as a holiday home for Legacy children. Renamed Blamey House in honour of Field-Marshall Sir Thomas Blamey, it was purchased by the RSL in 1955.
The Beaumaris RSL Club closed its doors on Balcombe Road in 2016 after the property was sold in 2013.