GENERAL MEETINGS  

                            

We meet for two hours from 10.00am on the second Tuesday of each month at theWhitehorse Civic Centre, in the Willis Room.

This comprises a brief general meeting, outlining important club matters and a summary of the most recent Management Committee meeting.

Morning tea and socialising is followed by a guest speaker.

All are invited to a post meeting lunch at The Coach in Ringwood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2026 SPEAKERS 

November 10 -

Emily Malone - Great niece of Australian Army nurse, Sister Betty Jeffrey, Author of White Coolies. Experiences in World War 2.

October Speaker

Syd Sherrin  

The History and Manufacture of AFL footballs

Our guest speaker, Sid Sherrin really kept us on the ball as he spoke about the history of the Sherrin football. His anecdotes were captivating and I really enjoyed the details of Sid’sgreat grandfather’s interaction with the American boxer Jack Johnson. AFL football has been a large part of my life and I’m certain with many others. Thank you for the history and memories Sid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September meeting was also our Footy Meeting and many members donned their club colours. Morning tea included party pies and sausage rolls among other yummy treats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 September - Lisa Ricketts                                        

The Palais Cinema History, Highlights and behind scenes of Palais Balwyn.

Lisa is the PR Manager for Palace Cinemas, with 10 in total. Lisa gave a very interesting talk together with slides of the Palais history. Balwyn is the original and is heritage listed.

Facts re the cinema –

• Antonio Zeccola founded the Palace Cinema and began screening to small audiences with movies imported from Italy.

• By late 1970’s Antonio opened a few suburban cinemas, including the Metropolitan in Brunswick, the Roma in Bourke Street Melbourne and the Palace in Bourke Street.

• His theatres flourished into the 19890’s with the addition of a number theatres including the Dendy Brighton, the Balwyn Cinema plus the Verona and Academy Cinema in Paddington, NSW.

• Today, Palace Cinemas comprises over 180 screens across 24 locations.

• Alterations in 2016 and 2017 increased theatres to 11.

• Terrazzo floors were revealed in 2005 and are now a feature.

• By 1966, 80-% of Australians owned a TV which slowed attendances at theatres. Drive in theatres were also operating.

• Colour films started in 1040’s and 50’s.  Saturday matinees were full of boisterous kids.

• A break in in 1947 had a gun shot and police in the theatre – arrested in the stalls.

• A fire in 1930 which was attended  by the Box Hill and Surrey Hills brigades and extinguished the fire before it could spread.

• Balwyn opened 4 January 1930. It had seating for 852 in the stalls and 626 in the dress circle.