​​The last meeting for the year was held on November 6 with a theme of dinner sets, more correctly, a sample from an everyday dinner set or a special one or even an oddment.  There were beautiful floral edged plates dating from pre-War II; inheritances from relatives; sets bought with engagement money and simply accumulated over the years.
 
Some were unbranded, others included Noritake, Coalport, Lotte (Norwegian), Doulton, Wedgwood and Johnson – altogether a beautiful array.

The first get together of the Collectors Group was in February 2016 and came about from the enthusiasm of Judith Borthwick.  Quite a large number attended; there was no set topic – just a wonderful collection of items special to their owners
 
After several years, Dorothy Webber became coordinator and has led the group up to the present.  We seem to be running out of topics/ideas and, with a decline in numbers, have decided to have a break in 2024.  We thank both Judith and Dorothy for their leadership and look forward to resuming in 2025.

Janet Gourley

​Janet Gourley

There were two topics for the September meeting: “Something from the Shed” and
“Bags”
 
The usual tools were presented: hammers belonging to a late dad and a late husband; tin snips, chisels, pinchers, screw drivers and an old Imperial metal tape measure made in Canada.  Not tools, a Dr. Pat old tobacco tin contained an assortment of devices/pins to hang pictures; a corrugated iron sign; and, a very old wooden box that had previously held chalk.  There was also a discussion on shoe lasts.
 
A collection of shiny horse bits were shown – a snaffle bit, thumb bit, racing bit and bits for training, racing and soft mouth sensitivities.
 
Fabric patchwork bags were presented often made from scraps with handy pockets to hold sewing essentials.  There were two evening purses – one beautifully beaded and the other made from men’s ties.  Three Oroton handbags were shown and an old crocodile skin handbag made in Madras.

The theme for the gathering on 2nd October is "Baby/Childhood Photos of oneself"


Janet Gourley. ​

It’s time to head out to the shed to find a collectable item or items from the past! 

Collectors will be returning on Monday 4th September at 10 am revisiting a previous topic: “Something from The Shed”.  All welcome.

​Janet Gourley

It was almost a case of “I’ve been everywhere man” with the variety of tea towels presented.  Many countries and many themes/topics:  Wales, York, Scotland, London, the Cotswold’s, Northumbria, Sydney, Iceland, Finland, Sandringham House (UK), Ireland, Benalla, Greenwich Cutty Sark, Melbourne, QANTAS and the list goes on…..
 
Themes included cats, Irish quotations, elephants, hens, lavender, sheep, military tattoo, Australian animals, London buses and Harrods, Ned Kelly, hand embroidered with kitchen/herb themes, recipes and the Richmond Football Club.
 
One enterprising collector had sewn a number of tea towels together to make a picnic tablecloth.

​Collectors will be taking a break in August.  The theme for the meeting on Monday 4th  September at 10 am revisits a previous topic: “Something from The Shed”.

​Janet Gourley

​A lovely collection of brooches were shown at our June meeting, too many to mention in detail.  Many were inherited from relatives, others gifts received on special occasions and those purchased by their owner often from op shops.
 
Of particular interest was a filigree butterfly made of the finest metal in a silver colour but not actually silver.  The strands of metal were like a cobweb.  Typical of their era were a number of bar style brooches with gems or plain.  Cameos were also popular.
 
There were a number of handcrafted brooches: a raffia basket and a bonnet both decorated with silk flowers; a fairly large round brooch with the surface filled with silk French knots; a handmade felt brooch with leaves and gum blossom and a leather flower like a camellia.
 
Other brooches included pearls, jade, opals rhinestone, enamel, paua shell and porcelain.  There was a colourful collection of brooches made in the former Maxart button factory.

​Tea towels is the theme for the meeting to be held on 3rd July – souvenirs from places afar or commemorative.
 
Janet Gourley

'Buttons' was the theme for the May meeting.  Many and varied and they came from many sources – mothers, mothers-in-law, grandmothers and aunties as well as special buys in collectibles and button shops and at garage sales.
 
There were buttons with many themes represented: buttons from military and police uniforms, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and other commemorative occasions, animals,  flowers, trains, covered buttons and those made from leather or mother of pearl, flowers, smiley faces – an almost unlimited range of designs and shapes.
 
Also featured was a framed topiary tree made out of beautiful buttons.
 
Some smaller collections were shown on the table, another lot in a big box and another large collection systematically stored by type in plastic trays.

An interesting array of dolls arrived for our ‘Toy’ themed day in April.

One, needing a hospital stay, was dressed in a red knitted outfit made by the owner’s grandmother. Lorna was found in an op/shop and has a full wardrobe of clothes for all seasons.  Beautifully handmade, dolls and bears by Marj.  A 70-years old car and wooden train.  A book that opened to reveal the secret life of Bears. A doll I made 30 years ago and the toy Sewing Machine I received for my seventh birthday.  

The theme for May is ‘Buttons’.


​Dorothy

Some lovely pieces of China, with a floral design were displayed at our March gathering.  A nice coffee mug was found in the back of the cupboard.  Lovely old Royal Winton Tea Pot. A co/shop find - a large wisteria covered vase, and Grandmothers’ Tea Caddies.  It was a chance to unpack and once again look at other Treasures.   Wonderful trinket boxes, Royal Albert beautifully decorated with violets and others with roses, inspired by old English Gardens.   A range of lovely decorated small dishes and a wall plate.   Some hand painted plates and pretty little jugs, one being Royal Tokyo.

The theme for April’s session is toys, old or new.

Dorothy Webber

'Recipe Books' were the theme for our February meeting.  And, such a collection there was!  Most were old with many previously belonging to grandmothers and mothers.
 
Amongst the books were a favourite – the PWMU cook book - with a very old edition, copies of the 1975 edition where the quantities had been converted to metric and a rather new edition to replace a worn out copy.
 
Books from school years also featured including Emily McPherson editions and those from local school fundraisers; as well as others compiled as various fundraisers.  There were two copies, one old and one relatively new, of Mrs Beeton’s Good House Keeping Book – do you fancy a serve of minced cod liver?
 
The old grandmother’s recipe book was over 100 years old, with hand written and printed recipes also included.  “Hold your man with a wooden spoon and a rotary beater” or, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”.  Another family had compiled and bound family favourite recipes in large print for their mother who was finding it difficult to see.

​Only problem – with all those recipes, nobody thought to bring anything to have with our cuppa!
 
The next meeting on 6th March has the theme ‘China items featuring flowers’.
 
Janet Gourley

​The first get together for 2023 will be at 10.00am on Monday, 6th February.

​Following on from the success of “Books” at our meeting last October, the theme will
be recipe books - be they old or favourites; or, even just a single recipe.

We look forward to you joining our fun group.

Janet Gourley

Jewellery was the theme for our November gathering and such a collection there was!  There were many brooches in all shapes, sizes and themes – animals, birds, flowers, geometric, Christmas etc. There were matching sets of necklaces, brooches, rings and earrings. One beautiful set was a symmetrical setting of Burmese jade and pearls.
 
Watches also featured; some inherited and others as 21st birthday presents (long ago!). There were two Rolex watches from the 1930’s and a 1920’s pocket watch with the keys for winding still attached.
 
Necklaces included a locket with a picture of a loved one inside, a cross; and, a long and pretty carved jade-like one. There were also rings some featuring opals.
 
Our next gathering with be at 10.00am on 6th February 2023 - please bring along to the first session one or two of your favourite items and be prepared to show and tell.

A theme to come during the year will be recipe books - old ones and favourites.  Also, old individual inherited recipes that remain family favourites. 
 
We would welcome more participants in our group.  We are not serious antique collectors; just a happy group of people reminiscing on a theme

Janet Gourley

It was an engrossing time at our meeting on October 3rd discussing a collection of books brought in by members.  It was noted that many of the older books did not have the date of publication recorded and we often identified their age by the names/gift inscriptions inside.
 
School: - Junior one-act plays performed at Speech Nights; Nelson's Highroads Dictionary from about 1925 and used subsequently by two other family members; 50th School Reunion from Our Ladies College, Heidelberg
 
Craft: – many publications related to spinning and dying methods; “The Art of Annemeike Mein” a beautifully illustrated book of her work
 
Home/Cookery: - Mrs Beeton’s Cookbook 1923; Martha Gardener’s Book of Household Hints (featured on radio and TV); CWA Handy Hints; trees and shrubs
 
Biographies: Kidman – the Forgotten King; Nothing Over Half a Crown – re founder of G. J. Coles
 
Bibles: 1953 issue given to British School Children on the occasion of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II; a Bible with a Mother of Pearl Cover given as a wedding present; another from 1926 on becoming a member of the Box Hill Masonic Lodge
 
Novels: - Seven Little Australians (about 1912 Ethel Turner); Time Machine (H. G. Wells); The Prophecies of Nostradamus; The Tower Rooms (about 1926 Mary Grant Bruce); Arthur Conan Doyle
 
Poetry/Other: Robbie Burns poetry with a tartan cover; 1870 A Casquet of Gems; 1956 Melbourne Olympics picture book; Cotswolds Berkshire 1859  - The Scouring of the White Horse
 
Children: Black Beauty (Anna Sewell – gift from grandparents); Winnie the Pooh (a beautiful and much loved pop-up book); The Black Lamb (Elisabeth Macintyre – Leicester saves his white lamb sister Mollie from the dingoes’ camp)

​ 
The next meeting is on 7th November at 10.00am.  The theme is Jewellery.
 
Janet Gourley

In September, we commemorated special events and experiences with quite a collection of items discussed.

There was a picture from 1995 of a winning horse at the Corowa Races.  This was the first time that the horse had been raced but unfortunately the last as it later suffered an injury and was then used for breeding purposes.  The owner was also a keen poultry breeder and had numerous ribbons from showing the breed “Silver Spaniel Hamburg”; such handsome birds.  And finally, a number of prize certificates won at the Benalla and Wangaratta Shows for crafts/handwork and cooking scones and cakes.

One attendee had a croquet trophy from 2003 awarded as the runner up at a tournament held in Euroa.  The same person won first prize in 2006 at the Joan Rowan Croquet Day; this tournament is still being held annually at the Benalla Croquet Club.

A proud Grandmother showed a photo of her granddaughter and the Australian Police Force medal she was recently awarded for her work with the AFP.

There were three books received as prizes; two for achievements in Grade 6 in 1958 and a later Sunday School prize. 

​Several commemorative china plates were also displayed.  A plate from 1985-1986 from the appearance of Hailey’s Comet (next due about 2061); a blue and white Spode plate in the form of a calendar for the year 2000 celebrating the new millennium and, a plate featuring the University of New South Wales which was attended by the owner.

There were two china mugs.  The first, celebrating the 60th birthday of HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.  The other, celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

​How quickly things can change.  We met on 5th September and three days later, Her Majesty passed away, HRH Prince Charles became King Charles III and Prince William is to become the next Prince of Wales.

For our next meeting on Monday 3rd October at 10am the topic is Books, whether they be very old, of special interest or a favourite.  All welcome.

Janet Gourley

At our meeting on 5th September, let’s commemorate!  Have you won a sports trophy?  Maybe you have celebrated a school or church anniversary or some other personal or public event of significance!  New members welcome.
​
Janet Gourley

Although the number attending was small, a pleasant time was had discussing the history of the drinking vessels presented.
 
There were samples of crystal glasses with one collection being built up from a set of wine glasses received as an engagement present.  A similar set of crystal glasses were collected “just because”.  A lovely wine glass with etched decorations was much admired.
 
A number of mugs were shown including two depicting the Richmond Football Club (and an insulated mug).  One the two was a souvenir from a wedding reception that involved a trip on Puffing Billy to the packing shed at Nobelious where the reception was held
 
There were three commemorative mugs: one issued by Legacy to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953; a miniature double-handled love cup issued for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012; and a mug to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VIII on 12th May 1937.  However the coronation never took place!  Although he ascended to the throne on 20th January 1936 and coronation preparations were well under way, he abdicated on 11th December 1936 to marry divorcee Mrs Wallis Simpson.
 
There was a mug from the “old” Benalla East Primary school No. 2256 and, a cup and saucer hand painted years ago by an elderly lady at the Benalla Hospital Day Care Centre.  A lovely shaped hand painted coffee mug was also admired.

The theme for our June gathering was salt and pepper shakers and cruet sets; a variety of interesting items were shown and discussed. 

A cat lover had four salt and pepper sets featuring cats – all were gifts received at a work Kris Kringle.  There was a set of salt and pepper shakers in the shape of baby deer that were won on the spinning wheel at the Benalla show many, many years ago.

Many will remember the traditional cut glass cruet sets from years ago.  One set had salt and pepper shakers and a mustard pot; there was another similar set that also included two small bottles for vinegar.  Silver salt and pepper shakers were shown along with a salt cellar with a tiny spoon.

At our meeting on the Monday 4th July, we will be looking for “drinking vessels”; maybe glasses, mugs, tankards, steins etc.  We look forward to you joining our group on that date at 10.00am.

Janet Gourley

​There was a wonderful collection of embroidered items on show at the May meeting of Collectors.  Items ranged from Grade 3 & 4 needlework to articles stitched by much older ladies.  There were needle cases, pin cushions, doileys, tray mats, dressing table sets, supper cloths, table cloths, an item of Hardanger, beaded work; and, embroidered pictures.  Do you remember that padded tea cosies that had an embroidered outer cover?  There were even several of those.
 
The main theme of the work was floral but there were crinoline ladies of old and two identical table cloths stitched in the blue Willow pattern; similarly, a tea towel with fine Willow pattern and a drawn thread edge.

U3A Benalla's Collectors' group provides a wonderful opportunity to reminisce.  It would have been wonderful to hear the stories attached to these items from Collectors' class members when they shared their memories of them in March.  If you have enjoyed collecting items over time, have inherited family treasures, or find that somehow you have a store of treasured items, why not join Collectors?   First Monday - 10 to 12 midday - next session Monday 4th April!  Check the newsletter for details of what to bring in April!

The first session of Collectors was postponed until Monday 7 March at 10am, when members are invited to bring along something they treasure and something very old. 

Collectors provides a supportive space in which to reminisce and share stories about the past while presenting treasured items to the class. 

​New and returning members welcome!
​
Janet Gourlay, for Dorothy Webber

Collectors provides a wonderful chance to reminisce and share stories about the past while presenting treasured items to the class.  Some of our group members are 'Collectors extraordinaire' - other members simply enjoy delving into their cupboards, shelves and sheds to find an interesting item or two to capture the theme of the month. 

Bring along both a treasured item and the oldest item in your collection on Monday 7 February from 10 am.

Dorothy 

Our Sixth Christmas together!

While numbers attending have been affected by Covid, the group thoroughly enjoyed spending time together in early December reflecting on Christmas, past and present. 
​
Dorothy Webber

The topic of our November meeting was ‘Serviettes and serviette rings’.  There was a nice display of these rarely used items featuring silver serviette rings, one with a kookaburra on top; others plain but functional and equally pleasing.  

For the December meeting the topic is ‘Christmas’.

Judith Borthwick

Photographs:  Dorothy Webber