From the pages of the McIvor Times

140 Years Ago

Published 27 June 1884

BACHELORS’ BALL AT AXEDALE

A grand ball was given in Drake’s Assembly Room, on Wednesday night, by the bachelors of Axedale.

Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, there were about 80 couples present.

The majority of the ladies wore evening costumes, Miss Drake, in pink nun’s veiling, trimmed with a paler shade of broché and gold flowers, was undoubtedly the belle of the ball.

Miss Duff, who wore a black grenadine dress trimmed richly with satin and old gold braid, looked exceedingly well.

Miss Hennessy was much admired in white nun’s veiling, with satin bodice and basque, and a spray of convolvulus on shoulder.

The Misses Burns and Moog looked quite charming in white costumes trimmed with lace and spangled flowers.

Dancing was kept up till the “wee sma” hours, to the lively strains of the violin, played by Mr Milburn in his usual good style, accompanied on the pianoforte by some of the local musicians.

The catering, having been done by Mrs Drake, was sufficient to warrant that every satisfaction was given.

Great credit is due to the members of the committee (especially Mr Brettell, Hon. Sec.) who worked so energetically to ensure such a decided success.

90 Years Ago

Published 13 June 1934

ACCIDENT

Fire on truck

Mr W Wilson, of South Heathcote, had an unenviable experience last week, when he was driving a laden motor truck from Melbourne to Heathcote.

The rear of the vehicle caught alight, presumably from the exhaust and Mr Wilson had a lively time extinguishing the outbreak.

In doing so, he had both hands severely burnt.

He was treated by Doctor Spencer at the Heathcote Hospital.

*****

Motorist’s narrow escape

Mr Burke, grocer, of High Street, Heathcote, had a fortunate escape from serious injury on Monday morning.

He was proceeding to Melbourne and, when a few miles from the city, had an accident in avoiding a milk lorry which suddenly turned a corner in front of him just as he was passing.

He luckily managed to dodge a high culvert, and in veering his car to avoid contact with a fence, the vehicle overturned.

The rear of the car struck the double gates of a residence and smashed them to pieces.

The car was badly damaged, the windscreen and hood smashed, but Mr Burke was unscathed.

40 Years Ago

Published 27 June 1984

ALLEN STEPHENSON NEW LEADER OF LIONS

Last Wednesday evening, the Heathcote Lions Club had held their change over dinner at the Heathcote hotel.

Lion Allen Stephenson was installed as Heathcote’s 14th president

This was an historic occasion as Lion Allen was the inaugural president of the Heathcote Lions Club in 1971-72.

Lion Bert Perry acted as master of ceremonies and introduced the guests which included Deputy District Governor, Gary Cooper and wife, Alison, Zone Chairman, Noel Moreland and wife Margaret, McIvor Shire President, Cr Kevin McCarthy and wife Betty, Heathcote Apexian Greg Sheehan and wife Jenny, Mr and Mrs Vern Scaletti, Editor of the McIvor Times, incoming Lions Mr and Mrs Ben Woodham, Mr and Mrs Terry Fowler, Mr and Mrs Bill Harrison, and past members of Lions, Bob Hird, Jane Sangster, and Mr and Mrs Lionel McMillan, who had just celebrated their 52nd Wedding Anniversary.

District Deputy Governor Gary Cooper inducted the various officers into positions, as follows:

President: Lion Allen Stephenson

1st Vice President: Lion Greg Spiers; 2nd Vice President: Lion Basil Stevens; 3rd Vice President: Lion Terry Campbell

Secretary: Lion Allan Smith.

Assistant Secretary: Lion Bob Hocking

Treasurer: Lion Bert Perry

Lion Tamer: Lion Marice Olivieri

Tail Twister: Lion Dan O’Connor

PRO: Lion Greg Spiers