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The following information on Life Members was researched by Joy Gardiner. As the available records were often incomplete, we would appreciate any contributions by members who can supply additional relevant information or alterations. Please phone Alison Simpson or
click here to email
Vern Thurgood was W.A.S.’s third president, serving in 1972-3 and 1973-4; was Vice President in 1975-6, and President again in 1976-7. He was awarded a Life Membership in November 1979 "for long and active service to the Society. Though a versatile painter, Vern specialised in fine, meticulous paintings of historic buildings which were much in demand by a discerning public, to the point that enthusiasts would sometimes insist on buying works he had done for his family. (deceased)David Roper joined the Society’s committee in February 1976, became Vice-President in October 1976 (a staggering commitment after such a short period of membership), was President for two years (late 1977 to late 1979). David took on the job of WASP editor in October 1979, handing over the reins in mid 1981. In the same year he acted as W.A.S.’s representative at the conference of Art Societies, following a long involvement (dating from 1977) on the steering committee for a body representative of art societies. He was the President of the Victorian Artists’ Society in 1984-5, later being awarded Life Membership of W.A.S. in June 1994. David’s other contributions to the life of our Society included acting as Carol Boothman’s co-appraiser at "Crit. Nights" in 1988 and 1990, appearing as our monthly speaker, and joining Barbara Better, Carol Boothman, Colin Johnson and Connie Walker on W.A.S.’s "Home of our Own" sub-committee. In his latter years David was in demand as an exhibition judge noted for his open mind on matters of style and subject. (deceased)Marjorie Johnson, who was awarded our first Life Membership in July 1977, was a foundation member of W.A.S. and an early committee member. She taught pottery from home, was for a time our Craft Convenor, and was recognised for encouraging other potters to take an interest in joining the Society. Marjorie passed away in 1994. The document accompanying her Life Membership award was prepared by David Taylor, then a W.A.S. member and subsequently an acclaimed watercolourist. (deceased) Nell McKinnon served as our Treasurer for six years, performing this role in an outstanding way befitting her Scottish heritage, from 1977-1983. A spinner and weaver of distinction, she was a "guiding light" of the Waverley Spinners and Weavers, according to Denise Mahony who kindly provided the following information. Nell was involved in Australia’s first-ever Fibre Conference "Wool and Beyond", which ran in Melbourne from January 11-23, 1981. She was Acting Librarian of the Handweavers and Spinners Guild of Victoria in 1981-2; she provided articles in their magazine about what books were available on spinning and weaving. Nell’s Life Membership was awarded in November 1983 Shirley Westaway was awarded Life Membershi in June 1982 "For many years of devotion to W.A.S." A potter, who made her home available for workshops and appraisals, had a position on the staff of the then Waverley Gazette which gave the Society the opportunity for much free publicity in the very early life of the Society, through which its Membership expanded in a way unlikely to have been achieved otherwise. She was WASP Editor for a period from mid-1975, and her reporting skills again stood her in good stead, to the benefit of W.A.S. In May 1977 she organised a craft display of W.A.S. members’ work as part of "Waverley Day". Her involvement with the Society continued until she left the area to settle in East Gippsland. Unlike our other Life Members, Colin has never been an office-bearer of our Society. His contribution to its life and growth lay elsewhere; for instance, in the way he constantly exhorted his students and tour-takers to join the young Waverley Arts Society, thereby building up its membership and range of talents long before it acquired its present reputation for excellence. Colin used his high profile and impeccable connections for the betterment of the Society and the expansion of its programs. A popular speaker and appraiser, Colin has also served on W.A.S.’s "Home of our Own" committee over many years. Some of his works were acquired by the Waverley Arts Acquisition Committee in 1981. Kaye Oates was awarded Life Membership in 1990 for "an enormous amount of work over the years". She was Secretary in 1980, 1981, and 1982: President in 1984 and 1985; Vice-President in 1988. Before taking any major office, she acted as the watercolour sub-group’s committee representative for several years, was co-convenor of the watercolour group from March 1983, and together with Maureen Slatter organised the loan of member’s work to a Holmesglen display. Kaye has also been Secretary of the "Old Watercolour Society". Maureen Slatter was made a Life Member in 1996. She was elected to W.A.S.’s committee for 1984-5, and served as President in 1986 and 1987. She put in a vast amount of work as convenor of the Brandon Park exhibitions for at least 16 years until 1998. In 1995 she worked on the Silver Jubilee celebrations, tracking down all original members who ad exhibited 25 years earlier. Together with Kay Oates she created the opportunity for members to exhibit outside our usual circles with the Homsglen display. She gave new ideas to members with her demonstrations of her unusual acrylic/clingwrap techniques. Maureen won W.A.S. "Artist of the Year" in 1999. Barbara Better’s contributions to the Society began in 1980 when she assumed the position of Class Convenor. She was Vice-President in 1981, and President in 1982-3. In 1985 she donated a photocopier to the Society, and reported on Wadham House affairs in 1988-9. She initiated a "trading table" at general meetings, until replaced by Gwen Batiste in May 1996. She took part in the "Home of our Own" committee, and was on the committee of the Highway Gallery until 1991. Despite periods of ill-health Barbara has never allowed her interest in W.A.S. to flag. Though best known as a painter, winning WAS "Artist of the Year" in 1998, she is also a fine printmaker and textile artist. Barbara continues as an active member, and served as the first convenor of the recently formed Open Studio.
Her popular Appraisal Nights commenced in 1979 (solo) and she was joined by Paul Warner (1980) Robert Miller (1982) Paul Warner (1983-87) David Roper (1988) and Colin Johnson (1989). Colin’s regular involvement started in 1992, after a further stint with David Roper (1990), Kevin Taylor (1991), and John Landvogt in 2001. Life Drawing Class members have benefited greatly from Carol’s expert tutoring for over 3 decades. Carol’s continued involvement with the Society, her presence at all functions, her willingness to open Members’ solo or group exhibitions, and her role as mentor and friend is greatly appreciated by all members. Barbara was an active member of W.A.S. from the early years until leaving the area in 1980. From 1974 Barbara and her husband Peter were very happy to store the Society’s exhibition stands in an old barn on their property in Blackburn Rd. The storage of the stands in Blackburn Rd offered (a) a very convenient location and (b) saved the Society an enormous amount of money on potential storage fees over a period of many years. When Joy Gardiner contacted Barbara recently she was very modest about her artistic achievements, but Joy pointed out on the Society’s behalf that there are other ways of giving valuable service than "getting one’s name in lights" or standing on stages! Barbara’s involvement with and service to the arts continues on Phillip Island as she is currently Hon. Secretary of the Phillip Island Arts and Cultural Committee. We wish her well. Judith Perrey has been a member of WAS since the early 1980’s, and has provided great service to the Society during that time. She was convenor of the Portrait Group for at least 16 years, providing support and a wonderful example to participants, and won W.A.S. Artist of the Year in 1997. An artist nearly all her life, Judith specializes in flower pieces, landscape, portraits and life studies. Judith is also a Life Member of the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors, a Fellow of the Victorian Artists’ Society and a Member of Twenty Melbourne Painters. Judith’s artistic education and achievements are an inspiration to all members; we are honored to have her as a Life Member of W.A.S. Connie Walker was the Foundation Secretary of Waverley Arts Society, President for two years, putting in many, many dedicated hours helping to establish the Society. Connie was also President in 1982. Connie represented the W.A.S. as a committee member of the Waverley City Council Art Acquisition Committee for eleven years, and a member of the "Home of Our Own" committee. A watercolorist of high standing, Connie has won over sixty awards, and members have benefited greatly from demonstrations provided by her at monthly meetings. Membership of other societies include the Victorian Artist’s Society, Watercolor Society of Victoria, Pastel Society of Victoria and the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors. As a greatly appreciated Life Member, Connie continues as an active member and exhibitor. Ian Anderson has been an active member for over 26 years, on the committee for many years, and serving as President in 1989 and 1990, staying on as vice-president for at least one year to help Janet Matthews in her presidential role He has been convenor of the Life Drawing class for many years, and generally encouraging and welcoming all members of the group. Ian is always present at meetings, exhibitions etc., and willing to help in any way, including lettering of signs and certificates for many years. A proficient artist and teacher in many mediums, Ian won WAS "Artist of the Year" in 1996 and 2000. Ian has always displayed a very special quality in the way he welcomes and attracts new members. His warmth and enthusiasm in all his contacts with members (old and new), and the way he promotes the society and the arts is unique and invaluable. This is Ian’s special gift and appreciation was shown with the awarding of Life Membership in 2002.
There are many jobs which Pam takes on in addition to the treasurer’s responsibilities, at which she is entirely reliable – a huge job in itself. Some of her tasks are to oversee the children’s class, assist greatly with the life drawing class, and collect and distribute the mail. Pam is always at the front desk at meetings, welcoming members – old and new, and also at the front desk at the annual and other exhibitions, making sure the procedures run smoothly. Pam is painting mostly in oils at present, but is proficient in all mediums. Her artistic achievements are many – she has been painting with Carol Boothman since 1965 and has also studied with Don Rogers and David Taylor. She has won many awards and Highly Commendeds, and has taken part in 40 exhibitions with “Tuesday Painters” finishing in 2000. Pam’s special quality is her total dedication to the Waverley Arts Society. Not only does she spend many, many hours in her position as treasurer, but is always willing (without a second thought) to undertake any other special task or responsibility. Pam is always extremely welcoming to new members, getting them involved in activities. Her smile and cheery disposition can be depended on. The above information on Life Members was researched by Joy Gardiner. As the available records were often incomplete, we would appreciate any contributions by members who can supply additional relevant information or alterations. Please phone Alison Simpson 9874 4589 or click here to email
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Pam was made a Life member at the general meeting on
November 19, 2003. Pam has been a member for 31 years and was treasurer for a
period of time in the early days, and has been treasurer again for several
years.