Grand Patriotic Ball at Lamplough on 11 September 1914

The Grand Patriotic Ball at Lamplough was advertised on 9 September in the Avoca Free Press and held on Friday 11 September 1914.

Advertising. (1914, September 9). Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3. Retrieved September 11, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151623123

There was a brief report of the ball in the Avoca Free Press of 16 September.

No title. (1914, September 16). Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved September 16, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151625353

When the Avoca and District Patriotic Fund met later in the month, J. Curtis was present representing the community of Lamplough, and Lamplough was reported as contributing £3 13s 6d towards the district grand total of more than £300 raised overall. (AVOCA AND DISTRICT PATRIOTIC FUND. (1914, September 23). Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved September 11, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151622483)

The Avoca and District Patriotic Fund had been formed at a meeting on 18 August. A committee was formed with the purpose of raising funds towards the Victorian Patriotic Fund organised for the relief of the troops. The Patriotic Fund was formed in Melbourne on 8 August by the Lord Mayor to enable men to do their duty without anxiety for their families. 

At the meeting on 18 August at Avoca, Councillor Paten was appointed chairman with Councillors Samers and Thomas as Vice-Chairmen; Mr J. H. Deeble was appointed secretary.

The following  ladies and gentlemen were appointed to the committee: — Mesdames A Snell, Brown, E Paten, Chandler, Samers, C Reed, J Reid, Currie, Robinson, Wood, Classen, Thomas, B Snell, Chellew, Deeble, A F Paten, Stavely, Hardy, Johnson, Misses Johns (2) and Grimmer, Messrs G T Wood,  J H Moyle, J Chandler, A G Cust, S G Mitchell, R Stavely, F Knuckey, A G Lalor, G. Downton, J C Wilson, A Wilson, J H Benjamin, J Hempseed, Jno Mackereth, A C: Henderson, C Wolfe, T Simmons, B D Snell, W F Hardy, A Ahpee, W M Chellew, F Wiltshire, Revs. Robinson, Reed and Currie, and Drs Johnson and Grimmer. (The War. (1914, August 22). Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved September 11, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151623260)

Subscriptions were collected the following week, raising more than £50. The Australian Womens' National League (AWNL) made a contribution and also donated thirteen dozen handkerchiefs. Progress was reported in both local newspapers and also the Ballarat Courier.

ACTION IN COUNTRY. (1914, August 26). The Ballarat Courier (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 4 Edition: DAILY.. Retrieved August 25, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73317026

AVOCA AND DISTRICT PATRIOTIC FUND. (1914, August 26). Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved September 11, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151621949

The £300 raised by the Avoca and District Patriotic Fund by mid September can be put in some perspective compared to the funds raised at the 1914 football semi final between South Melbourne and Carlton. More than 20,000 attended the MCG and the gate takings were £863 of which £252 went to the Patriotic Fund. (No title. (1914, September 23). Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved September 11, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151622490)