That’s right….our special guest for this years’ banquet was

TIM SHAW! You name it, he sold it…..millions of them!

He was a wonderful guest and a funny and engaging guest speaker to boot. Very charming for all the ladies.

We had no less than 5 ex-Queen Bees in the room….6 counting our 7 times QB Susie Smither, so it was a  star-studded event.

The room looked beautiful and stylish, thanks to Julie T Creations, and there were no poles to obstruct  the view of our magnificent Sydney Harbour.

John Charter serenaded the ladies as they enjoyed a glass of bubbles, courtesy of our amazing patron  Lady  Joan Hardy, who was stunning in a very fashion forward frock!

As well as a scrumptious dinner, we had some formalities to attend to: -

The reinstatement of our committee and office bearers (7 times a charm)

The badging of life members – including our Lovely Lady Joan

Presenting the ALVA Honours to John Charter and our Golden Girl to Jaqcui Alexander

Making a donation to the Garvan Institute in aid of their important research

And wishing ALVA a happy 34th birthday.

Overall a wonderful night was had by all, and more importantly, much needed funds were raised by those in attendance.

AND speaking of fund raising…. SAVE THIS DATE……MONDAY 5th AUGUST – It’s Trivia Time!

Can the Bosum Buddies lift themselves into action or will it be someone else who will take the Trivia Crown?

Get your teams together and come to Torwood Lounge, Rocky Point Rd, Ramsgate at 6:30pm to throw down the gauntlet.

Heaps of fun to be had with the Tantilising Trivia of Lizzie Layton.

A beautiful buffet is included and a cash prize! ….flyer to follow.

So friends, gird your trivial loins and BOOK NOW

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VALE ENZO TOPPANO

14 February 1928 – 29 March 2013

Enzo Toppano;  Husband to Peggy Mortimer; Father to, Peta, Lorenzo and Dean passed peacefully on Good Friday in Mexico with his sons Lorenzo and Dean nearby.  Enzo was a prolific performer and entertainer who spent 79 of his 85 years in front of audiences, worldwide. When he made his debut on ABC radio at age 13, he was already regarded as one of Australia’s supreme accordionists. His career took him to London where he was celebrated and voted on numerous occasions as the best Instrumental performer on the London Palladium circuit.  Such was his prominence that the likes of Julie Andrews, Petula Clark and many other luminaries were engaged as his ‘support’ acts.  Joining forces with  Australian rising star – Peggy Mortimer  – in the 1940’s, they went on to create one of the most successful and celebrated entertainment combinations ever.  Returning ‘Down Under’ in the 50’s to raise their family, the Toppanos became an entertainment institution that went on to conquer every spectrum of the Australian entertainment industry.

They established ‘Breakfast Television’ in Australia, becoming the first hosts of channel 7’s ‘early morning Variety show’. Enzo became the Musical Director of “Cafe Continental” for the ABC and numerous other TV shows. During the 60’s Enzo was the musical director at Menzies Hotel in Sydney doing many full size musicals with Peggy while, performing on the club circuit and teaching at their talent school. Enzo and Peggy WERE Australian show business. They epitomized the success all entertainers dream of…. TV, stage, radio and the recording world were all “theirs”. As one of the most successful entertainment exports of their time, the Toppano’s  proudly flew the Australian flag across the globe performing in over 35 countries.  Whenever  Enzo was asked what part of Italy he came from , he always answered  “ Broken Hill mate.”

In the 70’s, Peta Toppano, Enzo and Peggy’s daughter became an established Australian TV and stage performer . Enzo and Peggy brought Lorenzo, Dean into the fold and created unforgettable performances and memories that went on to establish the next generation of Toppano’s in the global entertainment industry. Ren,  Peta and Dean have gone on to achieve their own success….on stage, screen, and the recording industry globally – The Toppano and Mortimer ‘gene’ and ‘legacy’ continues.  Since Peggy’s passing with Alzheimer’s in 2003, Enzo has dedicated himself to performances in her memory.  He and Dean frequented homes and institutions that were Dementia and Alzheimer’s specific where they both shared their talent in memory of Peggy.  In the last years of his life, Enzo continued to make appearances on stage across the country as a celebrated icon of the Australian Entertainment industry. He continued to record, write and contribute to the very end. In the last week of his life he was with his sons in Mexico recording overdubs on an upcoming CD.

Enzo Toppano has brought and will continue to bring the joy of music to countless people throughout the world. With the legacy of his family name he has defined the true meaning of the word ‘Variety’ in this business we call show.

Vale, to a true pioneer, friend and a real icon of the Australian Entertainment Industry.

(Courtesy of Mark Kristian)

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We have a wonderful night coming up to help out one of our mates who is doing it tough, but with a smile on his face

Some of our fabulous colleagues have worked very hard to put this night together, and it promises to be heaps of fun.

DATE: 8th April 2013

VENUE: Club Burwood (96 Shaftsbury Rd, Burwood)

TIME: 7:30pm

COST: $30 a head

TO GET A TICKET: buy one on the night or call Dave Hallard on 0409982240

The night will involve a show, raffle and silent auction. Come on out and help a mate!

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