Back in 1977, ALVA’s ‘brother/like-minded charity’ “The Echidnas” hosted, produced and performed a Showbusiness ROAST to honour Theatrical Agent, Brian Fogarty at St George Leagues Club. 800 people attended that day. Who knew that 41 years later, people would gather at the Rockdale Businessmen’s Club to relive these great memories with Agent to the stars – BRIAN FOGARTY.

Well that is exactly what has happened. Many gathered to listen to this wonderful broadcast containing many amazing comedians, sadly, some no longer with us. It was quite extraordinary hearing the voices of JACK O’LEARY, LARRY BURNS, LUCKY GRILLS, DAVE BURKE, KEITH SMART, WALLY LESTER, BARNEY COOMBES, JOHNNY HOLMES, SYD HEYLEN, JOHNNY GARFIELD, RAY SEAGER, SEAN KRAMER, MIKE HARRIS, BILLY KEARNS & RAY McGEARY + so many more. All that attended experienced so many emotions; some sad yet most joyful, as they took a trip down memory lane. 

Unfortunately they only managed to get through HALF of the recording and Brian suggested that another gathering should happen in the future to hear the 2nd half of this amazing recording. 

On the day, guests were asked to make a donation at the door. We were very honoured when Brian announced that all the entry proceeds would be donated to ALVA. It always amazes this committee when members of our community take the time to do their bit to help ALVA help others. On behalf of all those that ALVA helps, we say thank you Brian and all those who attended on the day.

Check out this lovely photo with Pat Scroope, Honorary ALVA Bloke Marty Morton and Brian himself. 

VALE LILY CONNERS 1931 – 2018

It is with great sadness that we notify the ALVA Membership of the passing of Lily Conners. Lily was born in Cessnock in 1931. At Age 11 she discovered she could yodel and won a heat of Australia’s Amateur Hour. In  1946 she went on to sin the Radio 2KY competition which led her to perform in may variety shows touring the country.

In 1948, Lily her mother and sister Bonnie travel to America to visit her mother’s family. Whilst she was there, Lily got her own half hour show on KFI Television in Los Angles billed as “The Girl From Australia”. She then joined a government sponsored touring show called “Nations in Review” representing Australia. She was offered a Hollywood 5 year starlet contract but turned it down because she felt she would be controlled too much by the studio.

In 1950, Lily returned to Australia and was soon a regular on shows organised by Ted Quigg and Tim McNamara. It was her version of “Chime Bells” that became her signature song. Lily was a regular on the 2GB radion program “Bonnington’s Bunkhouse” for 5 years, and she was a frequent guest on Bandstand and Reg Lindsay’s Country Television Program.

In 1962, she gave birth to her son Alan and it was here that she slowly cut back on her performing career. In 1972, she embarked on a short tour with Slim Dusty and it was to be her last major performance. In 1978, she was inducted into the “Hands of Fame” in Tamworth

She peacefully passed away on Wednesday 10th October, 2018, age 87. The details about her funeral will be passed on by Judy Stone at a later date. These details will be sent via email.

Special Guest: Jennifer Murphy 

Beginning her career in the 70’s with a passion for teaching and the performing arts, Jennifer has combined roles of performer, artistic director and educator. As cabaret and club performer in Sydney clubs, she auditioned at 8 months pregnant, and won, the role of Evita in Australia’s premiere blockbuster music theatre production with a fairy tale rise to the top of her game. She has worked as vocal & performance coach/director for TV, film and stage productions and with husband musical director Spud Murphy, Jennifer has been instrumental in creating opportunities in music theatre for many young performers. Until recently Jennifer was Head of Music Theatre at the Australian Institute of Music AIM for many years and is now directing, teaching and enjoying the birth of their 1st grandchild
She is an amazing, trailblazing Woman in Entertainment with many a story to tell of the adventures along the way – today’s ALVA event is a rare opportunity not to be missed as we hear up close and personal these stories and more as she chats to President Susie about her life as a performer and what she has been up to recently.

Monday 29th October 2018

Cammeray Golf Club   

(Park Ave, Cremorne NSW 2090. (02) 9953 1522)

Arrival: 10.30am for 11am Meeting

(Friends & Associates may arrive at Noon)  

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:  $40  by midnight Thursday 25th October 2018  

FULL PRICE:  $45   thereafter.

This is our nomination luncheon for the 2019 ALVA Committee. So if you are interested in being on the committee but are unable to attend, then please contact Kerri on bookings@alva.org.au  

BOOK NOW!

Hi Everyone,

Hope everyone is well and managing to fight of the sniffles and colds with the cold weather upon us.  Here is something to warm you up…………..the latest edition of The Buzz Newsletter!  Thanks to Editor Jacqui Alexander and ALL members that contributed to this edition.  It takes a village to create and implement all our ALVA events and happenings, so I am sending a thank you to the 2018 Committee as well as the many, many   Members and Friends of ALVA who contribute to the village every year.

Message from The Benevolent Corner:

Hi ALVA Girls, Winter is here so I want you to reach out to anyone you may know, in the Industry, that may be struggling a bit.  Please let me know if ALVA can help, we pay bills for those in need and this is the time electricity and gas bills go up, make sure no one is freezing.   Email Pat:  angeldrop@bigpond.com

So make a cuppa or a tasty beverage, put your feet up and enjoy ALVA BUZZ Vol18 Issue1 Final