Town Talk | Music of our community

I met Marilyn Banfield when my husband was performing with Turaton in the mid-1970s. When he became a part of Shepparton Theatre Arts Group, Marilyn and I didn’t see a great deal of one another. We were in different companies, but with similar aims — to provide Greater Shepparton with locally produced entertainment, and have fun. Among a heavy commitment, there was always a lot of fun. We had discussed, on the phone, the possibility of a Town Talk story about the Turaton Music Company.

Marilyn arrived at our meeting, God bless her, loaded down with large photo albums, heaps of documentation and a book. The book is entitled A Jewel in the Valley, compiled by Jeff Baker, and contains a history of Turaton and lists of productions.

She told me she was enormously proud to have been associated with some outstanding people, including George and Shirley Ferguson, Charles Hamilton and Warwick and Joan Hanna; so many people who positively impacted her life.

The beginnings

The Tatura Male Choir was formed by Eric Welsh as an extension of his male quartet. We don’t know exactly when the quartet began, but I remember my father-in-law, who was a participant, talking about it and the performances they gave. He was proud of being there at the very beginning. He then joined the choir in 1944.

The choir was particularly successful — for 23 years; in one instance, at an eisteddfod, it entered nine categories and came home with six gold medals and three silver. Marilyn told me how nervous she was when asked to accompany the choir on piano in the Ballarat Eisteddfod. Our local guys were placed second three times; on the last try, they were beaten by an Adelaide-based choir.

I simply can’t resist telling you this story.

When the choir sang The Wayfarer in Ballarat, the Sydney judge said it was beyond them. When they sang the same song in Wagga, with the same judge, he said he had only heard it sung better once before — by his own choir in Sydney.

There is little doubt, however, that this was one of the most successful choirs in the state. Warwick Hannah became involved around 1964 and, as change was afoot, so did his lovely wife, Joan.

However, by 1968, the numbers were dropping off and there was less interest in competitions. It seemed they were never going to win in Ballarat. Definitely time for a change.

The Tatura Male Choir and Ladies Chorus

The choir had given many concert performances but now the members planned one with the ladies involved. They would offer a concert performance of HMS Pinafore. It was sounding great when they realised North Tech had sets for the show — and they were available. Now, all they needed to do was hire costumes to have a full-blown production. It was well-supported — and the next year, it was The Mikado. They were successfully up and running.

The Gypsy Baron stands out to me; so I’ll give you some names you will remember. It was directed by Ken Kennedy and musically directed by Chas Hamilton, with Elsie Andrew as accompanist. It starred John Weight, Ruth McCracken and Bill Kuehnapfel. They were supported by Olive Paez, Warwick and Joan Hanna, Jan Nicholson and David Vibert. And, of course, the entire show was supported by the Shepparton Symphony Orchestra, led by Arthur Lilley.

They were performing a major production each year and acquiring a lot of gear. It was asking a lot of members to help store sets and costumes; as a result, a shed had become a necessity. Philip and Marilyn Banfield provided land, and the working bees began. Fortunately, with enthusiasm and hard work, the 60ft x 30ft shed was eventually finished. If my husband could read what I am writing, he would say loudly in my ear, “I helped build the shed”. And I do see his photo in Jeff’s book. It was 1975.

Turaton Music Company 1976

The ‘Tatura Male Choir and Ladies Chorus’ was a mouthful, and a good percentage of members came from Shepparton and further afield. They all mulled over a name. It was decided that the Turaton Music Company was a reasonable combination of Tatura and Shepparton. All productions were, at this stage, being performed at the Town Hall (Eastbank).

A new era had begun — with outstanding shows and wonderful performers, including Jim Murphy and Ray Phillips

It would be remiss of me to fail to mention Eileen Hetherington. Eileen was born in Shepparton but was relocated at six years of age. In 1976, she was teaching in Nagambie and travelling some distance to rehearsals. Eileen starred in five productions, including The Merry Widow, for which she received a Georgy Award. Unfortunately for Turaton, and the district, Eileen and Bruce Hetherington were transferred elsewhere in their careers. Tragically, while working with the Bendigo Theatre Company, Eileen died suddenly in 1992, aged 47.

In addition to Eileen’s award, the company won 11 Georgys between 1976 and 2010.

In 1985, the company joined other Victorian choral groups to form a 1000-voice choir at the Exhibition Building to celebrate the state’s 150th birthday. And, at the time of the bicentenary, were a part of a 5000-voice choir. Marilyn said the latter was just a touch too large — but they were proud of their inclusion.

Turaton had many capable and talented directors, including David Vibert, Joan Hanna, Carmel Hickson, Charles Hamilton, Nancy Kinmond and Graham Pugh. Musical directors included Charles Hamilton, Warwick Hanna, Rob Elliott, Shirley Ferguson, Marilyn Banfield, John Ferguson, Edward Primrose and Geoff Cabble. Joyce Dawber helped out, from time to time, with choreography. And I turned up for Naughty Marietta to help out with a can-can.

Turaton, under whatever name, always performed on Anzac Day and, for close to 30 years, at Carols by Candlelight. In addition to its musical of the year, there were many concerts, as fundraisers for local charities.

In 1992, its members performed in concert with the Victoria Welsh Male Choir at Eastbank, and the following year, turned their attention to music halls – using various venues including clubrooms at Deakin Reserve and the Alex Rigg Theatrette.

In 1998, Don Nicholson directed Murder at the Music Hall, with Geoff Cabble taking care of music. It wasn’t the last time these two extraordinary men were to work together. They turned up again in Rome, Sweet Rome in 1999 and Ma Baker’s Tonic in 2000.

Turaton continued to perform until 2019, offering wonderful concerts with Geoff Cabble involved with most of them. However, the tragedy of Don Nicholson’s death remains with me — as it must for many of the people of Greater Shepparton. Talent such as Don’s was, and is, incredibly rare.

Turaton’s last performance was From the Prairie to the Outback; performed at the RSL in 2019. Then came COVID-19.

Turaton today

It is 80 years since the Tatura Male Choir was formed — for patriotic reasons. And inevitably, those involved have aged or departed. Not enough youngsters have shown sufficient interest, and the ‘movers and shakers’ are no longer able to drive the company forward.

However, we may never know how much the lockdowns affected our community organisations. Despite the passing of Phil Banfield — and the sale of the group’s property — the shed and its contents remain; now on land owned by Turaton. So, just maybe, a revival is possible.

I must thank Jeff Baker for A Jewel in the Valley; his work made mine much easier.

On behalf of the vast audiences who enjoyed everything Turaton offered, I simply want to say, thank you. Your contribution to our community has been enormous, appreciated and remembered.

That’s it for this week.

Please have a great Easter — and may it be easy, my friends.

Marnie

Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au

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Phone: Send a text to 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back if you wish.)