General News
17 December, 2024
MERLE BURTON: Harnessing local talent — An inspiration to all — By Brian Lennen
Watching Merle Burton working with young children, enthusiastic adults or the elderly, her humanity shone through.
From fundraising concerts for the war effort, to town hall revues, she was at the fore.
Merle had a gift for music. She could learn ‘by ear’. If she heard a tune once, she could play it perfectly. She found her sister’s teaching unneccessary even though she was a music teacher.
Over six decades she led the local music, drama and light comedy scene. Innumerable local identities participated as ballet members, vocalists and in comedy sketches.
While the local talent was doing its thing, Merle was providing backing on the piano while also choreographing and directing.
No matter the outcome (sometimes mini-disasters), she encouraged and smiled all the way through.
On one night a member of the ballet met a gentleman she fancied during the interval, and departed with him. Merle took it in her stride and soldiered on, not missing a beat.
The ballet group comprised of many of the town’s leading female citizens who, under the tutelage of Merle, were made aware of the ‘discipline of the dance’.
The ballet performed the Charleston, the Can-can, the Jitterbug, jiving and tap dancing. Often there was more body contact than a rugby scrum. All of this added to the entertainment of the packed town hall.
Unforgettable performances by Jerry Tobin brought down the house. His rendition of George Formby’s Wee Albert was brilliant, and he also performed a dramatic version of Get Me to the Church on Time from My Fair Lady.
What is the key ingredient that motivated Merle and her contemporaries?
It is love.
She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who extended her love through her work for the church, her efforts for the youth club (23 years on the committee).
She was a familiar face at the elderly day centre with sing-alongs and craft work, and was made a life governor of the hospital. National recognition came with the awarding of a British Empire medal.
Merle and the Merrymakers spread their talents, performing all over the district. They made most of their own costumes, often having to be innovative due to a shortage of material. Some of their costumes were made from starched newspaper painted with dye.
It is obvious that once she became involved she gave 100 percent and stayed active.
In the seventies she was reinvigorated and recommenced her contribution with a variety of ‘old time music hall’ concerts.
One of the highlights of a revue at the town hall was Lester Mason’s drive from Maryborough to Castlemaine. As Lester sat in a toy car, he drove through footage of the roadside projected on the stage, making numerous comments about the various roadside features.
The Merry Makers put on shows during the 70s and 80s in and around the district and a special for the Wattle Festival. Merle was thrilled to have her granddaughters take part.
Many hours of work were provided by her team of volunteers in creating stage scenery and props.
To make a list of those that made a contribution to Merle’s innumerable presentations would entail another chapter in her story.
If Merle was alive today she would have celebrated her 101st birthday last week.
Throughout the district there are many adult men and women (some with two left feet) who would have learned to dance through Merle’s training of the ‘debs’ and their partners. She estimated that she assisted over 300 debutantes.
Merle and her band of performers made an impression on the community that will never be matched.