Lemnos Gallipoli Photo Exhibition A Success - Thank You!

A big thank you from all on our Committee to those who were able to come along and enjoy our unique photographic exhibition last night.
As you know we have curated 40 of the what we believe are the most signification photographs taken by Anzac's (and some other Allied) soldiers on Lemnos during the Gallipoli campaign.
The event was well attended and everyone enjoyed the event.
A number of dignatories attended the event including the Consul-General of Greece, Ms Christina Simantiraki, the Hon John Pandazopoulos (former MP and Victorian Minister, President of the World Inter-Parliamentary Union) and Clr Phillip Vlahogiannis, Mayor of the City of Yarra.

Speeches

The Exhibition was opened by the Consul-General of Greece, Ms Christina Simantiraki.
Our President, Lee Tarlamis, JP, addressed the crowd explaining the role of our Committee and how the funds raised are assisting the realization of our two main projects - the Lemnos Gallipoli Memorial in Albert and our proposed major commemorative historical publication, which will feature many of the Lemnos Gallipoli photographs and their publication for the first time.

Our President, Mr Lee Tarlamis, JP. Photograph Jim Claven 2015

Ms Malama Varvara, President of the Lemnian Community of Victoria, and Mr Paul Mavroudis OAM, President of the Thessaloniki Association "White Tower", both made introductory addresses.

Ms Malama Varvara, President of the Lemnian Community of Victoria, with Mr and Mrs Nick and Sophia Kambouris. Photograph Jim Claven 2015

As curator of the exhibition, I made an address, explaining how the selection of the photographs and placing them in the story of Lemnos and Gallipoli, marrying some of them with the words of the Anzac soldiers and nurses themselves. For those who unfortunately couldn't attend or anyone would like a copy of my address, please click here.

I hold forth on the Lemnos and Anzac link and the archive of photographs. Photograph Cait Ellis 2015

 George Petrou Original Paintings
A feature of the evening was the exhibition of a number of original paintings by Melbourne artist and graphic designer, Mr George Petrou. George has created these stunning artworks, drawing on his interpretation of the Lemnos Anzac archive. They feature some of the famous diggers and nurses who walked on Lemnos, as well as village scenes.
These paintings are for sale - which will further contribute to the Lemnos Gallipoli Committee's commemorative projects.
If you are interested in purchasing one of these original paintings please contact me at jimclaven@yahoo.com.au

Lance Corporal Albert Jacka, VC, on Lemnos 1915, by George Petrou. 2015

Matron Grace Wilson on Lemnos, 1915, by George Petrou. 2015

Presentations
One of the features of the night was the presence of a number of people whose relatives served in Lemnos or Salonika during WW1.
Stephen and Sandra Lee -whose relative Nurse Mary McIlroy - served on Lemnos in 1915. A relative of Matron Grace Wilson was also in attendance.

Stephen and Sandra Lee, me, Gil Easton and his daughter Glynis, Cait Ellis and Jenne Perlstein. Photograph Vicky Kyritsis 2015

 Rat of Tobruk, Mr Gil Easton, was also able to attend the event, along with his daughter Glynis. Gil's mother served with the other 350 Australian nurses on the Salonika front in WW1. Mr Paul Mavroudis OAM made a special presentation to Gil in recognition of the service of his mother - Nurse Edith Jeremiah (nee Easton).

Mr Gil Easton, son of Salonika Nurse Edith Jeremiah, accepts the award from Mr Paul Mavroudis, OAM, on behalf of the Thessaloniki Association. Photograph Cait Ellis, 2015.

Royal Red Cross medal, similar to the one awarded to Matron Grace Wilson and many other nurses who served in WW1. Thanks to Arlene Bennett of the Melbourne Nurses Memorial Centre for sharing this treasured item with us on the night.

A Gift to Posterity
One of the amazing aspects of the centenary is that new archival material is being discovered as relatives connect to the Anzac story. This is particularly poignant for the Lemnos story given the lack of attention the service of Anzac's here has received over recent years.
Both Stephen and Gil's family took the opportunity to announce their decision to donate their perosnal family photographs - Nurse McIlroy's of Lemnos and beyond in WW1 and Gil's photographs of his WW2 service - to the State Library of Victoria.
These donations will ensure that the service of Australians - in Greece and beyond - will be remembered in the photographs taken by the Anzac's themselves. Thank you to the Easton and Lee families.
Thank You's
Thanks to Malama Varvra and the Ladies Committee of the Lemnian Community of Victoria for cooking some excellent food.
Thanks to George Iliopoulos, Fix Beer and Loux Soft Drinks for their assistance with the drinks tonight.
Thanks to Harry Gavnoudia for donating the wine.
And thanks to Paul Mavroudis OAM and the Thessaloniki Association for inviting us into their community hall for this important night.
Thanks to Vicky Kyritsis, John Pandazopoulos, Cait Ellis and Anne Bendouli for sharing their photographs with us.
And on behalf of the Committee, thank you all for attending.
Exhibition
The exhibition will travel to various other locations over coming months, including the City of Yarra. However it will remain at the Thessaloniki Association community hall for a number of weeks. If you would like to view it during that time, please contact Mr Paul Mavroudis on via email: paulmav@tpg.com.au
Jim Claven 
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee
Below more photographs from the event: