I believe John is the grandson of Walter Withers, the artist. John’s father was also named Walter.

John was very active in the AETA. I would have first met him in the 1960s. He was a great assistance to the fledgling BTPS – especially with his Land Rover helping to tow trams. In more recent times, I understand he’s been a tireless worker at Haddon. John would be in his mid to late 80s.

Like many enthusiasts, John had a trade mark; he never wore a tie. I remember him happily stepping aside at a couple of AETA Easter conventions when “coat and tie” was expected at the formal dinner.

A genuine “colourful tramway identity”!

Paul in Melbourne

From:tramsdownunder@... tramsdownunder@...> On Behalf Of Andrew Cook
Sent: Thursday, 8 April 2021 15:22
To:tramsdownunder@...
Subject: Re: [TramsDownUnder] TAN Ballarat tram transfer now John Withers.

Hi Glen,

I last met John Withers at the Bendigo tram depot some time ago when VR 41 was under restoration there for MTPA Haddon. His grandfather (or father?) Walter Withers was one of the Heidelberg School group of artists (Streeton was also amongst this group). There is a street in Eltham named after Walter Withers. John lived in Eaglemont, up the hill from the railway station, on the up side. He was a keen rail and tram enthusiast and was involved with many preservation groups over the years, including the AETA, BTPS/BTM, HTW/MTPA, etc. From memory, I don't think I ever heard a bad word about anyone from John, and his mother always went with him in his land rover as he worked with the various groups. I am not sure if he is still with us, but if so, he would be in his late eighties by now.

Cheers,

Andrew Cook (who worked with John at Ballarat and Haddon).

_____

From:tramsdownunder@... mailto:tramsdownunder@googlegroups.com tramsdownunder@... mailto:tramsdownunder@googlegroups.com > on behalf of Vera Mills gleng20.mills@... mailto:gleng20.mills@gmail.com >
Sent: Thursday, 8 April 2021 12:05 PM
To:tramsdownunder@... mailto:tramsdownunder@googlegroups.com tramsdownunder@... mailto:tramsdownunder@googlegroups.com >
Subject: Re: [TramsDownUnder] Ballarat tram transfer.

Hello Paul,

Is that why John lived in Heidelberg?

For those who do not know, this means they were part of the Heidelberg school.

Regards,

Glen Mills

P.S. We have one of the famous scenes hanging in our lounge room painted by Malcolm Hone and probably why No.1 daughter has the artistic bent.

On Thu, 1 Apr 2021 at 06:20, pn1 pn1@... mailto:pn1@bigpond.com > wrote:

The land rover belonged to John Withers. John was an early supporter of the BTPS but he moved to Haddon where, I understand, is still involved. He would be in his mid to late 80s.

John is a descendant of the Withers family; famous in Melbourne art circles many years ago.

Paul in Melbourne