Pics from the past | Swing into the Past: Shepparton’s Blue Moon Orchestra

The formative years of the Blue Moon Orchestra saw Jack Edwards playing alto saxophone, along with Charlie Fennell (trumpet), Mary Chuck (piano), Harry Jenkins (drums) and Claude Cawthray (violin).

If there was an occasion that required music in Shepparton in the ’40s and ’50s, you would more than likely see Mary at the piano.

Mary was the pianist in the Blue Moon Orchestra for many years and conducted piano lessons at her home in Edward St for about 50 years.

Mary was the sister of Leo Chuck, who was part owner of the Taiwan Restaurant.

Lost Shepparton Facebook comments:

Rosemary Norton

Loved dancing to the Blue Moon Orchestra back in the ’50s.

Anne Maree Hunt

I enjoyed my piano lessons with Miss Chuck, as I called her then. I have fond memories of this beautiful woman.

Margaret Ryan

Mary was one member of the wonderful Chuck family. She was a gifted pianist and a beautiful lady.

Mary played the organ at my wedding in St Brendan’s Church and told me I couldn’t be late as she had students to teach immediately after the wedding.

Yvonne Law

I actually made a new dress for every Saturday night dance at the Star Theatre.

Wendy Harris

Miss Chuck was our piano teacher for six years. We loved her so much. We passed sixth grade with her.

We were Wendy and Wilma Lawrie. Loved seeing her play in the Blue Moon Band.

Margaret O’Brien

I remember Miss Chuck playing the Mass on a Sunday morning.

Lynne Kelly

A beautiful lady and a gifted musician. Sadly, I did not have the skills that Mary had, but I always loved to arrive early for my lessons and to hear her play. It was such a treat.

Robyn Leembruggen

Mary taught me piano for five years. She was a lovely lady, ever patient and had a lovely wide smile with a twinkle in her eyes.

Sandra Uzowuru

I loved listening to her play the piano sometimes after my lesson finished. Miss Chuck taught both my mum when she was a young girl and then me when I was a young girl.

Terrie Crozier

Taught me piano for 10 years on Monday nights at 5:30pm from her home in Edward St. Six o’clock closing on those days, so Dad would pick me up when the pub closed. Mostly, he was late.

Margaret Marlow

I worked in the Star Theatre ticket box at the Saturday night dances and only made it in for the last couple of dances. I met my hubby there, who was a singer in one of the bands.

Jeanette Doherty

It was a wonderful time at the Star Theatre. I made my debut there and attended many wonderful balls, and of course, the Saturday night dance was a favourite.

Geoff Allemand is an amateur photographer and Lost Shepparton Facebook page admin. Please share your pics of the past at pastpics@mmg.com.au