The first Marie Bushell Perpetual Trophy has been awarded at the Warrnambool Eisteddfod. Young violinist, Marion Flynn. Flynn, 17, of Grassmere, becomes the first recipient of the trophy which will be awarded annually to the performer in the Warrnambool Eisteddfod String Section who displays the most potential. Marie Bushell taught music at CBC, St. Anne's and Brauer College, as well as privately, up until her death three years ago. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles White, she was born in Warrnambool and educated at St. Anne's. Following school, Marie undertook nurse training at St. John of God Hospital and then midwifery at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. She had seven children of her own and was a tireless worker on all fronts right up until her death. Marie played the violin in many musicals of the Warrnambool Theatre Company and was a regular face in Warrnambool orchestras. It's fantastic that the winner of the Marie Bushell Perpetual Trophy for the first time was a former student of hers. Marion Flynn actually spent the first three years of learning with a violin she borrowed from Marie. It was the very violin that Marie had used when she was a little girl. "She was like a mother while she was teaching you" says Marion. "She was warm and loving". Being the first year of the perpetual trophy, no-one had any idea that the award was to be made. Before performing, Marion's father, Geoff, suggested that she just go out and play as if she was practising with Marie. "I was just so elated when I found out I'd won it", says Marion. "It was just such a coincidence". Geoff says, "I thought it was lovely to have a perpetual trophy for her. It's nice to know that her teaching ability is to be kept to the forefront". Marie's influence will also live on with her former students going to greater heights. Philip Carmody, Simon McDowell and Lynnette Skilbeck all had time studying with her, and no doubt there are many more to come. The connection with the Flynn family transcends the musical ties - Marie helped to deliver three of the younger Flynn children. "That was Marie", says Geoff. "She milked cows, went to work, taught the violin - she was wonderful".
Marion Flynn
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