Historical society meeting

To begin, president Max Zell called for a minute’s silence for two of the members who had died since our December meeting. Henry Bensley and Enid Marchant were remembered with fondness and respect for their contributions over the years.

Both members were born in the Gilgandra district, so their knowledge of local matters was sought on many occasions. Henry, amongst other things, set up our old- time bathroom and the replica corduroy road. He was involved in both Coo-ee March re-enactments, and also the Kookaburra March re-enactment when he and Don Kennaugh raised funds for the society. Enid’s mother and father, the late Mary and Clarrie Doud, were previ- ous members of the society and Enid continued their work with a wonderful memory regarding events and families in the shire. She also compiled The Gilgandra Weekly society notes for a number of years.

The exterior of the office building is looking very smart with a new coat of paint, so together with new flooring and kitchen, the benefit of grant funding is now visible. In the next few weeks new signage should be installed to reflect renaming to Gilgandra Museum.

Member Phil was congratulated on the fine job he did of replacing the deteriorating timber verandah on one of the heritage buildings. When the weather cools

off, he will install new timber on the other verandah. Secretary Brenda had a list of correspondence to deal with including details of the National Historical Machinery Association (society’s insurers) advising that the annual general meeting would be held in early April at Cootamundra; Royal Australian Historical Newsletter, Howard Register advising that production of Howard machinery will be celebrating 100 years in 2023; advice that Shellharbour Anglican College stu- dents will once again visit Gilgandra and will be under- taking volunteer work – we will be pleased to have them at the museum again this year; the president will answer a query on the McPherson Family of Tooraweenah’ Andrew Glassop of Orana Arts is to submit an applica- tion on our behalf for a project at the museum, the Museum of the Riverina has given permission for us to use their video recording of member Phil being inter- viewed regarding the rotary hoe.

Unfortunately, the strong winds which have been around blew a tree down on the gates and fence with our adjoining neighbour. Our boys jumped into action and the tree has been removed and the fence repaired.

Work has also been undertaken in repositioning some of the outdoor exhibits onto a plastic base which will make mowing around them much easier. We look forward to welcoming more visitors.