Preserving Our Past: Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society - August 9

This month the Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society held our annual general meeting.

Vice-president, Phillip Howard, con- ducted the meeting as president Max Zell was unable to attend.

Mr Howard read Mr Zell’s president’s report which covered the society’s activities during the year, with a number of projects to be still to be completed.

Most of our office bearers were re- elected to their positions and they are thanked for continuing on.

We are grateful to those people who have donated items during the year to enhance our displays, with members continuing to answer queries from the public.

Moving into the monthly meeting, a minute’s silence was held for past member, Noel Gibbs, who had been in ill health for a number of years.

Mr Gibbs had been a volunteer at the museum, travelling up there on his electric bicycle.

He set up a Facebook page for the museum, uploading many photographs and information. Always a friendly and knowledgeable man. He will be missed.

Discussion was held on increasing the entry fee to the museum to $10 however, this has been deferred until the Coo-ee Heritage Centre is operating and our grounds are tidy again.

A Gibbens Wool Press has recently been donated. It is quite unique in that it works in a horizontal position rather than vertical, so it is a very welcome addition.

A collection of seven show ribbons from Gilgandra and Coonamble (1915- 1917) have been received. These were

won by the stallion ‘Harry Lauder’ owned by George Chandler. Our member, Rob Beveridge, has decided to move into Coo-ee Lodge so, we wish him many years of happiness in his new home. Mr Beveridge donated a wonderful collection of his books, for sale at the museum, which are much appreciated and have already proved popular. Visitor numbers are increasing, and a coach will be welcomed next week, so this is good news for finances.

The society’s operating profit for the 2021/2022 year was $6,109.80.

Sad news just to hand is that member Jean Eather has passed away. Mrs Eather and her husband Arch were staunch members of the society for many years.

Their association with the society commenced when they purchased a property at Eumungerie and this continued when they retired to Gilgandra.

Mr Eather was president for a number of years and he and Mrs Eather were very active in many events held by the society. Even in recent times, though in ill health, Mrs Eather continued her interest in all that was happening at the museum and attended functions when she could.

The couple are now reunited together in heaven.

Our volunteers are the mainstay of the society, with their contribution keep- ing the museum open and interesting for the community and visitors, with new members always welcome.

The assistance of The Gilgandra Weekly in publishing our monthly notes and providing coverage of events is much appreciated.