Preserving Our Past: Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society - June 14, 2023

A respectful one-minute’s silence was held to remember late member Herb Reynolds at the June meet- ing. Herb, together with his wife, Nell, was a dedicated member and volunteer at the Gilgandra Museum for many years. Between them, Nell and Herb set-up numerous displays, including grain-growing and testing, chicken brooder, Arnott’s biscuit tins, and a variety of items from bygone days of Gilgandra’s history. Rest- in-peace, Herb, and condolences to Nell and the family.

•••

In new developments, preliminary discussions were held with council staff regarding a proposed mural on the northern wall of the museum with a meeting to be arranged between the artist and all parties involved.

Prior to completing our meeting, an expected coach with passengers from the Hunter Valley arrived to tour the museum and have lunch, which they brought with them. Museum vice-president Phil Howard welcomed the visitors, and provided a brief history of the town and museum, which they all enjoyed, with the driver and hostess having to make a few “last calls” to get them all on board again! They were headed for Lightning Ridge, where they were to spend three days. It was great to catch-up with Brad and Mel again, who have now brought three groups to the museum

An interesting donation was also received recently from David Neylon when he was passing through Gilg- andra. David’s grandparents, James and Pansy Neylon, lived in Gilgandra many years ago, and are buried in the local cemetery. James worked for many years at the AF

Garling Store, subsequently the Western Stores and Edgley’s Ltd, and today known as Gilgandra Mitre 10 in Miller Street. At some-time following retirement, James moved to Sydney and, upon his death, Lawrence his son (who was 14-years-old at the time) returned to Gilgandra to live with one of his sisters. This is where the ‘Fox Patrol Horn’ came into being.

Research discovered that Fox Patrol Gilgandra No.1, was part of the first Gilgandra Troop of Boy Scouts. This troop had a number of excursions to Deep Creek and the Warrumbungle mountains in the 1930s.

•••

Signage grant

Late last week, it was announced that the grant appli- cation submitted to update and renew some of the sig- nage at the museum, was successful with the CEO of Create NSW, Amanda Pittman, explaining that the 2023 Volunteer Museum Small Grants, aim is to enable vol- unteer-driven community museums in NSW to deliver projects. Museums and Galleries NSW (M&GNSW) CEO, Brett Adlington said: “Small museums are the lifeblood of regional communities, keenly-attuned to telling their respective stories”.

“With this modest funding, our small and volunteer- led museums, will be able to amplify their work in ensuring these local stories continue to be told.”

This Volunteer Museum Grant Program is a Create NSW devolved funding program, administered by M&GNSW on behalf of the NSW Government.

The society is grateful to all those concerned, so look-out for new signage in coming months.

Seeing our museum: a colourful visitor beside the colourful geraniums. Photos supplied.

Gilgandra Museum vice-president, Phil Howard, addressing the visitors.

Unusual donation: a ‘Fox Patrol Horn’ from the Fox Patrol Gilgandra No.1, that was part of the first Gilgandra troop of boy scouts.

A surprise coach-load of visitors enjoying their lunch-break at the museum.