By Jeremy Sollars
THE Warwick and District Historical Society celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and will mark the milestone with a Heritage Open Day at its Pringle Cottage museum on Dragon Street this Sunday 9 October.
In September of 1966 a group of like-minded people met at Scots College to decide if there was enough interest to establish a historical society in Warwick.
There was – and the date was set for the first Annual General Meeting which was held on 19 October of that year.
The first executive was made up of patron, Mayor Alderman O.A.W. Evans, president Mrs A. Sterne, vice-president Mr E. Rawlinson, secretary Mr R. Barrie, treasurer Sister Jenkins, committee members Mr B. Dahms , Mr W. Wynn and Mr L. Bennett and curator – later changed to recorder – Mr R. Manning.
Current president Janice Flood said at that first meeting the society already had a number of items given to them to place on display, which eventually became part of the museum collection.
“Over the years the museum has grown and the collection is now safely housed in eight buildings,” she said.
“The society’s passion to collect and preserve our history has not lessened over the years and our current volunteers are always working on some kind of restoration project.”
John Eastwell has just completed work on horse-drawn farm implements which can be viewed at the open day on Sunday.
An anniversary cake will be cut at a ceremony at 11am on and the day will run from 9am to 2.30pm.
There will be demonstrations of woodwork, spinning, lace making and engines in working mode, along with a butter-making demonstration complete with scones to try out the finished product.
Ken Bradford’s axe display will be on view along with the society’s latest project – an almost-restored Dodge Fire truck.
Visitors will also be able to take in the incredible collection on display in the museum buildings.
All are welcome to come and enjoy the open day at the museum and celebrate the 50th anniversary with the Warwick and District Historical Society.
For further information, contact president Janice Flood on 0428 340 144.
