The Historical Society achieved a lot in 2014, breathing new life into the Merriganowry Hut and completing stage one of the Heritage Plaque project. After 48 years of creating and documenting history they held their 2015 AGM this Tuesday. Peter Burnheim who was President for two years is now handing the reins over to Ross Cleary. Peter says he’s tried to whip the meetings into shape though sadly the museum has seen a continuing decline of visitors and a decreasing amount of volunteers. Ross Cleary, who was previously Secretary, hopes that putting a register compiled by the Society into public eye might spark interest. “The Canowindra Pioneer Register is a great resource and features examples of work by members. Copies will be available in Finns, Deli Lama and Trading Post in upcoming weeks. The book contains information on local families’ pre 1901” Ross said. Ross is also contributing local history questions to the Trivia Night on March 14th, ‘some will delight, some will tease and some will infuriate!’ he joked. Other members present at the AGM were Muriel Yell, Gwen Wythes, Pamela Brown who designed the Pioneer Wall at the front of the museum, Jan Harrison and Ian McIlvain who wanted to learn more about his adopted home after moving here 7 years ago. When asked what Ian had learnt so far he replied, “I’ve learnt that if you insult someone in town you’re insulting a friend’s family member!” John and Audrey Farley were also awarded life-long membership certificates, which will be presented to the couple at a later date.
“Audrey and John are moving to Cowra after decades of volunteering in every role imaginable. We always think of them as John & Audrey because they do everything together” says Dorothy Balcomb, one of the founding members who has been involved in the society since 1967 when it arose out of a school project. To coincide with the Balloon Glow the Society will be showing a presentation at the Services Club on 16th April entitled, “Canowindra- The Town That Grew Like Topsy’. “Life is changing into another era but we still need to maintain our heritage” says Jan Harrison. Society meetings are the first Tuesday of every month at 10am at the museum. Anyone interested in history is welcome to come along. ‘Basically we’re just an active, energetic bunch of youngsters!” says Ross.
By Rhi Quinn