Firstly, I have no idea how or why this has happened but all email subscriptions have been lost from our page. I have gone through and added Museum members again and hope you will now receive updates.
So, you may be all wondering what has been happening at the Maldon Vintage Machinery & Museum. We thought we would give you a little catchup since our last post.
Our Volunteers have devoted a lot of time, effort and design into reestablishing the mine tunnel exhibit that naturally draw everyone into it, to look down the shaft and marvel at the historical implements scattered about. Unlike other museums, these items can be touched by visitors giving them a feel of what it was like in Australia’s early gold rush day’s.
The closure of Carmen’s Tunnel Mine as a tourist venue in Maldon, due to safety concerns, saw artifacts from the mine transferred to our Museum for Safe Keeping. We are honored to house these artifacts and hope to be able to show them with pride in the future.
Not to be unnoticed is the landscaping effort, grass cutting weeding, poisoning, trimming trees and general tiding up is a constant effort. Many thanks goes to those volunteers who put in the extra effort and time needed. The museum is now looking forward to creating a lovely picnic area for all to enjoy.
Lindsay has revitalized the blacksmith shop and on many Saturdays he has the forge burning and the anvil ringing, attracting a lot of attention with all the noises and smell of the smoke drifting past. Lindsay is always up for a chat. be sure to say hello.
The Tori Shed has been completed and is wowing people with its exhibits. The new Axe and saw display has already made its way onto Facebook by visitors and is very impressive on the computer screen.
Over the last few months the museum has seen a number of groups come through. Probus groups, Engine Clubs and Car Clubs are visiting from near and far and its wonderful to see. We will open the museum for groups on days that the museum is closed for any group, bookings to be made through the secretary.
Many interesting items have been donated recently that just seem to blend in but one outstanding gift is the 1925 Essex motor car. It was an abandoned project that sat under a trap in a shed for over 50 years. The mechanical restoration of this unique vehicle has been taken up by the President Alan Miller. As we have no where currently to store the car, Alan has provided the garage space for its safety and eventual restoration.
A very special donation was made by the Tori family who have generously presented the museum with a defib unit. This unit we hope will never be used but we are grateful that if required we maybe able to save a life one day, it may be one of ours or a visitor and we all agree, a life is much more important that a piece of machinery. The defib is located in the middle of the museum on the front of the Fire Station.
We have had a number of large events at the museum. The Easter Rally was a huge success with 100’s of visitors. Hosting TEDX Maldon and having the Working Horse display on Kings Birthday have seen many visitors coming through and an extra effort given by volunteers.
These events wouldn’t be as successful without the of those that organise the catering, Kathy and Renee, and all their helpers. But the popularity award must go to Julie and Andrew who stock and tirelessly tend the bar. It must be mentioned, this is one of the most exhausting tasks that take place when an event is in progress. we should appreciate and thank these people a lot more than we do.
I’m really excited to say. We are getting heaters. Soon to be installed. As they say all good things comes to those who wait. We have worked hard and raised the funds. Having people warm at events will make the museum a happy place.
Coming events. Don’t forget to check out the Event page and keep and eye on our Facebook page as we post there regularly.
The Next big event will be the Goldfield Gothic Festival being held 2,3 & 4 August. Check out there Facebook page for more info.
Special Notice for the Maldon Vintage Machinery & Museum Annual Meeting, it will be held on August 21st 10.30am.
Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum 