Links Forged To Save Rural Heritage
Newcastle Herald
Friday June 15, 2007
THE unique Hunter Valley Museum of Rural Life may be exhibited in purpose-built centres at Scone, Aberdeen and Denman.
The bold plan was among suggestions raised at a public meeting this week in Scone that aimed to save the collection of about 2000 items.The museum, which opened at Lake Glenbawn 41 years ago, ran out of funding and volunteers to staff it and was closed 15 years ago.It has deteriorated and is under the control of State Government-appointed administrator John Jobling, who called the meeting.Those present accepted an offer by Upper Hunter Mayor Barry Rose for his council to secure the museum building, protect items from vermin and consider establishing a community committee to oversee the collection's future.Cr Rose said formal steps to establish the committee would begin on June 25.It is considered one of the best early community and rural artefact collections in eastern Australia, with items such as a marble bathtub and an anvil used by boxing great and blacksmith Les Darcy.The museum pieces are gifts or on permanent loan.Mr Jobling, a former Liberal member of the Legislative Council, said yesterday that the committee was expected to apply for funding from the state and federal governments for advice on preserving items and developing a business plan.
© 2007 Newcastle Herald
