Dannevirke’s Gallery of History turns 30
There was a crowd waiting for the doors to open when Dannevirke’s Gallery of History celebrated its 30th birthday on Sunday, September 16.
It promised the afternoon would be successful and so it proved, visitors trickling in all afternoon to inspect the great collection of artefacts, treasures and information which has been collected over three decades.
There was a special new display of the earliest photography technology and a timeline of those who had been in the business for regular visitors seeking something new.
While the whole afternoon was mostly informal and unstructured, president Nancy Wadsworth spoke to the group at 2.45pm, thanking everyone for their attendance, particularly the staff and some volunteers who had dressed up in costumes of the past.
Nancy singled out four special volunteers for the special skills and time they have contributed to the current running of the gallery — Sharon Burling for her research, John Winter for research and IT, Murray Orchard for carpentry expertise and Derek Batchelor for upkeep of tools.
She then asked some special people to light a candle for each decade:
1988-1998 Nick Hill and Bill Gundersen — both original committee members,
1998-2008 Jill Mills — longest serving volunteer,
2008-2018 Kathryn Jensen and Scott Bond — the two youngest volunteers.
Then came the cutting of the cake decorated in the form of the gallery, jointly cut by founding committee members Pat Edwards-Sextus and Judy Swenson.
Each decade had its highlights, Nancy identifying the purchase of the Old Court House being that of the first decade, its extension outdoors at the rear being the feature of the second and the increasing use of IT to promote the gallery and record its information the feature of the third.
The Gallery of History is always looking for volunteers who can contribute, each according to their skills and time availability.
Give the gallery a ring on 06 374 6300.