Stakeholders get thumbs-up for ‘good work’
DEDICATION is important when running any organisation, but it is due to this important asset that the Kowie History Museum (KHM) is running on an even keel.
This was the message from trustee and chairman Rob Crothall during his chairman’s report for the year at the museum’s AGM, held at the Ski-boat Club on Monday evening.
“We have had a good year at the museum and for that I need to thank our curator, Yvonne Surtees, our trustees, our desk helpers, and our members and friends, all of whom have supported us and, at times, spent considerable time and resources on behalf of the museum,” he said.
The KHM had good relationships with other local museums, and this had been enhanced during the year, Crothall said. KHM has been advising Kowie visitors to visit other museums in the area, and it is clear some of the other museums send people to the KHM.
The KHM also enjoys a good relationship with the Lower Albany Historical Society.
Crothall said this was good for tourism in the area. Changes to the KHM constitution were made last year in order to improve compliance and good governance. Changes this year enable a smaller quorum at future meetings, and it was unanimously agreed to reduce numbers from a quorum of 20 members to 15.
“We entered into a lease agreement with Historic Bathurst under which they take over the control and maintenance of the Historic Bradshaw’s Mill,” Crothall said. “Of course, they have had de facto control of the Mill for some years, but the lease formalises the relationship. Ownership of the Mill still remains with our Kowie History Museum.”
Crothall spoke of the “unfortunate thefts” that had occurred at the museum over last year. The thieves made away with a laptop and a desktop – as well as Surtees’ handbag.
“In one case, the thieves smashed the door from the platform into the office off its hinges, and I would like to thank Brian Edwards, who responded immediately, for devising and implementing a repair that will resist similar attempts in the future,” Crothall explained.
Lesley Futter joined the trustees during the year, taking up the role of treasurer as Gwynneth Crothall’s replacement, and Crothall thanked her for her efforts.
Surtees herself was thanked for her acquirng a number of new exhibits by bartering with collectors and others.
Mike Coleman and Hennie Marais have resigned as trustees due to personal commitments.