The Dragon, the Forge and the ‘Bakkiespomp’
The Bathurst Agricultural Museum, Part 2
When I revisited The Bathurst Agricultural Museum recently the attractive “bakkiespomp” and water feature were turned on, providing delight on a hot afternoon.
I also saw for the first time an extension to the Geoff Palmer Hall, namely the new Miller’s Room.
This became a reality in 2021 through Vivienne Letherington’s donation in memory of her late daughter. Inside are grist mills and shellers which, when put through their paces, delight the onlooker and will produce freshly milled flour.
And to go with that, note the traditional “bakoven” outside. Hens and roosters, the self-appointed custodians of the Miller’s Room, add to the enchanting farmyard feel.
For contrast, back in the Geoff Palmer Hall a thundering dragon –a John Deere steel wheel 2-cylinder tractor – shot flames from its exhaust and loosened our dentures.
The blacksmith shop is a main showpiece, a working “touch” exhibit called “The Whistling Anvil”, started in 2013 and opened in 2018.
It includes wheelwright items, ancient bellows and much historic paraphernalia that could have come straight from Thomas Hartley’s Forge (the original footprint of The Pig and Whistle Inn from the 1820s). Chair
Alan Pike and forge specialist Jon Pieters both bubble over with enthusiasm and interesting detail.
Pike’s Post, a shed lined with hay bales at one end, has an adjoining kitchen. These spaces are used for local meetings and functions, and the adjoining Ploughman’s Pub is
well patronised.
Taken as a whole, BAM is an almost overwhelming treasure trove of colourful old machines, various modes of transport and home gadgets from yesteryear.
Although the vision is still to complete a 19th century farmyard, we salute the committee members and all enthusiasts for achievements past and recent.m Along with an increase in visitors, donations and volunteers are always needed. Woodworking societies help with repairs and there are always labels to be replaced or painting jobs to counter the “Demon Rust”.
Alan, a sixth generation Settler descendant on the original Pike farm, has (to paraphrase the quote by his ancestor Rev HHDugmore) watched the museum “take root and grow”. This gem has thrived for over 50 years, despite financial and space constraints. Let’s support ALL our local museums, for the edification and enjoyment of future generations.
The museum is open 9am to 4pm weekdays and mornings only on weekends. School groups are welcome, by prior appointment (call 071-282-9161).