We are looking forward to our next Open Day on Sunday, January 26, Australia Day. As I write this, we are confronted with the forecast of ‘catastrophic’ fire weather conditions for the next couple of days. Let us hope the district comes through unscathed, and that our open day is kind to us weatherwise.
We wish all our friends and readers a very happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of one of our Friends, John Baguley, after a long illness. He had been with us for a few years only, and had applied himself to his assignments with perseverance and dedication. His stoicism and good humour in the face of adversity was an inspiration to us all.
Last month, I mentioned the promise of a fine display of November lilies in the Netherby garden. Well, they did not disappoint – the finest display of these beauties you will ever see! Contact us in February if you would like a few bulbs, as that is about the right time to lift them, and ours will need to be thinned out then.
The 1918 International truck restoration proceeds on many fronts. Current attention is focussed on the front and rear axles in anticipation of the completion of rebuilding the wheels. We have had to have some spring leaves remade, and now we can dismantle the springs, clean them thoroughly, reassemble and paint them. The brakes have been relined, and the re-cored radiator is complete and in safe storage. It is gratifying that such services still exist in this throw-away world. Work is proceeding on the engine, with much yet to do.
The Fagan Park museums and Netherby Homestead are open every Tuesday, our volunteering day, and we open the museums on the second Sunday each month during the afternoon. All visitors are welcome.
Contact me at the park on a Tuesday or phone anytime if you would like to join us. Ian Browning, Honorary Curator, 0419 435 475.
