Two long-serving members of the Gunnedah and District Historical Society were honoured with life membership at the recent annual general meeting.
Kay Wilson and Robyn Paul have contributed enormously to the society over many years with their collective volunteer hours and knowledge proving a great asset to the Water Tower Museum.
Kay Wilson came to Gunnedah in 1969 and joined the society after retiring from her position as Gunnedah Community Health nurse.
“I have always had an interest in historical events and things, so after retirement I had some time to enjoy my interest – I think it was around 2004,” Kay said.
“I began by completing the back log of NVI papers that had not been cut up and transferred to folders for different organisations and I learned a lot about the museum and the community.
“I was secretary for about five years and since then have been vice-president and enjoy all the different aspects of the museum.
“I have also managed to learn a little about family history from Shirley Coote but can get lost in it often.”
Robyn Paul’s interest in the Gunnedah and District Historical Society began in 1977 after a very successful Gunnedah Intermediate High School reunion when she began assisting Gwyn Jaeger and
others to gather information from this very special occasion to present to the society.
“It was a labour of love from there and John Buchanan suggested that I might join the society,” Robyn recalled.
“I found the challenge of collecting and presenting so much material and meeting such interesting people was so rewarding.”
Robyn has served in different committee positions over the years, but she said that working alongside such talented people as John Buchanan, Gwyn Jaeger, Fay Dever, Kathy White, Betty Williamson
Mary Shaw, Shirley Coote, Athol Palmer, Ray Campbell, Jim Shaw and others in the early days was an inspiration to her.
“It is a great joy for me to see how far the museum has progressed and grown over the years, and it is wonderful to see such a great team of younger members continuing to lead this amazing Gunnedah treasure to a bigger and greater time.”
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