Gunnedah & District Historical Society’s annual general meeting was held at the Water Tower Museum on Monday after the first monthly meeting of the year.

A committee was elected to take the organisation through the next 12 months with president Marie Hobson reflecting on another successful year in her annual report.

Committee members elected are Marie Hobson (president), Kay Wilson (vice-president), Judy Lee (secretary), Alan Barker (treasurer), Martine Moran (committee member).

Highlights of the year included life membership for Colin Rosewell and the late Ron McLean. Further recognition for Ron came in the naming of the research room in the basement in his honour. The former proactive member had written several historical books, including The Way We Were, The Final Curtain, In The Line of Fire and Soldiers of Gunnedah.

Colin has contributed an immeasurable amount of time and expertise to the society over many years, especially with the computer filing system, setting up databases and scanning photographs.

Members welcomed several coach tours during the year, and the uniqueness of the Water Tower Museum always receives high praise.

Volunteers have provided another valuable service, handling many inquiries for family research as well as welcoming visitors and school groups. The visitor book reveals names from all over the world and across Australia.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day was a very emotional event with a wreath laid on behalf of the society. A wreath was also laid on Anzac Day at the cenotaph.

A pop-up display in the Mooki Room at The Civic from May 6 to June 8 proved very popular, raising awareness of the museum’s many items on display.

Another well received attraction was a display for Olympian Boy Charlton who won gold in Paris after training in the Namoi River. He worked on the Mackellar family property Kurrumbede. It marked 100 years since he won his medal in Paris and the Games were again held in Paris.

Members were sad to farewell life members Don and Esther Underwood who have moved to Queensland to be closer to family. Their contribution to the society has been immeasurable and they are greatly missed but have settled in their new home.

The year closed with a Christmas celebration at the Railway Hotel and members are preparing for another busy year.

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