Community
30 August, 2024
Call out for Friends
THE Friends of Flagstaff Hill are sending out a call for new members.
The group, which was first established back in 2009, comprises men and women who work together to save and preserve Warrnambool’s rich local maritime history.
They also work hard to save the many artefacts on display at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village and fundraise to purchase more.
But they need help in the form of new and enthusiastic members.
“It’s not necessarily about volunteering at Flagstaff Hill, although we certainly welcome that too, it is about joining the Friends group and working with us to preserve the existing artefacts and fundraise for future purchases and works,” member Ken Sharp said.
The Friends of Flagstaff Hill has raised funds over many years to assist in the acquisition of many of the artefacts on show at the museum and has also provided funds to repair and maintain items of historical value.
“We do this for the betterment of our local community, to keep our heritage for the ones to come, and to enhance the visitor experience,” Mr Sharp said.
“We’re fortunate here in Warrnambool to have such a rich history and it’s really a privilege to be a part of its preservation.
“The Friends group is a chance for us all to do our bit and to give something back to the community. We have undertaken many projects at Flagstaff Hill, with the most recent one the restoration of the bakers’ cart.”
The group is also currently planning a rare trades festival, to be held at Flagstaff Hill on Sunday, November 3.
“We’ve always got something on the go, a project of some sort, which keeps everyone’s interest ticking along,” Mr Sharp said.
“Last year we had about 15 or so active members but that number has dwindled a little for various reasons so we really need people to put their hands up and help out.
“It’s not a big commitment; we meet monthly and decide what to tackle next. The rare trades festival will again be an exciting event and this is everyone’s chance to play an important part in its planning.”
If you have a passion for history or would like to see the area’s rich maritime heritage preserved, contact Glenda on 0402 950 949 or Leigh 0418 527 579.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 3 from 10am.
