Museum volunteers applauded at gathering

 

 

In the last ‘official’ duty relating to the opening of the Mangawhai Museum, last Saturday saw a gathering of sponsor groups, helpers and volunteers officially applauded by Board Chairman Christine Bygrave.

Though there was no cutting of ribbons on this occasion, special mention was made of the ASB, Lotteries Board and Pub Charity whose recognition of the significance of the project had been rewarded with grants totalling $750,000 and without which the project would still be some way off completion.

In naming some others who had had specific input into the complex, Christine was quick to acknowledge the myriad of small donors and the many volunteers whose selfless input in either donations or man-hours had helped bring the concept to reality over the ten years since its inception.

Though figures were unavailable, officials have been pleased with the numbers who have passed through the museum since it opened, and also the many compliments on the displays, exhibitions and artifacts covering the different periods of Mangawhai’s history and growth.

As more visitors show up, more information is expected to surface and so the museum will continue to be a work in progress as snippets of information add to the already colourful history of our little town.

The hundred-strong crowd was then entertained by international, though locally domiciled musician Dave Dobbyn whose 14-year association with Mangawhai has seen the ups and downs of a small community but moreso the depth of community co-operation when such a project is undertaken. His renditions of ‘Welcome Home’ and ‘Beside You’ were well received before the attendees lined up for a light buffet meal to complete the official ‘unofficial’ ceremony.



Christine Bygrave says a special thanks to volunteers.

Acoustic entertainment from Dave Dobbyn.

Nothing says ‘thanks’ like a buffet.