Pause for collectables show on the cards

THE postponement of the thirty-seventh Golden City Collectors Association Militaria & Collectables Show, due to take place at the Bendigo Multi Sports Complex in just over a week’s time, is becoming increasingly likely.

“Unfortunately, due to the world we live in at the moment, it most likely won’t happen on that date,” joint show coordinator Sue Rawlings said.

“I think it will probably be postponed unless the State Government increases the numbers allowed in the venue.”

While the popular annual event has been held since the early 80s, it’s not as well known that the Golden City Collectors Association has existed for a decade longer.

“In 1972 a group of likeminded men who collected antique firearms started the association, and it’s grown now to over 200 members,” Mrs Rawlings said.

“A lot of our members are militaria orientated, but there’s also people who collect a lot of other things.

“I started off, for example, with a school memorabilia collection, but now I have a Wild West collection.

“My husband collects hats and helmets. We also have people who collect Star Wars, Star Trek and Batman, and there’s a chap with a pocketknife collection.

“We’ve got a woman who collects buttons that go back to the 1800s, right up to the present day, and her partner collects shearing equipment!”

“Another person has a collection of (old) mobile phones, while another has an incredible Victoria Cross collection, as well as a Marilyn Monroe one. Two totally opposite ends of the stick, but he’s equally passionate about both.”

Prospective members are welcome to attend the association’s meetings when they recommence on the first Tuesday of every month, from 7.30pm at the Quarry Hill Community Hall.

Further information and news on the Show’s eventual date is available on the Bendigo Region website. Visit bit.ly/3irzVJD for more information.