Bring out your treasures

HEATHCOTE McIvor Historical Society will be hosting monthly Bring a Treasure mornings beginning on the first Wednesday in October.

Tea, coffee and nibbles will be supplied and everyone is welcome.

“We are inviting anyone who has an interesting old photo, curio or historic item to share them over morning tea,” said research officer and museum curator, Elizabeth Murfitt.

“If possible, we would love to be able to copy some of the photos to display in the museum.

“There will be a prize awarded for the best item each day. We never know what treasures will turn up.

“Recently we were given a trowel by a woman in her nineties.

“As an eighteen-year-old, she visited Melbourne with her mother and spotted a trowel in a curio shop in the city.

“She told her mother she would love to buy it as the family had often passed through Heathcote on holidays.

“Years later she came through Heathcote again and called into the Visitors Centre.

“She was told about the historical society and paid us a visit.

“We were sitting and chatting when she pulled out the trowel and said she wanted us to have it.

“It has an inscription reading ‘Presented to Cr E. G. Batchelder J.P. on the occasion of the laying of the Foundation Stone of the Methodist Church 12.10.28’.

“It is a real treasure and in fabulous condition.”

Ms Murfitt is also calling for volunteers to help at the historical society.

“It would be great if anyone interested could come along and help preserve the history of Heathcote.

“One a week or once a month, any help would be appreciated.”

The Heathcote McIvor Historical Society office and Museum are at 19 Herriot Street, Heathcote, and open on Wednesday mornings from 10am.