MEMBERS of the Speewa Heritage Collectors Club (SHCC) are dusting off their prized collections in preparation for their fifth annual rally.
The rally, expected to draw hundreds of collectors from across the state, is being touted as a great family outing by organisers.
They hope to get the word out that the rally is not only about antique or vintage collections.
“It’s not just about old engines and machinery, we encourage everyone to get involved and share what they have,” club president Neil Scougall said.
“My wife Robyn collects old perfume bottles — she has over 500 that she gathered from Avon catalogs over the years — and the rally is a great chance to share her interest with others.”
Warren Doherty has a saw set collection that contains a multitude of different pieces, some up to 100 years old, that he plans to display during the rally.
“We live in a disposable society these days and they don’t even make these for saws anymore. Now, you just replace the whole saw.”
Warren has also collected a myriad of wheel barrow wheels, many are blacksmith made and demonstrate the craftsmanship of the era.
For Cliff Hayes it’s a family affair. Mr Hayes’ wife Judy collects salt and pepper shakers and old irons.
Their son and grandson are also keen collectors who love to travel together to attend rally’s across Australia.
“I love the solidarity of it, the people you meet,” Mr Hayes said.
“We are all sharing an interest even though our collection pieces are wide and varied, we all share the same passion. Its not about money, its about enjoyment.
“Often collectors swap pieces or give away pieces to assist each other.”
Jack Hayes is 16 and one of the club’s six members aged under 17.
He loves engines and said being in the club gave him the opportunity to tinker with machinery no longer in consumer circulation. Jack aspires to be a mechanic and finds the opportunity invaluable.
He estimates that he attends about 12 rallys each year across the state, with his father and grandfather.
The rally will be held beside the Speewa Punt over the weekend of August 1 and 2, and is expected to draw a large crowd of collectors, many of whom will camp out nearby and make a weekend of it.
The club has organised meals and entertainment and there is also a special appearance of the paddle steamer “Iron Day” scheduled if river levels permit.
Locals are encouraged to consider displaying their own collection at the event or drop by for a browse.
Enquiries can be made with Mr Scougall on 5037 6440, Mr Hayes on 5034 6230 or via the club’s Facebook page.
From today’s Guardian (Friday, July 10)
