Well another year has passed and it is almost time for the AGM.
This time last year the Society was focussed on the future of the museum at its present location after Goodman’s asked us if we would like to purchase the site. After discussions with the members Committee had decided to pursue the opportunity and submitted an offer prior to the June deadline nominated by Goodman. Unfortunately the offer was not accepted and in December another higher offer was submitted. Currently we are still awaiting a response and while this seems to be taking a long time it is felt that this will occur in the new financial year.
In the meantime Committee is pursuing funding through donations and possible sponsorships. I am pleased that through the work of members and donations we have over $24,000 in the property fund. In addition we have pledges from members in excess of $30,000 toward the site purchase.
Increased publicity for the museum through newspaper articles and TV coverage this year has helped to increase visitor numbers and it is becoming more popular with other Clubs and School Groups in particular. Also in demand with groups is the catered BBQ and thanks must go to the regular team who make this possible.
A number of successful events were held this year at the Museum including a Motorfest event in association with the Bay to Birdwood Run, our Christmas party, the Show and Shine in conjunction with the Modified Ford Club and the Year of the General Day. The last two were the largest and most successful with considerable monies raised both for our Society and Charity.
A number of outside displays were also attended by members and their vehicles including Clipsal, the Aviation Museum, Salisbury RSL, Torrens Parade Ground, Salisbury and Port Adelaide Christmas parades and Australia Day parades. The Anzac Day March this year was well supported with more than 30 historic vehicles provided to transport the Veterans. While we are able to assist the Veterans we will continue to provide vehicles into the future.
A number of members and vehicles including some of our newer members attended Corowa in March this year. This is a tremendous event and I would urge all members to speak to those that have experienced it with a view to going next year.
In the Workshop thanks to efforts of the members and volunteers considerable progress has been made on restoration of a number of vehicles including the Desert Chev and the McGrath trailer. The North South Ford and Bedford Aircrew Bus are now completed and on display. Essential and in some cases major maintenance of the Stuart, Bren Gun carrier, Marmon Herrington and the No 8 Gun Tractor this year contributed to a very busy year. Projects for the next year include the WW1 FWD which subject to a Grant application we would like to have mobile for its 100th year in 2017.
The instigating of a WFD programme has been very successful with the Museum building almost fully painted both inside and out and a myriad of other tasks which have greatly improved the appearance of the site. In addition the model display and the WW1 displays have been upgraded. This has been a very successful programme and we have the opportunity to embark on a larger programme for the coming year.
Every week a dedicated group of members and volunteers have continued the ongoing task of maintaining the grounds including endless grass cutting and spraying of weeds.
It is important to reflect that all this essential work mentioned above only gets done because members and volunteers regularly put in the time to make it happen and without it our Museum would not exist.
I wish to convey my thanks to the committee and subcommittee who again have put in many hours of work and to all members who have contributed with their time or donations during the last 12 months.
Finally the year ahead will again present some significant challenges but hopefully the ownership of the Museum site and our future will become clearer so we will be able to improve and grow the Museum.
Dave Carmen
President MVPSSA