Sharing the reins

Thanks so much for your shout-outs, ideas and constructive comments to help us keep the community's historic horse-drawn vehicle collection in Beechworth.

The horse was the champion heavy-lifter in our colonial economy. And into federation, too. The spread of horse and stockyards either side of Loch Street and the undergear at the top of the lane by Church Street in this clip of Charles Bayliss's 1876 town panorama signals just how vital they were, walking and working with us. Without gold, grit and horsepower the heart of Beechworth would likely look very different.

Section from Beechworth panorama taken by Charles Bayliss from Christ Church tower in 1876. State Library of News South Wales Holtermann Collection (Mitchell Library).

Victoria's National Trust gets our pitch. We met with the Trust CEO and collections manager early this week. It was a very handy talk. We're working together to sort out a plan and find a place where we can dig into the story of the great rush, migration and the horsepower that made Beechworth happen. And the Beechworth and North East vehicles long held in the collection are our keys to that ambition.

We're going to need the community's help - with funds and muscle if you can share some. We're working through how we get there.

One essential step was incorporating. We did that on 26 February and we're now formally a not-for-profit incorporated association. This means you'll soon be able to join as a member. Just $45 per year, $35 concession or $20 for students and young people. And you'll be able to make gifts beyond a subscription. So when our bank account's open we'll certainly tell you. You'll also soon be able to volunteer to help us clean and maintain the vehicles.

So if you've a workable idea, or know of a secure, dry, vermin-proof empty shed, please holler. (The long-vacant, costly-reno'd railway goods shed's off the table, Indigo council tells us.)

Email beechworthhistoryandheritage@gmail.com

Text / call 0409 912 967

Thank you.