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The Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West has been involved
in numerous projects over the years. Listed below are just some of
them...... (Click on name of project for further information)
Wagon Rides
Again Woolwash
Ulysses AGM
Adam Lindsay Gordon memorial
Glencoe Woolshed
Potters' Point Project
Grader Project
Restored Projects
Truman Windmill
Woolshed Project
Nine months of blood, sweat and
tears have culminated in the magnificent restoration of one of the City’s most
prized possessions.
Over thirty years ago this four
tonne, four-horse wagon in excellent condition became the property of the City
after being donated by J.P. Telford of Glenburnie. Since then it had pride of
place at the original Valley Lakes playground that was constructed in December
1970.
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The original
wagon at the Valley Lakes Playground |
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With the removal of the old
equipment and the construction of the new playground in late 1999, it was
thought that the old wagon would benefit from some reconditioning. The
Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West took possession of the wagon on the 25th
July 2000 and help from local business has enabled the Club to restore it to
working condition. |
Local blacksmith and wheelwright,
James Keegan, built the original wagon in 1911 for a cost of 80 pounds. Keegan
was one of the oldest established blacksmiths in the Mount Gambier region, while
also practicing as a veterinary surgeon. The original wagon was built from local
timbers, including hickory and Australian gum for the wheels.
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The Telford Bros. owned a
local farming business and used the wagon to cart hay, wool, grain and wood
(eg. wattle bark) from Rennick, just over the Victorian border, which would
take two days.
Rotary Club volunteers, lead
by Basil Mewitt, completed the arduous restoration process on after nearly
45 hours of dismantling and 265 hours of reconstruction. The Club members
have generously given their time and expertise into the project that they
have found "very rewarding." |
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The newly restored wagon has
had its timber work replaced with Australian oak, including the front axle
that could not be retained. The rear axle and four wheels are original,
whilst the wrought iron fittings required careful reconditioning. The wheels
were dipped in an acid bath to remove the numerous layers of paint prior to
finishing.
Special thanks to all those
involved in the processes of dismantling; namely, Tim Elliot, Frank Kentish,
John Smith and Neville Gilbertson, timber reproduction; Barrie Whennan,
Basil Mewitt and Cyril Blackmore, painting; Bob Furner, Frank Monger, Bob
Chapman, iron working; Max Dalrymple and Peter Cameron and the Council
contact; Jim Galpin. |
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retained rear wheels and axle |
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Plans have been made to complete the wagon with
a set of shafts attached to the front end where the horses would be
harnessed. This task is to be undertaken some time in June, after which it
is anticipated that the completed wagon will be placed on display under its
own shelter at the Umpherston Sinkhole.
Members of the Rotary Club of
Mount Gambier West,
From left; Barrie Whennan, Basil
Mewitt and Cyril Blackmore |
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Ulysses Motor Cycle Club AGM. Club members in catering tent. |
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A busy week for all members catering for over 4000 Ulysses Members |
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Launch of Woolwash Interpretive Centre at Port MacDonnell. Chairman Don Pegler, P.P Max Dalrymple, Rory McEwen MP, Jim Galpin, & Patrick Secker MP. |
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Adam Lindsay Gordon Memorial |
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Glencoe Woolshed renovations - "What a crew" |
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Potters' Point Lookout - a joint project of the City of Mount Gambier and the 3 Rotary Clubs within Mount Gambier |
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The Rotary
Club of Mount Gambier West Inc. 
