Historic movement

By Kath Gannaway
YARRA Glen & District Historical Society (YG&DHS) officially moved into its new home at the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall on 2 February.
Shire of Yarra Ranges Ryrie Ward councillor Jeanette McRae was joined by Nicholas Gibson as she cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare the society’s new home officially open.
Cr McRae invited Nicholas, the youngest guest at the ceremony, to join her saying she believed a community’s history was not only about the past but also about the present and future generations.
YG&DHS vice president Jill Sheffield said the opening was the culmination of 12 months of work with Cr McRae and the shire to obtain a permanent home for the society.
Ms Sheffield paid tribute to the society’s secretary-treasurer Eric Tetlow who she said had put in an enormous amount of work and research to ensure the milestone event was a great success.
Among the more than 60 guests who came from far and wide were Kate Prinsley, Royal Historical Society Victoria executive officer, representatives of local historical societies, past residents of Yarra Glen and many local identities of the district.
An extensive display of historic photographs and books prompted memories and lots of discussion and story-telling about the district’s fascinating past.
The YG&DHS plans to announce regular opening times soon.
The society meets on the second Sunday of the month at 1.30pm at the rear of the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall.
Visitors are welcome to join members in sharing local history and enjoying regular guest speakers.