Moonambel Arts & History Group

'Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder' photo comp.

30/9/2022

We are hoping that people are willing
to come out again after enduring
quite a long Covid hibernation.

This is our first photo competition since 'Capturing Character' in 2018.
So here is the flyer
calling for entries.
If you cannot download
the entry form below
please contact Jennifer.
Her details are on the poster

The Children in the Moonambel Lock-Up

22/5/2021

The Lock Up in its new place at the Common.

The Children in the Lock-Up

Back in 2003, the Moonambel Arts and History community, under the guidance of Jan Curtis and Merri Hogan, embarked on a journey
to last 18 years.

It was then that the community discovered that the lock-up at the original Moonambel police house was one of only five remaining portable police lock-ups in Victoria. At the time of discovery, it had been used for hay storage and as a chicken coop among other things. In 2003 Moonambel art and history community applied for and received a grant from Victorian Heritage to relocate the lock-up
to the Moonambel Common and then restore it.

Jan Curtis relating the history leading to the event. Photo: G Akers

Many years of research accessing original police records and the original Moonambel Police Charge Book from years 1883 to 1914 revealed 53 persons, including three children, were held in the lock-up. Under the guidance of Secretary, Jan Curtis, the research and development of the Historical Police Precinct continued.

Original sculptures of the children
were created by local artists Merri Hogan and Barry Fox and placed in the lock-up.
Over time these had become degraded and derelict. MAHG had taken the plight of the children to their hearts and decided they needed to have new interpretations made. MAHG Secretary, Jennifer MacKay, had seen photos of wire sculptures of ‘ghost soldiers’
in an English churchyard and with the suggestion from Merri Hogan
she presented to the MAHG committee the proposal for the new sculptures
to be made by Clunes artist Tom Ripon.

At last....we see Tom Ripon placing the wire sculptures in situ. Photo: S Malkaer

We assumed that was the end of a very sad story as the children were committed to the Department of Neglected Children.

Fortunately, Jennifer continued the story with the help of the Genealogical Society of Victoria.
She found a descendant of the eldest child
Edith Octive Dean. In finding this, it was also revealed that Edith Octive and Alice Louisa were sisters and the one year old Constance was a half sister.

The granddaughters of the 3 children relating their memories. Photo: G Akers

On 20th May, 2021,Tom Ripon, the sculptor, and Eileen Ryan, the descendant, unveiled the sculptures in the lock-up. Eileen, with her sisters, Val and Marion, entertained the crowd with stories the sisters related of their grandmother, Octive (Ollie) and their Aunt Connie.
Alice had died at the age of 21.

The ladies had no idea of the plight
of their grandmother and dear Aunt Connie
all those years ago. This was something that was never mentioned and the circumstances of which Eileen is eager to explore.

We would like to thank Ann-Maree Richardson of the Genealogical Society of Victoria research team who helped Jennifer to trace the descendant of the eldest child,
Edith Octive Dean.
Also, we acknowledge the Pyrenees Shire for funding the project.

The Children in the Lock-Up. Photo: G Akers

Life After Covid....nearly.

16/4/2021

Lock-Up before sprucing.

What a torrid time we have had over the last 16 months.
All thoughts of an exhibition were put on hold and are
still awaiting a safe time to put things into action.
So apologies for the length of time between blogs.

Although we are in strange times, we have continued
with the history aspect of our group by concentrating on
the installation of 'The Children in the Lock-Up'.

With the help of finance from the Pyrenees Shire,
we commissioned international sculptor Tom Ripon
to create images of the three children who were
detained in the police Lock-Up for their own safety.
Hard to believe you would be safer in a dark room
with no window and a solid door.

But times were harsh in Moonambel in 1896.

The lockup has been painted in preparation for the installation. More history on the incident has been discovered and we are hoping to have the formal opening in May.

We thank Merri Hogan and Barry Fox for the mannequins which have been in the Lock-Up for some time now. Unfortunately, time has been unkind to the figures and they became quite dilapidated. Hopefully the new figures will stand up to the elements.

2019/20 AGM

9/11/2020

President's Report for 2019/20 AGM

This is our ninth Annual General Meeting but also the seventeenth year since the first Arts Event with the inaugural Easter exhibition. Our aim is to bring art to the area for the community to enjoy. The history component of our agenda is also being addressed.

This year has been different due to the Covid-19 pandemic stopping all community activities since March.

Therefore, since our last Annual Meeting, we have only been involved in the following activities:

June 2019

MCCC: Pyrenees Raku & Earthenware Hand Building Workshop

Adrian and Jan gave the school children and community members the chance to be creative with firing clay. A small attendance but enjoyed by all participants. The Moonambel Community Ceramic Centre (MCCC) is proving a successful addition to the community.

November 2019

Remembrance Day Commemoration at the memorial site.

This year the Commemorative Address was presented by Kaye Hutton who read three letters sent by the mother and two sisters of a returned soldier expressing what it was like to experience a son/brother in Vietnam for twelve months. A very moving presentation.

MCTC: ‘A Nearly Christmas Concert’

Steve and Gwynn organised talented local singers and musicians to present a fun night with audience participation in known Christmas songs.

May 2020

Moonambel Heritage Police Precinct

The Pyrenees Shire erected three signs in the main street indicating the existence of the Historical Police Precinct. We were thrilled with the support in our venture shown by the Shire.

July 2020

Wire Children at the Common

In November 2019 we decided that wire representation of the children in the Lock Up may be more appropriate than the original figures created by Merri Hogan and Barry Fox which have become very dilapidated.
A trip to Clunes to approach Tom Ripon, a well known wire sculptor, proved successful so ways to finance the project via grants was started.
It took until July 2020 to gain a $4000 grant from the Pyrenese Shire. We are now engaging Tom to complete this project in the near future.
Unfortunately, all community activities are on hold for now but we have the opportunity to continue improving the Historical Precinct.

Projects on the go...

The ongoing Moonambel Lockup project at the Common.

In general, The Moonambel Heritage Police Precinct development.

Installing historic information plaques around the township.

With our lack of ability to fundraise due to COVID-19 restrictions all events were put on hold. Our first event is this AGM with the second one to be a small service at the memorial for Remembrance Day in two day’s time.

We continue to work together as a resourceful team of dedicated volunteers. I look forward to the group being able to return to providing the community with art and history activities enjoyed by all.

Thank you to the dedicated team.

Garry Hutton.

2019 AGM

30/7/2019

Cast and crew from the 3 productions

President's Report.This is our eighth Annual General Meeting but also the sixteenth year since the first Arts Event with the inaugural Easter exhibition. Our aim is to bring art to the area for the community to enjoy. The history component of our agenda is also being addressed.

Since our last Annual Meeting we have been involved in the following activities:
September 2018

MCTC: New Directions.

The three one act plays were to introduce new producers to
the art of directing a theatrical performance. This was the first performance without music for MCTC for a long time and was highly successful.
October 2018

Cobb & Co Stables interpretive sign was put in place.
Screen printing Workshop with Helen Wakefield was so successful the group is looking forward to another session to further their skills.

November 2018

Remembrance Day commemoration at the memorial site.

A quotation from Jan Curtis says it all and is the reason we continue to hold this event for the community…
‘As we stood remembering at the commemorative ceremony held at Moonambel's Memorial last Sunday, it seemed to me to really capture the spirit we all hold deep within our hearts. I am one of many who were thinking deeply of a father, grandfather, great uncle, great aunty, brothers and sisters
who served way back.’

April 2019

An Exhibition without a Title Easter art show & sale.

We were presented with 59 pieces of artwork from 25 artists using a vast range of media.
Wood carving, water colours, acrylics, oils, pastels, pencil, mosaic tiles, photography, linocutting, printing, torn tissue collage, glass and even rocks. The people’s choice winner was the possum carved by our local wood carver Barry Fox.

May 2019

Moonambel Historical Police Precinct Information Panels

The four panels were erected at the Moonambel Common and include:

The cover of the Moonambel Watch House Charge Book 1883 – 1914.
The information of the 53 people held over that long period.
Headings including the date, name, age, country of origin, their calling, charge and the offence along with remarks.
Silhouette images on the original 'mural'
Floor plans of the associated buildings.
An excerpt from the original book.

At last we have achieved what we aimed for all those years ago.

June 2019

MCTC: Babes in the Wood pantomime

Once again Steve and Gwynn managed to produce a wonderful performance with the twist of most of the actors being in role reversal. Cast, crew and audience all enjoyed a wonderful show.

Our website mahg.org.au keeps our activities documented for all to see.

Market stalls, barbecue and Devonshire teas continue to be a drawcard when we have events staged at the Moonambel Recreation Reserve.

Projects on the go...

The Moonambel Lockup project at the Common. Still on the books but slowly coming together. The next step is the lockup renovation including the 3 figures being replaced.
Art workshops in varied media.
Installing historic information plaques around the township.

President Garry Hutton

I repeat what is said in my previous reports as it still holds the true meaning of our small but dedicated group of volunteers…
‘Once again our small team of dedicated workers make our projects work. The creative members need the level headed art & history lovers to make these things happen and vice versa. We have built up a wonderful reputation in the Pyrenees district basically due to our respect of our team and supporters. Well done all.

Our future projects, whatever they may be, are almost guaranteed success due to this dedication and wonderful harmonious community team spirit. I thank you all.’

Garry Hutton.

MCTC Babes in the Woods Production

30/6/2019

Costume designer Gwynn van den Bergen and Producer Steve Lane.

Once again Steve Lane and
Gwynn van den Bergen somehow managed
to take the amateur Moonambel
fun loving mob and manipulate their talents
to produce a magnificent and
very entertaining pantomime.

Fairy Agnes (Kaye Hutton) with her charges Bart (Robyn Akers) and Lisa (Mick Matthews)

For a start,
most of the cast was
in role reversal.

How hilarious to see
'the Babes',
Bart and Lisa, with
Fairy Agnes casting her spells
'protecting' them.

As for Carmen Gettit,
the Cook,
who could resist her charms (and food!).

Carmen Geddit, the Castle Cook (Tony Wood)

The Merry Men: Will Scarlett (Jenny Mackay), Friar Tuck (Jan Curtis), Robin Hood (Sanne Malkaer) and Little John (Marnie Reece-Wilmore).

Of course everyone loved
the hero, Robin, and his Merry Men.
His love interest, Maid Marion, was
sooooo delightful!

Robin Hood (Sanne Malkaer) with his beloved Maid Marion (Bernard Abadie)

It wouldn't be a pantomime without the villains.
They were very skilfully played by some of the female members of the cast.

Ruffians Reddie (Tanya Miles) and Ruff (Linda Phillips) with their leader the Sheriff of Nottingham (Salli Argall)

Robin (Sanne Malkaer) opposes the Sheriff (Salli Argall) while Maid Marion (Bernard Malkaer) watches on.

King Richard I (Adrian van den Bergen)

Special mention should be made
of Graeme Akers, the Minstrel,
who who sang ditties between acts. Graeme also composed this amusing entertainment for the performance.

Trumpeters (and stage crew) Phil Staynes and Gillian Matthews.

All was saved by King Richard, of course,
who rewarded his subjects
for their loyalty to him.
So everyone, except the Sheriff of course,
was able to live happily ever after.
Sigh....
The end

All photos supplied by John and Melissa Argall

THE CREW
Back row:
Graeme Akers (Minstrel & Song Writer), Maggie Barnes-Oake (Scenery Painter),
Phil Staynes (Trumpeter, Floosie & Stage Crew), Kaye Hutton (Agnes the Fairy and Villager),
Jan Curtis (Friar Tuck), Salli Argall (Sheriff of Nottingham), Jenny Mackay (Will Scarlett),
Robyn Akers (Babe Bart), Bernard Abadie (Maid Marion), Mick Matthews (Babe Lisa),
Adrian van den Bergen (King Richard I), Gillian Matthews (Trumpeter & Stage Crew),
Gwynn van den Bergen (Costume Designer & Maker), Steve Lane (Director, Lyricist &
Lighting/ Sound Technician)
Front row:
Tony Wood (Carmen Geddit the Cook), Tanya Miles (Ruffian Reddie), Linda Phillips (Ruffian Ruff), Sanne Malkaer (Robin Hood), Marnie Reece-Wilmore (Little John).
Missing:
John Argall (stage manager and photographer)

The cast and Crew would like to thank the Local Community for their continual support of the Moonambel Community Theatre Company.

MCTC Pantomime time...Babes in the Wood

28/5/2019

Once again Steve Lane and
Gwynn van den Bergen
are organising
a wonderful pantomime.

Check out the poster ...

Moonambel Historical Police Precinct Information Panels

5/5/2019

The 1st panel depicting the cover of the book.

Many know little of the colourful past of
the Moonambel Common.
It is used today for a variety of purposes
and acts as a focal point for many
community activities.

The Moonambel Arts and History Group (MAHG) has, for many years,
worked towards developing this area
as it is a listed Heritage Police Precinct
which is included in the Pyrenees Shire Planning Scheme Heritage overlay.

It is recorded that on 10 December 1860
a Police Station at Moonambel
and Redbank was established …
’in consequence of an extensive goldfield
with a population of about 30,000
having been opened and two townships having been established at those places’.

2nd panel

The Police Station and lock up were erected in 1861 on the Police Reserve.
Early records describe two lock ups and a shed as being located at the Police Camp.
A Magistrates’ Court was then built.

Today, the lock up is more or less hidden
by the long fence running along
the western side of The Common.
MAHG discovered this is a rare timber
‘Early Portable’ lock up.

In 2003 we obtained a grant from
the Department of Sustainability and Environment- Historic Places
and had the structure repaired.

In 2009 we combed Police Historical Archives in Melbourne and unearthed the only remaining Moonambel Charge Book 1883 – 1914.

The 4 panels in place.

Over this time, we sought ways
to share this information with
the community and all interested in history.

We created a material 'mural'
with the details listed in the
Charge Book. We then sought grants to develop this idea.

It has taken many years to achieve what you see today.

The four panels include:

The cover of the Moonambel Watch House Charge Book 1883 – 1914.
The information of the 53 people held over that long period.
Headings including the date, name, age, country of origin, their calling, charge and the offence along with remarks.
Silhouette images on the original 'mural'

Floor plans of the associated buildings.
An excerpt from the original book.

At last we have achieved what we aimed for all those years ago.

An Exhibition without a Title

30/4/2019

We were presented with artwork
from 25 artists using a vast range
of media.

Wood carving, water colours,
acrylics, oils, pastels, pencil,
mosaic tiles, photography,
linocutting, printing, torn tissue
collage, glass and even rocks.

All up we had 59 pieces of art
to exhibit. A record number
of entries for our small group!

Together with the market on
Saturday we were pleased
to see art, artists and
the community come together
for a wonderful art event.

Thank you to all.

The artwork on this blog is just a small sample in the
art show. We thank all the participants for their work.

Exhibition Without a Title

26/3/2019

We are delighted to bring another art experience
to Moonambel.
We decided to go
without a title
to give everyone the chance to exhibit their talents artistically in 2D or 3D.

It is not too late to enter your wonderful creations.
Just contact either Jan or Garry (details on poster)
for the entry forms.

All we ask is for the work
to be presented well.
That is, framed if needed,
and the ability to be hung
on our hook system.
Plinths, maybe, if you have 3D work or contact us
for clarificaton.
(See contacts on the poster).

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Our website was created December 2012. The History page lists activities from 2003 to 2012.

Coming Events

2022

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder Photo competition.

We will keep you informed as these projects develop and of any new projects which arise...

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