Given that we celebrated National Volunteers’ Day on June, Thursday 13 June was a great evening to open the latest exhibition at the Raglan Museum. A few glitches meant that the exhibition didn’t open as soon as expected, but it was worth the wait.
Entitled “How to Save the Planet: What We Can Learn from Our Grandparents”, it is a thought-provoking display. It especially affirms the many volunteers who work tirelessly in the numerous organisations of Whaingaroa to care for our environment. So the subtitle of the exhibition is apt: “Whaingaroa Tiaki Taiao: Let’s Care for Our Environment.”
A gathering of around 50 people, with representatives from almost all the organisations that contributed to the exhibition, made for a lively evening, with guests enjoying drinks and nibbles together. Guests were able to view the beautiful posters loaned by the Western Bay of Plenty Museum in Katikati and reflect on their own work in Whaingaroa, colourfully displayed on posters created by our local graphic designer, Dan.
Museum President Neil Couch welcomed contributors and members and affirmed them in their work for the community. He also recognised the role of the Committee, staff, and volunteers of the Museum in curating the exhibition. Reflecting on the evening, Neil said:
“There were two standouts for me. One being the number of guests who hadn’t actually been to the museum before. The second was how much discussion there was about what people learnt from the exhibition, in particular the loose leaf tea versus teabag information and the nylon versus wool carpet issue. These two standouts demonstrate the effectiveness of learning opportunities our exhibitions provide, and of the need to promote the museum more to our local community.”
It is hoped that local schools will take the opportunity to arrange visits for pupils. Museum volunteers are happy to introduce them to the exhibition, and there is even a short quiz for visitors to complete once they have had a good look around.
Museum funding is dependent on membership fees and door takings, plus some small grants. To enable the museum to continue mounting topical and interesting exhibitions, community support is much appreciated. Our financial year ends at the end of July, so why not support a very worthwhile community resource by renewing your subscription or taking one out now? It costs $15 for an individual and $20 for a family. Membership allows free admission for the year as well as invitations to regular museum events. It’s a great activity for a wintry day in Raglan, and the kids will want to return on many occasions! Go to the Raglan & District Museum website: www.raglanmuseum.co.nz and complete the application form, or come into the iHub between 10-3 daily.
