The Gap Historical Society

The Gap Historical Society Inc.

The time is approaching when we must, with all due reluctance, signal the closure of the society.

The society came into being on the 22nd July 2000 when it held it’s first meeting attended by 29 people. Richard Speechley (dec’d 2019) became the first President, Bev McMullin the first Secretary/Treasurer and Jeff Hilder the first Vice President.

Office-bearers as above maintained their positions until September 2003 when Jeff Hilder and others left to promote their own pioneer and photography group. In the course of time, prior to and after the start of The Gap Historical Society, Richard Speechley had been a dedicated producer of articles on the district, as well as the compilation of three independently published booklets of “Reflections – Memories of The Gap”. Richard for many years contributed articles for The Western Echo – our local monthly community news magazine since 1994, on happenings in the area.

Apart from the officebearers mentioned above, several foundation members still part of the society are Jack & Maureen Proctor, Bob & Julie Rowe, Graeme and Philippa Wightman OAM (owner of The Western Echo), Elaine and Paul Zendler, Bev & Ken McMullin and Maureen Hogan (widow of Pat Hogan). Early members were Nurdon Serico (dec’d 2022) and George and Lyn Stoddart (who were not active until recent times).

During the course of it’s existence the society had premises at 6 School Road, called the Nullagundi Centre but now meets at the Resource centre of The Gap State School.

Plans are under way to distribute the assets of the society to like-minded research and library institutions. These assets include photographs and minutes and books. The society will leave, on the internet, its well established documentation on photos, Founding Families, Local History, Veterans and a home page.

It’s last task will be to finalise it’s current work on a timeline titled “A Journey Through Time – Events That Shaped The Gap”. This project will be finished next year and will mark the termination of the society on a high note.

Current members Patron Neil Lyons, Bob Rowe and Beryl Hogan are in their midnineties, George Stoddart is in his early nineties and the rest of the members are in their seventies and eighties. The society retained loyal members for long periods but, despite trying all methods, were unsuccessful in acquiring the youth needed to ensure it’s progress and continuation.

The members of the society have enjoyed many good times together and will part company enriched by their experiences.

George Stoddart - President

Est. 2000

Quote of the Day

Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life. - Mark Twain

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