The Burren Junction community celebrated memories, history and local talent on Friday at the opening of the town’s museum, the launch of its bicycle walk and a fabulous art exhibition.
BURREN Junction certainly knows how to turn on a fabulous evening, with more than 100 people gathering on Friday to celebrate the opening of the town’s museum, the launch of its historical bicycle walk and an art exhibition.
The Burren School of Arts Hall was buzzing as people from across the district caught up over drinks and a delicious meal before admiring the impressive art exhibition and exploring the treasures inside the new museum.
Philip Powell and Bill Moore in the museum. Both Burrenites have worked tirelessly to curate the significant displays, recording their hometown’s history along with Elizabeth Powell, pictured below.
Local talent was on full display in the impressive art exhibition, where visitors admired – and in some cases snapped up – the artworks and photography.
The magnificently restored Burren Junction School of Arts Hall came to life, brimming with people and beautifully decorated with fairy lights, flowers and, of course, the array of artworks adorning its long timber tables.
Wendy and Jono Phelps with daughter Anna Hall, one of the local artists exhibiting at the event.
Rescued by the community and officially reopened in 2019, the hall once again proved why preserving it was so important.
The treasured asset is the heart of Burren – the perfect event location and a fantastic local hub for the farming community.
Artist Anna Hall and photographer Sarah Wheeler.
Maintaining its country charm, with high ceilings and exposed timber beams, the hall also boasts modern bells and whistles, including the kitchen facilities, which make it an attractive venue.
“The hall is an important meeting place,” said Burren Junction resident and local farmer Bill Moore.
Local artist Keiran Knight and Shirley Schwager.
Organiser Lucinda Stump welcomed guests and introduced Mr Moore, who officially opened the museum.
Curating the museum has been a labour of love for Bill Moore, along with Elizabeth and Philip Powell, who have all spent countless hours collecting and recording local history, from the Country Women’s Association and school memorabilia to significant Burren and farming milestones.
Two of the organisers, Lucinda Stump and Janine Powell.
“It is so wonderful to see so many people here tonight at the opening of our museum, bicycles walk and brilliant art show,” said Mr Moore.
“I have so many great memories of social gatherings in Burren over the years, both here and of course, at the tennis club.
John, Ange, Scott and Tom McMahon.
“The tennis tournaments were Burren’s big social event of the year.
“Some even called the Burren tennis tournament ‘the Wimbledon of the North West’.
“The items on display in the museum are a true reflection of Burren over many years.
Sarah and Emily Wheeler.
“Each item has a story to tell, especially the telephone exchange – it would have hundreds of stories.
“The party line days were quite something – there wasn’t much privacy.
Organiser Lucinda Stump welcomed guests and thanked the Burrren Junction Progress Association committee and local volunteers for making the night a success, including the local arists. Pictured, Lucinda Stump, Bill Moore (obscured), Sharon Shearer, Philip Powell, Saro Malla, Kate Schwager, Elizabeth Powell, front, artists Coral Marshall, Sarah Wheeler, Keiran Knight, Alys Marshall, Georgie Guilfoyle, Anna Hall and Jesse Shorter. Not pictured, artists Gerda Vogel, Deb Michelle-Smith, Rhonda Palmer, Annie Murray and Vicky Phelps.
“Gossip could spread around the district quickly,” Mr Moore joked while referring to a time when several homes shared a single telephone line and the local exchange operator connected calls by hand.
Bill Moore and Elizabeth Powell cutting the ribbon to officially open the museum in the Burren Junction School of Arts Hall’s old smoker’s room. Both Burrenites have dedicated countless hours to curating the significant displays. From CWA history to North West Championship trophies and other memorabilia from Burren’s iconic tennis tournament days, there is a variety of history on display.
With the old manual telephone exchange, neighbours waited their turn to make a call and distinctive ring patterns (Morse code) let households know when a call was for them.
However, everyone on the party line could hear another conversation when they picked up the receiver.
Artist Vicky Phelps.
“Conversely, in an emergency, such as a bushfire, the telephonist at the exchange had the ability to get assistance out as quickly as possible to fight the fire,” explained Mr Moore.
“She was at the centre point to pass on the message for help. As we know, fire doesn’t wait for anybody.
Percy Hall, Lucy Watson, Pippa Chaplain, John and Frank Palmer, and Waldo Watson checking out the telephone exchange in the museum.
“And I want to thank Sharon Shearer for bringing the exchange back to Burren for the museum.
“Back to the museum – this room is, by far, the best use of this space.
Burren Junction Public School student Mac Bullen was one of the talented BJPS students who created artwork for the event.
“Originally, it served as a smoking room and was, at times, used for storage.
“I’m delighted to see it filled with people rather than being put to other uses.
“My last memory of this room being used was when it housed the wool display for the Flower Show.
Burren Junction Public School students contributed some creative art to the event and assisted with organising on the night. Pictured, Maggie Powell, Scott and John McMahon and Scarlett Swansbra at the Burren Junction School of Arts Hall museum opening, Burren’s bicycle walk launch and art show. Photos: Ali Smith.
“As far as the tennis club is concerned, I am so pleased to be able to display its incredible history in this room.
“The caricatures by Jim Russell are a highlight, along with some pictures of the tournaments from over the years.
“We are very lucky to have the North West Championship trophies in the cabinet.
Wink Fleming performing created a great atmosphere.
“For those who are interested, there is a folder on display showcasing the tournament winners.
“Notably, in 1938, Jack Crawford and Vivien McGrath were nominated to play in Burren.
Artist Annie Murray witn husband Bill Murray.
“Both were accomplished tennis players who competed at Wimbledon in 1933, with Jack claiming the men’s title and Vivien advancing to the quarter-finals.
“There are some great newspaper clippings from over the years in the museum, too.
Lisa Moore, Oscar Parfitt, Mark Parfitt and Bill Moore.
“You might recognise a few familiar faces in the photos – of course, none of us has aged a day.
“A very special thank you to the people who have made tonight possible.
Tom Pattison and Lucinda Stump.
“Especially, Philip and Elizabeth Powell, Lucinda Stump and the whole Burren Progress Association committee.
“I thank you for asking me to open the museum, I feel very honoured; have a great night.”
Helen Dugdale and Maria McDonnell.
Mrs Stump thanked Mr Moore, along with the committee members, local volunteers, artists and guests who made the evening such a success and a memorable evening.
Sharon Shearer, Saro Malla and Connie Wood.
Burren Junction Public School students were also praised for their creative artworks and help at the community event, along with a special exhibition of paintings by Australian artist Helen Baldwin Committee member Kate Schwager spoke about the Burren Junction Historic Bicycles Walk – a self-guided journey through 29 historic sites that tell the story of Burren and the people who helped shape it.
Sharon Shearer in the museum with the old Burren Junction telephone exchange. Sharon used to work at the exchange; she managed to find the old exchange, bringing it home to Burren for the museum display. She was one of five telephonists working there when it closed.
Some readers might have noticed the colourful bicycles popping up around Burren and the new heritage signs.
A future edition of The Courier/Wee Waa News will feature more on the Burren Junction Historic Bicycles Walk and the treasures inside the museum.
Sue Hunt, Marcia Moore and Wendy Phelps.
