celebrating our VOLUNTEERs! this week WE SPOKE TO jennifer ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE VOLUNTEERING.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN VOLUNTEER WITH THE QHM?
I have been a Volunteer for a very short time—only about 12 months.
DO YOU HAVE FAVOURITE ITEM IN THE COLLECTION?
At the moment, my favourite display in the Museum is the ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’, because some of the objects remind me of household items which my parents and grandparents used.
HAVE YOU A FAVOURITE BUILDING OR LOCATION IN QUEENSCLIFFE?
In Queenscliff, I have two favourite locations. The first is the elegant, wide main street—Hesse Street—with its eclectic mix of cafés and provedores, clothing shops and offices, as well as a variety of other businesses. Although there is a diversity of architectural styles, the whole streetscape retains a human scale; and I particularly like the distinctive verandahs which provide shelter in Winter and shade in Summer.
My other favourite location is the Anglican church of St George the Martyr (St George’s) which stands on the hill at the intersection of Mercer and Hobson streets. Built in 1863-4 in the early English Gothic style, with the bell tower added in 1878, the hushed, dimly-lit interior exudes peace and tranquility. In addition, I love the worn paving stones on the floor, the beautiful stained glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Christ, and the brass memorials which bear witness to the many faithful parishioners of the past.
I also enjoy the restored George Fincham pipe organ, with its sweet tones and beautifully stencilled display pipes. Built in 1871, originally for a church in Collingwood, but removed to St George’s in the 1990s, the Fincham organ is still in use for Services today.
The church has particular significance for me because our younger son was married there some years ago, two of our grandchildren were baptized there, and my husband plays the organ there once or twice a month.
IS THERE AN ITEM IN THE MUSEUM WHICH MEANS SOMETHING TO YOU?
Within the ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’, my favourite item is the1930s radio, with its mottled cream Bakelite case, and its sleek, stream-lined Art Deco styling. My parents had a Bakelite radio (not as elegant as this one) which in those days we called ‘the wireless’, and my sister and I would huddle over it every evening at 5.00 pm for the ABC Childrens’ Hour, including the ‘Argonauts Club’ of which we were both members.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR/WITH THE MUSEUM?
How did you learn about volunteering with the QHM?
Shortly after re-locating to Point Lonsdale about 20 months ago, I started attending the monthly lectures/meetings of the QMH and realized that more volunteers were needed.
Which other museums, local or international, do you love or are wanting to visit?
My next favourite museum/gallery is the National Gallery of Victoria where, for fourteen years prior to our moving to Point Lonsdale, I was privileged to be a Voluntary Guide.
📷 Jennifer and a welcome coffee in Hesse Street
