RESIDENTS will have a rare opportunity to explore the inside of the War Memorial Carillon when it has its first open day in eight years tomorrow.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bathurst District Historical Society is including the popular attraction as an addition to the open day for its own museum tomorrow.
President Samantha Friend said that with last year’s Bathurst Bicentenary being packed full of events, it was difficult to have the Carillon open for the celebrations, which is why the society was glad to be able to make it available this year.
“We’re very grateful to the RSL and council for letting us open it,” Ms Friend said.
“It is actually an open day at the Historical Society museum, [but] we thought this year we would find something a little bit extra.”
People who come along for the open day will be able to enter the foyer of the Carillon and have a rare insight into the structure.
It is a small space, Ms Friend explained, but the history, purpose and general atmosphere of the Bathurst landmark more than makes up for it.
“It is a very serene place and I hope people will respect it,” she said.
According to Historical Society vice president Alan McRae, the last time the Carillon was open to the public it attracted an enormous crowd.
“At one stage, the end of the line had gone up Church Lane and right around Howick Street to the post office,” he said.
A large crowd is expected again this year.
Ms Friend also thinks people will enjoy the open day for the museum, which is an opportunity to ask questions and see the Historical Society’s extensive collection of items.
Included in the open day will be guided tours, a self-guided tour of the war memorials and monuments of Kings Parade, historical books, free photo scanning and much more.
The open day for both the museum and the Carillon will run from 10am to 4pm tomorrow and is part of Heritage Week and the Autumn Colours program.
For more events happening during Heritage Week, pick up a copy of the Autumn Colours Program at the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre.