The Museum has now been open for quite a while and there have been many developments. It has been a well-considered and non-rushed approach since opening, but a lot has been achieved.
The displays are beautiful and get great comments from anglers, artists and non-fishers. It seems we got most things ‘right’. Most of this can be attributed to Rhonda Hamilton who curated the opening.
However, whilst these initial displays have not changed much we have not been idle.
Recent contributions have been a collection of books from the late Frank Bond, donated by his wife Helen. This collection of over 50 books contains a cross section on Australian fly fishing that was Frank’s reference and reading over many years.
Frank fished the Shannon Rise with Dick Wigram, and was mates with many our Australia’s early fly fishing pioneers. His son Andrew is also a keen fly fisher, and rather than keep the books for himself recognised the value of sharing with many. Thank you Andrew.
The Victorian Fly Fishers Association has loaned a significant piece of their history. This is the Jack Ritchie cabinet and features some beautiful old gear.
Another significant donation is from Hardy ‘Hall of Fame’ angler and Victorian David Featherstone. ‘Feathery’ as he is mostly known has had a passion for chasing large trout for most of his 83 years. Lakes Eucumbene and Eildon were targets and his successes foe excessive sized trout have been donated for display.
The way in which these large trout are displayed is yet to be decided. They are a great addition. David also donated a huge range of flies tied by Fred Craker. There must be thousands – all in a case with pull out drawers. Displaying these is a challenge and perhaps you will see something innovative here.
Website and shop
We will add a shop so items can be purchased, but more on that later.
For purchase we have three different canvas bags, lapel badges, boxed fly selections, several books, wine and champagne glasses and T-shirts. A few other items are planned, but these will progress slowly.
On the website we will also be adding some of our top Museum items, which Andrew Braithwaite is undertaking at the moment. Items such as the Wackett fly mould, BSA Bantam, Gillies dinghy and other items will be featured for all to see.
Future displays
Future displays are also under discussion – and if there is something significant you would like to see please let us know.