October brings with it daylight savings, warmer weather (theoretically!) and of course the beautiful gardens of Ballarat really come alive. There are also many good reasons to step away from the heater at home and pop into the BMI for our events, to borrow a book or two, to show visiting friends and family through a Heritage Building, or to say hello to Rosemary who will assist you with any of the above or point you in the right direction if you have other queries.
Membership Drive
We are in the final planning stages of a Membership drive with the hope of increasing our Library Membership over the next few months. This of course assists us in maintaining the current offerings at the BMI and the building, but importantly provides the opportunity for us to introduce these new members to our inclusive and diverse community as a place that really has something for everyone.
Fundraising – Linen & Lace
As per our colourful front cover, we invite you to a very special fundraising event for the BMI on October 25-26. The Minerva Room will come alive with a fabulous display of Lace and Linen courtesy of Fashions in Time, with Devonshire Tea being supplied again by Malcolm Roberts. Thanks to Fashions in Time and Malcolm for bringing this idea to life – ticket details below.
Linen & Lace: An exhibition through the decades
Saturday & Sunday 26 & 27 October,
10am – 4pm
$20 includes Devonshire Tea
Fundraising – Fashion Parade
September saw the BMI Fashion Parade event transform the Minerva into a glamourous catwalk setting, as almost 60 attendees enjoyed vintage fashions from the BMI Vintage Shop being modeled expertly, by our generous volunteer models. Thanks to Geraldine and Dona and other volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring this event together, Liam for the inventive and attractive room set-up and Phil for the work on the silent auction. The event was a fundraiser and together with fashion sales on the day and shortly afterwards as a result of the event, we were able to raise almost $4000 for the Institute. If you go to our website you will find photos of the day courtesy of Erin McCuskey.
Photos: Erin McCuskey
Fundraising – Open Garden & Devonshire Tea
The much loved Open Garden will happen again in November (22-23 November), at the beautiful Errard Hall. This day is brought to you by our very own Malcolm Roberts and Michael Stubbs, as they open their garden and provide Devonshire Tea for your enjoyment whilst you tiptoe through the tulips so to speak!
Linen & Lace: An exhibition through the decades
Saturday & Sunday 22 & 23 November, 10am – 4pm
$25 includes Devonshire Tea
Season 4
Remembrance Day: A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook, Presented
by Dr Jean Douglas
Wednesday 29 October, 5.30pm
Remembrance Day: Recent War Memorabilia, WW2 to Afghanistan, Presented by David Wright
Wednesday 29 October, 5.30pm
Season 5 coming soon…
Author Talks
BMI Executive Manager
Recruitment for the position of Executive Manager is well underway, with applications having now closed and the process of selection in progress.
The variety of activities (both internal and external) over September and until the end of the year reflect the hard work of the BMI staff team to proactively seek new customers, members and audiences and to deliver a quality experience to ensure repeat business and long term sustainable relationships. For example, the BMI will shortly host a primary school group for a tour and workshop session, this is a fabulous opportunity to showcase the Institute to a younger audience. We have hosted young calisthenics troupes this month as they rehearse warm up in our spaces, the City of Ballarat continues to use our spaces for many functions and we have seen a significant increase in enquiries through our Venue Manager.
Cash for Cans
We have recently kicked off a new fundraising initiative – Cash For Cans will now support the BMI, thanks to Liam for arranging this. Anyone can select the “Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute” from the charities list and donations will flow into our account! Please direct any friends to this campaign, every can will help!
There is a genuine and tangible energy in the building at present and it is a joy and privilege to have been sitting as the Executive Manager over the last few months. We have high hopes for a busy and productive lead up to Christmas and look forward to seeing many of you over this period.
Paula Nicholson.
