Mark

Newsletter – September 2024

In this issue: Message from the Chair | Royal South Street success | Hard Matter Road Trip success | Author Talks | Rex’s Snippets | Scribbler News | The Wheeler Centre, Heather Ewart | Twilight Talks | BMI fundraisers, Fashion Parade, Garden Party & Golf Day | Library New Releases and Recommendations | Live Music & Comedy, The Little Stevies, Daniel Champagne, Luke Heggie | Festival of Queer Theatre | Seniors Festival | Important Dates

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Rex’s Snippets | The Basement… The Truth

Why are there windows in the basement? This is an updated account on the original article written by heritage architect, consultant and good friend of the BMI, Wendy Jacobs. Wendy was part of the architect and advisory team that devised and formulated the extensive plans for the building renovations, including the theatre, Humffray room, lift

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model of a cornigh pumping engine

Rex’s Snippets | Cornish Pumping Engines

A Treatise On the 20th. June 1868, the secretary of the BMI, Mr. Batten,  wrote to Mr. W.F.Fowler in London, the following… “Only one vol. of Briton came by mail before last March, please send Volunteers Services Gazette, no news of the long promised case of books; I ordered many months ago Pole’s Treatise on Cornish

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Gift & Unveiling Function | From John Mildren OAM & Mildren Family

John Mildren OAM was the Federal Member for Ballarat 1980-1990. Prior to his election to Federal Parliament, he had been from 1970 a Senior Lecturer in Education at the Ballarat Teachers’ College and later Ballarat CAE. Soon after his election, he acquired one of the limited run of prints, made from the original woodblock, of

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From the Curator | Shopping at Walter Davis & Co

The art deco beauty of Walter Davis & Co. Walter Davis & Co first opened on Bridge Street in 1920, selling men’s, ladies and children’s clothing, as well as household furnishings and manchester. By 1930, the shop was solely focused on ladies fashion, with Walter’s brother Joseph opening a men’s clothing store nearby. Walter and

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Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing