Reminder Re Opening of Walking Track

A reminder that the opening of the new Walking Track at Kilmore Racecourse is tomorrow (Sat April 15 at 10:30)

Opening of Walking Track

Anyone who has walked around the back of Kilmore Racecourse recently will be aware that there has been a lot of development happening, involving the installation of sculptures and the improvement of the actual track.

This work has been carried out by the Trustees of the Kilmore Racecourse and funded by a generous donation from the Bendigo Community bank.

The track will be officially opened on Saturday April 15th with a 10:30am start at the corner of East Street and Union Street.

We hope to see you there.

Father McHugh Showing for Heritage Month

Kilmore Historical society Inc invites you to see the newly edited version of the films of Father James McHugh.

The showings will take place at the Old Kilmore Post Office on Saturday 29th April, 2023, from 10 am to 3pm. ( The movie will be repeated as necessary)

Father McHugh was a devotee of early movie making and documented scenes of Kilmore from around 1937 until 1939.

With thanks to the Bendigo Bank, Assumption College and individual donations the films have now been enhanced by the addition of a sound track – including the names of some of the people appearing in the films, and a music background.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event for Heritage Month.

For further information email : kilmorehistoricalsociety@gmail.com

April Talk – “Kilmore in the 1950’s”

Kilmore in the 1950’s Evening— and Appeal for Material

For our April meeting we are planning a discussion and talk based around ‘Kilmore in the 1950s’, which will be delivered by Brian Clancy. The 1950’s was a decade in which so much changed—the arrival of television, the Olympics, space flight, and the transition to electricity in the homes.

Our specific interest lies in the impact of these global events on the lives of the residents of Kilmore. Brian will also be looking at the changing streetscape of the town during the decade.

As part of this presentation we would like to hear from anyone who has interesting snippets from Kilmore in the 1950’s, or can bring along pictures, clothing or artefacts from the period that would be appropriate for a display.

This event will be held on the 4th of April at 7:30pm at the Old Post Office, 2 Powlett Street, and will be followed by supper and general discussion as usual.

“The Towers” for sale

One of Kilmore’s earliest residences is currently on the market. ‘The Towers’ on Victoria Parade is believed to have been constructed around 1850. The Heritage Study lists the original landowner as Thos. Lumsden.

The most noteworthy resident of this building was Thomas Hunt, journalist, politician, and proprietor of the Kilmore Free Press.

The building is remarkably well preserved. The most remarkable feature of the building, which gives it its name, is the pair of rounded castellated towers, one at each corner of the frontage facing the street.

We can only hope that this wonderful structure finds a buyer sympathetic to its heritage and willing to maintain it as it ages towards the end of its second century.

Father McHugh Video Launch

The updated Father McHugh video, with sound track, was officially launched at Assumption college last night. The date chosen was St Patrick’s Day and the movie screening happened as part of their St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Other events included live Irish bands and Irish Dancing.

The whole evening was a great success and the feedback from the guests was positive.

Brian Clancy, KHS president, and Grahame Thom both spoke to introduce the movie. The sound track to the Father McHugh films has been more than a year in the making and includes both a general commentary and identification of specific individuals. A great deal of work has gone into producing this sound track, and we congratulate all involved.

The Father McHugh video is now live on YouTube and can be accessed by a simple YouTube search.

Do You Recognise This Object ?

This object was recently donated to the Society. It was sourced from a Kilmore building.

It is beautifully turned in hardwood and was clearly made by a master craftsman.

We are fairly sure of its identification, but others might be interested in guessing what its original function was.

March Meeting Tonight

Kilmore Historical Society will host its March general meeting with guest speaker tonight (7 March).

The topic will be the Kinnear family and their contributions to Kilmore life. The Kinnears are most commonly remembered for their saddlery business, but this was not their only contribution.

The meeting commences at 7:30 and will be followed by supper and a change to mingle.

Kilmore Connections March 2023 is out

The latest Kilmore Connections has been issued and will be sent to members either as a PDF or a print version.

There are articles by Martin Williams and Brian Clancy.

We hope you enjoy reading it.

Old Post Office Closed Sat 25th Feb

Unfortunately the headquarters of KHS, the Old Post Office, will not be open on Saturday 25th February. We will be open as normal for the weekdays before and after, and open again on subsequent Saturdays and as normal during the week.

Queries can still be sent via email and will be attended to as soon as possible.

The reason for the closure is that most of the Committee will be away for an excursion.