Geoff Helisma

The Copmanhurst Saddlery Museum has been closed for last 12 months … but it’s reopening this Sunday August 28, from 1pm to 3pm.

Spokesperson Leone Roberts said the museum “used to be a saddle shop” 30 years ago.

“The block of land it was on was sold, and the person who bought it was a teacher,” she said.

“He offered [the saddle shop] to the school … so it’s in the school grounds in the old horse paddock.”

Ms Roberts said there would be new items on display, including “furniture items from the Copmanhurst Anglican church, which was sold last year”.

And of course, there are saddles such as western, stockman’s and children’s saddles, some of which are 90-odd years old, as well as leather leggings and other related paraphernalia.

“Mr Leighton’s old account book [from when it was a saddlery], where he kept record of orders and sales, is very interesting when you look at the prices,” Ms Roberts said.

“And thanks to the education department, we have a new roof and painting.

“The Rest Point [Family] Hotel fishing club gave a contribution towards the path, from the link to the ramp, to make it more user friendly for people who have difficulty walking.”

The museum opens on the fourth Sunday of each month and at other times by arrangement.

Contact Don on 0478 239 274, for more information.