Lynne Mowbray|
Lawrence bell man Ross McLeod said farewell to his beloved bell collection last week, ending his lifelong hobby.
Ross’s extensive bell collection which had been open to the public was popular with both visitors and locals alike. Many, including the Lawrence Historical Society, were sad to see the collection go.
The collection which has been on the market for several months was purchased by Bill Sullivan from “Pioneer Country”, at South Tweed Heads. The historic 200 acre family cattle property is also a function venue with a wedding chapel and Verandah Cafe, which is open to the public.
Ross, who is in his 80s, said that he began collecting bells from the mid 1950s and built his collection up over the years to around 1250 bells.
“It was pretty tough going, packing it up,” Ross said.
“I’ve been collecting the bells for over 60 years.
“I have kept a couple of the Condamine and Kentucky bells plus a few bells that I’ve made myself, over the years.
“It’s been pretty tough going, but time moves on,” he said.
Ross’s partner Sheila Moore who owned the nursery adjoined to the bell collection, held a closing down sale over the weekend. After off loading other excess items and collectables in a garage sale to be held in a few weeks, the couple are hoping to eventually do a bit of travelling around Australia.
Roz Jones from the Lawrence Museum said that recently the Museum was gifted with a fibreglass horse from a local man John Ibbotson, who instructed that someone would have to find a feed bag for the horse.
“Ross heard about this and on Monday last week, he presented a very old feed bag to the museum, for the horse,” Roz said.
Ross said that he wanted to thank everyone who has supported him over the years.
“We’ve enjoyed every moment and met some tremendous people,” he said.
