New president and committee for local society

Amy Russ

The Marlborough Historical Society has welcomed a new president and committee following a well-attended annual general meeting on Sunday.

After three years at the helm, outgoing president Paul Davidson was farewelled, with Dale Webb elected as his successor.

Paul says he felt privileged to have led such a capable team over the past three years.

“I am proud of the minor miracles we have achieved for Marlborough Museum, the Provincial Archives, Beavertown Village and the Riverlands Cob Cottage.”

In his final report, he wrote: “This is by far the most qualified, capable, hard-working and supportive committee of the many community committees I have been on over the years. I thank you. It’s been a delight to work with you all.”

He noted there were now two former councillors on the society committee and said he was hopeful of a future formal partnership and stronger support from the Marlborough District Council.

The AGM featured an unusually competitive ballot for the society’s eight ordinary committee positions, with a strong mix of experienced members elected.

John Orchard will serve as vice president, while Anne McAuley continues as secretary. The committee comprises Jenny Andrews, Cynthia Brooks, Dale Hulburt, Trevor Jane, Kathy Johnston, Wendy Simonsen, Rien Wagenvoort and John Walsh.

Incoming president Dale Webb is no stranger to the role, having served as president, vice president and treasurer during his 39 years of involvement with the society.

“With the position comes a certain amount of trepidation,” Dale says. “Paul has left very large boots to fill, but a great base to build from.”

Looking ahead, Dale is keen to strengthen the society’s connections with other organisations while continuing its work preserving the region’s history.

“We continue to have an unbelievable number of artefacts come in, all sorts of intriguing things. There are quite a lot of people who would like their historical pieces well looked after.

“A museum is the memory of the history of a community, rather than an individual. What can happen to some individuals is that they lose their memory. What a terrible loss it would be if, as a community, we did the same.”