Community & Business
2 June, 2022
Two new life members for Clifton Historical Society
John Crispin and Barrie Jones have been recognised for their hard work and dedication for the Clifton Museum by being inducted as life members of the Clifton and District Historical Society.
Barrie Jones came along in 2012 and worked with the other volunteers in the then museum operating in the old Butter Factory.
His variety of skills enabled him to work in many different aspects, relating to the running of the Museum, always fitting in with other volunteers.
When the old building closed, Barrie was the one who photographed all of the displays, measuring the 20 or so rooms and making a detailed set of plans with floor areas.
Those plans would be used for the new building.
In 2019 Barrie was there helping with the new fit-out in any way he could, and his skills would prove to be invaluable.
Barrie is a master of precision wood-machining, scrolls, architraves, windows etc.
He appreciates all types of timber and has an extensive knowledge of its characteristics.
He set up the radio room and the telephone room with displays, reflecting his dedication, expertise and attention to detail.
With new donations being received regularly, work will not cease and in many cases his ability to restore newly donated items to working order makes it easier to house them in appropriate locations to be appreciated by visitors to the Museum,
John Crispin became a member of the museum in 2012 when it was using the old brick building.
As a retired builder he possessed many skills and his comradeship with others was a great asset.
When the building was closed in 2016 they would meet on the verandah of the goods shed every Friday and discuss plans and ideas of a new building.
These were passed on to the Toowoomba Regional Council for consideration.
The display rooms in the old building had all been measured and they kept the basic ideas of how to arrange the displays.
John brought other skills as well.
He filmed on many occasions and produced a USB recording the scenes in the old museum, a wonderful way to preserve our history.
When our new museum was opened he added new photos and these are sold at $20 to pay for ongoing equipment and improvements.
Compiling music to play when the museum is open for guests is another of his dedications, hobbies, pastimes and skills.
When the keys were handed over to the new building in September, 2020 after nearly four years of closure, John’s skills came to the fore, with all the interior construction due to months of hard work with other dedicated members working with him.
New rooms, shelving and security screens to protect displays were completed in six months.
Because of John’s drive the five shipping containers containing the artifacts were unpacked and re-organised into the building.
Thanks to John “The Big Opening Day“ on 10th April, 2021 the building was opened for viewing and it has been an outstanding success ever since John was head carpenter, designing and ordering materials, making all the wall partitions.
We would have had a struggle to build the rooms without John.
- Joy King
