BY DIANE GRANT 

THE Nagambie Mechanics Hall Opportunity Shop started many decades ago and is now the Nagambie community's Mechanics Hall's primary fundraising body.

It is the beneficiary of the hard work done by many volunteers working bees over many weeks since it closed its doors for significant improvements in early December.

New President of the Mechanics Hall, Hugh Lawrence, led an eager team of volunteers in the working bees, with great support by June De Bono and Glenis Hageman and other volunteers, who brought the Op Shop up to scratch and more modern looking.

Part of the facelift has been completed, with electrical work being carried out by local electrician Ian Barford on Tuesday, January 19, the day before the Op Shop's grand re-opening. He installed lighting in the rooms and a bargain chandelier in the entrance hall that Hugh Lawrence picked up on e-bay.

The excited volunteers were thrilled that the Op Sop re-opened on Wednesday, January 20 to loyal customers and newcomers who were pleased with the Op Shop team's improvements.

There are still plans for further painting the wall and ceiling in the foyer and hallway, repairing windows, and a few other projects. These improvements to the Shop will bring it up to a good standard for the team's work in the future.

"I am keen and eager to gain information about the volunteers of the Mechanics Hall and the Op Shop. I would like to see an honour board raised in recognition of all those hard working volunteers over the years placed on the wall of the Mechanics hall," Mr Lawrence said.

He is also keen to hear from anyone who has information on the 1873 Mechanics Institute building, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary of opening in just under three years.

Mrs June De Bono has retail experience and co-ordinated the improved methods of stocking the op shop rooms of clothing, bric-a-brac, books, DVD's, CD's, artwork and other items.

"We would like to display our wares more easily for patrons to browse and select from when they shop," Ms De Bono said.

"Our Op Shop team would like to encourage good quality donations of items for sale. Quite often, many items are not suitable for sale and have to be taken to the tip.

"We hope our new look attracts locals and visitors to our op shop."

"The new Committee of Management wants to attract more users of the hall. It looks terrific with the new work and would be ideal for concerts, shows, movies, weddings, funerals and for other activities."

"Our new committee and volunteers want the Mechanics Hall to be restored to its former glory," Mr Lawrence added.

A reunion of volunteers from many decades would be an excellent way to recognise their work and gain important historical information for the hall's 150th.

If you can provide any information or are interested in the Mechanics Hall to retain this community asset contact Hugh Lawrence 5794 2307 or 0488 770 733.