Coach House Museum visit

MANAWATU District Councillors enjoyed a sneak preview recently of the relocated Coach House Museum in South Street, Feilding, which opened its doors to the public on Monday. The new museum, officially launched by Rangitikei MP Ian McKelvie on Sunday, had been in Bowen Street for a decade.

Community Services Group Manager Brent Limmer said the visit enabled councillors to have a good look at the heritage museum and provide support to the trustees for all the hard work they had put into the relocation project.

“Their reaction was extremely positive and they were quick to see the exciting potential for the district and region of having such a fantastic facility.”

Mr Limmer said the expanded museum would allow the Coach House to showcase far more of its items than in the past, including the unique John Deere tractor collection.

Museum Manager Paul Gibson said it was exciting times for the Coach House - which features vehicles and machines used by the early settlers - and everyone involved in the attraction was looking forward to the future.

“There is so much more flexibility with the extra space and the magnificent entrance area,” he said, “with the building offering so many opportunities.”

Mr Gibson said several people had visited on opening day and it was now up to the Coach House to grow its reputation.

The museum  (open daily from 10am to 4pm) features more than 130 items, as compared to about 70 in the former premises.