Mrs Chick was a much loved schoolteacher, and historian and scribe, after whom the museum’s research library was named.

“Melvie would be very proud to know that our new research library is now located in the room that originally contained the library of the original Cundletown School of Arts,” current society president Margaret Love said.

Sunday’s official opening marked the museum’s successful move from its original premises in High Street to the more prominent Cundletown hall, in Main Street.

“It was a marvellous day, with the weather holding off and many lovely comments made about the new facility,” Mrs Love said.

She especially welcomed Rosemary Chick, daughter of Melvie, who travelled from Melbourne, and Rosemary’s son Robert Connell, who travelled from Perth. They jointly performed the official opening of the museum, with Robert cutting a ribbon and Rosemary unveiling a plaque.

Another special visitor was John Adams, acclaimed as ‘hairdresser to the stars’, who was born on Dumaresq Island and grew up in Cundletown. He recalled that the late Mrs Chick closely followed his early career as he toured the world with stars such as Rosemary Clooney and Dusty Springfield.

Other speakers during the formal proceedings included member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead, Greater Taree City Council general manager Gerard José, Tim Bale on behalf of the Manning Dairy Advisory Group, and Bob Thompson, president of Cundletown Hall Inc, which leases its property to the history society. Master of ceremonies was Allan Eyb, historical society advisor and committee person.

Michael and Mitchell Barlin demonstrated butter and icecream making to the crowd, who were able to enjoy the product of their work.

Keith Barlin, who spent the best part of 40 years driving milk trucks for Peters Creameries, related tales of ‘the good old days’.

Visitors were able to enjoy morning tea and a barbecue, while children attending could have their faces painted, or decorate patty cakes.

Many donations were made to the ongoing museum appeal to fund an extension at the rear of the hall to house larger pieces of equipment from the Manning’s dairying past.