Rachel spoke of her early days growing up in the area, having lived on the property next door to Club West, Taree West Bowling Club, as it was known then, with her grandparents, the late Bill and Shirley Kennedy, across the road.

Bill was the former mayor of The Taree Municipal Council, now known as MidCoast Council, had a huge influence on her life and taught her the importance of community involvement.

Rachel was 11 when she moved to Surry Hills, Sydney, close to the Art Gallery of NSW. While at boarding school, she spent many hours visiting the art gallery, while getting her education. Moving on to university she studied for an environmental science degree.

Her grandfather became ill and she return home, continuing her studies by distance education. She later studied history and art history online, covering 17 subjects on art history.

Rachel met Sue Mitchell, director at the Manning Regional Art Gallery, and became a volunteer, installing and deinstalling exhibitions.

Now as director, project management and promotion of emerging artists are a big part of her job. Other staff take art education to community groups.

Each exhibition is on a six to eight week changeover program with exhibitions planed out to 2020.

Rachel then passed around objects, pieces of art work that are used in their education program.

Manning Regional Art Gallery often has visiting "artists in residence" working in the gallery for short periods, holding workshops and discussing their work practice and materials used. 

Alan Green thanked Rachel for her contribution to the day’s meeting.

The club’s latest morning tea at Wingham Services Club was followed by a visit to the historical museum. It was well attended with 25 members, wives or partners, taking a very interesting tour down memory lane in their laid out premises.

Museum volunteer Terry gave a very comprehensive overview of museum’s history from 1967 and how they obtained the building and collection. Members then walked through and admired the artefacts on display, ably assisted by many volunteers to answer any questions. 

The club’s next outing activity is the annual "Boys Day Out", which will be a bus trip leaving Club West at 8.45am on Tuesday, September 25 to visit three local places of interest, including morning tea and lunch and arriving back at the club at about 3.30pm. 

Any retired men with time on their hands, interested in joining the club, would be made most welcome. The club meets each third Tuesday of the month at Club West from 10am. Phone president John on 6556 1019 or secretary Eric on 6553 7090 for further details.