The event was officially opened by museum president Ian Guest, with a large crowd in attendance to see the magnificent displays of antique machinery and other historic memorabilia.

The family fun day was also host to the official opening of the Arnotts Biscuit Tin collection and nine other smaller collections donated by Dot Barnes.

Mrs Barnes and 33 members of her extended family attended the opening.

These collections along with an impressive assortment of Coca Cola memorabilia donated and displayed by Kerry Bee, cover almost 50 square metres of wall space.

Mr Bee and his wife Alison were present for the opening of the collection.

It was a day for all ages, with adults enjoying the exhibit of working antique engines and machinery displays, while children were treated to pillow fights, shetland pony rides, a jumping castle and painting.

When the old Mary’s Mount school bell rang, it was into the classroom for a chance to experience teaching techniques from the past, complete with the head mistress in period costume.

A new concept this year was the leisure, recreation, hunting and fishing expo, with plenty of stalls catering for all hobbies and interests, including a fish breeding farm display, fishing lures, leather works and more.

Ron Grosser’s collection of vintage tractors and other machinery is always a popular attraction, as well as stationary motors pumping water and driving various other attachments.

The cake stall and barbecue were a sell-out and museum members said the day was a huge success with many visitors present.