The History Room


The History Room is open on a Wednesday from 2pm and at other times by appointment.

The collection was brought together about ten years ago by Bevan Hefferen in an un-used room in the Club from various items of memorabillia that had been donated to the Services Club and to the Masterton RSA over the years.

History Room Bevan
Bevan in the History Room     

The collection started with a few items that had been stored in the old stables building behind the Club, some pictures and a several other pieces on display round the building; and items from Bevan's own collection. Then the donations and loans started coming in. They haven't stopped yet!


Wales tunic
Uniform tunic & hat - L/cpl J T Wales
Australian Imperial Forces 1914 - 1917

"The museum is a perfect fit in a community which gives significant attention - and reflection - to the work and sacrafice of those who have served their country. It has become a 'must see' for visiting RSA members and Defence Force personnel when visiting Masterton."
Andrew Bonallack - Wairarapa Times-Age


Medal cabinet

Part of the Medals and Insignia collection  

Thanks to the Wairarapa Times-Age for the pictures

Recent acquisitions:

 
The Bubble Book 1918 - The original 'talking book' A century old children's book containing three 78rpm records of nursery rhymes.

The BubbleBook
Essex Rgt uniform
WW2 Britsh officer's SD tunic. This was donated to the Masterton Hospice Shop but with no information.The medal ribbon strip includes the Military Cross, 1939/45 Star, France/Germany Star and the Defence Medal. His rank was Major and his unit was The Essex Regiment (disbanded in the 1950s). We assume that he emmigrated to NZ after the war but as the Defence Medal was also presented to Commonwealth volunteers in British services during WW2,  he could have been from the Wairarapa District and, either way, we would very much like to identify him.
 
Any suggestions to admin@clubwairarapa.com
marked attn History Room.
Radio controlled model of a WW2 Fairmile harbour protection launch.