The doors of The Wool Shed Museum in Masterton will be open free of charge for the first time this Golden Shears.
For the three days of the Golden Shears, Thursday 27 and Friday 28 February, and Saturday 1 March, the museum will be open without any cost to visitors thanks to a contribution from FMG.
The Wool Shed Museum on Dixon Street is New Zealand’s largest dedicated museum of sheep and shearing. The hands-on heritage museum is run by a trust of volunteers and was built from two authentic old wool sheds trucked into town from local farms.
The displays describe the history of sheep farming, the story of shearing and much more. It is also home to the Golden Shears Wall of Fame.
Chair of the Shear History Trust which runs the museum and Masterton local Gavin Tankersley said this was a great opportunity for anyone who has been contemplating a visit to head along;
“The Wool Shed Museum has been around since 2005 and we hope being able to open the doors free of charge encourages both locals, and those visiting Masterton for the Shears the opportunity to come and check it out.”
“For many years New Zealand was said to “live off the sheep’s back” due to our thriving wool industry and demand for products around the world. The economy is broader now, but sheep are still important and a fascinating part of our history and life on New Zealand farms. This is a great chance to go and see it for yourself whilst our town is alive with the buzz of clippers and hype for the Golden Shears”.
FMG’s Sustainability Specialist Emma Rowe said the advice and insurance company supports building strong and prosperous rural communities and that this was one way they could do just that.
“We love investing back into the communities we grew up in and know how important it is to be there for local community events. We think being able to open the doors of the Wool Shed Museum alongside the Shears is a chance to further celebrate wool, both its history in New Zealand and opportunities for its future.”
“As a Mutual, our clients’ success is our success. That’s why we look to get behind our farmers wherever we can and showing our commitment to the strong wool sector is one way we can do this. I am looking forward to checking out the museum for myself when I am in Masterton later in the month”.
The Wool Shed Museum can be found at 12 Dixon Street, Masterton and is open from 10am daily.
FMG also sponsors the Quality Awards for the Golden Shears.
