Restoration needed to shine light into historic window

A window providing a glimpse into Bunbury’s service history could shatter if urgent restoration work is not completed.

The 96-year-old stained-glass window, inscribed with the names of 76 World War I soldiers from Bunbury, was at the Methodist Church at Stirling Street before the church was demolished in 1978.

Today it is on display at King Cottage Museum after being donated to the Bunbury Historical Society in 1990.

However, society members are growing increasingly concerned with the state of the memorial window as it continues to deteriorate in its old age. Secretary Lorraine Carlson said the society was in need of sponsorship to fund the quoted $30,000 refurbishment.

“We are looking for sponsors to help,” Ms Carlson said.

“It has really deteriorated a lot in the past two years.

“We’d never be able to find another one if we were to lose it.”

The window’s leaded glass has oxidised, in particularly in the bottom corners of the outer panels.

Ms Carlson said a professional was required to dismantle the mirror for the restoration to repair the panels.

Ms Carlson said once the money was raised for the restoration, the society would also swap the two outer panels because they were not in the original position.

President Jennifer Lee urged anyone interested in preserving the memorial window to donate to the cause.