AN exciting and mysterious challenge took place at the Millicent National Trust Living History Museum over the weekend.
The local branch of the National Trust staged a “whodunnit” in the museum and its grounds with 40 members and supporteres donning 1920s-era clothes and providing clues to around 200 paying guests.
The “murderer” at the Millicent National Trust Living History Museum on Saturday night was a jealous ex-girlfriend.
During hour-long tours, the guests were told a tantalising tale of how a body of a young woman came to be found drowned in the shallows of Lake Bonney.
At the end of the tour, votes were cast for the likely villain and around 30pc correctly identified Miss Pauline played by Casey Leigh as the culprit,
The person voted best actress on the night was Sue Correll, who played the birdwatcher’s widow and she was among the recipients of prizes donated by local firms.
Murder Mystery Night coordinator Chris Parmenter said the evening was a memorable success.
“Thanks to all 200 people who tried to solve the murder and all the volunteers who so wonderfully acted their parts,” Mr Parmenter said.
“We had 190 paying people through for the night and adding the children and complimentary passes, about 210 people on the tours altogether.
“Not bad for a rainy night in Millicent”.
According to Mr Parmenter, three members of the Penola Players helped on the night while the 1920s atmosphere was enhanced by the display of vintage vehicles owned by Millicent’s Gil Purdie.
“The 2017 Murder Mystery Night was set in the 1870s and we decided to adopt a 1920s theme to show off different parts of the collection
“At only $10 per tour, we wanted to keep the night affordable.
“The profits from the night will go towards museum running costs such as insurance.”
Millicent tour participant Kerryn Fennell said she was glad she took part.
“I heard it was so good last year,” Ms Fennell said.
“I have been to the museum before and it is good to see the local identities all dressed up.”
Millicent resident Marlene Fennell donned vintage costumes and played the role of a “town gossiper”.
The former National Trust secretary said she was happy to help the group in whatever capacity and even to the extent of dressing up.
“I am involved with the cleaning and the cataloguing of the museum collection and whatever they need,” Ms Fennell said.
“I was involved in school productions and public speaking has never bothered me”.
Heather and Lee Pearson made the 100km round trip from Mount Gambier to join the tour.
The Pearsons knew about the Murder Mystery Nights through “word of mouth” and also had a son and grandson acting parts on the night,
Mr Pearson said he had previously visited the museum but was unwilling to nominate a favourite section or exhibit.
“It is excellent and amazing and I love the lot,”
It is the third consecutive year the Millicent National Trust Living History Museum has opened its doors at night to coincide with the annual Geltwood Craft Festival.
Some of the vintage clothing used on the night came from the museum’s Helen Hughes Costume Collection.
