Library opens Spike Milligan exhibition

Woy Woy Library has launched a museum-quality exhibition as tribute to the life of entertainer Spike Milligan, his family and the Woy Woy region.

The exhibition was launched in late June and coincides with other changes to the amenity and functionality of the library.

"Spike's parents emigrated to Australia in 1950 and even though it took almost a decade for Spike to visit his parents, when he finally did it is no surprise he fell in love with the area," said Central Coast Council local history librarian Mr Geoff Potter.

"Even though he was born in India and grew up in England, Spike considered the Central Coast his home and he loved nothing more than to visit family, write and relax here."

"Spike was supportive of many local organisations including the Woy Woy Little Theatre, Woy Woy Rotary Club and the Gosford City Orchestra as well as a major activist in the 1970's campaign to preserve Riley's Island near Davistown from real estate development.

"Many remember his role in helping to preserve the former St Luke's Church of England at Blackwall, but he also played a major part in helping the community to save historic Henry Kendall Cottage," he said.

Mr Potter said this important collection pays tribute to the legacy of world-famous comedian Terence "Spike" Milligan and the lives of his parents Flo and Leo and brother Desmond.

"This unique exhibition offers a visually engaging, informative and interactive experience to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike," Mr Potter said.

"It holds a culturally significant collection of family photographs, recordings and memorabilia.

"A feature of the exhibition space is a small theatrette where a brand new short film The Milligans of Woy Woy, which has been created especially for this project, will be shown.

New content will be constantly introduced to provide insights into Milligan family life.

Council libraries manager Ms Beth Burgess said: "We have installed a new staircase to increase safety and relocated our staff counter to the back of the library in order to improve security and maximize the space.

"Old shelves have been replaced with mobile shelving which means we will now be able to better utilise the area to provide higher quality learning programs and a greater variety of events for our community.

"Now we can better serve the needs of our customers and community as well as celebrate the legend Spike Milligan in a space unlike any other in the world.

The Spike Milligan Exhibition and refurbishment was made possible thanks to an $188,429 Library Council of NSW Public Library Infrastructure Grant and Central Coast Council.

SOURCE:

Media release, 2 Jul 2018

Angela Walsh, Central Coast Council Media