History and Heritage Bell

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[{"address":"Bell","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2Ftts_0.mp3?alt=media&token=fa3b0f2f-1b33-4693-9028-7c2ce824e6b9","placeId":"ChIJObDYatf6lWsRMKggf_HuAAQ","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14905644535097232,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-26.916445693347708,"longitude":151.43793021815614},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell4.JPG?alt=media&token=80fddd4e-eb69-49fb-b973-fe7a6e45a4d2"},{"type":"text","content":"Welcome to Bell, the eastern gateway of the Western Downs. \n\nTo understand Bell's charm, close your eyes, listen to the serene melody of the birds, and feel the gentle sun brushing your skin. Ah, now open your eyes. What you are seeing here is not just the panorama of the Bunya Mountains, but also a glimpse into a time capsule full of history, splendid nature, religious significance, and awe-inspiring sights.\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20Limberlost%20Cottage.jpg?alt=media&token=166fb51d-4b0b-4d4c-8b5e-0bd205dec216"},{"type":"text","content":"Can you guess why it was named \"Bell\"? It's not because of a chapel's chime or an old Inn keeper’s name but in fact the origins of Bell Township coincided with the implementation of the Closer Settlement Act in the early 1900's and the subdivision of Jimbour Station a property owned by Joshua Bell.\n\nA historic station which originally extended from the Bunya Mountains in the east to the Condamine River in the West, from Jandowae on the North to where Dalby stands about now. Today the area's main industry is agriculture.\n\nLooking for a quaint place to stop for the night. The Bell Tourist Park and Bellview Hotel are two options filled with charm, beauty, and great company. Whether you are watching the sunset from the verandah of the hotel or laid back in your camping chair, watching the Milky Way at the Tourist Park you are in for a treat.\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2Fstarry%20night%20camp%20fire.jpg?alt=media&token=894b3151-0406-4c90-8321-92a72d0b5138"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FIMG-1401.jpg?alt=media&token=9fab9be1-8783-4685-8a90-37bcbe23e6f8"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FIMG-1402.jpg?alt=media&token=604e3499-1997-4207-833b-73ef3d6b311f"},{"type":"text","content":"Now, once you've taken a moment to absorb these bewitching views, let's prepare to meander and continue our journey. The next stop the Bell Bunya Community Centre."}]},{"address":"Bell Bunya Community Centre","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2Ftts_1.mp3?alt=media&token=693da500-db8b-4206-ae23-07931b8a11af","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.16042776180042792,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-26.92946300806682,"longitude":151.44808845},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"Welcome to the Bell Bunya Community Centre, folks! Built in 2012 and managed by a dedicated community of amazing volunteers."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20Bunya%20Community%20Centre.JPG?alt=media&token=fad87db0-ec54-4f5e-8890-08a82e142aba"},{"type":"text","content":"As you look around, be sure to treat yourself to one of their mouth-watering daily baked scones or enjoy a barista made coffee, they even have room for your fur babies in the 'alfresco dining area, or if air conditioning is more your style pull up a pew in the comfortable coffee lounge.\n\nNow as you wander around the building let me point out some of the many things that make this stop so worthwhile.\n\nPerched inside the front door is of course the rare Bell Bird. A natural hybrid between the Australian King Parrot and Red-Winged Parrot and believed to be discovered nearby in 1874. This beautiful bird with its coat of many colours is the inspiration for the Centre logo reflecting the \"WOW\" factor for colour, uniqueness, and heritage.\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2Fbell%20bird%20AA3.jpg?alt=media&token=b21a0bf7-f709-40c8-bce0-657165cdfe8a"},{"type":"text","content":"The Bluebells Art Gallery, curated by the Bell Art Group offers an everchanging display, highlighting the work of locals with artworks on sale. "},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20Bunya%20Art%20Gallery%20-%208607.jpg?alt=media&token=c31d0358-a2dd-4591-a458-69e95e12ccc4"},{"type":"text","content":"Across the board there is art depicting many types of subject matter and mediums to cater for everyone’s taste. So, it’s well worth a look.\nWith so many local artists it is no wonder that an annual Art Exhibition is held at the end of February hosted by the Art Group in the iconic Bell Memorial Public Hall. This event attracts over 350 art works from all over country Queensland. In the words of Pablo Picasso “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”.\n\nAnd let's not forget the Bell branch of the Western Downs Library Services offering free Wi-Fi and public access to a computer - so if technology is what you need right now - we can help you with that.\n\nBefore making the decision to move on please check out our visitor information and range of homemade crafts. What about some rosella jam made from produce grown in the Centre's own garden?\n\nFrom local produce to local knowledge, we are here to ensure that the time spent in Bell and the Western Downs is a memorable one.\n\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FCMYK_master_stacked_Transparent.png?alt=media&token=c8703bd7-b333-400c-abd6-ca2ea40a09fd"}]},{"address":"Bell Racecourse","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2Ftts_2.mp3?alt=media&token=82accdf8-6b3e-4287-8d0a-6b03ae433ec9","placeId":"ChIJEzaJabn7lWsR2GB42Vw1tpY","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.09127786447265727,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-26.924891978557017,"longitude":151.44833415212358},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"Ladies and Gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts as I introduce you to our next vibrant stop-over, The Bell Racecourse, Recreation Reserve and Golf Course a place where high spirits, thundering hooves, fierce competition and above all fun echo's tradition."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2F2018-7-7%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20Warra%20Races%20(69)%20(1024x650).jpg?alt=media&token=f61d1e90-80d6-432c-9e90-2f71728b57c1"},{"ttsForStop":false,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2Fsingle-horse-galopp-6152.mp3?alt=media&token=9193602d-4955-4130-8a77-62b83a043beb"},{"type":"text","content":"As we stand here amidst the verdant beauty, your senses could almost dance to the harmony of hooves thundering the dirt. Imagine, just for a moment, the excitement of the race day—race enthusiasts in their finest attire, anticipatory shouts, and the jubilant winners carrying the day's trophies held high. Now, imagine being there, in amongst that euphoria. Sounds exciting, doesn't it? Well, here's a fun insider fact – the Bell Racecourse has celebrated 100 years of racing history occurring on the 1st Saturday in January. Be sure to mark this annual date in your race calendar.\n\nSpeaking of annual events, the Bell show is definitely one for the whole family.\n“As this is Queensland’s Centenary Year, it seems very fitting that this should be your first annual show” said the Governor of Queensland, Sir Henry Abel Smith, when opening the first show in 1959.\n\nThe show has increased in popularity and size over the years. There is something for everyone, including side show ally, car rally, ute and bike muster, vintage farm machinery, wood chop, working dog trials, pavilion displays, ring events and stud and prime cattle showing. You may think that the humble jam drop is just a biscuit, but do not say that too loudly at the Bell Show, as the Jam Drop Competition has reached worldwide fame.\n\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20Show-1-10.jpg?alt=media&token=8310d479-9c4f-4689-88e2-30eddf7e9d11"},{"type":"text","content":"The night rodeo and campdrafts are two very popular events and are now held independently of the Show."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20Show-1.jpg?alt=media&token=6323e406-36c1-4b2c-aa51-0e74f576f4db"},{"type":"text","content":"Now that we've taken in the action of the Bell Racecourse, signal when you're ready our very next destination - Bell Golf Course.\n\nThe Bell Golf Course, is a picturesque and well-regarded 9-hole course situated in the scenic countryside. It's known for its friendly atmosphere and laid-back environment, making it a great spot for both locals and visitors looking for a relaxed round of golf. The course offers a mix of challenging and straightforward holes, catering to golfers of all skill levels.\n\nIf you’re planning a visit, it's a good idea to check with the local golf club for details on tee times, green fees, and any events they might be hosting.\n\n"}]},{"address":"Bell Biblical Garden","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2Ftts_3.mp3?alt=media&token=43f3b3fe-9cbb-4f50-98bc-5aaeff0fb04d","placeId":null,"location":{"longitudeDelta":0.16042776180042792,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-26.931784808067587,"longitude":151.45140815000002},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20-%20Front%20View%20Catholic%20Church%20.jpg?alt=media&token=db0e3bda-00f6-4972-bdfb-f4a5eacdb442"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20Biblical%20Gardens%20-%20Susan%20Jacobs%20.jpg?alt=media&token=050bb3f3-faea-4883-986a-10953d4fbaf7"},{"type":"text","content":"Our lady help of Christians Catholic church is one of three churches still functioning in Bell. The land was donated by Henry Ensor, a moving force in the happenings of the early town and district and a long serving Wambo shire counsellor.\n\nHis Grace the most Reverend Dr, James Duhig coadjutor Archbishop of Brisbane, opened and blessed the church in May 1912. It was described as a gala day. Excursion trains brought folk from Toowoomba, Dalby and Chinchilla as well as Dalby’s St. Josephs Brass Band which led the procession from the railway station to the church. \n\nNews reports estimated a crowd of between 1000 and 1500 attended the service. Later at Norris Hall, 700 of these people sat down to lunch provided by the ladies of the town and surrounds. \n\nLeading up to the 95th Anniversary of the church in 2007, local artist and congregation member Mrs. Meg Cullen undertook a project which was inspired by interpretive centres she had visited overseas. A series of wall murals were painted depicting Bible stories from creation through to Jesus’ life on earth for visitors and locals alike to now reflect upon. A sanctuary mural was added in 2022. \n\nTo the left of the church is the Biblical Garden which grew from an endeavour to beautify the area into the realised vision. To showcase trees and plants mentioned in the bible. Greater significance was added by the mosaics and sculptures representing the 14 Stations of the Cross. Two further mosaics show the nativity and resurrection of Jesus. \n"},{"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FMeg%20Cullen_NOV23%20Update.mp4?alt=media&token=b258691d-3a51-4709-9542-b5a19a946724"},{"type":"text","content":"Feeling parched or hungry before we move onto the next stop do yourself a favour and visit Pips N Cherries just a hop, skip and jump away. This cafe is where chic meets country. Be sure to check out the electric vintage and retro wares before tucking into some real country food."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBelll%20-Pips%20and%20Cherries.jpg?alt=media&token=c3bbca6d-9774-4dd4-b5c1-c88e799bf585"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20-%20Pips%20%26%20Cherries%20Interior%20-%208222.jpg?alt=media&token=703e2c95-4a29-4f84-bc5b-d115acc6919c"}]},{"address":"Bell Branch Railway","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2Ftts_4.mp3?alt=media&token=429c6986-6e6f-42ea-bf13-c1d0f816b6b9","placeId":"EipCZWxsIEJyYW5jaCBSYWlsd2F5LCBRdWVlbnNsYW5kLCBBdXN0cmFsaWEiLiosChQKEgl9RvAvVwCWaxEIGagbZqHyQBIUChIJ_dxieiTf1GsRmb4SdiLQ8vU","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.09127786447265727,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-27.087337408121943,"longitude":151.4023521},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20Railway%20Heritage%20Parkland%20(1).JPG?alt=media&token=11d78a50-613d-4525-b9ed-211dca44fd88"},{"type":"text","content":"Welcome to our next stop, the Bell Historic Railway and Precinct. The branch line from Dalby to Bell opened in 1906 and the terminus was officially named Bell after Sir Joshua Peter Bell, Queensland politician and a former owner of Jimbour Station.\n\nThe line was the first built in the state on a limited economy of light agricultural line with smaller steam engines of the PB15 class needed to work the light branch lines. The age of steam operations ended in 1969.\n"},{"type":"text","content":" Now here comes a task for you. Look around. Can you spot the storyboards, the vintage passenger car 745 and the mighty diesel locomotive 1172 which was powered by a Cooper Bessemer FWL-6-T Engine? It was initially numbered the 1502 and renumbered 1172 in June of 1965. Remarkably this engine has covered 1,641,522 km.\n\nIt was withdrawn from QR service 31 March 1989, sold to Wambo Shire in 1998 and arrived in Bell on the 17 April 1998. Built by the Walkers Limited Maryborough, this 1170 class was popularly known as Paw Paws. Some believe this was after a racehorse, which in turn was named after a character in a cartoon strip.\n\n"},{"ttsForStop":false,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2Fsteam-train-at-crossing-62158.mp3?alt=media&token=b5613e0d-d0ce-4a67-9b2c-94bdae45f0e8"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FTrain%20(1).jpg?alt=media&token=f7041305-de5c-4dab-8e74-d012d34bd0fa"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20Mural%20No%202.JPG?alt=media&token=de18a603-cc6a-4a4a-b8de-2a81359dea36"},{"type":"text","content":"Now picture the early settlers arriving by train carrying all their possessions as they stepped down onto the railway platform. We could suspect they would be in awe of what following generations have achieved since they turned the first sods of soil on their virgin scrub blocks and surely overwhelmed by Bells newest tourism attraction the Bell Blade, adding further pages to our shared history."},{"type":"text","content":"The Bell Blade forms part of what was Australia's largest wind farm commissioned in 2020. The Coooper Gap Wind Farm operates at a full capacity of 453 megawatts producing enough renewable energy to power 264,000 average Australian homes. The wind farm sits between both South Burnett Regional Council and Western Downs regional Council boasting 123 wind turbines spread across 36 properties and 10,200 hectares, with the best way to see the turbines travelling from Bell to Jandowae via Niagara Road. \n\nOur region is proudly trademarked as the Energy Capital of Queensland with coal, gas, solar, wind and hydrogen operations in region. A partnership where the energy industry is effectively co-existing alongside agriculture and other industries. The Coopers Gap wind farm using less than 2% of the area.\n\nThe big grain silos down the line are part of the picturesque landscape of Bell, nestled in the foothills of the Bunya Mountains. They are visual symbols of how important the grain industry was and continues to be, to the economy and continued development of the town and surrounding districts. This area has earned its place among the choicest farming spots in the Northern Darling Downs and is well known for the quality of its rich agricultural and pastoral products.\n\nTo the north of this once bustling station is the Bell Memorial Park featuring the Anzac Memorial, Rose gardens of the RSL and the 1960 water fountain - a reminder of the turning on of the town water supply.\n\nThe ANZAC memorial originally stood in the middle of Dennis Street, however, it was constantly being repaired due to traffic turning off from the Bunya highway and occasionally homebound patrons of the Bellview Hotel, and accidents did occur. After many public meetings the Wambo Shire Council negotiated a lease of this QLD rail area, the relocated memorial was ready for the 1986 ANZAC day ceremonies.\n\nAcross the line is Popey’s shed which became a point of historic interest when a collection of restored farming engines was generously donated to fellow citizens of Bell by Arthur Pope. The Mayor of Wambo Shire, Councillor Mick Cosgrove, opened this feature at the Bell Centenary Celebrations in 2006.\n\n"}]},{"address":"Bellview Hotel","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2Ftts_5.mp3?alt=media&token=880f1381-b986-4350-8a67-436461a74809","placeId":"ChIJIxVQ3pX7lWsRh58Y7-1sPr4","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.09127786447265727,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-26.933501508068222,"longitude":151.44921759999994},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"Welcome to Dennis Street and the Bellview Hotel."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FIMG-1394.jpg?alt=media&token=69bf64e1-f973-40a1-a8e0-fce51495b844"},{"type":"text","content":"Dennis Street is the main street of Bell and was once the heart of the newly formed town in 1906. Now only six of the original buildings remain on this block.\n\nYou are standing in front of the spot where the first non-government building was erected. It was a large, single storey structure named the Bellview Hotel and was burnt to the ground along with several other buildings in 1930. The fire was caused by a helpful, overly casual local who was smoking a cigarette while refuelling the Wizard Lighting Plant.\n\nThis fine two storeyed second Bellview Hotel rose from the ashes the following year. It was the hub of the district in the early days providing meals, a place to stay, home for some permanent borders and catering for anything from sports committee meetings to wedding breakfasts... while keeping up with the usual bar room replenishments. It even had its own milk processing plant... an Illawarra cow. The Bellview hotel has traded continuously except for a spell that coincided with the covid 19 outbreak.\n\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FIMG-1370.jpg?alt=media&token=98082d35-4b9c-4b5a-88d4-6803bb6433d6"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FIMG-1380.jpg?alt=media&token=1a835889-d8df-4ca9-8bfc-c1ee9744c66c"},{"type":"text","content":"The building on the corner of Dennis and Ensor Street, just to the left of the hotel has an intriguing bit of history. It was brought to Bell by train in 1918 to serve as the QN Bank. The offices and strongroom were to the front and the rest of the house was the residence for the manager and his family. After 1955 the bank was downgraded and then in the early 1980s it closed in the face of strong community resistance.\n\nTo the right of the Bellview Hotel standing side by side are the Bell cares and Bell Bijou Bed and Breakfast. \n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20Bijou.jpg?alt=media&token=b86ab736-5a2d-4157-acd1-4471ae1fffe9"},{"type":"text","content":"These two shops have been occupied by a succession of businesses, but way back, Bell cares. was a butcher shop built in 1934 and the stone shop started life as a bakery circa 1912.\n\nFor a time, the bakery carried some grocery lines, fruit, and vegetables and even some gift lines leading up to Christmas. The bakery served as a welcome refreshment stop for weary travellers. Trading ceased in the mid-1950s while the Butchers of Bell shop served the community faithfully as a family butchery until 1975.\n\nln this block there are just two other shops left from the early days of Bell. The first a cafe owned by Mr Vhalognenis which opened in 1934 and after a succession of leases the closed in the early 1960s.\n\nThe second started out as a garage in 1926. A garage with a difference because not only could you get your engine fixed, but you could get a haircut from a barber carrying out his trade in the back corner. In fact, when the garage proprietor moved shop in 1936 the barber turned the extra space into a billiard room and continued to thrive for some time before moving on.\n"}]},{"address":"3C9X+3W3","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2Ftts_6.mp3?alt=media&token=8d0f9ced-d28b-4251-840f-0c7fea8ec92c","placeId":"EiIzQzlYKzNXMywgQmVsbCBRTEQgNDQwOCwgQXVzdHJhbGlhIiY6JAoKDZdy8u8VsWdFWhALGhQKEgk5sNhq1_qVaxEwqCB_8e4ABA","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.09127786447265727,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-26.932362508067815,"longitude":151.4497969},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"Bell's Motoring History"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20Tourist%20Park.JPG?alt=media&token=e32717b6-8f9b-4ec7-8623-5ffdfd1b5261"},{"type":"text","content":"The original Bell Motors was on Railway land facing Dennis Street. Mick Higgins and Merv Luck purchased the business from Mr McCarthy in 1946. \n\nIn September 1947 Luck & Higgins became sub dealers to Napier Bros. Dalby before Mick left in 1949.\n\nFour years later, wanting to expand the business Merv purchased a block of land on the corner of Wallace and Ensor Street from William and Ella McLennan. With no electricity until 1954 Merv set about the task of building the garage starting with his own generating plant to operate the lathe and other power tools. Being a hands-on man, this provided a challenge, but Merv wasn’t deterred and his training as a Fitter & Turner was most useful. \n\nA large gathering of people attended the opening and lunch was served in the garage. White table clothes and all the trimmings. Merv’s wife Molly instrumental in organising this event. \n\nMerv's days were full being both Salesman and operating the garage. In the early days he would hitch hike to Brisbane to pick up a tractor and drive it home to Bell. \n\nHe built stock crates for flat body trucks for farmers as well as McIver Bros a transport company in town. He purchased Fordson tractors, stripping them down completely and rebuilding them for resale and was also known to join 2 Fordson tractors together for farmers giving them better pulling power for their farm implements. \n\nMerv had many apprentices go through his garage. He eventually became a Ford Dealer in his own right with an additional dealership in Jandowae. \n\nLaurie Morrissey was the tractor man and Doug Robertson was head mechanic. Bell Motors was sold to Sam Wolfe about 1970.\n\n"}]},{"address":"Bell Store","ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2Ftts_7.mp3?alt=media&token=a4f3431b-1fa5-4846-a9d2-37c1319f7d69","placeId":"ChIJdRQyHZb7lWsRZ7_WVzXY5D8","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.06761323294270909,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-26.932103058067728,"longitude":151.45007750000002},"media":[{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FLUa5i2hVkGvtKpNy6jLO%2FBell%20General%20Store.jpg?alt=media&token=6e17e017-a881-40eb-b1df-15a74f25cf5a"},{"type":"text","content":"Originally a stone store was erected by pioneer Hugh Downes on this site. The building eventually fell into disrepair and was demolished in the 1950s. It was replaced with a Snack Bar and a bakehouse which catered for the increasing traffic on the Bunya Highway.\n\nAn internal fire in the shop put the owner out of business and the Rainbow Snack Bar remained empty for some time.\n\nTrish Luck remembers her parents Alf and Nerida Rayner were renting the Bell View Café in Dennis Street at the time. Here was an opportunity for them to own their own premises so they purchased the building around 1957. The café continued to operate for a period but gradually the transition to a grocery store was made. Eventually the café component ceased, and Rayners joined the Blue Ribbon Group stocking a wide range of groceries.\n\nThey extended the building, joining it to the bake house which gave them room to expand their business into a general store and newsagency. Orders were sent out to the farms with mailman Cecil Beil who operated Mail Service 360 for many years. \n\nFamily members supported their parents with the running of the shop. Lots of stories have been told of the malted milks enjoyed by many folk and of the lolly counter where kids delighted in spending their sixpence or perhaps a shilling (5 or 10c). A large bag of treats could be purchased with a small amount of money in those days.\n\nAlf and Nerida Rayner sold the business in 1978. A succession of owners followed and today the Bell Store not only serves a great coffee it also offers a range of rural supplies, take-away food and Australia Post services.\n"}]}]