By NICOLE VALICEK
THE wonders inside Science Works have not only come to life in front of Rita and George Bird, they have also helped to cultivate the interactive museum for the past 20 years.
The husband and wife team from Williamstown are the longest serving couple to have dedicated their time to the museum since it opened its doors to the public in Spotswood in 1992.
The couple, now aged in their seventies, had both retired and wanted to spend their spare time giving back to the community.
“You can’t be out on the golf courses every day of the week,” Mrs Bird joked.
The former school teacher thought she had seen the last of children when she retired, so it was ironic when she was asked to lead school groups on tours through the museum.
“I thought perhaps I haven’t got children out of my system… there’s something enjoyable about all of them.”
Mr Bird said he enjoyed meeting new people and the constant social contact with visitors and fellow volunteers.
“It’s a two-way street. You’re helping someone and you’re being helped by meeting people and still being active in the community,” Mr Bird said.
“As you get older your social circle shrinks and it’s important to get out and meet other people -it’s what keeps you mentally young, getting out meeting and talking to other people,” Mrs Bird added.
Mr and Mrs Bird said they had been privileged to watch the museum grow and experience the changes during two decades of service.
They said they would continue to give their time and expertise as long their “health and mental faculties” held up.
