The story of the epergne, unveiled at the museum last Friday, begins with an attack by bushrangers Ben Hall, John Gilbert and John O'Meally on the station 'Goimbla' owned by David and Amelia Campbell, writes our Eugowra correspondent Judith Smith. The story follows … 

David Campbell and others had made it known that they were out to target the bushrangers who were active in the area.

Hall’s gang got wind of this and planned an attack. It came on November 19, 1863.

Mr and Mrs Campbell were there that night, along with David’s brother, the servants and station hands.

The bushrangers set fire to the barn, burning all the contents including stock feed. David Campbell's prized horse died in the blaze.

In the gun battle which followed David Campbell shot John O'Meally, who died on site. The others fled. Amelia was helping her husband by reloading his guns. 

Meetings were held in Forbes and one thousand pounds raised by thankful residents to compensate the family for the loss of their property and livestock.

The silver Epergne was presented to Amelia and David Campbell, along with a pocket watch to David  and a silk cloth bearing a printed testimony.

Amelia Campbell was presented with a silver plated coffee urn from the ladies of Adelong district for her bravery.

The property, now owned by Geoffrey Parker, is on Whipstick Hill about 15km from Eugowra on the Escort Way.

On the evening of the launch of the beautiful sterling silver Campbell Epergne, which is 72cm high, there were six direct descendants of David and Amelia Campbell, plus their spouses, present.

Brad Hammond, Gallery and Museum Director, opened proceedings by welcoming everyone and introducing the Mayor of Orange, Reg Kidd, followed by the Hon. Andrew Gee MP the member for Calare.

Mr Gee spoke about the attack on Goimbla and the heroism of Amelia Campbell.

He referred to the colourful history we have from the bushranging era and of the wonderful collection in the Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre.

Mr Gee had visited the Museum the previous week and he spoke glowingly of the exhibits and of the assistance from the committee members present.

He also read two poems, one of which referred to the death of Amelia. She died in childbirth at the age of 34 along with one of the twins she had given birth to. The other twin only lived for a few months. 

This followed her losing a son at 10 years of age. This was a very sad end for a very heroic woman.

Gary West, who is the President of the Friends of the Orange Museum group, then talked of the day trip this group is doing to Escort Rock and the Eugowra Museum on March 3.

The Campbell Epergne will be on display at Orange Regional Museum until February 24.

Members of the Eugowra Historical Museum and Bushranger Centre staged a re-enactment on the night of 16th November 2013 to commemorate the Battle of Goimbla, being the sesquincentenary of the event.

There were four of the Campbell descendants present, who dressed in period costume and joined in the re-enactment.