Rain did not dampen the spirit of the Martinborough community as a crowd gathered outside the town hall for the arrival of vintage cars with VIPs. Mayor, Adrienne Staples, and husband, Don, entered into the spirit of the occasion by arriving dressed in period costume. A traditional granite plaque recording the occasion was unveiled by the mayor and Wairarapa’s MP.
Cake cutting duties were performed by the Mayor and Community Board Chair, Pam Colenso. Joyce Hogg donated four hours of her time to ice an exact image of the Town Hall on to the cake as an expression of the pleasure she has had from attending events held in the hall over the years.
Then the hall was put to its best use as a venue for entertainment, food and drink. Representing future hall users, children from Martinborough School were first up singing with expressive enthusiasm. Mate Higginson reviewed the 100 years of the hall. Madcaps presented highlights from their 2012 show, culminating with singing their clever skit in which Philippa Maynard personified the hall “They’re knocking on my walls”
The event organising Committee made a modest charge to continue fundraising for the hall refurbishment programme. All tickets sold, raising over $1500. With previous community fundraising, there is $26,000 to begin the community contribution towards renovations.
There are some people and organisations listed below who responded to requests or voluntarily went the extra mile to make the celebration a success. Special thanks to them from the Martinborough Town Hall Committee.
Robert Milne – donated and installed commemorative plaque. Annette Clark – made the unveiling cover for the plaque. Graeme Clark & Murray Parker – provided and drove the vintage cars. David Kershaw & Max Stevens – programme planning & M.C. Joyce Hogg – iced the centennial cake. Mate Higginson – review of the hall history. Martinborough School – for entertainment. MADCAPS – for entertainment, hall decoration and assisting with food. Pain & Kershaw – for donation of chocolate bars & ticket sales. Martinborough Lions – for Bar service and glassware. Barbara Gavan – creative mind behind ticket & poster production. SWDC & Community Board – Grants towards expenses & ticket sales.
Winifred Bull
Secretary/Treasurer
Martinborough Town Hall Committee
