Hall memories shared

MEMORIES were shared and friendships rekindled when more than 60 people enjoyed the Waituna West Hall’s centenary celebrations on Sunday.

Current and former residents, including some from the Hawke’s Bay, assembled at the hall for afternoon tea and the cutting of the birthday cake by local identity Betty Williamson.

Waituna West Hall Committee’s secretary-treasurer Marj Shannon said the function had been “very successful” with many of the older residents excited by the chance to “come back to it all. I’m sure many of them will go home and think about it for weeks to come”.

She said one visitor recalled that a huge sit-down dinner and dance to farewell three men heading overseas on World War II service had attracted up to 350 people, while another spoke of attending dances on horseback and changing from her riding habit into an evening gown in the ladies’ roomy toilet area.   

Speakers at the celebrations included hall committee chairperson Fran Rossiter and Manawatu District Councillor Alison Short, while Rangitikei MP and former District Mayor Ian McKelvie, and wife Sue, and former councillor Don Beard, were among those who attended.