Greenethorpe Soldiers Memorial Hall.
In August 1920 a public meeting was held in Greenethorpe and it was decided to erect a School of Arts and Soldiers Memorial Hall. It was proposed that the building would be erected in one of the parks on Edward Square. This idea was sanctioned, but happily abandoned when Mr C H Freudenstein, donated the 2 blocks of land where the Greenethorpe Soldiers Memorial Hall now stands. Building Started on the 4th of June 1921, with an estimated cost of 1100 pounds excluding piano and furnishings. The building was to be 60ft by 30ft with a 14ft stage. Two Anti-rooms (whatever that is) will provide accommodation and a committee room at the rear. The Foundation Stone was laid at 3:30pm on the 24th of August 1921, by Mr R.K. Dempster late of Gambarra Station. Mr Dempster was presented with a silver trowel to lay the Foundation Stone he is quoted as saying: This Building as represented by this stone, was a small but very earnest compliment to brave men who so heroically gave their lives for their country. When the Foundation Stone was laid there was 400 pound in donations, the committee had secured a 400 pound overdraft and they raised 110 pounds on the day. The Hall was completed and opened on the 24th of August 1922 at the cost of 1200 pounds. A fibro kitchen was added in 1928 (apparently, much to the delight of the ladies). The polished wood honour board was unveiled on the 25th September 1929. Ironically a machine gun was also unveiled on the same day. We would love to know where this machine gun is today. On the 26th September 1947 a large brick Memorial Porch was opened at the cost of 1000 pounds. There was an upstairs included for the provision of film projection. The porch was opened by Lt – Colonial Anderson VC and a WW2 Honour Board made of Queensland Maple was also unveiled. The honour boards face each other in the hall and now have been erected in our new external memorial garden. |
Remembrance Day 2020
In the early 1990’s Shirley Wills planted a Lone Pine Tree at the Greenethorpe Soldiers’ Memorial Hall. The Lone Pine was sourced from original seeds that came back from Gallipoli after WWI. Shirley retold this story on Remembrance Day this year as she planted another Lone Pine to replace the original, along with her son Chris and great grandchildren, Izzy and Tilly. Another special day for our community. |
Committee News
Our Hall will be 100 years old on 24th August 2021!!!!!! Please keep dates around the end of August, early September 2021, free for celebrations. More details will follow soon. To coincide with the Hall's birthday, a Centenary Cookbook is planned. The Hall was nominated for the Weddin Shire Community / Organisation Event award for "Rock Till It Rains". Danielle Allen attended the ceremony in Grenfell and received the award on behalf of all who were involved on the night. Danielle said, in her acceptance speech, that it was obvious our gathering broke the drought!!! Well done Greenethorpe. Rod Kershaw also received an award from Weddin Shire Council for his contribution to Community and the promotion of Iandra Castle and the Greeenethorpe area. Congratulations Rod. |