Celebrating the centenary

MORE than 80 locals have come together to toast a century of cherished memories at the Modewarre Memorial Hall, a facility that is affectionally regarded by the Modewarre Commitee as the “heart of the community”.

The Modewarre Memorial Hall turned into a museum on Saturday (April 29) for its 100 year anniversary celebrations, with locals both young and old admiring pictures and momentos that have shaped the community facility into what it is today.

Alongside the memorabilia and mingling, a series of local films were showcased, including WW2 memorial film ‘My Friend, My Enemy’ and ‘Stringybark’.

 

“It was a really good evening, and fantastic to see everyone mingling and observing all the history of Modewarre and the Memorial Hall,” Modewarre Commitee member Ken Hole said.

“We literally pulled everything out of the woodwork for the celebratory event, including the literature and documents about how the hall was developed in 1923.

“The official centenary was on the 21st of April, just before ANZAC Day, which was a big reason why we showed films that were based around WW2 and the protection of the country.

“It was a special night and one we will remember for many years to come.”

Mr Hole said the Memorial Hall has had many uses in its century long history, including being used for sports events, fundraisers and even the odd disco and dance event.

“We had a wonderful photo from 1952 of a lady by the name of Helen Malone who attended the catholic church ball and won the queen of the ball at the hall,” Mr Hole said.

“It was really amazing to see that and remind people of the various uses of the hall over the last 100 years.

“It’s been a big focal for the community and a great way to get everyone together.”