Rye Park Memorial Hall Centenary Celebrated
IMAGE: Cake cutting by Rye Park Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee. From front left cutting cake: Lorraine Veness, Sylvia Pearsall and Joan George. Second row: Ruth Bonfield and Karen Smith. Far back row: Richard Classon, Mathew Smith, Craig Southwell, Rosemary Knight, Mark Grady, Philip Gorham, Brent Armour and Sandra Veness.
On Saturday, April 22, the Rye Park community joined together to celebrate 100 years of the Rye Park Memorial Hall.
Originally called The Smiths Hall in 1920, it was a place where 25 community-driven people met to discuss the future of the hall.
As a result of successful fundraising efforts between 1920 and 1923, the Rye Park Memorial Hall was opened in December 1923 to commemorate those who served in World War I.
Extensions were made to the hall to commemorate those who fought in World War II in 1953.
Today, the hall looks remarkably different.
This was highlighted on Saturday with a slide show display of historical photos of the town and the hall provided by families that have resided in Rye Park for generations.
Following a delicious sausage sizzle, formalities commenced with an opening address from the Hall Committee President, Phillip, before Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke spoke a few words.
The historical hall is currently managed by a committee of 14 members who meet on the third Tuesday of every second month.
In honour of the centenary, a time capsule was buried on Saturday to be dug up in another 50 years.
Sentiment determined that the capsule be buried by the current committee members’ children.
To conclude the celebrations, locals gathered for the annual ‘Hall Sale of Gifts’, a sale of homegrown and home made goods donated by the community and surrounds to fundraise for the future of the Rye Park Memorial Hall.
Throughout the past 100 years, there have been many engagements, weddings, parties, wakes and important meetings held in the hall and without the strong dedication of community members who have donated their time and services to the hall through working bees and events, the Rye Park Soldiers Memorial Hall would not be standing today.
The Rye Park Soldiers Memorial Hall Centenary organising committee was grateful for the beautiful weather that added to such a successful day.
Many past commmitteee members and community members travelled great distances to witness such an important day.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke’s attendance was greatly appreciated by the Rye Park community as she had lengthy important discussions with locals.
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