Memories of grooving to the tunes of Frank Chalkley’s accordion until you were that exhausted that you fell asleep under the table will be relived at Wingen Hall next weekend.
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The Wingen School of Arts Hall will be taken back to its earlier days of family dances and community entertainment when the local community gather to celebrate the building’s 110th birthday with a spring ball next Saturday, September 20.
The special thing is that everyone is welcome to take part.
Still to this day a well used venue in the small community of Wingen, the hall has a rich history dating back to when it was first built through donations in 1904 by Jack Rae with the assistance of carpenter Dick Thrift and Joseph Bell, and W Gimbert helping with supplies.
The hall was officially opened with an opening ball in October that year.
Throughout the years it has been the centre of the village hosting many balls, weddings, school functions and parties, as well as serving as the local library, and these days it also serves as the venue for dance classes, toy box and more.
Since 1939, the Wingen-Parkville branch of CWA have used the hall as their home base.
Some of the early drivers behind the hall were committee men including A Friedman, James H Mitchell and Mr Bell, who is great grandfather to Bettina Cummins and Helen Gardner, who are both actively involved in organising the 110th birthday celebrations.
Other families to be heavily involved include the McInerney’s, Chalkley’s, Callinan’s, Bowd’s, English’s, Lloyd’s and Cummins’.
Mrs Gardner said many have memories of dances held throughout the years when children have slept under stools or behind the piano while their parents danced.
She said more recently the hall has been extended with a supper room added, floor extensions and a new septic.
The ball will start at 8pm to 1am with music by the Ray Boys and Joan Manning, who has been playing the piano at the hall since Kit Cummins started her as a youngster.
Cost is $15 each and the theme of the evening is ‘Blue and White’ with raffles and Monte Carlo dancing on the night.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by contacting Bettina Cummins on 6545 1962, Helen Gardner on 6545 0367 or from Racar Computers in Kelly Street.
