NOTES ABOUT EARLY USE OF THE HALL
From Arthur Barwick’s Memoirs.
In the mid 1920s travelling picture shows came to the Hall every few months. One was run by Harry Gordon. His advertising posters said “North, South, East and West, Gordon’s pictures are the best”. Before
each show he would send some information to the school advertising his next show, accompanied by two complimentary tickets. This caused quite a lot of excitement and the school children had to have a ballot to determine the lucky pupils. The posters would
be put on appropriate trees in the area.
It was during 1932 Arthur (at the age of about 17) learnt to dance by attending dances at the local Hall. There were numerous
socials held at Warrah Creek, Big Jack’s Creek and Willow Tree Halls. Besides the regular Annual events, such as the Manchester Unity Ball, the New Year’s Eve dance and a big dance after the Easter Monday sports (which were held across the creek
in Meredith’s paddock) there were other fundraising functions for the Tennis Club, Cricket Club, the Hospital and Ambulance, etc. Occasionally after a cricket or tennis match, an impromptu dance would be held, music being supplied by whoever could play
the piano or accordion. Marie Meredith often played for these.
Before there was a supper room at Warrah Creek, supper would be eaten with the crowd sitting around
the walls, with the following procedure adopted: The cups would be brought around in a clothes basket, then followed someone carrying the teapot, someone else the milk, the sugar and an endless supply of sandwiches, scones and cakes.