STEP back in time this Saturday when Dora Creek School of Arts celebrates its centenary at Dora Creek Community Hall.
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There will be a display of classic cars, and historic photographs of Dora Creek shown on the hall’s projector.
Chris Gavenlock of the centenary planning committee said the event was a time to reflect on the town’s history and to acknowledge the strength of its community.
“What a fabulous thing to reach 100 years!” Ms Gavenlock said.
The community hall had brought people together “in good times, in times of celebration, in bad times, in tough times, and in times of sorrow,” she said.
And it had taken the sustained efforts of dedicated locals to “keep the hall in the hands of, and for, the Dora Creek community for 100 years”.
Today, the community continued to support the School of Arts, especially at its Friday op shops and three-day garage sales, Ms Gavenlock said.
The centerary promised to be a fun day out for families, Ms Gavenlock said.
“In appreciation of the community’s support the celebrations will include free morning tea, a free jumping castle for the children, free shopping bags and other giveaways including a booklet documenting the 100-year history of Dora Creek School of Arts.”
There will also be live music and a centenary cake.
Southlakes Men’s Shed will provide a barbecue lunch.
“This Saturday's production, celebrating the centenary of Dora Creek School of Arts, has taken a cast of thousands,” Ms Gavenlock said.
On January 3, 1918, page 5 of the Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate reported that Wilson’s Hall had been purchased for the sum of £130 by the newly inaugurated School of Arts committee, and was to be moved to the site of the current Dora Creek Community Hall.
The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate reported that the hall was opened on Friday, April 5, 1918.
The land was purchased from Lydia Elizabeth Alice Gardiner for £75.
The first trustees of the school of arts were Peter Gardiner (a school teacher), Adam Shepherd (farmer), Stephen Arnold Lean (baker), Lewis Mobbs (farmer) and James Elliott (butcher), all from Dora Creek.
The celebrations will be held at the hall from 10am to 2pm this Saturday, April 14.
