New life for old hall

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 652, 3 September 1996, Page 8

New life for old hall

The Orautoha Community Hall has had a new lease of life in the last six months with increased use by locals and outside groups. With its peaceful setting, open fireplace and native timber walls and floor the old hall is unique in the Waimarino. Weekly yoga and line dancing sessions have been initiated by Leigh Bridgens, employed by REAP for the Orautoha Community Network, while the Orautoha School has been using it for PE over the wet winter months. Rafters are regularly using the facilities after running the rapids of the Manganui-a-Te-Ao and an Occupational Health and Safety meeting was held there by Dawn Harper to explain the recent changes to health and safety regulations. Because of the increased usage the committee has become concerned about seating and the state of the old roof. New seats will have to be purchased and iron over the kitchen replaced. Fund raising has started for these projects. A dinner was organised by Marianne Larsen and Kate Boyd, and thanks to their efforts and the tremendous support of the community, it was a huge success. Over 60 people enjoyed a sumptuous three course dinner while local identities Harry Brown and Lionel West entertained them with stories of the Waimarino in the old days. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal and relaxed afterwards with tea, coffee and sweets in front of the open fire. Fund raising continued with a successful cake stall at the Raetihi market and another one is planned for market day this Tuesday. A valley garden tour has also been proposed for later in the year. The Orautoha Hall Committee would like to thank the people of the Waimarino for their support. Without this they couldn't maintain the unique building that has once again become a focal point for the community.