A Grand Old Lady

Rangiora Town Hall referred to as our Grand Old Lady.

Rangiora has gone through a period of painting the historic buildings in bold colours - these colours have caused much discussion in our local rag, many people opposing while others supporting, I prefer quieter colours and have been very disciplined not to change this to mono or give a more vintage look in photoshop.

The Town Hall, including library and reading room, was opened on 27 May 1926. It was designed by architect H. St. A. Murray and built by F. Williamson of Christchurch, seating 600 people, at a final cost of $10,850.00

The Town Hall has become home to many local and cultural activities - The Rangiora Musical Society and Rangiora Dramatic Society Productions, 'Pictures', movies or cinemea since 1926, first in the main hall and more recently in the small theatre upstairs in what was once the library. Childrens recitals, massed choir festival of the North Canterbury primary schools, band recitals, Anzac Day services and many other community events have been held in this building.

The Town Hall was celebrated with the presentation of a Landmarks plaque on 27 May 2010. It is now closed due to our earthquakes - the delima in our small town is - do we strengthen and enlarge to include a performing arts centre or demolish and start again fresh.

The iconic shot of this building normally shows the roundabout and the building. I felt it was a little boring and chose to stand back further to get the fence and little bit of garden in the foreground balancing the purple of the Town Hall with the plantings.

Must be away now as we're heading to the airport to collect Daughter A, shes home for a few days. I'll comment later as we're stopping for dessert at Strawberry Fare on our way home - better fly :))