The remaining proceeds from the sale of a former Carterton hall have been donated to the Carterton Events Centre Trust in a move to carry on the aims of early members of the Taratahi-Carterton Women’s Division of Federated Farmers (WDFF).
The Carterton WDFF Hall Trust Board has donated $50,000 to help build the new multi-purpose centre following the winding up of the board earlier this year. The Hall Trust Board was established in 1997 to look after the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers Hall in Carterton’s Memorial Square. The hall was sold in 2003. The history of the hall dates back to 1932 when the Taratahi-Carterton branch of the Women’s Division was formed and had a dream to build its own hall, after holding many of their meetings in different venues around Carterton. Funds were put aside, and their members worked hard to achieve their goal by holding baby carnivals, paddy markets and carnivals, and canvassing the town and country areas for funds.
The site of the former hall was bought when private land was sold to make way for Memorial Square. In November 1950, the Carterton WDFF Hall, restrooms and meeting room was opened. In 1997 the Women’s Division (now Rural Women NZ) and the Carterton District Council joined forces to look after the hall. The cash from the hall’s sale was invested and since 2007 grants from the income have been made available for education purposes to women and children of the Carterton District.
Earlier this year the Hall Trust decided that it was time to consider its future as the few remaining past WDFF members were dwindling in numbers. The decision was made to distribute the remaining funds to Carterton district schools and preschools and to the new Carterton Event Centre which would benefit women and children across the district.
“This donation represents a wonderful legacy from pioneer women who have sacrificed much for our community,” said Carterton Events Centre Trust chairman John Greenwood. “Through this gesture they have demonstrated faith in this project which will continue their good work by seeing the community and in particular women and children connected through use of the community centre.”
The Carterton Events Centre Trust is moving closer to its $1.5 million fundraising target to help with the construction of the centre, with more than $1.3 million raised. “Local support for our fundraising efforts has certainly increased over the past few months – it is fantastic to see the community getting right behind the project which is about to become a reality,”
Mr Greenwood said. “We continue to welcome donations through tiered sponsorship options or the Buy a Brick programme – no contribution is too small. Buying an engraved brick is a great way for individuals and families to be a part of the centre and receive permanent recognition there.”
The council-owned centre to be built in Holloway Street includes an upgraded and extended public library and a new town hall/auditorium able to host performing arts, cultural and community activities, exhibitions, conferences and social events. A youth centre will provide a robust, dedicated space for young people and children will benefit from new Plunket rooms and the toy library. A large foyer will double as an art exhibition area and information centre. Modern meeting rooms will provide comfortable places where locals and visitors can gather. |
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