Special memorial to be unveiled in hall
As CHB commemorates Armistice Day on November 11, the doors of Porangahau Memorial Hall will open to a special memorial.
The memorial marks 100 years since Armistice Day and a big milestone in the refurbishment of the hall.
As part of a long-term plan to upgrade the Porangahau Memorial Hall, the committee, with a grant from the Lotteries Commission and the support of the CHB District Council, has completed a floor to ceiling pictorial memorial to the fallen soldiers of Porangahau and surrounding district.
The soldiers’ names are listed on two brass plaques installed in the hall entrance.
Researched by Carol Slingsby in collaboration with Susan Higginson, the memorial was printed by Susan at her Design Art Studio.
The work has taken two years to complete.
Dedication of the memorial in the foyer will be the first time the public has seen the work, which will take three days to install.
It will be opened by Air ViceMarshal RNZAF John Hamilton, followed by a shared lunch.
Included in the pictorial is the Roll of Honour from Rongamaraeroa Marae and a collage of photos.
The external doors have been restored by Puti and Selwyn Matete and the internal doors revamped by Warwick Slingsby so new glass panels could be etched by Susan Higginson.
At the back of the hall is a community garden established by Kim Stefford, with raised garden beds, shade house, a mural, seating and more than 50 fruit trees with all produce available to the community.
The CHB District Council has upgraded the front of the hall with new concrete, seating, bollards and garden boxes landscaped by Nicola Henderson.
The committee will set hours when the hall will be open to the public to view the memorial and other refurbishments.
The committee says it is passionate about the hall and the importance of the role it plays in the community.
■ Memorial Hall Porangahau World War I commemorations and foyer dedication November 11. Formal ceremony 11am. Followed by a shared lunch. All welcome.