2008 in Review
By Barbara Tanner-Billings
Facility Manager, Old Town Hall
On The Stage
The Old Town Hall was privileged to host several theatrical pieces in 2008. These included Our Town, directed by Andy Blackwood, and An Enemy of the People, directed by Roger Brunning. Who can forget A Tale of Two Fairies presented by the Town Kids? A dramatic reading of Waterford native Nancy Maki’s Finding John Keats, directed by Joy Hurst, was another success. Each production was unique and very well received by appreciative audiences. Congrats to all those involved! You have helped put the Old Town Hall on the dramatic map.
The tradition also continues with our musical programs. Our 2008 Summer Concert Series was another success. The 2008 series raised over $5,000.00 for operating costs of the Hall. All the musicians play for free and free will offerings contributed by the audience keep this program strong. Community support like this is what allows the Hall to keep its doors open. The Open Mic sessions on Sunday are also still attracting the faithful and will continue in the upper hall the first Sunday of every month from 2pm-5pm. Everyone is welcome!!
Community Programs
Yoga continues to be a very popular program at the Town Hall. Participants find the upper hall to be a wonderful venue in which to relax, refresh and rejuvenate. Instructor Petra Van Den Hurk has a loyal following and this class fills up quickly. Sessions continue to run Thursday nights at 7pm until March. After that, classes will switch to Monday evenings.
Taoist Tai Chi has grown since its introduction to the Town Hall in spring of 2008. A large class has completed a beginners program. A “Try it for Free” class was held on Jan 13, 10am. Our instructors are excited about the coming year. Future courses will be geared to more beginners’ groups for those wishing to learn the techniques or returning students wishing to reinforce what they learned in the past session. Continuing classes will be held as the demand increases, so let’s keep this program here. Without you there will be no class!
The Old Town Hall Ballroom Dance classes have finished another successful round. Plans are in the works for a spring session. This “Couples” activity has become very popular and classes fill up very quickly. An energetic and enthusiastic instructor keeps this group moving. If you’re walking past the Hall on Wednesday nights, you will be awed by the sight of graceful dancers floating past the windows in the upper hall!
Children’s programming continues to be a main focus at the Old Town Hall. The Town Hall Kids theatre program is starting another season in January 2009. We will also be looking to promote a March Break Program for 2009. There is some interest in starting a Glee Club in the spring. If you have any thoughts or ideas about starting a Children’s program call us at the Hall. We are always looking for interested volunteers and new projects to take on. Working together, we can make it happen!
Community Groups continue to use the Old Town Hall as the Old Town Hall Association envisioned when it took on the restoration and renovation project. Meeting space is available for groups like the Waterford Seniors as well as practice space for groups like the Town Hall Choir Our staff is flexible and will try and accommodate your needs. Fees are reasonable and fit even the smallest budget. Rates can be negotiable for worthwhile community groups and events.
Partnerships
Pumpkinfest continues to use the Hall as its home base. The fall festival’s head office is hosted here, along with all the equipment, files, costumes and assorted fixtures that have been accumulated over the past 26 years!
The Waterford Chamber of Commerce moved its office into the Town Hall last spring. We now host a tremendous about of information about local retailers, businesses and service providers.
We also house the Tourism Information Centre with resources that include not only everything to see and do in Norfolk County, but also in surrounding areas like Haldimand, Oxford, Elgin and Brantford. Need a map or event information? Drop in. We’re sure we’ll have what you need!
The Art Gallery
Eight remarkable shows were hosted at the Old Town Hall during 2008. Some were hosted by individuals like Margaret Brock, Sherry Lloyd and Mary Murphy; others were collaborative efforts like the Canvas & Clay Show featuring watercolours by Carol Gerrett, Raku pottery by Bev Smedley and the acrylics by Mary Elvin. In December, the Old Town Hall hosted the 3rd Annual Norfolk ArtsCo “Deck the Halls” show. This year’s show featured original works by 21 artists. Our gallery is considered one of the premier art galleries in Norfolk County and our reputation is growing. We are receiving inquiries and bookings from artists coming from as far away as Toronto and Ottawa. 2009 promises to be another spectacular year. We already have six shows booked. We are working on scheduling two more, including one that will combine posters and mixed media from the career and collection of “Abra” the magical clown! The gallery is open Monday to Friday, 9am-3pm. Alternate viewings with Hall staff or the artist can be arranged.
Rentals
Rentals inquiries are becoming much more common for the Old Town Hall as we find our niche in this highly competitive market. Weddings, buck & doe parties, anniversary celebrations and family gathering are easily accommodated in this unique heritage facility. The high ceilings and sweeping staircases allow event planners to think outside to box and really let their imaginations soar, creating an event no one is soon to forget. Rates are reasonable with a minimum rate, half-day rates and full-day rates. We also have not-for-profit rates so any budget can fit Waterford’s historic Old Town Hall. Children’s birthday parties are easily accommodated in our North Room, giving you control of your little guests with dedicated adjacent washroom facilities, tables and chairs. Yours to decorate and set-up or let our staff do it for you.