Dancing at the Hall

The grand Saturday night opening of the hall was an auspicious event.  Music was played by M. Myers. The dance schedule read: waltz, lancers, schlottische, waltz, quadrilles, M. two step, D. Alberts, maxina, hoyland, barn dance, veletta. The "D.Alberts" probably refers to "d'Albert" a Scottish dancer and composer and "hoyland" may refer to "hiyland" or "highland".

Dancing has been a popular activity at the Mt Bruce Hall since it opened and has continued over the years. Some of the current locals attended dance classes in preparation for the Centennial and have "learnt" or "refreshed" the following tradition dances; old-time waltz, fox trot, maxina, veletta, oslo waltz, gay gordons and military two-step. The videos below feature some versions that are similar to those that were taught in the class.

 
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  Dances for Mt Bruce Hall Centennial

Many variations and styles of each dance evolved over the years and around the world. This other playlist shows other traditional, old-time or folk dances with many being distinctly different to those taught in NZ today. Contact Hayden if you come across others that could be added. Apologies in advance for quality and those advertisements.

 
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  Old Time Dancing

Some senior locals remember other hall dances featuring the "broom dance" and the "chair dance" among others. Many other dance styles have come and gone over the years but with the right music the old favourites magically appear.

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Theme Party - Shipwrecked 2014

We're not just about celebrating the past - this event is yet to happen - although it is likely to be yet another fond memory at our Centennial weekend.

Tickets available - details on the poster above.
Please share and support!

Dance Bands

In the 1930's up to the 1960's Saturday night dances were a regular feature in many rural hall though out New Zealand. One popular group who regularly performed at the Mt Bruce Hall was the "Jack Barnes Rhythm Boys".

George Hessell, Maurice Hunt, Bill Ashworth, Clary Jackson, Cril Minifee and Jack Barnes in 1939.

 

 

 

The group evolved over the years and below is Jack Barnes performing with a different line-up in the Mt Bruce Hall.

Mt Bruce Hall musicians 1964. L to R Jack Barnes, Keith Hunt, Russell George and Hilda Lowe

100 Years Ago Today

On 10th July 1914 a meeting of settlers was called and a committee formed to proceed with the building of a hall. Three months later, the Mount Bruce Hall was built and opened!

The Mt Bruce Hall in the 1920's. Note the metalled road now State Highway 2.

80 Years Anniversary - 6th August 1994

Here is a collection of the age group photos taken at the hall during the 80 year anniversary in 1994.

70 years up
Leo Duckett, Murray Daniell, Stuart McLaghlan, Bernie Williams,
Murray Keats, Rata Campbell, Gretta Campbell,
Harold Duckett, Helen Tankersley, Dorothy Campbell, Lil Christensen.

60 years up
Nan Tankersley, Laurie Keats, Dick Pressow, Bill Gray,
Marian Trass, Evelyn Duckett, Jean Keats, Peg Gray,
Lorna Brazier, Ngaire McLennon, Mrs Bernie Williams, Trevor Buick.

50 years up
Henry Christensen, David Weston, Alan Buick, Shirley Meyer (Trass),
Isabel Campbell, Neta Weston, Dawn Barlow (Buick),
Mary Buick, Robin Weston, Janet Campbell, Ian Campbell.

40 years up
Barry Colquoun, Ed Campbell, Mike Wyeth,
Marilyn Campbell, Caroline Colquoun, Val Scarr,
Dorothy Christensen, Ian McEwen, Di Wyeth.

20 & 30 years up
Hayden McGrail, Katrina McGillicuddy (Christensen), Gary Compton, Tim Campbell, Neil Potter,
Phil Brazier, Gill Potter, Lorraine Campbell,
Lyn Tankersley, Judith Brazier, Dianne Brazier, Karen Gregory (Campbell).

Up to 20 years
Philip Wyeth, Lynley Campbell holding Stephanie Campbell, Anna Christensen, Pip Campbell, Daniel Wyeth,
Angelene Colquoun, James McGrail, Adam Wyeth,
Sarah Colquhoun, Riki Potter, David McGrail, Campbell Potter, Daniel Gregory (on Karen's legs),
Brendon Campbell, Kelsey Scarr, Kirianne Potter.

Fun at the Hall in the 50's

In the 1950's a very memorable event was held in the hall that was even reported in the local paper!

 

And yes these are some of our local "men" at the time...

Tony Inaugural Cup Winner!

The Mt Bruce District Cups have engaged the community in a wide range of activities over the years. Pictured is young Tony Hunt receiving the Alan Trass Memorial Cup - Children's Competition with Marion Trass and Ian Campbell. The paintings on the wall behind were some of the entries. Tony entered a painting of a sailing ship and it was bought by Marion in the auction.