FOR people living in the Barrington area, many things have changed since 1910.
Almost every aspect of rural life has undergone significant transformation.
Yet through all those changes, one thing has remained constant – the Barrington Community Hall.
The hall has played a vital role in the life of the local community for 116 years.
In 1910, Jack McIntyre generously donated land for the hall, and a committee led by John Beaton, Donald Beaton, Mick Beaton and Hughie McSwan built the hall from local materials.
During both world wars, the hall hosted farewell gatherings for soldiers and welcome-home celebrations for those who returned.
A plaque inside the hall lists the names of all the local men who answered the call to fight for King and Country during World War I. The hall was also the last stopover point before Gloucester Railway Station for men taking part in the famous Cooee Marches, which helped encourage enlistment during World War I.
At one stage, the major hall fundraiser was the Boxing Day Sports, where even horse races were on the program at the Barrington Reserve.
Dances were held every Saturday night with music provided by locals on the piano, and Aboriginal man Sid Cook would often play the accordion and gum leaf at the hall dances.
The old piano remains in the hall, still ready to be played, standing as a link to the hall’s rich musical past.
The hall has had its ups and downs, along with several renovations over the years.
In 1986, under the threat of closure, a grant of $14,000 was obtained to renovate the interior and exterior of the hall. The following year, Gloucester Council purchased the hall.
Formed in 1987, Barrington and District Progress Association took over its management and does so to this day.
In 2021, when the hall received a grant under the small-town resilience program, the hall exterior was reclad and painted. In 2024, another grant was used for a new roof, interior painting, and kitchen refurbishment.
“The hall was used as a place of refuge during the 2021 flood event when the Gloucester and Barrington River cut road access,” said Nick Wardle, progress association president.
“The hall continues to be used by locals and groups for weddings, funerals, parties, musical performances, school presentations, workshops and occasional dances.
“The basic use of the hall has not changed: It’s an important gathering place for the community.”
On 7 November, the hall will be the venue for an Arts Gloucester-sponsored concert featuring celebrated guitarists Elias Barthlomoeo and Ray Jones.
The hall is available for hire, and the association welcomes new members and stallholders for its markets.
Find the hall on Facebook or email barringtonhallnsw@gmail.com
By John WATTS
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