Hall with history to celebrate

Enjoying a busy year of anniversary celebrations for the Otago Pioneer Women’s Hall in Moray Pl are (from left) society member Sue Graham, oral historian in residence Rachael Francis and president Ainslie Carnahan. PHOTO: BRENDA HARWOOD
Enjoying a busy year of anniversary celebrations for the Otago Pioneer Women’s Hall in Moray Pl are (from left) society member Sue Graham, oral historian in residence Rachael Francis and president Ainslie Carnahan. PHOTO: BRENDA HARWOOD

Tucked away in the heart of the city, the Otago Pioneer Women's Hall has been a hive of activity and advocacy for 76 years.

Established by the Otago Pioneer Women's Memorial Association in 1942, the hall had its 76th anniversary at Labour Weekend.

The association itself has been in existence since 1939, when it was formed with the aim of establishing a community space for all women.

Throughout the year, the association has been celebrating the hall's history and raising awareness of its role in the lives of women and in the wider community.

As part of its historical focus, the association has had the input of oral historian in residence Rachael Francis this year.

Miss Francis has worked to raise the profile of the building, revisit the original aims of the organisation and invite members to share their stories and memories about the hall.

There has also been a series of informal talks throughout the year.

Pioneer Women's Association president Ainslie Carnahan said the hall held a special place in Dunedin's history.

"A huge effort went into establishing the hall, and we continue to safeguard it today,'' Mrs Carnahan said.

"Its purpose is as relevant now as it was when it was founded.''

The hall continued to be used and enjoyed by an array of local groups.

Among them were the Red Cross Choir, East Otago Federation Women's Institute, children's art classes, and a monthly creative market.

In addition, the hall is hosting an ongoing exhibition of colourful plastics - items which have had a major impact on women's lives, curated by Dunedin artist Janet de Wagt.

• The Otago Pioneer Women's Memorial Association will host a "Pikelets, Pimms & Punch'' gathering, looking back over the hall's history on Wednesday, November 8, from 5.30pm to 7pm at the hall, 362 Moray Pl. All welcome, gold coin entry.

BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz

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