Our local tradesmen have made good progress with the latest work on Narooma Memorial Hall (operating as the Kinema) despite the recent rain.
H & A Builders has finished the spacious new undercover area at the entrance to the Kinema to a stage so it can be used over the school holiday and Easter period, with work to resume after the holidays.
‘Creating a lot of interest is the five-pointed star in Hollywood Boulevarde style which has been installed in the new concrete in front of the foyer entrance,’ said School of Arts spokesperson Laurelle Pacey.
‘The wording is a reminder that the building belongs to us all and that we as a community are responsible for its ongoing care and maintenance through Narooma School of Arts.’
The marine-grade stainless steel star has been crafted by Jeff Garrad of Narooma Stainless and carefully installed by concreters Simon Hodge and Craig De Somerville under Harvey Shears’ watchful eye.
Work will resume after the school holidays to complete the awning, repair the hall’s exterior, and repaint it in art deco colours.
The new exterior colour design was done by a six-member panel of local artists in association with and the School of Arts management committee and approved by Eurobodalla Shire Council’s heritage staff.
‘The design honours the fact that our community built the then multi-purpose Hall in 1925 as its First World War Memorial,’ Ms Pacey said.
‘ It’s an exciting and vibrant look that resonates with the original design with the Australian Imperial Force’s rising sun symbol, yet also celebrates the vibrant artistic and cultural life within our much-loved venue.’
Most of the cost will be covered by NSW Government grants and some by generous donations from the community.
‘The School of Arts committee greatly appreciates the generosity of so many people, many of whom have donated through Kinema Kate,’ Ms Pacey said.
Recent work completed as part of the Hall Project includes the renovation of the toilets and hallway downstairs, the installation of an early smoke and fire protection system to current Australian Standards, and the restoration of the four granite plaques on the front façade including the two Honour Rolls.
The remaining work, to be completed by October, will facilitate live performances.
Above: The School of Arts star
Inspecting the finished ‘Hollywood star’, part of the new work at Narooma’s Memorial Hall (Kinema), are concreter Simon Hodge who ‘nursed’ the star’s concrete to give the desired effect, Jeff Garrad of Narooma Stainless, and Harvey and Jai Shears of H & A Builders.
