Memories, music and laughter spilled out of the old Cobbora Hall last Sunday at a traditional old-time afternoon tea and music recital marking the 100th anniversary of the hall's first event.
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The High Tea and Harmony concept was created to recall the elegant days when village halls provided small communities with their only social and entertainment opportunities.
The event attracted about 150 people - most with a personal or family connection with Cobbora - and many old acquaintances were reunited. Prominent names among the attendees were Nott, Yeo, Sciflett, Inder, Gaden, Abbott and Medcalf. Guests came from as far afield as Sydney, Newcastle, Narrabri, Orange and Parkes.
Representatives of many of the older families from the district brought photographs and memorabilia that sparked recollections and reminiscences. Who says nostalgia isn't what it used to be. One piece of memorabilia was a report from The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate of October 4, 1912, announcing that a hall was to be built to "supply the public wants of the ancient and historic village of Cobbora" and that the sum of 30 pounds was already in hand.
Penny Stevens, who organised the event, introduced and paid tribute to guest of honour Nancy Nott, 97, a former Cobbora and now Dunedoo resident, who still has a keen memory of events at the hall from early times. Joe Inder and Brenda Cox spoke of the role of village halls in shaping cohesive communities in the past.
Guests sat down to an elegant afternoon tea catered by Allie Sullivan and her team and served on fine bone china. Delightful chamber music in keeping with the era being commemorated was provided by the Macquarie Conservatorium Players. The era was also captured by a presentation of vintage and classic cars owned by members of the Dubbo Antique Car Club and, in particular, by a 1910 Hupmobile (five years older than the hall) owned by Malcolm Roy of Narrabri.
