Colin Neil Longbottom (Minlaton)
I was born 25/3/1947 and raised in the Minlaton district until I was 16. I returned in 1985 and have remained in Minlaton ever since. My memories of the Town Hall are as a performer, a diner and drinker, a dancer, a movie fan, a polling officer and of course, a voter. I was not aware of this building’s beginnings as an Institute.
Early days 1950 – 1965
Strawberry fetes were held each year in the spring on a Friday, much to thedelight of many children who, after school, eagerly attended to mix, gobble and squabble.
Double movie programs were held every Saturday night. The standard of programs mattered little as unruly and bored kids created bouts of mischief in the front rows while teenagers cuddled in the darker corners to the rear.Occasional camera malfunctions caused a good deal of shouting, whistling and jeering until the problem was eventually rectified. Intervals sawstampeding kids rushing to get in line at the local lolly and ice cream shop.
The local thespian group performed plays and musicals at least annually before sell-out crowds. Any character lost for words would, much to the delight of the audience, somehow stumble and mumble back into the moment and thus ensure the show went on.
The legendary Harold Raymond’s travelling troupe arrived in town every year to provide a variety of entertainment. Harold was blind and relied on his co-actors and assistants to become a great favorite with the children as he charmed them with Maureen, his ‘talking violin’.
Lee Saxon, a travelling hypnotist, performed on at least one occasion. He would cast his hypnotic spell on volunteers from the audience and have them perform all sorts of hilarious acts on stage for the absolute enjoyment of a packed house.
During the mid-fifties, an amateur talent contest was conducted to raise funds for a school project. Contestants performed and the audience voted according to appeal by contributing money into a collection blanket after each act. The most money cast per act determined the winner of a prize while the school benefitted from the overall voting collections and possibly door and supper takings.
A travelling boxing troupe also arrived only once in Minlaton and the invitationwas issued to all local young blokes who fancied their chances of winning afight. One such shy candidate, a young shearer who I doubt had ever swung a punch at anybody, battled to take the honours in the main event. The all-male crowd fiercely and parochially cheered him on to victory.
The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, with Henry Crips conducting, also staged a special performance for local school children. This may have been followed by an evening performance for the adults.
Many balls attracted dancers for years. The RSL ‘Diggers’, Masonic Lodge, Debutantes and other bodies celebrated regularly in grand fashion. For the comfort of smokers, a stylish and dedicated lounge plus the large supper room were very much in use at such functions. Alcohol was not generally available at balls and dances. But well-known gathering spots elsewhere were likely attended for refreshment purposes – well beyond the 300-yardlaw-enforced ‘drinking limit’ for all public functions.
Cabarets later became popular and with them came licensed liquor for patrons’ enjoyment and so balls and dances slowly became less popular – for want of more induced frivolity.
Since 1985
Calisthenics and ballet classes became popular, particularly for younger children who went on to perform before crowds in the hall and beyond.
None other than comedian celebrity Kevin Bloody Wilson once performed hissomewhat crude but funny, sell-out show. Rodney Rude might have also performed once.
Several years ago the SA Police Band performed before a full house on a Sunday afternoon. Perhaps musically quaint, but clever and thoroughly entertaining, this recital was well worth attending.
The Minlaton District Hospital held a Cher Competition cabaret whereby blokes dressed in drag strutted their stuff to several of the famous
singer’s popular songs. The loudest audience applause judged the Cher winner amidst much merriment.
Weddings and funerals (pre-COVID) gained some popularity within the walls of the Minlaton Town Hall. Recently however, the numbers, risks andrestrictions have led to smaller and more manageable celebrations elsewhere.
The Minlaton District School has for many years concluded the year with appropriate celebrations, presentations and student achievement awards. The place is always packed – upstairs and downstairs.
Lately, the mayor of the Yorke Peninsula Council invites and entertains community volunteers of all sorts to an annual morning tea as a way of expressing appreciation for their valuable efforts, achievements and contributions.
The Town Hall still serves to accommodate seminars, workshops and various events including public meetings, showcase events and the annual AustraliaDay presentations. Blood was also once donated in the supper room, of all places. Beer, tea and biscuits were served in the smokers’ lounge in appreciation of the donation.
Minlaton’s favourite son Captain Harry Butler’s well-known WW1 flying achievements were recently saluted and celebrated in a grand centenary recognition within the walls of the hall and beyond.
Establishment of smaller sporting club venues has left the Minlaton Town Hallin less demand when compared to its earlier years. However, until the mid-1980’s, the Minlaton District Council had occupied the upstairs suite for many years, as did a local accountancy firm. The supper room then became the official chamber for the amalgamated Yorke Peninsula Council until recently when it shifted to Maitland.
Adjoining office space accommodated various community and governmentservice providers such as Community Transport, Fisheries Dept., Mothers &Babies group, etc. Another space had long been the district library and community meeting room, before shifting to the school.
And finally, where else could state and federal elections be so efficiently conducted but at the Minlaton Town Hall?