How did the Citizens Hall arrive?

 The Warrimoo Citizens Hall 1957

Articles mentioning the desire for a 'new Hall' began emerging in the local press: in the April 6 1947 edition of Nepean Times the matter was 'raised' and 'discussed', in November of 1948 residents were 'still seeking a site for the Hall', and in February of 1949 the new Hall was still being 'discussed', and a 'subscription list' for residents and businesses to donate funds for the project was initiated. Clearly, it was time this idea was moved towards realisation...

By the early 1950's things were moving in a more concrete direction: residents had agreed that a section of Warrimoo's public land, namely, the western end of Ardill Park, be the site for a new Hall, which, as Ald. Sheppard on behalf of Council reported at a Progress meeting, would be supported by the Lands Department.

 

This news set off a flurry of activities to raise funds for the building of an ideal, modern Hall for the benefit of the Warrimoo community. Plans were drawn up and a vision grew. In June the Association decided it would enter not one but three local beauties in the 'Maid of the Mountain' competition: one representing the new Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade, one from the Tennis Club, and one from the Progress. The maidens would raise funds for the charity sponsoring the event, but surplus monies went to the Hall.

Local media identity Beryl Guertner# was approached to suggest architects to design the Hall, and she was immediately forthcoming: it was to be Mr. William Sharp.

The Warrimoo Citizens Hall was to become the centrepiece of the community. It's modern design was a source of pride for all who saw it built.

Cake stalls, fetes, 'Spring Fairs', raffles and social events continued apace as fundraising surged toward the Holy Grail of Warrimoo's community Hall, yet still it was not enough to cover the cost of a double brick, state-of-the-art suburban hub such as was being proposed, and so it was essential that Blue Mountains City Council come to the party. This the Council did, and construction began, on condition that the residents of Warrimoo repaid the cost of construction over time...

Thus, at its February 1957 meeting, the Warrimoo Progress Association carried the following: 

 ...the Blue Mountains City Council be asked to approve repayment of the loan money, on the basis of a levy of 1.2d. additional to the present rate, this to be reviewed at the end of 12 months with the idea that any profit accrued in the hiring of the hall be used so as to reduce the levy.

 Mr. Norm Leven (President of the Association) put into words the thoughts of all those present, that this was indeed a small price to pay for such an improvement to Warrimoo's social and public affairs...[

At the same meeting, members of the Association elected a 'Management Committee' to oversee the hiring and upkeep of the Hall--there was exuberant optimism that this new amenity would be popularly used. As construction of the Hall neared its climax, a 'Monster Carnival' was staged by the Progress Association in Ardill Park. The Nepean Times described it as follows...

On Saturday, May 11, at Ardill Park, Great Western Highway, the Warrimoo Progress  Association sponsored a Monster Carnival, proceeds of which are for the 'Warrimoo Citizens' Hall Furniture Fund'. Donations are still being received, and the nett proceeds should be over £130. The carnival commenced at 2p.m., when the Penrith-St. Marys Brass Band and the Penrith Marching Girls led the fancy dress parade into the grounds surrounding the Warrimoo Hall.

The grounds had been specially cleared and levelled for the carnival although the hall is not as yet quite finished.

Renowned cooking/radio celebrity Del Cartwright was invited to the 'monster carnival' Hall fundraiser held in Ardill Park. 

Del Cartwright (of radio and T.V.) and her husband, Ken Parry, were the official guests of the carnival and they most ably judged the fancy dress parade, and later on the pet parade. Penrith-St. Marys Brass Band and Penrith Marching Girls were undoubtedly the highlights of the carnival. Their display of intricate precision marching, accompanied by the music of the band, quickly gathered all the people at the carnival, and even many travellers who were passing the grounds. The Warrimoo Progress Association is deeply indebted to the band and the Marching Girls for their wonderful help toward the carnival's success.[7]

 At last, on 22nd August 1957, the big day came. The Mayor, Mr. A. F. C. Murphy, resplendant in his robe of office and mayoral chain, proclaimed the 'Warrimoo Citizens Hall' formally "open", then declared,

 I join with everybody here in praying that, within these walls there will be much happiness and knowledge, and that there will be much good done for other people. I declare this hall open.

The Hall plaque remains, in somewhat battered condition, as a memorial to the Official Opening.

The Opening was a red-letter day indeed, reflected in the range of invited VIP's: apart from the Mayor and his wife, there was the Town Clerk, Mr. J. S. Pryor, who wore his legal gown and wig, then there was the Member for Macquarie, Mr. A. S, Luchetti, M.H.R. (and Mrs. Luchetti), Mr.W. L. Chapman, M.L.A. for the Blue Mountains, three aldermen of B.M. City Council, and other V.I.P.'s not mentioned in the press.

The Hall was notable for a number of 'modern' features: the large inset windows and the emphasis on natural light--during the day, artificial lighting was not really necessary.

Mr. N. C. ('Norm') Leven, president of Warrimoo Progress Association welcomed these people. He paid a special tribute to the Mayor and the Town Clerk and to all guests who had assisted in raising the thousands of pounds required to achieve this most modern of Community Halls. To conclude...

Two small children, Wendy Meers and Gordon Leven, presented bouquets to Mrs. Leven (wife of the president of the progress association) and to Mrs.Murphy (wife of the Mayor of Blue Mountains city Council). The choir sang "Belmont," and was encored. Afternoon tea was served, and that concluded a memorable occasion.