In many small hamlets throughout Australia, community halls were constructed with strong support from local groups to serve as the centre for their activities. Many of the halls were constructed during the 1920’s and 1930’s, and the Bobs Farm community was no exception, with their community hall being constructed in 1922.

The community halls were often an adjunct to local churches as a focus for the community. This paper illustrates the varied activities held at the Bobs Farm hall over the past 100 years and the role it played in uniting the local community. The hall has served as a centre for fund raising activities, concerts, balls, wedding receptions, social celebrations, and military training activities.

Currently the hall is used as the temporary headquarters of the Tomaree Museum Association.

 

Bobs Farm Hall [Author photo – September 2020]

This is the story of the many and varied activities held at Bobs Farm Hall as compiled from newspaper reports in the National Library’s Trove collection.

 

OPENING OF THE HALL

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 22 December 1922,  p4:

The Bob’s Farm Hall, a new building, was opened by a school concert and social. The hall is the result of local effort, and filled a want. The school concert was organised by the teacher, Mr. Nicholls. The teacher’s work in this direction was thankfully regarded by the parents. The social was equally successful and enjoyable. Ample provisions of the best quality was provided for all. The result of the function financially, was that £16 would be available for liquidating the debt on the building of the hall.

On the 8th December, Christies Musical Co. from Newcastle gave an entertainment in the hall, in aid of the building fund. The affair was very well patronised, and a dance was held at the conclusion.

LEASE OF LAND FOR HALL

The book titled ‘Celebrating 100 years of Bobs Farm Public School’, states that the land on which the Hall was built was owned by Phillip Upton who leased the land to the Hall trustees for 99 years.

FUND RAISING DANCE FOR HALL

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 9 February 1923, p3:

A successful day’s sports was held in aid of the debt on the Hall, there was a good attendance, during the day, and a dance was held at night. They also had a queen of the night competition which was won by Miss Thelma Sansom.The result of the competition was good for the hall debt, which they hoped would be soon be liquidated. 

FUND RAISING FOR SCHOOL

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 30 April 1926, page 9:

The ‘Continental’ which was held there on Saturday proved a big success. By lunch time there was a good crowd present, and this was augmented in the afternoon by visitors from Salt Ash, Williamtown, and Anna Bay. The stalls had been erected outside the hall, but owing to the weather they were arranged inside the hall. An enjoyable day was spent, and the funds of the school will benefit by about £34. The function was organised by the members of the parents and citizens’ association.

SCHOOL TEACHER COLLAPSES AT HALL

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 1 July 1926, page 7:

A gloom was cast over the districts of Bob’s Farm and Anna Bay when the news of the sudden death from heart failure of Mr. Patrick F. Hickey, teacher of the Bob’s Farm Public School, which took place on Saturday night last, became known. He was present at a social function at Bob’s Farm Hall, and was apparently in his usual health and spirits when he suddenly collapsed, and died shortly after. The deceased took charge of the Bob’s Farm Public School when the schools reopened after Christmas vacation. Mr. Hickey was 39 years of age at the time of his death.

PLAIN AND FANCY DRESS BALL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 19 November 1926, page 3:

A plain and fancy dress ball on Wednesday night was a success. There would be about £6 clear after deducting expenses, and this would be used to provide an attractive Christmas Tree for the children.

A novelty waltz competition increased the funds. The fancy dresses were Bridesmaid, Hawaiian Maid, Night, Madam Stick-beak, Green-Coupons”, Road to Ruin, League of Nations, Pieriotte, Pom-pom, Dolly, Clown, Minstrel, Topsy, Bridegroom, Best Man, Clergyman, Miss Australia.

CHRISTMAS TREE FUNCTION

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens, 7 January 1927, pg 3:

The Christmas Tree function was a success in every way. A beautifully and lavishly decorated hall was well-filled and the children enjoyed the opportunity it gave them to entertain their parent and friends. Picturesque dances, songs and recitations were much appreciated. Pantomimic sketches by the boys were admired and showed skill and taste. The Christmas tree on the stage looked a picture with its decorations and display of 150 toys. The 29 pupils of the school each received a gift worth 3 shillings. The takings for the door, Christmas tree tickets and stalls amounted to about £15.

TENNIS CLUB SOCIAL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 18 March 1927, page 2:

A day’s sports was held on Saturday April 2nd, and a social on the same night in aid of the Hall funds. There were certain improvements the trustees wish to put in hand on the hall premises, and it is to raise money for this purpose that the day’s sport was arranged for.

SATISFACTORY FINANCIAL SITUATION

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 19 May 1927, page 1:

The Hall trustees reported a satisfactory balance sheet for the year. The credit balance was nine pounds, not with-standing the amount spent on piano, and on recent improvements. The trustees took the opportunity of expressing their thanks.

FREE CHURCH SERVICES

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens, 28 July 1927, page 3:

It was advertised that church services for the ‘Free Church’ were held at the Bobs Farm Hall.

TENNIS CLUB SOCIAL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 27 October 1927, page 3:

An enjoyable entertainment was conducted at Bob’s Farm, on a Friday evening to assist the members of the locaI tennis club to repay the cost of the court which had recently been constructed. The hall had been tastefully decorated and the stage provided an attractive appearance, and the ladies conducted a refreshment. stall. The entertainment included: overture, various songs, Irish Jig, recitation, sketch, ”The lost Umbrella,” chorus by a company of young folk; pianoforte and violin solo, monologue. Dancing followed and at the close it was announced that the club funds had been augmented by £10/15/-.

HALL TRUSTEES SPORTS DAY

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 1 December 1927, page 3:

The Hall Trustees’ Sports were held on November 12th and were very successful. Besides the local people visitors from Williamtown and other places attended and the programme of events included as follows: — Distance Stepping, Throwing at the wicket, Hurling the javellin, men’s race, pumpkin seed guessing competition, pea seed, Tailing the Donkey, boys’ race, girl’s race.

The social was well attended and much enjoyed. Music was provided by piano and violin. Over sixteen pounds were cleared which would wipe off the greater part of what was due on piano and make it possible to put in a few desirable improvements.

CRICKETERS’ CONCERT

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, Thursday 8 December 1927, page 3:

The cricketers’ concert and social resulted in £12 being taken at the door. The ‘leaf’ band from Karuah rendered portion of the music on the night.

The Hall trustees were improving the appearance of the building by a neat palisading and fence. The trustees had nothing but praise for the generous public support accorded them.

CHRISTMAS SOCIAL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens, 22 December 1927, page 2:

The Public School children had their Christmas Tree and Social on Saturday night, 17th and a very joyous time they had. The tree was well laden with nice and pretty things. Neighbouring localities off Williamtown and Anna Bay turned up in goodly number. The teacher, Mr. Fitzgerald assisted by a number of parents and citizens prepared a good entertainment programme which was well rendered. The Hall was very prettily decorated. A fine feast was also arranged for the children to wind up with.

TENNIS CLUB CONCERT

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 24 May 1928, page 2:

On Friday night, 18th inst, a grand concert and dance was held in the hall to raise money for the Bobs’ Farm and Anna Bay Tennis Clubs. The hall was filled to the doors, and reflected much credit on the enthusiasm of the local tennis supporters.

The concert, which was both long and enjoyable, was rendered by Stockton, Nel-sons Bay, Williamtown and local performers. Dancing was then carried on till the early hours of the morning. Both clubs benefited with approximately five pounds.

TRUSTEES ELECTED

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 14 June 1928, page 2:

At the election of hall trustees on Friday night Messrs. Blanch, Fitzgerald and Yelds were returned unopposed.

POPULAR GIRL COMPETITION

The Dungog Chronicle : Durham and Gloucester Advertiser, 4 April 1930, page 6:

Miss K. O’Donnell won the popular girl competition for the hall funds, which benefitted by over £10.

 

DRAINAGE WORKS

The Dungog Chronicle : Durham and Gloucester Advertiser, 17 April 1930, page 4:

It was reported that Mr. Fred. Blanch and Mr. Harry Upton had been working like trojans on the drain and flood-gate near the Hall.

 

POPULAR GIRL COMPETITION

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 27 November 1930, page 4:

A popular dance will be held in Bobs’ Farm Hall, on Saturday night next, in aid of Miss Eileen Sansom, as an entrant in the popular girl competition for C. of E. funds Williamtown. The bus left Edward’s stores at 7.15.

CRICKET LUNCH

The Dungog Chronicle : Durham and Gloucester Advertiser, 23 October 1931, page 4:

The Karuah cricketers visited Bob’s Farm on Saturday and won a very interesting game by 76 runs. The folk at Bob’s Farm had just completed a new wicket in a more central position in the vicinity of the hall and school and on the main road to Nelson’s Bay. A sumptuous dinner was set out for them in the local hall.

ACCIDENT NEAR THE HALL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 22 December 1932, page 1:

While conveying a load of sheep in a motor lorry to Anna Bay last Friday Mr. Les Upton met with an accident near Bobs Farm hall, through the steering gear failing. The lorry ran off the road and capsized. The top was broken and the sheep got loose excepting one which was killed. Mr. Upton himself had a very lucky escape. He was fortunate enough to fall into a hole which kept the weight of the lorry off him till help came and got him out. He sustained some abrasions but was not seriously injured.

CRICKET CLUB PRESENTATION

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens , 27 June 1935, page 2:

On Saturday night, 15th June, the Bobs Farm hall, was the scene of a very large gathering, the occasion being a presentation by members of the Bobs Farm Cricket Club to Messrs. Ross Cromarty and Wilfred Boyd, on the eve of their approaching marriage, and who are both member’s of the Bobs Farm Cricket Club. The evening opened with dancing. The supper later in the night was much enjoyed.

 

MARRIAGE GIFT EVENING

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 4 July 1935, page 2:

On Tuesday night, 18th June, the Bobs Farm hall was the scene of a gathering, when Miss May Gildea was given a gift evening on the ‘eve’ of her approaching marriage. The evening started with dancing, which the young folk seemed to enjoy. Supper was later served and that was the end of a very enjoyable evening

 

MARRIAGE GIFT EVENING

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 11 July 1935, page 1:

A very pleasant evening was spent in the Bobs Farm Hall, on Saturday, 29th June, when Miss Jessie Cromarty, was given a gift evening on the eve of her approaching marriage. There was a very large gathering of friends in the hall that night, many coming from, the surrounding districts. Dancing was indulged in until about nine o’clock when the chairman, asked Mr. E. Upton, on behalf of those present to make a presentation to Miss Cromarty. Supper was then served.

PLAIN AND FANCY DRESS BALL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 17 September 1936, page 4:

The “Sunshine” Tennis Club held a plain and fancy dress ball on Friday 28th August, to finalise the “Ugly Man Competition” which has been in progress for some months past. The hall was nicely decorated with balloons and streamers, of the Club’s colours. At 10 p.m. the judging of the fancy costumes was commenced. Prizes were awarded for: Best dressed lady, Best dressed gent, Most comical lady, and Most comical gent.

Then the ‘Ugly Man’ was next on the programme, which was looked forward to with great interest. After counting the votes, it proved that Mr. R. Upton was the winner of the Ugly Man with 793 votes. Supper was then served at midnight and dancing continued till 2 a.m.

CHRISTMAS TREE CELEBRATION

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 30 December 1937, page 2:

A large gathering of people attended the Christmas Tree held in the Bob’s Farm hall on Thursday 9th inst. Before the distribution of prizes, the pupils of the Bob’s Farm School gave a concert of various items.

 

CONCERT BY LOCAL ORCHESTRA

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 21 April 1938, page 4:

 Bobs Farm formed a local orchestra consisting of six players. This event was long awaited for. The absence of an orchestra locally for dances, etc. had been felt very much. The orchestra made its initial appearance on the 9th inst. Although the night was wet and boisterous the Bobs Farm Hall was well packed. The music was adjudged to be excellent and those who came were well pleased with their night out. Another dance would be held shortly in the hall.

 

COMING OF AGE PARTY

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 21 March 1940, page 3:

Bobs Farm hall was the scene of a most happy and enjoyable party on the evening of Monday, 18th inst, when some 60 friends in the surrounding district gathered to congratulate Miss Mary Upton, daughter of Councillor and Mrs. E. Upton of Bobs Farm, on attaining her majority. From the beginning the games and items directed by Messrs. N. J. Brown and W. Gildea did not lag until it was announced that supper was on. After a most enjoyable repast the guest of the evening lit 21 candles on a beautifully decorated birthday cake. After several more games were indulged in and the hands of the clock were nearing another day, the singing of the National Anthem and “Auld Lang Syne’ brought to a fitting conclusion a most happy 21st birthday party.

 

LODGE BALL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 30 May 1940, page 1:

The Fraternity branch of the G. U. O. O. F. Lodge celebrated its first anniversary with a ball and supper, in the hall on the 16th May. The hall was neatly decorated with flowers, streamers, etc. by the members of the Lodge, which lent a very gay appearance to the hall. The ball was the best ever held in the district, both socially and financially. The dance fans did not leave the hall till the early hours of the morning and were generally well pleased with the evening’s dancing. On the 20th. May, the Lodge met and celebrated the 1st anniversary of its opening. The night was wet, but there was a large attendance of members. The early part of the night was devoted to games etc. and supper followed later.

POPULAR GIRL SOCIAL

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 16 August 1940, page 5:

Miss Megan Davies was the winner of the Anna Bay Red Cross popular girl contest, which concluded last night. The branch raised £220. The runner-up was Miss Mary Upton, of Bob’s Farm. Both girls were honoured last night at a social at Bob’s Farm Hall.

FAIRWELL TO SOLDIER

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 19 December 1940, page 2:

On Thursday night the Bob’s Farm hall was crowded when the many friends and relatives of Private Edie M. Upton, assembled to wish him good luck on his journey overseas. Speaking on behalf of the men of Bob’s Farm, Mr. H. Maslen, expressed the high opinion held by everyone in the district for Edie, the first of their local lads to enlist in the A. I. F. Community singing and dancing continued until 12 o’clock.

REQUEST FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS NEAR HALL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 9 October 1941, page 4:

The Secretary of the Trustees of Bobs Farm hall and the P. and C. Association asked Council to improve the approaches to the school and hall as the drains were inconvenient, water laid there and became foul, and no room was available for cars to turn within 50 feet of the hall. Cars had got in the drain and stayed there all night.

ARMY BATTALION STORE

The book titled ‘Celebrating 100 years of Bobs Farm Public School’ states that the Bobs Farm Hall was used as a battalion store for the 41st Army Battalion, whose camp was located in the vicinity. The use of the Hall was necessary as the Army had issued a recall of store tents. The Hall was vacated by the Army on 4 March 1942.

LODGE BALL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 9 July 1942, page 2:

The Grand U. O. O. F., Fraternity Branch, held its annual ball on Friday 26th, which was a great success. The door takings were over £15 due to the dance fans and the popular music. The supper was very nice, and well enjoyed by all. The orchestra had a hall crowded to capacity until it played ‘God Save the King’ at 2 a.m.

FORMATION OF AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 15 August 1942, page 2:

Vegetable growers and residents of Anna Bay, Bob’s Farm and Salt Ash, met on Monday, at 7.30 p.m., at Bob’s Farm Hall, to form an agricultural committee to cooperate with and advise the Government on production and labour problems.

WELCOME HOME FOR SOLDIER

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 22 April 1943, page 2:

A very enjoyable evening was spent in the Bobs’ Farm Hall, on Thursday evening 8th April when a large gathering of friends from Williamtown, Salt Ash, Bob’s Farm and Anna Bay met together to “welcome home” Driver Eddie Upton on his return from the Middle East, where he had been serving with the forces for over two years. He was in the 9th Division in the transport service and consequently not in the firing line, but he saw some very stirring sights. Several concert items were rendered and appreciated. Then followed games and frolics, which were much enjoyed. A very nice supper was partaken of.

After supper Cr. Russell in his usual stirring manner made an appeal to the company to invest all the money they could in the 3rd Liberty Loan. He stressed the need for all the money that could be raised, that although so far our country had been spared the horrors of war, we were very fortunate that we could meet together as did this evening.

CHILDRENS’ FANCY DRESS FROLIC

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 26 September 1946, page 2:

Visitors from surrounding districts gathered with local residents at the Bob’s Farm hall on Friday night on the occasion of a Childrens’ Fancy Dress Frolic in aid of the local Parents and Citizens’ Association. A great deal of ingenuity and originality were displayed in the various costumes worn by the children, about forty of whom paraded before the judges. A supper was served and dancing continued till the early hours of the morning.

The newspaper also reported that a R. S. L. A sub-branch of the R.S.S. and A. I. L. A. had been formed at Bob’s Farm and already 14 local returned men have joined up or affiliated. Meetings were to be held the second Tuesday in each month in Bob’s Farm hall.

PRE-WEDDING PARTY

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 3 July 1947, page 4:

Miss Esme Maslen was entertained at a party arranged by the Williamtown Parish Young Peoples’ Fellowship at the Bob’s Farm Hall, on Friday, 13th June, in honour of her approaching marriage with Mr. Jack Marks, of Sydney. The evening was spent in novelty competitions and entertainments.

LODGE BALL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 17 July 1947, page 3:

The Fraternity Branch of the G.U.O.O.F. Bob’s Farm held their annual ball on Friday 11th July. The hall was crowded and Miss Joyce Maslen and partner and Miss Joan Griffith and partner were the successful winners of the lucky spot. The function was highly successful socially and financially and all enjoyed the tasty home-made supper.

FIRST LADIES AUXILIARY MEETING

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 24 July 1947, page 2:

The first meeting of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the R. S. L. was held on Thursday 17th July and it was gratifying to enrol 22 financial members. It was to be hoped to make this a strong organisation. This branch covered the area from Williamtown to Anna Bay.

MASQUERADE BALL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 21 August 1947, page 1:

A Grand Masquerade Ball was held on Friday night, 8th August, in Bob’s Farm Hall. A large crowd enjoyed dancing to the music of the orchestra. The masks provided a novel entertainment and the prizes were won as follows: Most comical man: Ray Gordon with a mask made of vegetables; most comical lady: Miss Nellie Maslen as Red Indian, Prettiest mask: Miss Yvonne Woods. The box of chocolates disposed of was won by Mr. Les. Upton and the lucky spot dances were won by Miss Ivy Maslen and partner and Miss Norma Bennett and partner and Miss Gloria Bennett and partner. Proceeds went to Anna Bay Tennis Club.

PROPOSED LARGER MEMORIAL HALL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 25 September 1947, page 4:

Over fifty residents of the Bob’s Farm – Anna Bay district met at the Bob’s Farm Hall, and unanimously decided to build a memorial hall worthy of a progressive and growing district. A committee was elected to select possible sites and interview owners. A number of sites had been selected and the final choice would rest with a public meeting next Monday night.

BAZAAR

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 29 September 1947, page 2:

When opening a bazaar at Bob’s Farm Hall on Saturday, Mr. R. L. Fitzgerald, M.L.A., said that frequently he was asked by typists in the Public Service where Bob’s Farm was. It was generally thought that in dictating letters he had forgotten to give the name of the place, and was referring to a person. 

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 2 October 1947, page 2:

The bazaar held at Bob’s Farm on Saturday 27th September, proved a great suc-cess, both socially and financially and the organisers were very gratified to find that their efforts should nett approximately £100 for their hall fund. The afternoon’s programme commenced with a piano solo followed by a song.

Good business was done during the afternoon and night. An appetising home-made tea was served to a large crowd in the evening. The fair was continued at night with a dance which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. During the evening the various competitions were finalised.

DIGGERS’ BALL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 6 November 1947, page 2:

In a hall beautifully decorated in red, white and blue a very pretty scene was enacted at the presentation of the Junior Debutantes at the Diggers’ Ball on Friday, 24th October. Nearly 300 were present. As time for the presentation drew near, Mr. and Mrs. Conroy, Mr. and Mrs. Wood, and Mr. and Mrs. Nurse, from Raymond Terrace R. S. L., were conducted onto the stage by the M. C., Mr. H. Kafer. Representatives from Stockton and Nelson Bay R. S. L. were also present. Then the partners of the debs, looking very smart in their black bow ties, marched down the carpet and took up their positions along the foot of the stage. Stepping gracefully and in perfect time now came the debutantes, all looking very lovely in their long white frocks, and carrying posies of pink and mauve flowers.

 Each debutante was presented in turn by the Matron of Honour to Mrs Conroy, and was then helped down from the stage by her partner when they proceeded in couples around the hall into formation for their dance. The evening then continued with dancing and a sit down supper was served.

SOCIAL EVENING

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 18 December 1947, page 4:

The members of the local branch of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the R. S. L. and their husbands were guests of honour at a social evening extended to them on Tuesday, 9th December, by the local branch of the R. S. S. and A. I. L. A. A jolly evening was spent with games and novelties, including table tennis, housie and card games. The gentlemen served supper to the ladies and for what they lacked in the art of presentation they more than made up in quantity and the ladies enjoyed.

CRICKET CLUB BALL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 14 April 1949, page 1:

Bob’s Farm Cricket Club held its annual ball on Friday night week, April 1st. The hall was nicely decorated. The ball was a great success, over sixty couples enjoyed a good night’s dancing to good music. As usual, the supper, provided by the wives and lady friends of the Club.

70th BIRTHDAY PARTY

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, 28 October 1949, page 4:

Mrs. Alice Connar, of Bob’s Farm, was guest at a social in Bob’s Farm Hall on her 70th birthday. About 120 people attended. Mr. R. Cromarty, son-in-law, presided.

RAINBOW FAIR

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 5 April 1951, page 1:

With streamers of rainbow hues, floral decorations and a large rainbow on stage, plus miniature rainbow haloes worn by stall holders, a very colourful scene was enjoyed by the large attendance at the ‘Rainbow Fair’ held on Saturday last.

The official opening took place at 4.p.m. when Mr. Ross Cromarty, vice-president of the Hall Trustees Committee, welcomed the visitors and thanked all who had helped in any way with the success of the afternoon. He then introduced Councillor Randell, who congratulated the ladies on the well-filled stalls and said he hoped and felt sure they would achieve their objective — a larger hall. Mrs. N. Upton, President of the Ladies Committee then welcomed Mrs. Randall and Mrs. Dart, and Mrs. Randall and also thanked the judges of the cooking competition — Misses Lois Brown and Elsie Campbell and make them a small presentation. These young ladies suitably responded and earlier gave a very interesting talk to the Committee ladies on their ideas of judging cooking. It is the general opinion of the Committee that the girls did a very fine job and are a credit to the Junior Farmer movement. Elocutionary items were given by little lasses Jean Kafer and Lorraine Banks and were well received. Councillor Dart with a complimentary speech and good wishes for the fair’s success than declared it officially open.

LODGE SOCIAL

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 14 June 1951, page 2:

A very delightful and social evening was held on Friday night, May 25th, when Fraternity Branch of the G.U. O. O. F. held its 12th anniversary.

It was celebrated by nearly 100 present to pay tribute to the progress of the Branch in the 12 years. It had risen from 15 members to nearly 100 strong. Bro. Les. Upton showed all present that he is as still as keen as ever by having 12 new members to be initiated. It was also the Branch’s usual monthly meeting. Fraternity Branch very much appreciated the members of the Newcastle Hunter River District coming along— three car-loads— representative of most of their Branches.

CLUB BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 26 July 1951, page 1:

The ladies of the Bob’s Farm R.S.L. Women’s Auxiliary held their birthday luncheon on the 11th inst. Thirty-seven ladies attended including Mrs. Watson representing District council and members from Hamilton, Waratah-Mayfield and Raymond Terrace. A luncheon was served.

DELEGATES MEETING OF CRICKET ASSOCIATION

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 27 September 1951, page 1:

A delegates’ meeting of the P. S. District Cricket Association was held on 14th September. There were six teams in the competition viz: Nelson Bay, Anna Bay, Bob’s Farm, Williamtown, Limeburners Creek and Karuah.

BIRTHDAY LUNCHEON FOR WOMEN’S AUXILIARY

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 23 July 1953, page 6:

The Bob’s Farm and District Women’s Auxiliary celebrated its 6th birthday on Wednesday 15th July, at a luncheon at Bobs Farm. There were present at this luncheon about 60 ladies from Hamilton, Waratah-Mayfield, Adamstown, Newcastle, Merewether, Raymond Terrace, Nelson Bay and Lemon Tree Auxiliaries. The morning programme included community singing, and games. A luncheon was prepared by the Bob’s Farm ladies.

DANCE HELD

Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser, 25 March 1954, page 5:

The Secretary reported to the annual meeting that this year the Club had had a successful year. The report also stated: In June we held a dance in the Bobs Farm Hall and this proved to be a very pleasant evening. A larger number of people attended this dance than had been usual at our previous functions. In September we held another dance at Anna Bay and as usual in December we held our annual Christmas Party at Bob’s Farm. This was the best party we have had so far.

‘NO SAND MINING’ MEETING

The Port Stephens Examiner, 2 December 2014:

One week after learning a 10 million tonne state significant sand mine could soon be operating in their backyard, Bobs Farm residents banded together to fight the proposal.

A group of residents gathered at Bobs Farm hall on Tuesday night to organise a committee which would oppose the proposed Bobs Farm Sand Mine. It came after about 70 residents attended a consultative meeting on November 25 where many only first learned of the mine and the implications it would have on the suburb.

TOMAREE MUSEUM ASSOCIATION MUSEUM

The Port Stephens Examiner, 23 June 2020:

A live diamond python proved to be no obstacle for a team of volunteers who helped transform the Bobs Farm Community Hall into a temporary home for the recently established Tomaree Museum Association.

The TMA members use the hall as a site to accept, store and catalogue artefacts received for the museum collection.

 

 Researched and compiled by Kevin McGuinness

 

July 2023