Traditionally, town halls have been one of the most important community resources, especially in rural areas. If the walls of Uki Hall could talk, they would relate stories that have made up the social fabric of Uki for more than 100 years. As the hub of Uki's cultural and civic activity, the Uki Hall has played host to a variety of social, religious and educational events.
Wartime Events
During the war years, Uki Hall hosted many events, allowing the Uki community a brief respite from the misery, austerity and danger of war, albeit for a short time. During both WWI and WWII, many farwell and homecoming dances were held in the Hall for the sons of Uki. In addition, dances were arranged for visiting American servicemen who were often camped nearby at Doon Doon.
The Red Cross has a strong affiliation with the Uki Hall and in 2006, celebrated 70 years' use of the Hall.
Rollerskating was also a popular form of entertainment undertaken in the Hall during wartime. In 1914, roller skating was held every Friday night, but ceased two years' later due to the damage caused to the floors. Nellie O'Sullivan, a local Uki resident, remembers: "...we'd sit on the veranda and hear them skating of a night". Rollerskating was also held in the Hall for a short time between 1939 and 1946.
Uki's rich military history continues to be celebrated and preserved to this day. Every ANZAC Day, the Uki RSL sub-branch hosts a post-Dawn Service breakfast in the Hall for those who were up early to pay their respects.
In 2009, the Hall housed the military photographic exhibition "Uki Remembers Those Who Served". This exhibition was officially opened by WWII diggers Ken Highfield and Chub Sweetnam. Curated by Jayne Parrott (a Trustee of Uki Hall) and Esma Thompson (Secretary, Uki and South Arm Historical Society), the exhibition remains a permanent display to this day.
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| "Uki Remembers Those Who Served" military photographic exhibition |
Weddings & Other Social Events
The first and only wedding held in the Small Hall was between Johann (Jack) August Radel and Lydia Ellen (Nellie) Murray on 4 March 2010 (pictured). There have been three weddings in the Large Hall: Garry & Esma Lowe in the 1970s, Mark & Deb Ladyman in the 1980s and Tony and Jacqueline Everson in 2004. |
| The first wedding at Uki Hall in 1910 |
Other social events held in the Uki Hall have included: kitchen teas, wedding receptions, birthday parties, wedding anniversaries and wakes.
Balls & Dances
Uki Hall enjoyed a reputation as "...the number one dance hall on the Tweed", as recalled by Nellie O'Sullivan, a local Uki resident. During the traditional ball season of yesteryear, the Uki Hall hosted a variety of balls including the MUIOOF Lodge Ball on Easter Monday, the Diggers Debutante Ball in May, the Convent Ball, the Church of England Ball, the Hall Ball and the Masonic Lodge Ball. The ball season always culminated in the Tennis Association Ball and winners presentation.
For many years, election night dances were held in Uki Hall. In 1911, the first telephone service to the Uki Post Office was connected and when an election update was phoned in, the music stopped and bulletins were announced from the Hall stage.
Uki Hall was one of the founding halls to particpate in the Miss Tweed ball circuit and held one of the first Miss Tweed balls in 1972. As a prelude to the Miss Tweed Ball, the Miss Uki Ball was also hosted, to discover Uki's representative at the Miss Tweed Ball. The Miss Tweed balls are still in existence today.
Schools
The Uki Public School has had a long association with the Hall, hosting events such as school concerts, rehearsals, assemblies, band practice, trivia nights, school formals, tuck shop and library. The School's Centenary Dance was held in the Hall in 1995.
Meetings
Many clubs, societies, community groups and organisations have utilised (and continue to utilise) the Hall as a meeting place. Over the years, participants have included: RSL, MUIOOF Lodge, Masonic Lodge, Rural Youth Club, Youth Club, UkiRA (Uki Ratepayers Association), Red Cross, political groups, Green Corps, as well as various sporting club presentations including cricket, tennis and rugby league.
Uki Farmers' Market
Warm, friendly village life is alive and trading at Uki Hall on Saturday mornings. The market stocks a wide variety of local produce from fresh farm eggs to exotic fruits and shoppers also have the unique opportunity to talk directly to farmers about their produce and farming methods.
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| Saturday Market at Uki Hall |
Community Classes & Events
The Uki Hall offers a broad program of community events and classes, which are advertised on the chalk board in front of the Hall (pictured). For full and up-to-date program details, please click here: Uki Public Hall Community Class & Events Calendar |
| "What's On" at Uki Hall |
Ukitopia
The annual Ukitopia Festival is now in its sixth year.Hosted by the Uki Arts Collective, Ukitopia celebrates the abundance of arts and culture in the Uki region, featuring local musicians, artists and workshops where creative minds can meet.
A collection of images from Ukitopia 2012 are featured in the video below:
The three-day festival is held every November. For full program details, please click here: Ukitopia Full Program Details
The breadth of events held in the Uki Hall, both historically and to this day, cement the Uki Hall as an integral part of Uki's heritage and identity. The community of Uki has worked together to preserve the Hall and make it a living and active structure which has, and will continue to, serve the Uki community in a variety of ways.
Author
Bo BriedisReferences
Thompson, E. (2012) Description of the Uki Public Hall.Thompson, E., personal communication, March 6 2014.
You Tube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6FU9iw0Ows)
Ukitopia Arts Collective (http://ukitopiaartscollective.com/)
