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NEWRY HALL (UPPER MAFFRA MECHANICS INSTITUE) EST 1882

“We had to provide $35,000 worth of matching funding. We went to the local community and asked if they’d like to make a donation and within a short period of time people donated $15,000 of their own money. It was overwhelming to get that support,” said Kate.

Newry facade before

Newry facade after

Newry kitchen before

Newry kitchen after

Newry library before

Newry library after

Newry main hall before

Newry main hall after

Newry supper before

Newry supper after

“It was actually the most important thing to make it happen. When you know the community is that behind you, you just think, let’s do it!” Once the money was secured the committee raced against time to get the refurbishment completed within just 12 months. “We had one year to spend the money and complete the project and that’s a massive ask to get a committee to do that in one year.” In June, the committee proudly reopened the newlook Newry Hall. The volunteers unveiling a plaque commemorating the work, crafted from an old piano that used to sit in the building. It’s testament to the ingenuity and respect for history demonstrated by the dedicated group.

The Newry Hall has once again become the focal point of the proud community. Before and after and wedding photographs supplied by the Newry Hall committee Photographs by Anita Butterworth

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