A Great Celebration At Robertstown Peace Hall 100th With Peter Goers & Anne Wills
A Celebration on Sunday 16 April 2023 held at the Robertstown Peace Hall to celebrate the 100th year of the hall featured
entetainment by Peter Goers OAM and Anne Wills OAM
Earlier in the day many attendees had enjoyed the get together of the celebrations at the Robertstown Primary School 100th. (see story here).
While the crowd were gathering for the official part of the celebration, there were lots of photos and information right around the hall to view, all bringing back great memories of the many and varied events that had happened in the hall. Some people were willing to share stories of their experiences in Robertstown and the life around the Hall.
Marie Heinrich tells the story of how she had to drive around Robertstown collecting food from residents fridges, for a wedding in the summer of 1955, when the hall kitchen was at the front of the hall without a refrigerator and then she repeated it in the evening, for the supper when cream cakes were not coping with the humid weather. Marie later had the honour of cutting the cake.
Daph Schmidt (nee Wilksch) attended the centenary celebrations with Andrew Schmidt and Dianne Bartsch (nee Schmidt) and they remembered times at the hall and also their Deli which was across from the train lines and operated from 1968 to 1976. Dianne fondly remembers growing up there. The family remember how busy it was in the 1960’s with many people still living in the area and many shops open, including Lehmanns, Eudunda Farmers Coop, Handkes Butchers, the Bank and Underwoods Bakery as well as their deli.
Added to that list is also the Neindorfs & Jenkes Garages, Robertstown Hotel, Robertstown Primary School which was very busy back then, the Council Depot, CFS, Bulk Handling Silos, SA Railway. There were three churches, 2 Lutheran Churches until 1966 when the they amalgamated and a Methodist (Uniting) Church. As well there were very active sports clubs, netball, football, cricket and lawn bowls. If anyone can think of any more, please reply to the newsletter.
Maureen Keller, Chairperson for the Robertstown Hall 100th Celebrations wlecomed all and thanked those who had contributed many years to the Hall.
Maureen made a presentation to John Mosey for his 50 years serving on the Robertstown Hall Committee as Secretary.
Maureen also made a presentation to Glenn Rooke for his 35 years of service on the Robertstown Hall Committee, with 21 years as Chairman.
Well known South Australian Radio Host and Entertainer Peter Goers OAM kept everyone chuckling with his many anecdotes which were highly amusing. Peter has a great love for Robertstown and especially Merv Lehmann’s General Store, so naturally Merv copped a fair bit of ribbing, all in fun.
Peter introduced ‘Willsy’, Anne Wills OAM and invited her to sit down on one of the comfortable chairs to chat. It was a lovely informal way of the crowd feeling part of the casual conversation as Anne told of how she became involved in the television entertainment industry.
One would have to say that Anne & Peter made a great team as we listened to Anne’s facinating journey in work and life.
Anne Wills and Peter Goers spend a long time mingling with the crowd, having a quick bite to eat and to chat and be part of many photos.
Bottom Right: Anne Wills & Peter Goers talking with Felix Schmidt and family and a view of part of the gathering behind.
A bevey of voluntees then ferried out the food, with afternoon tea being catered by Kooky’s Katering. It is worth noting that there was an abundance of food, ‘Real Country Hospitality’ that our region is well known for. A huge selection of sandwiches, pies, pasties, pastries, pizza slices and more to fill everyone up. Then came the sweets, with so many brightly coloured, generous pieces, such a great variety of sweets, as well as copius amounts of coffee, tea and other beverages to satisfy all.
Next was the official cutting of the cake which was beautifully decorated by Michelle Hoffmann with the honour being given to Marie Heinrich (91) and John Mosey. Marie was a long serving hall committee member & volunteer since she left school, and John Mosey we had already heard of his 50 years of service to the hall, a magnificent achievement.
After the cake was cut it was taken to the kitchen to be divided up and the volunteers in the photo below (and others) once again took many plate loads out to the appreciative crowd who were busy chatting.
L-R: Toni Brown, Amanda Keller, Hayley Keller, Joanne Kotz, Belinda Niemz, Georgia Keller
Front: Elsie Mirtschin, Jonathon Niemz.
A surprise was to have Anne Wills and Peter Goers being chaffered by none other that Adelaide entertainer ‘Hans’ (Matt Gilbertson) who was happy to have lots of ‘selfies’ with those present.
L-R: Maureen Keller, Hans (aka Matt Gilbertson), Rob McCarthy.
No big event can happen without a dedicated committee putting in a long and sustained effort to have an event and this team should be congratulated for their fantastic effort. Well Done!
L-R: Ron Dunsdon, John Mosey, Joanne Kotz, Anne Wills, Peter Goers, Maureen Keller, Fred Lang, Toni Brown, Belinda Niemz,
Front: Tracey Rodda, Amanda Keller.
Robertstown History Books, Emmaus to Worlds End and Robertstown 1871 – 1971 were also on sale during the event with Sharon Tremaine and other volunteers looking after the stall.
The event was a fabulous celebration in real country style, worthy of the gravity of knowing that the Robertstown Peace Hall has continued to be a central place of community for one hundred years, with some of it’s volunteers working tirelessly for half of that time serving the hall and the community it serves. Congratulations again to the Organising Committee.
For any queries please ring Maureen 0428 817 122
Would you like to read more about our guest speakers?
Anne Wills reflects on her remarkable life (The Advertiser article)
Peter Goers (OAM) (on ABC)
