History of Twyford Hall, 1931 – present.

Twyford Hall has been the heart of Merimbula for over 80 years, long serving as a space for community events, celebrations, markets, the arts and so much more.

In the beginning, a trust was established for the hall when a title of land was generously donated by Merimbula resident J.W.Twyford in 1931, who had been raised in the seaside village from his childhood years.

With only a population of around 150 people, the Merimbula community built the hall in 10 months after the tireless efforts of the committee to raise enough money for its construction. It was built during the depression, through Merimbula residents tenacity to achieve their vision.

The Twyford Hall was officially opened in December 1931, a grand occasion with people travelling from all over the district to join in on the celebrations.

The war years ensued, and soldiers were treated to fond farewells and welcome home parties at the hall. This was followed by annual ANZAC services after the war for many years to follow, with ANZAC memorial plaques placed at the front of the hall. It was also used as a safe haven for the survivors of the American shipwreck, the SS William Dawes, with locals providing food, warm clothing and shelter.

In the 50’s, the ballet classes held at the hall that were so popular they were attended by almost every girl, and one boy from the area. They would rehearse and perform at great productions held at the hall attended by many in the community. Since then, the hall has been used for a diverse range of purposes, from church functions, Santa appearances to weekend markets.

Twyford Hall Timeline

1931

Trust established when Title of land transferred from J.W.Twyford.
Trustees J.W.Twyford, Sydney Ford & E.T.Boller
Construction over 10 months
Opening of the Hall, December 1931

1939

Mrs Twyford bequest
Front porch, two small rooms and Supper Room built from proceeds.

1950s

Anzac Day services held in front of hall (photo courtesy Christine Kaine)

1980

Trust transferred to Shire of Imlay

New Constitution:

1. The name of the Hall shall be “ Twyford Hall”

2.The object of the Hall shall be to provide a place of public entertainment, social functions, meetings, the delivery of lectures, church services and for such other purposes as the management committee may from to time decide.

Imlay Shire amalgamated and Bega Valley Shire becomes Trustee.
Land remains “community land”
S 355 Committee set up to manage Hall

1995

Plans for new theatre drawn up.
Town Centre Studies recommend Twyford Hall be pulled down.
Long history of community involvement with no Government funding.

2004

Retail Shops built with Loan Funds from Council

2007

Development Application for Theatre Twyford approved

2010

Loan Repaid
Twyford Hall Incorporated
Twyford Hall Plan of Management approved by Council

2011

Construction begins on Toilet facilities of new complex.
Management Agreement between Council and Twyford Hall Incorporated signed.

2018

Announcement by NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Development, John Barilaro and Bega MP Andrew Constance that the NSW State Government will grant $7.4 million from the Regional Communities Development Fund to build the new Theatre Twyford.

2019

Funds released by NSW Government to enable Theatre Twyford building project to commence.
Donald Cant Watts Corke appointed as Project Managers for the theatre building project.
Winning Building tender announced in December 2019 by Member for Bega The Hon Andrew Constance MP as Monarch Building Solutions. Deputy Mayor Sharon Tapscott and THI President Bill Deveril were also present.

2020

Severe bushfires result in the evacuation of areas around Merimbula and the enforced exclusion of tourists to the region, causing the cancellation of several events at the Hall over the summer.
The contract for the new theatre construction is signed on 4 March by THI President Bill Deveril (L) and Public Officer Bernard Shea (R) with Vice President Charles Cooper.

Over the month of March, the demolition of the old toilet brick toilet block and green room is completed and the Hall stage is shortened to allow builders access to the rear of the hall and to build a new truck-accessible loading dock. The supper room is also shortened to make way for a new fire sprinkler pump room on the south west corner of the Hall.
Construction begins and the concrete foundations of the new theatre are poured on 29 April.
The COVID-19 pandemic forces the closure of almost all public buildings and many businesses from 23 March 2020 including Twyford Hall. Construction of the theatre continues with appropriate social distancing and hygiene measures.

: Before the Build

: Construction site fenced off

: Hydraulics in place April 2020

: Before the concrete April 2020

: Crane in position April 2020

: Concrete poured April 2020

At its Annual General Meeting, THI members vote in favour of transferring from an incorporated association to a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee registered with the ACNC, in view of the increasing assets under management of the entity in line with Fair Trading NSW’s recommendations.

2021

Construction work continues on the new theatre. COVID restrictions and a state-wide lockdown cause more disruptions and cancellations of events.

The transfer to a company limited by guarantee is completed and THI becomes The Twyford Hall Complex Limited. The new Board meets for the first time on 6 September 2021. Board members are Frankie J Holden OAM (Chair), Greg Brackenreg (Company Secretary), Lucas Scarpin (CFO), Helen O’Neil, Christine Kaine, Charles Cooper and John Beever.

The Twyford receives a grant of $72000 from the NSW government to upgrade stage lighting and sound in the heritage listed Hall as well arts grants of $30000 from Live Music Australia and $191910 from the federal Office of the Arts to assist with presenting live music and touring theatre shows in the venue when COVID pandemic restrictions permit.