Bridge Day 2011

The Annual Bridge Day was held at the School of Arts on Friday 18th November. It was a perfect Spring day in Burrawang with the sun shining and 80 keen Bridge players descending upon the village for a social day of playing.

The morning started early behind the scenes (as it always does with events at the School) with plenty of local volunteers helping make the sandwiches for lunch. The tireless help from the committee members and other members of the School always ensure that any event is well done in a professional and of course stylish manner. A great production line saw all the hard work completed well in time for the 10.30 arrival of players.

Guests were greeted with a home made morning tea, steaming cups of tea and coffee and the delightful scents of roses from local resident's gardens.

Soon enough all the players arrived with their tables, cards and score sheets and the playing began.

A pause in play at lunchtime to devour the sandwiches, more cakes and of course a glass of wine (or two) saw the rest of the afternoon's play zoom by! A successful day for the School and a great day for the players was enjoyed by all.

Events like this that are put on by the School are always an enjoyable day for visitors and a chance for the members of the Committee to raise just a part of the whopping $20,000 that is needed to keep the School open and maintained yearly. When the main hall is filled with people, laughter and activity it's a timely reminder of just what a hub and thriving part of the community the School of Arts is to our beautiful village today, just as it has been over the past 125 years.

Boys in the Band hit Burrawang!

Saturday the 13th November saw the hit act from SMA Productions the "Boys in the Band" show hit Burrawang for one great concert. With about 150 people from the village, surrounds and as far as Sydney travel to the School of Arts, the concert was a great success and enjoyed by all who came along. The hall was set up "cabaret style" with everyone bringing along a bottle of something and some nibbles to enjoy during the show.

Over a year in development, the performance showcases some of the most talented, versatile, handsome and hip young guys the Australian entertainment industry has on offer.

Boys in the Band celebrates the world’s greatest hits from the most iconic bands of the 20th Century including The Jersey Boys, The Beatles, The Jackson 5 and The Bee Gees.

The show featured such classic tunes as Walk Like a Man, Sherry, Can’t Buy Me Love, Blame it on the Boogie and Staying live to name just a few. With tickets at just $65 per person - the show was terrific value and just a fraction of the cost of seeing a similar show like Jersey Boys in Sydney!

Dale Burridge, the Managing Director of SMA introduced the boys to the crowd and gave a brief outline to the history of the show and where the boys have recently been touring the show - including their recent trip to China for Tourism Australia.

It was not long after that the fabulous performers hit the stage and had us all tapping out toes and singing along to hit after hit of memorable tunes.

From quiet solo numbers to all dancing, all singing hits from the 50's, 60's, 70's 80's and 90's it wasn't long before all the crowd were up dancing the night away. It was a memorable evening and we are all looking forward to the next SMA Production to hit the village in the new year.

Burrawang School of Arts

The Burrawang School of Arts Hall is a Federation style venue for all your intimate wedding receptions, parties, seminars, musical evenings, art exhibitions, old time dances, pantomimes and jazz nights.

Dating back to 1883, the School of Arts Hall is a popular venue for just about any function or event.

There is a large hall approximately 16 x 14 metres suitable for up to 203 guests plus a stage.

The middle hall is approximately 9 x 6 metres complete with log fire and under carpet heating.

The two small rooms on the Eastern side have just been renovated, fresh paint and new carpet. Very cosy spaces for uses such as a gallery or small meeting room.

Summary of the hall's history:

1883 Oddfellows Hall built
1903 SoA bought hall from Oddfellows Lodge
1905 Wool shed built
1906 Library and meeting room built on eastern side
1914 Meeting room extended
1915 New hall built
1919 Veranda added on front
1922 Kitchen built by voluntary labour
1925 Hall extended and stage built
1930 Electricity connected
1965 Septic tank installed