Dannevirke: $50,000 upgrade for church hall

The Knox Church hall is getting a big upgrade.

Two significant donations from the Eastern and Central Community Trust are being made to Tararua groups this month.

A special donation of $50,000 has been approved for upgrading work on the Knox Presbyterian Church hall in Dannevirke.

Earthquake-strengthening work is required to bring the hall up to new building code standards and the church's management committee plans to upgrade and refurbish the building at the same time, which is where the Community Trust money will be spent.

The improvements will make the hall more suitable for a range of community activities, not necessarily associated with the church, such as conferences, seminars and community group functions.

The Knox Hall was originally used as the first high school in Dannevirke until the main school was built in 1906. Its background makes the hall an important part of the town's history.

Pahiatua's World War II vintage Harvard fighter plane is also in line for a major makeover, with the help of a $15,000 donation from the Community Trust.

Pahiatua On Track, which has worked with Tararua District Council to redevelop the Harvard Adventure Playground, says it is now time to complete the project and upgrade the aeroplane slide.

The Community Trust gave $50,000 to Pahiatua on Track three years ago when redevelopment of the park began.

Other Tararua groups to receive donations this month from the Community Trust include the Makirikiri Marae, $4000; Eketahuna Health Centre, $4000; Woodville Playcentre, $3500; Pahiatua Toy Library, $1680 and the Woodville Old Folks Association, $800.