The Friends of the Eltham Town Hall this weekend presented four community bastions with life membership.
Couples Lorraine and Ivan Morris and Don and Margaret Drabble has each made a rich contribution towards the Eltham community, says chairperson Karen Christian.
These four people all insist they have done nothing, but to us they have done everything.
Ivan, she says, has helped through the years with his sound knowledge of theatre.
He is a master of backstage. Ivan is totally unfazed by the height of the fly floor and is always a willing helper in this theatre and to the Friends.
Lorraine is a founding member of the organisation. Her family involvement goes right back to the thought of forming the Friends of the Eltham Town Hall, says Karen.
Lorraine's dad, Oz Greaves, wrote to then-mayor Margaret Smith and suggested that a group be established to promote the hall. The group of dedicated volunteers began its work in 1986.
Lorraine's varied roles and skills in this theatre include acting and producing, fundraising and secretarial support. The Friends' show suppers became legendary, with Lorraine and Jane providing the most sumptuous food.
Karen says Lorraine has used her many and varied skills to benefit the hall and to encourage others in their knowledge, love and respect of the Eltham Town Hall. She also
says she would often find Margaret working unassumingly in the background.
She would see a job that needed doing and just do it. Few would even know or appreciate what she has contributed. A milliner by profession, Margaret has used her artistic flair with flowers and fabrics in this hall. Margaret's knowledge and memories of the hall is immense and we have drawn on this knowledge on many occasions.
Don grew up coming to town hall functions and has been involved with the hall for around 75 years. His family association is also strong, with his father, Harry Drabble, being a former projectionist in this hall and a mayor. Don too became a projectionist.
An electrical contractor by trade, Don has played many parts in his enthusiastic involvement with the hall, both politically and socially. As an Eltham Borough councillor he was spokesperson for the hall. Many would have seen Don perform on stage. As a historian, he knows every nook and cranny of this hall. He wrote the historical record for the conservation plan for the hall and was a valued member of the restoration project team.
We were honoured to have Don to cut the ribbon at the hall's 100th birthday. We affectionately call Don Mr Town Hall.