For those interested in local history, a visit to the Le Bons Bay Hall is a must. The local Reserve Committee has recently installed a history panel that beautifully illustrates the story of the domain and the community hall.

The Reserve Committee has spent years gathering fascinating photographs and information, which transport you back to 1878 when the Akaroa County Council granted £100 for the development of Le Bons Bay’s domain. Construction took place decades later, in 1932, with horses helping to clear and level the site.

Established in 1892, the local cricket club made good use of the Domain, while the annual New Year’s Day sports event, first held in the 1930s, continues to this day. The event features a variety of competitions, including the highly anticipated tractor race, a local favourite.

In 1947, with a government subsidy, the community raised another £100 to build a sports pavilion. The domain also saw the completion of an access road in 1953, followed by a grant of £179 from the Lands & Survey Department for further improvements. Fundraising efforts led to the construction of tennis courts in 1959, with adult subscriptions set at 30 shillings and juniors at 15 shillings. A casual fee of one shilling per person per hour was also introduced.

By 1979, it was decided to enlarge the pavilion into a community recreational hall, and a design by G. Ten Hove was selected in a public meeting. A Building Committee and a Finance Committee were formed, and it was proposed to fund the project through non-interest-bearing debentures, which would be paid back on a ballot system, with the money raised from pine milling at the Domain.

It was agreed not to keep the old pavilion, which Mr. Bergkessel purchased for $250 at Easter in 1981. The committee then approached the Le Bons Bay School Committee for a loan of up to $500 towards the building fund, to be repaid within 12 months.

Local volunteers formed the construction crew, using timber milled on-site, carted to Christchurch, and treated. Retired builder Mr. Ted Lewthwaite and Mr. Bob Church donated their time and expertise, guiding local carpenters through the building process. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. P.T. Johnston, much of the work was done at cost or reduced rates. The total cost of the project was approximately $13,000, a fraction of the $60,000 it would have cost if built at market rates.

On September 5, 1981, the new Community Centre was officially opened by Mr. T. Brocherie, Chairman of the Akaroa County Council. Following the opening, Mr. Johnston thanked all those involved, particularly Mr. Lewthwaite and Mr. Church. Mr. Lewthwaite was presented with a portable colour television set, and Mr. Church received homespun gifts, including a sweater, hat, scarf, mittens, and socks, knitted by local women. Mr. Johnston also expressed thanks to the women who provided meals for the workers.

The history panel offers an invaluable snapshot of life in Le Bons Bay and highlights the incredible community spirit that built the assets we enjoy today. That same spirit is alive and well in the community.