Page 11 - Memorial Book intro Mousehole

11
Transcribed ( with some minor editing ) from Percy Harvey’s records and of The Cornishman’s coverage of the event.
The new British Legion Hall at Mousehole was officially opened by Countess Haig on the 18th. June1929, accompanied by Lord and Lady Vivian and Lord St Levan. She was accorded an enthusiastic welcome by a large gathering of villagers.
The Branch had been formed in November 1927 by Mr P Barton, the Secretary of the Cornwall Executive.
It was officially recognised in January 1928 with a membership of 108.
A Fund of over £200 was soon raised by various committees and Lord St Levan gave the land for the building in North Street. Building operations were left to R. Bodinner and W. Harvey who were also the architects.
The work was completed for £502 leaving a debt of £300. No furniture or piano was included.
The building 60’ x40’, built of concrete with an asbestos roof, had a capacity for 450 and included a Club Room and a Reading Room.
A clever mechanical device quickly provides a stage which does not project into the Hall.
External and internal painting was a gift from Messrs. Goodlass, Wall and Co. ( Liverpool).
Scenery had been erected by the President ( H.C. Holt ) and R. Bodinner.
Mr. Edward Pentreath was Chairman and a tireless worker.
For the opening the Mousehole British Legion was indebted to Mr T. G. Trewavas and Trustees of the United Methodist Church for the loan of chairs. The officers of Trinity House,Penzance, provided flags for the occasion.
Officials were:-H. C Holt ( Pres.), E. Pentreath (Chairman), M C Williams ( Sec), W A Thomas ( Treas)