Heritage trust eyes band hall project as model

By Andrew Wagstaff
The Citizen – Nov. 4, 2007

PARRSBORO – The community campaign to save the Parrsboro Band Hall could become a model for other projects around the province, according to Michael Tavares of the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia.

“This is the first time I’ve seen around the province where a community group is getting together, coming up with innovative, creative ideas for a multiple use of a beautiful old building that’s been a part of a community for so long,” said Tavares, communities chairman for the heritage trust. “I’m hoping that this can become an example for other communities to follow.”

Tavares was one of several key players from the heritage trust to spend the weekend in Parrsboro. Also making the trip was videographer Sue Hutchins, who is producing a promotional DVD to aid the project in its fund-raising campaign.

The heritage trust has also committed to support the campaign with some infrastructure funding, and to help purchase equipment for a film society project in the works to generate revenue for the campaign.

“It’s exciting,” said Michael Fuller, chairman of the Save the Hall board. “Some of the talks, some of the possibilities and some of the options offered by the heritage trust are very concrete and will be very helpful for pushing forward the agenda.”

The heritage trust members arrived in Parrsboro on Friday, and were welcomed in an official reception at Gillespie House Inn on Saturday evening. Several townspeople attended the event, and about 15-20 participated in interviews for the video production.

On Sunday, they took in the performance of the Chester Brass Band at the hall. While it will have to be discussed by the board, Fuller said all signals point to future concert events at the hall in the months to come.

“It’s a great way to get people going back into the hall and using the hall as a function point in the community,” he said. “By the time we do the renovations and by the time it’s a finished project, people will be used to going back into the hall.”

Tavares said he was impressed with what he saw during the weekend, not only the building, which he declared structurally solid but in need of a facelift, but also with the people.

“Many times over the past few years communities have come to us for their solutions, but we can’t give them solutions,” he said. “This group has come together with its own solutions. It just needs some support and encouragement.”

The heritage trust is considering holding its May meeting in Parrsboro, which would involve the entire board making a “pilgrimage” here to spend the weekend.