Memories of the Masonic Hall

Having started school at Woy Woy Public 71 years ago, it is sad to see another old building go.

The Masonic Hall has been used for many occasions over the last 71 years I have lived here.

Wedding receptions were very popular.

My twin sister had hers there 53 years ago with 150 guests.

Dances were also held there.

I ran one on Friday nights for the Woy Woy Rugby League with over 120 attending.

Most of our league players would come down by train on Friday night to play for Woy Woy in the winter and to Ocean Beach Surf Club in the summer to patrol the beach.

We all received our bronze medallion at that time.

I started work at 15 at Nielson Shoe Factory where K Mart now stands.

The old Bay View Hotel stood there and that was converted into the shoe factory on both sides of Charlton St.

We held our Christmas party at the Masonic Hall every year for 10 years until the factory was moved to Melbourne.

I was assistant manager to Fred Royal, whose daughter is now a GP opposite Woy Woy station.

Bruce Diehard Woy Woy