On December 19th, 1919 at a public meeting, it was decided that community members who had gone to war and never returned would be memorialized by building a community hall. Financed by bazaars, whist drives and concerts, and primarily constructed by volunteer labour and donated material, the Errington War Memorial Hall opened its doors on March 22, 1922. A Board of Management was elected. This group, predecessors of the present Hall Association, looked after the maintenance of the building and organized activities-a tradition that has continued to this day.

Events were lit by lanterns until a gas powered generator, the “Delco” arrived in 1926. The Hall relied on generators until hydro came to the area in 1949. In 1933, the hall ceiling was installed. Thanks to a generous donation from Mrs. Braddock, the kitchen was added in 1937. In 1958, thanks to a B.C. Centennial grant and many hours of volunteer labour, a new hardwood floor was installed. This floor, after many sandings and re-finishings, survived till 2009 when it was replaced by a new floor of Canadian Maple.

The Hall has a long history as a cultural community hub. Theatre set down roots soon after the Hall was opened, and flourished under the leadership of Mr. H.F. “Bob” Butler. From the 1930’s to the 1950’s, many Festivals were held, and scores of young people got their first stage experience. The Errington Drama Club was succeeded by the EDA Players (Errington Development Association), Little Mountain Theatre, Umbra, and the ECHO Players, now located in Qualicum Beach. The Hayseed Jamboree Club was formed in 1951. With their own orchestra, the group put on dances, cabarets, fashion shows and masquerades. Many events were so popular that people were often turned away at the door.

In 1969, the Errington War Memorial Hall Association was registered as a non-profit society. That same year, “Hi Neighbour Day”, an annual community event, was launched for the first time, featuring activities, a parade, and performances, with proceeds going toward the upkeep of the Hall. 1972 saw the contruction of the Green Room, behind the stage, which was built in honour of H.F. Butler. In 1976-77 under a LIP grant, major improvements to the Hall were made in the form of insulation in the ceiling, a new shingle roof and accessibility improvements, including ramps inside and out. A chair storage area was constructed as well as a basement, soon to become home to the Errington Co-operative Preschool. The Preschool had been formed in 1974 to provide rural kids with greater opportunities for social interaction.

The smaller building next door to the Hall served the community as Fire Hall from the 1968 until the construction of the present structure on the highway in 1975. In 1980-81 the “Old Fire Hall” was completely renovated. Insulation was installed in the walls and ceiling and a wooden floor. A built-in screen and speakers have made the Old Firehall a popular gathering space for meetings, readings, lectures, arts & crafts displays, workshops and films.

Originally used by soldiers on leave and veterans for rehabilitation and recreation, the Community Park adjacent to the Hall has been maintained and developed over the years by the Hall Association. The Park and the Ball Field have hosted many annual events and are frequently used by community groups for various activities. In 1993, due to the sale of the property across the road from Errington Store, the Errington Farmers Market, established in 1972 by Gerry Shaw, was relocated to the Community Park. Once again, the community contributed volunteer labour and donated materials to construct rustic covered booths and a band shell. Local produce, baked goods, craft items, live music, and a woodsy atmosphere have made the Market a regular community gathering spot every Saturday during the summer months.

On the weekend of August 6th & 7th, 1994 the 25th Annual Hi Neighbour Day was held in the Hall. This celebration, typical of past days featured a Pancake Breakfast, Arts & Crafts Display, Farmers Market, Parade, Lunch, Goods and Services Auction, Kid’s Activities and a Dance. A special event this year was the Reunion Tea and Concert which brought together many seniors and former Errington residents to enjoy music and song performed by local entertainers familiar with the Hall’s well-worn stage. March 22, 1997 saw another milestone in the Hall’s lengthy history as the community celebrated the Hall’s 75th Birthday. Music, skits, readings and reminiscences and a giant birthday cake made the day a memorable one for young and old alike.

The Errington War Memorial Hall continues the tradition built up over the years as a cultural, social and recreational centre for the surrounding area. The Hall Association, a small group of dedicated volunteers, tackle the ongoing challenge of keeping the historic building alive and running, committed to seeing that the Hall, the Old Fire Hall and the Community Park remain an asset to all local residents for years to come.

The Association, known locally as “the Hall Board” meets in the Hall kitchen on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Needless to say, we are always looking for people who are willing to give a few hours of their time to help make things happen in the community.