New community centre opened in Nelson

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33154, 19 February 1973, Page 2

New community centre opened in Nelson

(From Our Own Reporter) NELSON, February 18. The association Nelson has with Lord Nelson, and the British naval victory at Trafalgar in 1805, was recalled today when the city’s new $538,000 Trafalgar Centre was opened by the Governor-General, Sir Denis Blundell.

Sailors from H.M.p N.Z.S. Canterbury lined I' the entrance drive to|, the centre, a carronade of the period was fired • during the general j salute by men in period • costume, and the scene > was dominated by the ; colourful signal flown by Nelson before the battle: ‘‘England ex-i pects that every man) will do his duty.” A huge crowd attended the celebrations. There had been 11 years I i discussion and work on the| : project since the building,; which will serve Nelson’s cultural, sporting and conference needs, was suggested. Some of the problems .which faced the committee in planning the building were touched upon briefly by the Mayor (Mr R. A. McLennan) ;and the chairman of the 'building committee (Mr B. J. Mills) in their speeches, before Sir Denis Blundell congratulated the city on its ! community project. and opened the doors to the I building. The naval flavour of the sunlight hours became even

I stronger with the setting of I the sun. Behind the centre, i the naval band and W.R.N.S. i Corps of Drummers performed the Beating of the Retreat again, watched by a big crowd, before guests to the ball entered the building. The entrance was flanked by two realistic “cannon,” and the foyer was dominated by la model of Nelson’s flagship, I Victory. The main auditorium was i decorated with nautical I articles—cannon, ship’s lanterns, masts and sails, ship’s ; wheels. and “Nelson’s day cabin,” the area set aside for the official party. About 2600 attended the | ball. The celebrations will continue all week. Tomorrow night the committee promises a “Galaxy of Sport.” featuring the Japanese Olympic gymnasts, Akinori Nakayama (winner of a gold medal). Shigeru Kasamatsu, and Funio Honma. Other sports to be featured on a very full programme are badminton, trampolining. weight-lifting, boxing, tennis, and fencing. On Tuesday, a special function for the aged will be held at 2 p.m., and an arts cavalcade in the evening. This will feature three ballets bv the New Zealand Ballet

Company, a comedy play, and items by the opera singer. Angela Shaw, the Nelson School of Music choir, and the Nelson Municipal Band. The building will be filled on Wednesday and Thursday by displays of industry, arts, and commerce. Friday night has been given over to the younger generation for a dance, and three rock groups will play — Chapta, the Quincey Conserve, and Nelson’s Grump. A family stage

show will be held on Saturday. Although it is not part of the centre celebrations, another event of importance to Nelson will take place tomorrow, when Mr McLennan will confer upon the Chief of Naval Staff (Rear-Admiral E. C. Thorne) and the officers and ratings of the Navy the freedom of the city at a charter parade at noon. The crew of the Canterbury will : take part in these ceremonies.