Description : Over 250 people packed the former Danube Countries
Community Centre, to participate in an historic event - the opening of the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre, on Saturday, April 25th. The event was also a "thank you" to the members of the Danube Countries Unity Club, and John Zima of Luxury Homes Ltd., whose donations, made the Leisure Centre. The German Club built the Hall 27 years ago, as a venue for its monthly dances and special events, but over the years, the members found it more and more difficult to maintain the facility. "So many parties and weddings, we really couldn't handle it any more," said Club president Matthias Naunheimer. The kitchen, for example, was equipped with huge pots - "not the easiest thing to lift!" Last year, the Danube Countries Unity Club approached the municipality, and offered to donate the Hall, with all of its furnishings and equipment, for use as a Seniors' Centre. It took months to finalize all the legal requirements, but last Saturday, the final hurdles were cleared, and the keys handed to the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury. Mayor Frank Jonkman called the donation "the most wonderful gift that this municipality has ever received." Mayor Jonkman noted that the agreement still needs to be ratified by Council, but is basically "a done deal". Even so, he said, the facility is "just an empty building" - until the members of the community participate. He hinted that a "little greenhouse" would be donated and added to the facility. The Mayor thanked all of those involved and presented plaques of appreciation.

Lily Oddie Munro, Minister of Culture and Communication addressing the crowd at the opening ceremonies of the new Bradford Public Library. Background L-R: George Jackson, Bud Brown, Padre Hopkin (Trinity Anglican Church), Bruce Owen (Librarian), Mayor William de Peuter and Adrienne Price (Librarian).

"The Bradford Public Library officially opened their new premises at 100 Holland Court on Sunday, November 6, 1988. On hand to officiate over the "ribbon cutting ceremony" was Mayor Bill dePeuter, Librarian Adrienne Price and Honorary Chairman, Mr. Charlie Evans.
The unexpectedly large crowd presented a few problems, no one organizing the event had anticipated. Mrs. Eleanor Sherbo, Chairperson of the Library Board wishes to extend her apologues to those present who could not hear the ceremonies. Apparently, the cord became dislodged from the corridor speakers.
Following the official ceremonies, a reception was held in the "Compton room", a room dedicated to Marilyn & Gord Compton on behalf of the Library Board in consideration of their very substantial monetary donation."

Opening ceremonies of new Bradford Public Library. Ada Watson, president of the Bradford Women's Institute presenting a donation of a painting by Pauline Holancin.

Official opening event for the new Bradford Public Library on November 6, 1988. Sandy Hudson is standing beside Charlie (C.T.S.) Evans, Patty Truchley is also in the photo.

Official opening event for the new Bradford Public Library on November 6, 1988.

Seated against the wall (L-R): Ada Watson (Women's Institute), Brenda Fuss (Bradford Progress Club), Lawrence Sturdy (President of the Bradford Lions Club), Padre Ormond Hopkins (Bradford Trinity Anglican Church), Bruce Owen (MPP Simcoe Centre), Valerie Ridgeway (Ministry of Culture & Communications), William De Peuter (Mayor of Bradford), Adrienne Price (Bradford Library Librarian)

Official opening event for the new Bradford Public Library on November 6, 1988. Brenda Fuss and Anne Wagg hold a cheque that was presented to the library. Eleanor Sherbo is looking on.

Unveiling of an art piece presented by the Bradford Women's Institute to the new Bradford Public Library at official opening of the library's Holland Court location on November 6, 1988.

William de Peuter, Adrienne Price, Ada Watson, Pauline Holancin (artist donating) and Eleanor Sherbo can be seen in the photo.

Official opening event for the new Bradford Public Library on November 6, 1988. Pauline Holancin, Eleanor Sherbo and Ada Watson standing with a piece of Holancin's art. This piece was presented by the Bradford Women's Institute to the new Bradford Public Library at the time of the opening of the library's Holland Court location.

Mayor William de Peuter speaking at the official opening event for the new Bradford Public Library on November 6, 1988.