The Skating Rink which could be called the only auditorium in KGF at that time, was the most popular venue for Wedding receptions, Parties, get-togethers, Concerts, Musical Recitals, Meetings, Dances etc. The Cement floor was highly polished and very smooth and was initially used during the times of the British for Roller skating and ice skating and also for Ball Room Dances.
The building itself was not much to talk about, with corrugated iron sheets for its walls and roof and a false ceiling of Tatty Cane inside. It was more like a huge Shed that one sees in old Country and Western Movies and didn’t resemble an auditorium all. However this ‘Hall’ was close to everyone KGFites's heart and was iconic in its stature.
The Skating Rink was a land mark for the people of KGF. The Christmas Dances, May Queen Balls, Easter Balls, June Rose Balls, The Anglo-Indian Association AGM Ball, New Years Eve Ball, Wedding Receptions, Social and Religious functions, Conferences, etc, were all held at the Skating Rink. Its very sad to see it in its present neglected and rundown state.
Great Job1 Keep it up. Ramanan
ReplyDeleteHello Bridget
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great photographs and your very detailed descriptions. It is good to read about all the various places that I remember so well.
O it looks so sad now but i have such wonderful memories of Christmas celebrations we had there!! The games, toys i can never forget them.....i hope Donna gets to see this post ...your uncle was Santa one year.....and even now when i eat finger chips i always remember the ones you got for the whole class.....and to date i have not tasted anything better!! thanks a lot for such wonderful memories and God bless wherever you are!
ReplyDeleteI am due to visit KGF in a couple of weeks to see the place where my father (Kenneth Chapman) was born and grew up with his brothers & sisters and parents (my grandparents are buried in KGF). I have found your blog both fascinating & useful, & I hope to be able to comment further following my visit. Your photos & words reflect the memories expressed by my aunts & uncles.
ReplyDeleteThank you - Yvonne