*Portrait of Lenah Field Fisher • Photo by Lot11 Studios*

If there is one building Cobourg is known for, it would be Victoria Hall. Between filming, the restored Concert Hall and Art Gallery, our once-quiet hall is now full of life. With that, we have one major organization to thank — and it’s not the town.

Before I introduce this amazing group, I’m going to give you a history lesson on our beloved Victoria Hall. In 1970, Lenah Field Fisher, along with the Art Gallery Director, John Taylor, proposed the restoration of Victoria Hall. The motion was granted, but the city denied any funding. The Society for the Restoration of Victoria Hall was formed and were responsible for design, fundraising and overall management of the project.

The project took 10 years to complete, with funding being a major contributor to the slowdown. In 1975, a few of women within the Society for the Restoration of Victoria Hall decided they could contribute more to the effort. They recruited more women from the community and formed The Volunteer Women’s Committee of the Society for the Restoration of Victoria hall. This committee of connected women raised over $50,000 toward the restoration project.

This is where I introduce the amazing organization, who, in 1980, changed their name to Victoria Hall Volunteers (VHV). A group of determined, strong women who value the history of our town, and want to see this beautiful piece of history preserved, but also used by it’s residents. When speaking with current member, tour guide, and VHV archivist, Trisha Essery, I learned the main goal for their fundraising efforts is to “Preserve and promote” Victoria Hall. For example, they have donated 5 times to preservation projects connected to the clock tower, and in the 1990’s they funded many projects that promoted the use of the Concert Hall, such as chairs, sound system, microphones, lighting, screen and more.

The VHV have two fundraising events planned this year; On May 3, the Volunteers will present “An Evening with the Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin”, the former Chief Justice of Canada. She was the longest serving Chief Justice in Canadian history and the first woman to hold this position. The second fundraiser is the The White Rose Holiday Dinner on Saturday, December 14th, 2024. You can find all the details on their website, including information for joining as a volunteer, how to donate, and more.

*Images of the hall were generously taken by Lot11 Studios