Deputy Premier Deb Matthews addresses the crowd at the unveiling of the renovated Blyth Memorial Hall. May 19th, 2017 (Photo by Ryan Drury)Deputy Premier Deb Matthews addresses the crowd at the unveiling of the renovated Blyth Memorial Hall. May 19th, 2017 (Photo by Ryan Drury)
Midwestern

Newly Renovated Blyth Memorial Hall Has Grand Unveiling

The newly renovated Blyth Memorial Hall was unveiled yesterday, and a large crowd turned out to get a tour and look at the new facilities.

Among the many dignitaries was Deputy Premier Deb Matthews, who helped to get the project funded. Matthews says she's very excited by the new theatre renovations.

"I've been here as a theatre goer many, many times. Of course I live in London, and Blyth is just down the road, so yes, I've seen many, many plays here."

Matthews says she thought the renovations looked excellent.

"It's unbelievable. They've managed to retain the charm. You feel like you're in an old building, but everything is comfortable and clean, and it's absolutely beautiful."

The renovations took place over 8 months, costing 4.2 million, with help from the provincial and federal governments, the Township of North Huron and many private donors. Matthews says she's pleased with the renovations, and was happy to help secure funding for the hall.

"I'm just thrilled that we were able to find the money to make this happen. It's because we believe in all of Ontario, and we know that there's so much in rural Ontario, and this will draw people from different cities to get a taste of Huron County, and that's fantastic."

The stairwell to a theatre entrance at Blyth Memorial Hall, taken from the front hallway. (Photo by Ryan Drury)The stairwell to a theatre entrance at Blyth Memorial Hall, taken from the front hallway. (Photo by Ryan Drury)

The new front hallway entrance to Blyth memorial Hall, looking down towards the art gallery and box office areas. (Photo by Ryan Drury)The new front hallway entrance to Blyth memorial Hall, looking down towards the art gallery and box office areas. (Photo by Ryan Drury)

A look inside the new art gallery area of Blyth Memorial Hall. (Photo by Ryan Drury)A look inside the new art gallery area of Blyth Memorial Hall. (Photo by Ryan Drury)

A look at the entrance to the new kitchen facilities in Blyth Memorial Hall. (Photo by Ryan Drury)A look at the entrance to the new kitchen facilities in Blyth Memorial Hall. (Photo by Ryan Drury)

The new lower hall area in Blyth Memorial Hall below the theatre, complete with a new kitchen and bar. (Photo by Ryan Drury)The new lower hall area in Blyth Memorial Hall below the theatre, complete with a new kitchen and bar. (Photo by Ryan Drury)

A ground view of the new seating in the Blyth Memorial Hall's theatre. (Photo by Ryan Drury)A ground view of the new seating in the Blyth Memorial Hall's theatre. (Photo by Ryan Drury)

A view from the balcony in the renovated theatre of Blyth Memorial Hall. (Photo by Ryan Drury)A view from the balcony in the renovated theatre of Blyth Memorial Hall. (Photo by Ryan Drury)

The new modern chandelier in the stairwell of Blyth Memorial Hall. (Photo by Ryan Drury)The new modern chandelier in the stairwell of Blyth Memorial Hall. (Photo by Ryan Drury)

The new touch-screen interface at the box office in the Blyth Memorial Hall, with info on the history and current facilities. (Photo by Ryan Drury)The new touch-screen interface at the box office in the Blyth Memorial Hall, with info on the history and current facilities. (Photo by Ryan Drury)

The new entrance sign of the Blyth Memorial Hall. May 19th, 2017 (Photo by Ryan Drury)The new entrance sign of the Blyth Memorial Hall. May 19th, 2017 (Photo by Ryan Drury)

The newly renovated front of the Blyth memorial Hall, with a crowd gathered outside for the unveiling. May 19th, 2017 (Photo by Ryan Drury)The newly renovated front of the Blyth memorial Hall, with a crowd gathered outside for the unveiling. May 19th, 2017 (Photo by Ryan Drury)

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