It is hard to believe, but The Rose Centre is 25 years old! 

The opening, back in September 1992, was marked with a powhiri by Takapuna Grammar School Maori Cultural Group and speeches by then Mayor Ann Hartley, Chair Paddy Stafford-Bush and former Devonport Community Constable Peter Norwood.

Originally The Rose Centre was set up as a community centre with a creche for attendees' children and a theatre to house the local drama group, Company Theatre. It was also created to provide somewhere for Belmont Primary School to hold large assemblies. It was initally staffed by two part-time administrators Sue Golding and Bev Anstiss, and many volunteers.

After ten years, The Rose Centre included a foyer, meeting rooms, kitchen, creche and an auditorium, with 'bolted in seating’ being introduced in 2002. The number of people visiting The Rose Centre had grown to 30,000.

'The Company Room’ was built above the backstage area and opened in December 2014 as a rehearsal space ‘home’ for local theatre production group, Company Theatre. Dozens of plays and musicals have been performed and enjoyed by Company Theatre there since, with promotional posters from their many shows on display in the Centre’s foyer providing a fitting catalogue, and ensuring the memories live on.

The creche has become a fully registered early childhood centre, providing education, enjoyment and care to children each school day during term time. Three registered teachers and a teacher aide implement the early childhood educational programmes that the Centre runs, including a preparation for primary school programme. 

A strong association with Belmont Primary School has remained throughout the years, and is recognised in The Rose Centre’s constitution. This is of great benefit to the children of both the early childhood centre and the primary school, building familiarity and ensuring a smooth transition for pupils. 

This year, the whole Centre was renovated by Auckland Council to cure 'leaky building' problems and make other minor structural adjustments. This meant The Rose Centre was significantly affected in its ability to function fully. However, two plays were nevertheless staged: 'Weed' by Company Theatre and 'Motel' by another of the Centre’s regular hirers, Phoenix Theatre. 

Current Chair Raewyn Nevin says: “We are now able to function fully and have new paint, as well the security of knowing the building is healthy. Unfortunate casualties of this renovation were the lovely camellia trees that grew along the side of The Rose Centre, beside the car park, as they had to be chopped down to allow the scaffolding to be erected. 

“However, we do not intend for this to be a negative, but instead an opportunity for us to revisit our gardens. The Ngaire Allen Memorial Garden at the rear of the building is looking very neglected and the rose trellis at the front is looking very tired. So if you are interested in joining our 'gardening group' and have ideas for the replanting please get in touch.” 

Phone 09 445 9900 or email info@rosecentre.co.nz

 

25th Anniversary Celebrations on Friday 27 October

Morning Blessing & Breakfast, 7.30am 

There will be a blessing of The Rose Centre at 7.30am, followed by an item from the preschool pupils and breakfast in The Rose Centre, finishing at 8.30am. 

All are welcome - please register your interest at the office on 09 445 9900 or email info@rosecentre.co.nz for catering purposes.  

 

Evening Concert & Supper, 7pm

Long-standing performers from The Rose Centre community will treat guests to a concert from 7pm, followed by a ‘bring a plate’ supper. Entry will be by invitation, as only 122 seats are available. Those wishing to attend should phone the office on 09 445 9900 or email info@rosecentre.co.nz and mention any involvement they have had with The Rose Centre.

 

New Manager 

The Rose Centre is pleased to announce that a new manager will be starting on October 2nd. His name is John Davies and some of you may have met him when he was manager of the Victoria Theatre in Devonport. Do drop in and say hello.

 

All those at The Rose Centre hope to see you to celebrate the 25th birthday on Friday 27th October!