Have you ever wondered why the Longford Town Hall was called Foresters Hall? The friendly society known as Ancient Order of Foresters purchased the property in 1892. Longfords chapter was known as Court Robin Hood. History of Foresters The Ancient Order of Foresters or as it is known today, Foresters, originated in England in the mid 1700s, the first recorded Foresters meeting being held in Leeds in 1834. The Ancient Order of Foresters established its first branch (court) in Australia in Victoria in 1849. Foresters was set up as a non-profit organisation. The founding principles of the society being to provide financial and social benefits as well as support to members and their families in times of unemployment, sickness, death, disability and old age. Foresters played a particularly active role in the lives of members and their families during times of crisis in the Depression and both World Wars. Foresters membership growth was significant during and up to the mid 1940s. At this stage the society had nearly one hundred branches (courts) spread throughout Victoria, with representation in all states of Australia. During this period funds raised by Foresters contributed to the construction of approximately twenty Foresters halls throughout the state. These facilities were utilised for meetings and community purposes and halls were used as refuges in times of trauma such as bushfires and floods. In the post Second World War period membership began to decline as the social circumstances improved due to the growth of the economy and an abundance of work and improvement in the provision of government benefits. Although the importance of such groups as the Ancient Order of Foresters has declined in recent years, the society through a core of loyal and dedicated members, has never wavered from its original objectives and mission to serve the community and deserving groups by involvement in social activities and fund raising for charities.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 05:50:04 +0000
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