Romsey

Brief History of Romsey Mechanics' Institute

Romsey Mechanics' Institute was founded in October 1865. The foundation stone was laid in 1875 and a wooden building was built costing 200 pounds consisting of a hall seating 250, a large stage and two rooms, one of which was a Library for education and enjoyment of the local community.

A new hall, in front of the above building, was built in 1884, costing over 1000 pounds. Sir William Clarke laid the foundation stone on 29 May 1884. The Institute conducted a variety of events as diverse as theatre and weekly balls to roller-skating and boxing.

A fire on 6 July 1904 damaged the wooden structure and the Institute was re-built and enlarged to its present state. Once again the Institute became the social focal point of the greater Romsey area with dances, balls, theatre and the new craze "the picture show man". Even today you can see running sheets of the talkies pencilled on the walls of the projector room.

The Institute, today, caters for a great variety of groups and functions such as: Senior Citizens Club; CWA; RSL; Romsey Gardening Club (winter meetings); Dance Academy; Line Dancing; wedding receptions; funerals; concerts; presentations; and birthday parties

Annual Events Calendar

Annual Antiques Fair in March.

Check MIV's Events Calendar for dates and times.

Community Christmas Carols in mid December.

Blue Light Disco

Twice yearly - see RMI website for dates.

Regular local smaller Primary School concerts.

Building facilities

~Hall

~Meeting Rooms

~Kitchen (standard)

~Chairs

~Tables

~Stage

~Heating

Club/Meeting rooms for:

~Romsey & Lancefield Social Club

~Romsey-Lancefield RSL Sub-Branch

~Romsey CWA

~Romsey Garden Club – May, June, July & August meetings

Available for hire for:

~Wedding ceremonies

~Wedding receptions

~Funerals

~Birthdays

~Dance classes

~Theatre Groups

~Yoga, pilates and similar

~Club and group meeting

Hire Charges

~Whole day and Half day hire of complete building available.

~Whole day and Half day hire of the supper room available.

~Kitchen facilities included for all hirers.

Please contact the Bookings Officer for more detailed information and up to date charges.

Available for hire for:

~Wedding ceremonies

~Wedding receptions

~Funerals

~Birthdays

~Dance classes

~Theatre Groups

~Yoga, pilates and similar

~Club and group meeting

Street Address

122 Main Street

Romsey VIC 3434

Postal Address

Romsey Mechanics' Institute

PO Box 130

Romsey VIC 3434

Contact (General Enquiries):

presidentrmi@gmail.com

Contact (Hire Enquiries):

rmibookings@gmail.com

Contact (Other Enquiries):

secretaryrmi@gmail.com

Website

romseymechanicsinstitute.com