The Ophir Peace Memorial Hall has stood the test of time and a loyal group of people are determined to keep it that way.

Ophir's hall, built in 1926, is set to look her best for generations to come thanks to a dedicated committee.

Among them is committee chairman Sam Leask.

He has had the role for 42 years and was not going anywhere, he said.

"It's the people that keep me here."

Sam's family have been farming sheep for generations in Ophir, and his relatives date back to 1863 when the goldrush hit.

He has many yarns to share about the Ophir Peace Memorial Hall.

"The previous toilets were an old site hut from the Clyde Dam.

"There was a wall down the middle to convert it into two toilets - before that it was a long drop.

"And, before that we had to go out the back and up into the trees," he said.

Treasurer of both the Ophir hall committee and the Ophir welfare committee Malcolm Topliss said four projects over the past five years had culminated in the hall appearing as it did today.

The projects were; the kitchen (approx $45k), the heating (approx $15k), lighting, projector and screen and sound system ($10k) and also the bathroom and storage room ($210k).

Improvements meant the hall now has a commercial kitchen, two heat pumps, led lighting throughout, movie capability, disabled access ramps and a disabled toilet, among other things.

Malcolm said once they embarked on one thing other things came up that needed to be addressed such as signage for exits and security lighting.

"We did much of the painting ourselves, and we're so grateful that the council came to the party too."

The Central Otago District Council agreed to add $10,000 gained from a surplus from a separate Ophir project, where a new pool changing room had been build and piping replaced.

Sam Leask (left) and Malcolm Topliss inside the rebuilt changing shed at Ophir's pool. The old wood panel is dated 1921 and has three surnames, possibly those people were involved in building the play shed at the school. PHOTO: Anna Robb

Plenty of old world charm remains inside the hall, including in each of the new toilets where a unique antique style mirror is featured, sourced from Ophir's vintage store 'The Barn'.

There is also a selection of historic photos adorning the library walls near the front entrance.

The hall can be hired for events by contacting hall secretary Colleen Fewtrell.

Colleen said the committee was really looking forward to hosting the Eden Hore Exhibition at the end of April for two weeks.

"Painting the outside of the hall is our next project after things settle down.

"The community here is strong and we're always working on something," Colleen said.

Ophir's Peace Memorial Hall's kitchen. PHOTO: Anna Robb

To read more about the bathroom renovation project click here: Ophir community’s perseverance pays off