THE Quaker Hall in Beccles celebrated its centenary anniversary on Saturday with crowds of people packing the community facility for a special party.More than 100 people filled the chairs, while another 30 or so were left standing as the first three groups who hire out the venue in Smallgate sang.

THE Quaker Hall in Beccles celebrated its centenary anniversary on Saturday with crowds of people packing the community facility for a special party.

More than 100 people filled the chairs, while another 30 or so were left standing as the first three groups who hire out the venue in Smallgate sang.

The Waveney Recorders entertained with Elizabethan music as guests arrived, Waveney Light Opera showcased the finale of Hello Dolly for their forthcoming show and Friends in Harmony rendered three songs beautifully.

During the afternoon there was amusing dialect from Marjorie Dick, humorous songs from Ian Sainsbury, plus a cake, signalling the milestone, cut by Yvonne Stocks.

Richard Crozier told of Pakefield Quakers arriving in wagons to support Beccles Quakers, Mary Storey and Yvonne Stocks spoke about the period when Beccles Library moved in, while Yvonne Fuller, daughter of Kathleen and John Ashford represented her family's contribution to the Quaker story from 1932 to the present.

A booklet describing the past 100 years was given to each guest, Kate Cheasman from the Society of All Artists unveiled a painting of the garden they had commissioned and Joan Wright from Beccles Helping Hands presented the Quaker Hall a cheque for �100.

Jonathan Robinson was compere for the event and Quakers were busy in the background serving non alcoholic punch.

The afternoon ended with a performance from Emily and David Johnson, who gave a snippet of the new Spotlight show Wind in the Willows and Jodie Harris, who thrilled everyone with her voice.