The ANZAC Hall in Featherston was built to give the thousands of World War I soldiers camped nearby a place to relax - a 'home away from home' - before they went to war. Since then, the building has served many purposes - from a hospital, to hosting generations of Wairarapa weddings, parties, civic events and funerals. She's about to celebrate her 100th birthday in grand style. A substantial renovation has included a new paint and varnish job inside and out, and a new roof. Even the floor's been buffed. Lynn Freeman spoke to some of the many dedicated volunteers helping with the big weekend and asked why a small community went to so much trouble to build a huge hall in the first place.