Richmond School of Arts marked a milestone, recognising the significant contributions of Margaret Thorne, who has served on its board for an impressive 43 years, including 39 as President. In a gesture fitting for her dedication, the school named its “Green Room” after Margaret, to become the “Margaret Thorne Green Room” cementing her legacy in the building she helped shape and modernize over decades.

One of Margaret’s proudest achievements was ensuring that the Richmond School of Arts became a place that meets community needs while preserving its historical significance. Despite its age - built in 1866 and originally opened by Sir Henry Parkes - the building now operates as a versatile venue for a wide range of community activities, from Zumba and Pilates classes to theater productions and community meetings.

Since joining in 1977, Margaret has led extensive renovations and improvements to the Richmond School of Arts, transforming it into a fully functional and accessible community facility. Under her leadership, the school has seen the installation of a commercial-grade kitchen, air conditioning in both halls, an audio-visual system, updated lighting, and a major refurbishment of the Murray Wing and auditorium. These updates included security cameras, complete padded seating for 168 people, new ramps for accessibility, and other essential amenities that brought the historic building in line with modern standards.

Margaret’s influence extended well beyond overseeing building improvements. She has been a consistent presence in the daily operations, spending two full days each week managing administrative duties, organising maintenance, handling bookings, and working closely with tenants. This work has been essential in maintaining the financial and operational stability of the Richmond School of Arts. Her responsibilities also include chairing monthly board meetings and addressing the day-to-day needs of the facility, all aimed at ensuring the building remains sustainable for future generations.

The event also recognised Richmond School of Arts Treasurer, Katrina Roberts, who was awarded Life Membership for her 15 years of service. Katrina has worked closely with Margaret, supporting her efforts to strengthen the organisation and continue its development.

Margaret’s connection to Richmond’s arts scene is long-standing. Beyond her work at the School of Arts, she was involved with the Richmond Players from 1954 to 2007, participating in productions and directing shows. This combined experience of over 70 years in the arts has made her a well-known figure within the Richmond community.

Today, the Richmond School of Arts is a busy hub for the community, hosting everything from dance classes to church groups, weddings, and art shows. Margaret’s enduring work and hands-on involvement have been instrumental in making this possible. With her ongoing roles as Patron and Archivist of the Richmond Literary Institute, she remains deeply engaged in preserving and supporting the arts in Richmond.