About

Pokeshaw & Black Rock Recreation Council Inc is a non profit company. It was incorporated  under the New Brunswick Companies Act on the 16th. of December, 1977. The applicants for incorporation were Donald O'Hearn, George Riordon , Martina Riordon and Bedford Whelton.  All legal work to incorporate and organize the company was done by Thomas W Riordon.

For generations and at least from the early 1900's, a local Community Hall served the residents of the area on a lot of land that had been owned by the Foley family located in Lower Pokeshaw near the East bank of the Pokeshaw River and opposite the entrance to the Beach. This was a modest facility, built and maintained by local community minded volunteers. Special events , meetings and social activities were hosted at the Community Hall.

Volunteers in the rural communities of Pokeshaw and Black Rock who were maintaining and operating the Hall and its activities  decided to incorporate the non-profit Recreation Council in 1977. The applicants for incorporation are above set out. After incorporation this company acquired the assets of the Community Hall, consisting  primarily  of the modest building which was located on a small parcel of land of which it did not have legal title.

The newly incorporated company was set up and all residents of and property owners in Pokeshaw and Black Rock are eligible for membership which must be approved by the Board of Directors. After incorporation and organization it continued to operate the Community Hall hosting local activities, community meetings, meals and social events. The facilities were renovated and improved.

Unfortunately, on December,22, 1984, fire struck and the Hall was destroyed. This was a major setback as the building had been renovated prior to the fire and was well maintained. After the fire community minded citizens decided to build a new community centre.  A committee was set up and fund raising activities were held. With the great support of the communities a new Community Hall was built.

The new Hall was built on land acquired from Effie A'Hearn, widow of James A'Hearn, and her son Francis Peter A'Hearn on Route 11, immediately East of the A'Hearn Road. The deed to the property  which comprises some 5 acres is  dated the 31st. day of May,1985 and it was registered in the Gloucester County Registry office on the 28th. of June 1985 as #161176 of Volume 979 pages 270 -279 of the Records. The new Community Hall was officially opened on 15 February,1986.  The support of many volunteers and generous donations were instrumental in the success of this project. 

Since its incorporation in 1977, Pokeshaw & Black Rock Recreation Council Inc has operated the Community Hall .  As a non profit society, it provides a common voice for the communities. Its facilities and properties are used for meetings, recreational activities, community and social events for the people of Pokeshaw, Black Rock and surrounding communities in the region. The community - based group supports such activities and spearheads action to improve the communities, support its residents and provide better services to those living in the region and visitors.

The Pokeshaw & Black Rock Recreation Council Inc. promotes activities for healthy lifestyle, encourages physical activity, special events and programs. Particularly those that will support the youth and seniors of the communities.

For many years it has promoted and been involved in the Terry Fox program and the annual Terry Fox Run. It encourages participation in this event and has hosted receptions for participants, substantial amounts of  funds have been raised. The Recreation Council has celebrated Canada Day and New Brunswick Day and other events. Recently the Hall has hosted meetings of the Pokeshaw & Black Rock Lions Club which has been organized in the communities. For many years the Community Hall has been used regularly for functions of the Catholic Women's League (CWL) and the youth of 4 H-Canada.

Since around 1998,Pokeshaw & Black Rock Recreation Council Inc has operated a community park and picnic site including the well known and popular Pokeshaw Beach. The park and beach are enjoyed and used by the local residents and visitors. This is an ideal destination for recreation and leisure activities. Summer programs  for residents and visitors have been held. Students have been employed in summer months to care and maintain the park and beach. It is the intention of the Recreation Council to continue to operate the park and beach.

Major improvements were recently completed at the park. In 2018 -19, a beautiful Boardwalk and Lookout was  built. Modern washrooms were constructed. Heritage Panels were erected. All with the assistance of the Province of New Brunswick which is gratefully acknowledged. These improvements have proven to be extremely popular. Visitors have been impressed and the popularity of the park and beach as a tourist destination has grown. Many volunteers were involved in this project and have continued to be involved in maintaining the facilities.

With the help and generosity of volunteers and members, the Recreation Council offers and provides a range of activities. The organization has always been active in the communities in the region and has initiated events and activities for the  youth, seniors and residents. Local residents gather at the Hall for a variety of activities including meals ,card games, exercise classes, potluck dinners, wedding receptions and dances. On the sad occasion of the death of a resident that person is recognized and honored at a special no cost reception for the family and friends. The Community Hall is the hub of a wide range of community programs.

The Present Community Hall has been in regular use since around 1984. Although regular maintenance has been carried out over the years the building now requires major upgrades and modernization to better serve the needs  of the people. It is hoped that the generosity of many will support needed upgrades, the cost of which will be quire substantial. It is hoped that necessary funds will be raised to finance the cost of the project to upgrade the Hall to better serve the needs of the Communities and people of the region.

The Pokeshaw & Black Recreation Council Inc is a registered Charity with all privileges of charitable status. Any donations made  will be given a charitable receipt which is income tax deductible.

The above summary was prepared by Thomas W Riordon