By Jonathan van Bilsen

TIRELESS VOLUNTEERS AND GENEROUS PATRONS ARE THE LIFEBLOOD OF TOWN HALL 1873.
KENT FARNDALE IS BOTH.

Kent Farndale Has Been a Community Builder All Her Life.

Kent Farndale, a well-loved figure in Port Perry’s arts and culture scene. Her deep rooted connection to the town and dedication to community causes, make her the ideal person to help lead the charge. Kent’s family history in Port Perry is woven into the fabric of the town.

Meeting her, you will feel the drive she has for every cause she undertakes . When she speaks of this one, you will understand that supporting her is more than a donation—it is a way to give back to a community treasure.

She is a fifth-generation descendant of the Gerrow family, Huguenots who fled persecution in France to settle here. In 1924, her father and grandfather opened Gerrow’s Bakery, which operated until 1961 and continues today as Hank’s Pastries. Kent’s journey of giving back started early. As a teenager, she worked part-time for Bell Telephone across from her family’s bakery, all while completing her education and later attending Teacher’s College. After marrying Doug Farndale in 1958, the couple moved around Canada for Doug’s career with the Toronto Dominion Bank, but they always returned to Port Perry, eventually purchasing a cottage on Scugog Island. Working with her friend Bill Brock, Kent led a fundraising effort that not only saved the building but restored it into the vibrant theatre we enjoy today.

Her passion for the arts extended beyond fundraising; Kent was a performer herself, gracing the stage in numerous Scugog Choral Society (SCS Musicals) productions over the years, including Fiddler on the Roof, Brigadoon, and My Fair Lady. Kent’s contributions are visible across Port Perry. She joined the hospital board, advocating for better healthcare, and when plans for a new library took shape in 1982, she pushed for an art gallery within its walls. For over a decade, Kent oversaw its operations, and today the Kent Farndale Gallery stands as a tribute to her dedication.

Now, Kent has turned her attention to making Town Hall 1873 Theatre accessible for all, the third major fundraising project she has been involved in since 1973. Her tireless efforts have sparked new life into this project.

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Read more about our RESHAPING THE FUTURE fundraising campaign – we are just under $300,000 shy of our goal needed to install a new, fully accessible elevator! Everyone deserves the opportunity to attend the theatre with ease. You can help.