Residents were given the opportunity to step inside one of Hailsham’s best-known historic buildings on Saturday [12 September], when Hailsham Pavilion opened its doors for a special community open morning.
The Hailsham Pavilion Open Morning, held from 10am to 12 noon, welcomed visitors to explore the much-loved Art Deco venue, discover more about its history and learn about the work being carried out to support its future.
The event provided an opportunity to see parts of the building which members of the public do not usually have access to, including guided tours of the Pavilion’s projection room. Visitors were also able to learn more about the history of the Pavilion and the Hailsham Old Pavilion Society (H.O.P.S.) through a dedicated exhibition.
Live music from local musicians, homemade cakes and refreshments added to the community atmosphere throughout the morning.
The Mayor of Hailsham, Councillor Chris Bryant, attended the event and met members of the H.O.P.S. committee, Pavilion team and members of the local community.
Councillor Bryant said: “The Hailsham Pavilion is an important part of our town’s heritage and continues to play a valuable role in the community today. I was very pleased to have attended the Open Morning and it was good to see residents come along and discover more about the building, its history and the people who have worked tirelessly to preserve it.”
“It was also an excellent opportunity to find out how we can all play a part in supporting the Pavilion and H.O.P.S. Whether through membership, volunteering, attending events or simply spreading the word, there are many ways residents can help ensure that this special venue continues to thrive for future generations.”
The open morning also highlighted the remarkable story of community involvement behind the preservation of Hailsham Pavilion.
The Hailsham Old Pavilion Society (H.O.P.S.) was established in 1993 with the aim of raising funds to restore the Pavilion and secure its future as a cinema and live entertainment venue.
At the time, the building’s owners were in receivership. Wealden District Council subsequently issued a compulsory purchase order and arranged for essential work to make the building weatherproof. A 31-year lease was then established to allow H.O.P.S. to work towards bringing the Pavilion back into use.
The local community rallied behind the restoration project, with H.O.P.S. raising almost £100,000 before successfully securing a further £275,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Local councils and voluntary organisations also provided significant support.
Following the restoration, the Pavilion officially reopened in January 2000, under the management of Hailsham Pavilion Limited, another registered charity.
The work of H.O.P.S., however, did not end with the reopening. The charity continues to raise funds towards the ongoing upkeep and development of the Pavilion, generating around £20,000 each year through membership subscriptions and events organised by its committee.
Funds raised have helped to provide improvements including digital projection equipment, a computerised box office and an audio description system for blind and partially sighted visitors. H.O.P.S. has also contributed towards the ongoing maintenance of the building, including work to its exterior and the installation of floodlighting.
The open morning also provided an opportunity for visitors to find out more about H.O.P.S. and the different ways they can support the Pavilion’s future.
H.O.P.S. is a registered charity and membership costs £10 per year for an individual or £15 for joint membership. Members also receive a 10% discount on film tickets.
Residents can support the organisation in a number of ways, including:
All H.O.P.S. committee members and volunteers give their time freely, helping to ensure that funds raised can be directed towards the continued support and improvement of the Pavilion.
For further information about H.O.P.S., including membership, volunteering and fundraising opportunities, residents are encouraged to get in touch with the organisation: https://hailshampavilion.co.uk/h-o-p-s/.
H.O.P.S. can also be found on Facebook and through its online fundraising activities.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk