Residents are being invited to step inside one of Hailsham’s best-known historic buildings when Hailsham Pavilion opens its doors for a special community open morning on Saturday 12 September.
The Hailsham Pavilion Open Morning, taking place from 10am to 12 noon, will provide visitors with an opportunity 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 Mayor of Hailsham, Councillor Chris Bryant, will be attending the event and is encouraging local residents to come along, meet those involved with the Pavilion and find out more about how they can help to support this important community venue.
Admission is free, with live music from local musicians throughout the morning, guided tours of the Pavilion’s projection room and an exhibition charting the history of both the Pavilion and the Hailsham Old Pavilion Society (H.O.P.S.). Homemade cakes and refreshments will also be available.
The event offers a chance to see areas of the building which members of the public do not usually have access to, while discovering more about the work that has helped preserve the Pavilion as a cinema and live entertainment venue.
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 am very pleased to be attending the Open Morning and would encourage residents to come along and discover more about the building, its history and the people who have worked tirelessly to preserve it.”
“It is 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 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 will also give visitors the opportunity to learn more about becoming involved with H.O.P.S. and supporting 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.
The Open Morning provides an informal opportunity to meet members of the H.O.P.S. committee and Pavilion team, ask questions and discover more about how residents can become involved.
Councillor Bryant added: “The Pavilion’s story is a great example of what can be achieved when a community comes together behind something it values. The work of H.O.P.S. has helped secure the building’s future, but maintaining a venue of this importance is an ongoing commitment.”
“I hope the Open Morning will encourage people who may not have visited before to come through the doors, enjoy the music and refreshments, take a look behind the scenes and consider how they might support H.O.P.S. in the years ahead.”
For further information about H.O.P.S., including membership, volunteering and fundraising opportunities, residents are encouraged to attend the Open Morning and speak to members of the organisation.
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