Kingsway
Hall Theatre Trust
Dear Friend,
The trustees of Kingsway Hall feel it is time you, as a member of the community were brought up to date with the development of Dovercourt's Arts and Leisure Centre.
As you pass by, you will see the notable exterior improvements to the Hall, which include the mammoth task of re-painting such a large building and its surrounding railings. You will have seen, too, the fine new oak door at the main entrance, restoring something of the original 19th century style. It is now approached by new steps with a central hand-rail.
Those who are regular users of the Hall will have seen many interior developments, too. We now have excellent toilet facilities, and a well-equipped kitchen for preparing refreshments. As you enter the hall, you will see that the previous strip-lighting has been replaced by a beautiful array of chandeliers - much more in keeping with the architecture of the building - and, facing you, is the stage, newly framed with the traditional warm red curtains. The stage is provided now with its required lighting, controlled by a switch-board in the rear gallery. All these things have considerably enlarged the potential for the future use of Kingsway Hall.
It is difficult, for those not directly involved, to realise how much work has been done and how much money has had to be raised to achieve these results - in excess of £100,000! We owe a debt of gratitude to both workers and givers. They are people who believe in what they are doing, and they are doing it to create something for us all to use and enjoy.
There is, however, a final goal that is still a long way ahead. The stage, for example, to meet the needs of the players needs back-stage room. To meet this and other needs it is planned to build an extension to the rear of the hall. A ramp for the disabled has been installed. The side door has been rebuilt in a style worthy of the building; carpeting must be laid; a concert piano has been purchased - much more!
To achieve this, outside help is absolutely necessary, and, hopefully, a grant may soon be obtained from lottery funds. In fact the Essex Rural Development Centre will shortly be coming to Dovercourt to examine the Kingsway Hall venture and to discover whether we - as a community -are prepared to give it our full support. They will then be able to add their strength to our plea for the essential grant. We shall have to show them that we are not - as some appear to think - a community with no ambition, and very little interest. Grant-aided, the Kingsway Hall project will take new wings!
If you would like to know more, or would like to give assistance, please contact :
Eric Edwards,
29, Station Road,
Dovercourt
CO12 3AL
Telephone: 01255 556658