Look down and then look up!

When you go into the New Hall sometime soon, you won’t fail to notice that the floor has been refurbished!  It was new in 1997 as part of the structural rescue project and has been appreciated since as a good dance floor. Unfortunately, the varnish was worn through in places and the Parana pine is not very robust so it has taken some knocks since!  We are fortunate to have received two major grants to add to our fundraising in 2025 to help with both this work and also the stage lighting renewal.

If you also look upwards you will notice that the stage lighting has been renewed – with low energy fittings now controlled by a new computerised desk.  Stage lighting designer Graham Large has been invaluable to the New Hall in devising an achievable scheme and putting us in touch with a specialist in Rye Harbour, EWP, who fit cruise ships worldwide with stage lighting!  This work was carried out in time for the Burns Night bash where the address to the haggis was spectacularly lit.

We would like to thank our supporters who donate to the New Hall, participate in the 100 Club (ask if you’d like to join) and residents who come to the various fundraising events which brought in £6,841 during 2025. Our lighting project was made possible thanks to #National Lottery players plus fantastic support from the Bernard Sunley Foundation in July of £5,000 which encouraged the National Lottery Community Fund to give £12,837 later the same month.  All these contributions have allowed us to go ahead with the floor refurbishment and the Stage lighting renewal.

We look forward to welcoming you in our Centenary Year for glittering stage shows and a series of exciting events!