Great news for Victoria Hall Theatre in Old Harlow

I mentioned to you in a blog posting just before Christmas about a visit to Victoria Hall Theatre. This is a magical place entirely staffed and run by volunteers.

The Theatre is run by a Committee that is amongst one of the most passionate I have ever seen. It takes part in everything from preparing the set to production. Other volunteers run and organise the management of the theatre such as ticket sales and maintenance.

For this reason, it was a real pleasure to welcome Mr. Eric Pickles, Conservative Party Chairman (and MP for Brentwood), to the Theatre today. I wanted Eric to come to see Victoria Hall - but also because there was some good news to report:

First, the Theatre has completed negotiations with Essex County Council to purchase the building from them at a favourable rate. Second, they have been the recipient of helpful grants from Harlow Recreation Trust and Essex Council Community chest. This is all down to the dedication of the volunteers and management but also because Victoria Hall is so central to Harlow's community.

I was really pleased to work closely with some of the Committee Members to help assist their strenuous efforts. This included meeting with Cllr. John Jowers from County Hall and discussions with Cllr. Sarah Candy (responsible for finance at County level). Local Harlow Councillors Sue Livings, Mike Garnett and Muriel Jolles, also played an important role. Sue in particular has been a huge champion of arts and culture in Harlow.

All in all it was a good day. It is wonderful that this theatre will soon own its premises. Our community will benefit by having an even stronger and better theatre in Old Harlow in a most magnificent Hall.

Victoria Hall

I was very pleased to have gone to Victoria Hall in Old Harlow, yesterday evening, to meet members of the Theatre Committee. The building is unique, built in Victorian times and houses the most wonderful theatre. What is really special about the place, is that the theatre is entirely run by volunteers - whose passion and commitment is infectious. The productions at the theatre have achieved widespread praise and are noted for the professionalism and breadth of acting.

The Committee has some great plans for the building and are seeking to purchase it outright from Essex County Council - if the right price can be agreed. I will do all I can to make representations to ECC, so that the future of this wonderful theatre can be permanently secured.