Haslemere Hall is the central entertainment focus of the town, providing a vital public venue for films, local theatre and opera productions, the national satellite broadcasts of plays, ballet and opera, as well as facilities for meetings, lectures, keep fit and other classes for young and old: There is an annual footfall of some 50,000 visitors, ranging from the younger pupils of the Surrey Theatre Academy to the more mature members of U3A.

It is normally busy six days a week, with often different and varied activities in morning, afternoon and evening.

The Hall is a charity, with the building donated to the town by Edith Lewis Day shortly after the end of WW1, in memory of her father, Barclay Lewis Day, who had started building it in 1913. There are currently twelve trustees, all voluntary, supported by some 75 volunteers, who assist at events and generally with the operation of the Hall.

There is a small paid staff, comprising one full time manager and seven other part time staff, covering the box office, technicians/handymen and one front of house manager

The Hall is a multipurpose building including a 340 seat theatre (stalls, raised seating and balcony) with a large stage. There is also a separate multi-purpose function room, with a bar and kitchen.

Each year, there are live performances of pantomimes, plays, musicals, childrens plays, concerts, Tribute Bands (ABBA, Led Zeppelin, Beatles etc) and Armistice day is celebrated in the Hall.

Other events that take place include The Beer (and gin) Festival, Charity markets (Bliss) and, making a welcome return, live Opera with professional singers, orchestra and Conductor. The Hall even hosts the occasional event under an indoor marquee.

The building may be hired for activities either as a whole or in part, if hirers only need the theatre or the function room or maybe just one of the dressing rooms.

Hire fees are flexible, designed to allow community and other worthy organisations affordable access to the facilities. Similarly, ticket prices for events are, where possible, structured to give a range of prices for those with different incomes.

While the Hall does generate an annual surplus, keeping an old building safe, comfortable and fit for purpose does require regular and, occasionally, exceptional expenditure.

In recent years, the roof has been replaced; new heat-efficient windows fitted and much improved heating installed. Now the Trustees have had to turn their attention to the very important, but less glamorous, washroom facilities. There is a pressing need to refurbish and upgrade the various WCs around the building, both Front of House and back stage.

A total of £52,000 is required to cover the various works and making good. So far £12,000 has been raised

Any donation to support this necessary work at this important building at the heart Of Haslemere would be much appreciated.

December, 2018