Representatives of a Cumbria-based charity that helped fund a major upgrade of facilities at Cockermouth’s Kirkgate Centre have been able to see – and sample – the improvements first hand!
Eric Southward, a trustee of the Benny Walker Charitable Trust, and his wife Janet were invited along to Saturday’s sellout performance by Joni Mitchell tribute band This Flight Tonight.
The Trust’s investment helped fund a new heat exchange ventilation system at the Centre, a converted Victorian primary school. It formed a key component of a near £370,000 refurbishment programme that has transformed the visitor experience.
Kirkgate Chief Executive Emma Heys said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Benny Walker Trust for its invaluable support.
“We were delighted to show Eric and Janet that the heat exchange ventilation system is working perfectly.
“It makes a very noticeable difference to the atmosphere in the auditorium and we are receiving a lot of positive feedback from customers, staff and volunteers.”
Further substantial grants from organisations such as Arts Council England, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and Fibrus Broadband allowed the Kirkgate to carry out a wide range of improvements, which included:
· Improved stage lights and air circulation in the main auditorium, providing more energy efficient versions;
· A refurbished lift for customers with reduced mobility;
· An accessible WC on the centre’s first floor;
· Modern, energy efficient lighting throughout;
· Improved sound production system;
· Other new equipment including speakers, amplifiers, audio mixer, MacBook Pro and radio mics.
“The Kirkgate celebrated its 30th birthday last year and, in a precarious financial environment, this range of grants represented a strong vote of confidence in what we offer to the local community and sets us up well for the future,” said Emma.
Eric added: “The Trust was pleased to be able to contribute to the wide-ranging improvements carried out, which now provide a first class setting for the provision of cultural, theatrical, and musical events in Cockermouth.”
ENDS ….
NOTES TO EDITORS
Kirkgate is a charity based in Cockermouth, Cumbria. It operates an arts and heritage centre as well as working with towns and villages in West Cumbria to encourage a diverse programme of arts, culture and entertainment. Its vision is to ensure that creative talent is valued, developed and supported with opportunities for all to engage actively with, and enjoy, the arts, local heritage and community life.
The Kirkgate Centre brings the best cultural, theatrical and entertainment events to Cumbria. From the best feature and documentary films to live streaming of top London shows, to local talent, heritage exhibitions, music, theatre, comedy and more, there is something for everyone.
In the historic Kirkgate Quarter of the Gem Town of Cockermouth, sitting on the edge of the Lake District National Park, the Kirkgate Centre is the perfect venue for special occasions, conferences, meetings, courses, exhibitions or private film screenings.
Kirkgate manages Arts Out West which stages performances in community venues from Furness to the Solway, ranging from nationally-recognised theatre companies to international musicians with events that are as much a social occasion as a performance. It is a member of the National Rural Touring Forum supported by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation.
Follow @kirkgatearts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
For more information:
Emma Heys 01900 829966 enquiries@thekirkgate.com www.kirkgateartsandheritage.org.uk
The Kirkgate Centre, Kirkgate, Cockermouth, CA13 9PJ