Save Matlock Bath Pavilion

Meeting Mark Frame

2012-01-20T18:53:00.001Z

<<2012 January 20th Mark Frame.jpg>>
Mark Frame is the new reporter on the Matlock Mercury and I was pleased
to welcome him to the Grand pavilion today. I gave him a tour and
briefed him on our progress towards getting the building reopened.
The Matlock Mercury will be doing a big spread next week, so look out
for it on Thursday 26th January!
Gregor
N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd
See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &
Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

An Evening with Simon Groom

2012-01-16T10:51:00.000Z

<<2012 January 14th Simon Groom 002.jpg>>
A full audience was on hand to hear Simon Groom introduce three of his
short documentaries. 60 members of the "Friends of the Grand Pavilion"
had pre-booked and others arrived on the night. The films shown were his
famous "Full Circle: Saving Derby's Roundhouse" and two other short
films made for the BBC's Inside Out series.
Added in were his anecdotes, including how he ended up eating dinner
with Ken Russell; because Ken was the only other person eating alone in
the fully booked restaurant! This ended up with Simon making a
documentary on the great film producer; who died two months ago.
Afterwards the audience voted unanimously to invite Simon back to
present this documentary and create another super evening in the near
future. Maureen and Philip Sandler said " We found the films fascinating
and Simon Groom a great raconteur."
At the meeting I was able to announce that, with nine new members that
day, membership had reached 900!
Gregor
N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd
See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &
Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Cressbrook Film Club

2012-01-13T23:18:00.001Z

I took the stand to see Cressbrook Film Club and watched Potiche. The film describes the story of when Catherine Deneuve's husband is taken hostage by his striking employees she, a trophy wife, takes the reins of the family business and proves to be a remarkably effective leader.

I spoke briefly to the audience about the Pavilion and received a lit of interest as I talked to individuals later. I hope a few members coming back to us in the coming days.

60 people have reserved places for the Simon Groom event, so if you want to come; arrive early to avoid disappointment!

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor

Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Simon Groom Event is looking like a Sell-out!

2012-01-10T13:13:00.001Z

With four days to go yet, we look to have a sell-out in the making; for our evening with Simon Groom. So far I have had 47 reservations for seats!
If you want to have a seat, or even a standing place, you will need to book by emailing me or arrive early.
It will be a great event!
Gregor
N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd
See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &
Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

2012-01-09T20:22:00.001Z

I have now got more than a dozen people who have said that they will
help deliver the villages around Matlock and have been supplying people
with leaflets.
With their help we should be able to get our message out to:
- Wensley
- Darley Bridge
- Darley Dale
- Two Dales
- Hackney
- Bakewell
- Swanwick
- Crich
- Holloway
- Ambergate
- Belper
- Duffield
Hopefully more people will come forward and offer to deliver a bit of
their village. This way we can increase the Friends Group membership and
contact people who we are unable to visit in person.
Membership now stands at 887 and each week we get closer to the golden
thousand! It is slower at this time of year, as it is more difficult to
get out and visit people when it is dark do early.
Gregor
N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd
See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &
Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

FW: Simon Groom

2012-01-07T18:06:00.000Z

I have just sent out the attached flyer to members and already we have 10 reservations!

Simon will introduce 2 short films which he made for BBC1’s ‘Inside Out’:

‘Bucking Mad’: the story of an English Rodeo rider and ‘A Spinner of Tales’: a profile of local author Alison Uttley.

These will be followed by:

“Full Circle: Saving Derby’s Roundhouse”. This tells the remarkable story of how the world’s oldest Roundhouse was rescued. The Grade 2* listed building had stood derelict for 20 years, but was transformed into a £50 million College.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

New Year Donations

2012-01-05T12:48:00.001Z

I have just opened the post and there are no less than 7 new members. One envelope was from a lovely old couple in Derby. They have given a total membership and donation of £200!

This will really help us to get on with the repairs work that will be needed after we take on the lease.

A lovely New Year surprise!

How about the envelope above! I hope the name does not catch on!

Gregor <<img251.jpg>>

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Temple Mine

2012-01-03T10:17:00.000Z

<<2011 December 25th Christmas 011.jpg>> It is a lead mining tradition,
to light candles on the final day of work, to wish good luck for the
future year.
I got invited to go down the mine and do this; with the crew from the
Mining Museum.
So good luck for 2012 for the Grand Pavilion!
Gregor
N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd
See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &
Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

New Pavilion Window on the Stage

2011-12-29T19:20:00.000Z

<<2011 December 25th Christmas 001.jpg>> One of the windows in the old
Tourist Information Centre has been dressed up to be a Theatre Stage
Window.
We will be using it to advertise all the events that we will be putting
on in the future. With the Curtains, it looks like a little stage and
should have a dramatic effect on those walking by.
Thanks to Charles Beresford for the idea and Deebs Judd for the
handiwork!
Look out for our future events as you pass by the Pavilion!
Gregor
N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd
See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &
Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Carols, Quizzes and Winster Guisers

2011-12-12T09:44:00.001Z

A great night was had by all at the Temple Hotel on Friday. We had a good take-up for the quiz night and it was tough! Some teams only got half the questions right!

The rounds of the quiz itself were indispersed by carols. Nick the Vic arrive with a Pave the Pav T-Shirt!

Due to the weather – it snowed a lot that night – the Winster Guisers arrived quite late and only came on at around 10.30. This gave time for the bar to fill up!

We raised a little money, but it proved to be a great start to the Christmas festivities.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Anthony Radford visits the Grand Pavilion

2011-12-01T18:04:00.001Z

Today I showed Anthony Radford, the Arts and Venues Manager of Chesterfield Borough Council, around the Grand Pavilion and talked about our plans.

He was impressed with the building and our enthusiasm to make it into a venue for Music and the Arts. I got the expected “Wow” when he saw the ballroom!

We have an issue here in that Chesterfield is only 11 miles from Matlock Bath and has the Pomegranate and the Winding Wheel. There is good scope for competition once the Grand pavilion is open. This would not be helpful to either side.

What we agreed was to work together and to look for ways of making mutually beneficial links, both before the Grand Pavilion opens and afterwards.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

See Kylie Pentelow's Piece

2011-11-23T14:17:00.001Z

The link to the East Midlands Today Programme is below:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b017gd1k/?t=14m58s

Kylie’s piece on The Grand Pavilion is about half way through.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Kylie Penelow's Piece Broadcasts Today

2011-11-22T21:36:00.001Z

The television slot, recorded last Friday, was broadcast this evening and looked really good.

Kylie included clips from Charles Beresford, Ken Smith and Sue Bliss as well as Geoff Stevens from Derbyshire Dales.

She really got across what a great building it is and how we need to save it.

Thanks to all of you who came to help in making the piece and I hope we can have it available online for everyone to see again.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Amazing Amazon

2011-11-19T16:53:00.001Z

Andie Brazewell did his talk on the Amazon last night and put on a great show! We had a good audience and signed up eight new members on the night.

The talk incorporated slides; lights; special effects; and sound, which made it a real night of entertainment; not just a talk!

We had a bit of a crisis, before it all started, because Charles Beresford’s computer could not create the sounds; which would have been a disaster! Fortunately I had my computer, we loaded the slideshow, and it all worked OK.

Today we have shown 14 members round the Pavilion – doesn’t it get dark early!

Friends group membership now stands at 828.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Kylie Pentelow Comes to the Grand Pavilion

2011-11-18T23:00:00.001Z

It was great to see Kylie in Matlock Bath. She was filming a piece for Tuesday evening at 6.30pm. This is part of a series that she is doing on Lost Heritage.

She was enormously impressed by the building and what we are doing to try to preserve it. There was a big “wow” as she rounded the corner and first saw the Ballroom.

A number of key players in our campaign gave interviews including Charles Beresford, Andie Brazewell; Ken Smith and India Davies (pictured), who won the junior prize in our picture competition, right back in February 2010 when we had just started our campaign.

So look out for the piece on Tuesday

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Matlock Bath Fell Race

2011-11-16T11:18:00.001Z

The Fell Runners Association have organised a fell race on Tuesday the 24^th of April 2012 in aid of the Grand Pavilion.

There will be more information for members towards Christmas, but it will be an interesting event to go and watch; and maybe even join in!

More soon.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

University of the Third Age

2011-11-15T18:20:00.001Z

Today I attended the University of the Third Age's Theatre Group meeting. I had been invited to speak about The Grand Pavilion and I was given three quarters of an hour!

The speech went well and sparked a lot of interest among the audience, with far more questions than I could answer in the time available.

We signed up eight members of the Friends of the Grand Pavilion and will get more back in the post; from forms that people took away with them.

Currently membership stands at around 810.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

New Events Booked Until April

2011-11-10T09:21:00.000Z

We have now got a programme of events for the first three months of Next Year.

All these events will start at 7.30 prompt and will be at The Temple Hotel in Matlock Bath. They will be free to members and guests will be charged £5.

On the 14^th of January we have Simon Groom presenting a selection of short documentary films that he has made recently. He will talk about how he made each film and then project it. The films will include “The Flying Scotsman”, “The Roundhouse”, “Alison Uttley”.

This will be followed on the 17the of February by Gerry Kreibich’s incredible show – music and humour. Follow this link for an idea of what it may be like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1kAmU-aZJM

Pollyanna Pickering will follow this on the 30^th of March, with a talk on either her art or her wildlife conservation work.

I do hope you can make some of these events. I’m sure that you will enjoy them.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

New Website is Launched

2011-11-09T14:00:00.001Z

The Friends of The Grand Pavilion has now launched its new website: http://www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk/

This represents a significant change from the original website. There are a number of new features:

· There is an events page that will be kept up-to-date with the monthly events that we are organising.

· Where you need to buy tickets for an event you will be able to do this directly from the website.

· The designs for the Grand Pavilion have their own page and a link to the detailed designs.

· You can see this Blog, keeping you up-to-date with our latest news, on a separate page.

Do link to our new website and I hope you will enjoy following it.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Cromford Mills

2011-10-21T14:45:00.000+01:00

We have had a good two days at Cromford Mills, and will be back this coming weekend.

Above is a photo of Trina and Maureen, who did sterling work in helping.

We are doing another weekend starting on Saturday; if you can help please let me know on 0777 1717 086.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Cllr Garry Purdey Helps Out

2011-10-13T14:58:00.000+01:00

I have just received a cheque from Garry Purdey for £250. It comes from his County Council Discretionary Fund; which is designed to help local projects; such as ours.

This will cover ten nights room rental for future events that we put on. It guarantees our events for some time to come, which is great!

Next up in The Temple Hotel is Andy Brazewell; with his talk on the scientific trip to the Amazon, with 60 young people, that he completed this summer. That will be on the 18^th of November at 7.30pm.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Grand Pavilion Roadshow in Cromford Mill

2011-10-12T15:23:00.001+01:00

A Jacobite Rebellion - The Charles Edward Stuart Society bringing history to life at Cromford Mills and we will be there with our stall! Pictured above.

Saturday 15th and Sunday 16^th from 9.00pm to 4.00pm at Cromford Mill, this re-enactment should be fun.

Would you like to come to help with this for an hour or two? Please let me know if you can make it.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Missing Flutist Changes Grand Pavilion Programme!

2011-10-10T14:41:00.001+01:00

<<P1020278.JPG>> The Ashbourne Sinfonia concert programme had to be changed, at the last minute, because a flautist was stuck in the north of Scotland!
The concert was the second event, organised by the Friends of the Grand Pavilion, and had a good audience and made a great evening.
90 people gathered in The Members Room to share an evening of classical music at County Hall. The missing flautist, stuck in Inverness, caused a change to the programme resulting in pieces by Handel and Benda being dropped. As a result the audience listened to music from Mozart, JS Bach, Pachabel and Van Hal.
This has been the biggest event we have organised to date. It was pleasing that we got a handsome audience for the Sinfonia and we have made a good profit on the night, which will increase our funds.
Andie Brazewell will be the main attraction at the next event, on the 18th of November in the Temple Hotel. If we get the same size of audience then, we will fill the place!
Friends of the Grand Pavilion membership now stands at 732.
Gregor
N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd
See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &
Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Face the Music

2011-10-02T17:59:00.000+01:00

A tremendous event yesterday in Wirksworth, well done Andie and Ted. Top of the bill was Taste Buds, who put on a great show.

I was there with Grand Pavilion leaflets, getting a great response. It is amazing that our member from North Wales was back in Wirksworth for the weekend and enjoying the show.

This week we have put on 33 members making the total 708!

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Parallel Grand Pavilion

2011-09-27T16:41:00.000+01:00

Matlock Musical Theatre provided a perfect first event for the Friends of the Grand Pavilion at the Temple Hotel. They sang a selection of songs from Le Miserable, South Pacific, West Side Story and many other musicals and performed them “in character”.

Having now passed 675 members, “The Friends….” will look to organise monthly events from now on. These evenings will reflect the type of events that could be organised, once the Grand Pavilion is opened; like a “Parallel Grand Pavilion”!

This was a fantastic event to start with, Matlock Musical Theatre put on a really professional performance. Particularly outstanding was John Kersey’s performance, as Fagin, of “Reviewing the Situation” from the musical: ‘Oliver!’

Offering a variety of events to members at reduced or no cost really gives something back to members of the Friends Group. The members have placed their faith in us by joining and paying a small annual subscription. We can organise these evenings because local performers are prepared to give their time for free and together can provide a good evening’s entertainment. The room hire was paid for with the help of Councillor Garry Purdey’s kind donation from his discretionary fund.

Next month, the 8th of October, we will have the Ashbourne Sinphonia at the Members Room in County Hall from 8pm. Tickets are available to members at only £5, with non-member £7.50 and £5 for Concessions. Please contact the Box Office on 01629 55088 or purchase directly from The Music Shop in Matlock or Scarthin Books in Cromford.

The following month, on the 18th of November, we will have a presentation by Andie Brazewell on his recent scientific tour of the Amazon with 60 young people. This will be at the Temple Hotel, Matlock Bath, starting at 7.30pm

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Chatsworth Players' run of "A Man for all Seasons"

2011-09-22T08:44:00.001+01:00

The Chatsworth Players are putting on “A Man of All Seasons”.

As before, they’re offering a range of fabulous pre-show options, to make the evening with them really special. Make bookings as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. They already have so many advance reservations for the Gala Dinner on Friday evening that they’ve had to arrange another special treat to make sure that everyone can join in the fun – a black tie Champagne Dinner on the Saturday evening.

So, here are your Chatsworth options:

· Tuesday October 11 – First night special. Drinks and buffet, followed by the show, £30

· Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 – High tea followed by the show, £25

· Friday 14 - Black tie Gala Dinner with wine, followed by the show, £45

· Saturday 15 – Black tie Champagne Dinner, followed by the show, £45

· Sunday 16 – Tour of Chatsworth House and gardens, followed by high tea and the show - £35

As always, there will be some tickets available for each evening for the performance alone – these cost £15.

And then, after their Chatsworth run, they have a new adventure. For the first time, and inspired by this amazing story, they will also be performing “A Man for all Seasons” in Sheffield Cathedral. What an appropriate and atmospheric venue in which to perform such a magnificent piece. They will be performing in the Cathedral for two nights – on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 October. The tickets cost £10.

To make reservations, just call Sylvia Jackson on 01629 810174. She asks you to send her a cheque to cover the cost of your tickets (payable to Chatsworth Players), together with a stamped, addressed envelope. She will then send you your tickets by return post.

They’re all looking forward so much to entertaining audiences in October, it’s going to be truly wonderful!

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Members in Buxton!

2011-09-02T22:46:00.000+01:00

I never thought that we would sign up members in Buxton. With all the facilities there, the Opera House and their Pavilion, we thought that we would not find anyone; who would be that concerned to support us in Matlock Bath.

Well tonight I have just signed up two members from Buxton!

I was at the RNIB fashion show in Cromford Mill and signed up six people, two from Buxton!

Membership now stands at 561.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Friends Group Membership Continues to Rise

2011-09-02T17:12:00.001+01:00

551 Members!

Currently I’m in Bonsall and tonight I will visit a Fashion Show in Masson Mill and erect the stall.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Ashbourne Sinfonia

2011-08-31T11:45:00.001+01:00

The second event we are organising will be a concert by the Ashbourne Sinfonia in the Members Room of Derbyshire County Council (View a video of the Members Room here (opens in a new window)) Smedley Street, Matlock on Saturday the 8th of October at 8pm. Tickets will cost £7.50 with members and concessions paying £5. Accompanied under 18s will be allowed in free. What will be played will be pieces from Handel, Mozart, Benda and Vanhall.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Events for Members

2011-08-29T11:17:00.000+01:00

We always said that, once we had reached 500 members, we would organise events near to the Pavilion to show what the Pavilion could do; once it was fully open.

The first event will be Matlock Musical Theatre performing an evening of music from the shows that they have put on in the past. It will be on Friday the 23rd of September at the Temple Hotel, Matlock Bath between 7.30 to 9.00pm. Afterwards members, who want to stay, can retire to the bar! Members will be able to attend for free, although there will be a charge for non members.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Grand Pavilion Membership Reaches 500

2011-08-26T10:13:00.001+01:00

The Friends of the Grand Pavilion has now reached a significant goal; it has passed 500 members. When the Friends Group was launched The Grand Pavilion Ltd said that, if it reached 500, we would start to put on events around the Grand Pavilion; to show what the building could do. We have now started to organise these events.

“We have achieved this membership number earlier than we expected, and it is pleasing that the reaction on the door carries on being positive; the further we go from Matlock Bath. Currently we are in Bonsall and people are just as enthusiastic about the project as they were in Matlock Bath

Nearly 200 of our members are from Cromford, on no less than four roads in Cromford: Intake Lane, Castle View Drive, Derby Road and Cromford Hill, we have more than 25 members. We now have over 20 members in Bonsall and nearly 70 members in Matlock.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Family Fun Day at Bakewell Showground

2011-08-21T19:41:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I was at the Family Fun Day and Dog Show at Bakewell Showground. This was organised by the High Peak Pony Club. It was a bit of a disaster for membership, one big zero, but there was interest and there may well be members coming in by post as a result.

Today I have starting knocking on doors in Bonsall. Great reaction and a number of members.

Membership now stands at 489. 11 more and we will be 500!

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

A Draft Lease Arrives At Last!

2011-08-19T20:26:00.001+01:00

At last, after 6 months of waiting, we have a draft lease. It has a number or errors; it even has our name wrong!

Today I’ve been off to discuss it with our solicitor – who is working for us for nothing.

Hopefully we can get it in place by the 24^th of September, when the quarterly rents are now due. This gives us the chance to pay the insurance that we will need to have in place at the time of taking over the lease.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Membership now up to 471

2011-08-18T21:01:00.001+01:00

I’ve been away for a while (see photo) so things have been a bit slow. However memberships are continuing to come in apace, we have also been busy with events at Cromford and Matlock Bath.

This week I will be in Bakewell at the Family Fun Day and Dog Show. Come and see us here.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Bonsall Carnival

2011-07-31T21:45:00.000+01:00

We had a lovely day in Bonsall yesterday. If only we had arrived a bit earlier; I turned up at 1pm only to discover that the carnival had already started! There was a mad dash to get the stall erected and of course there was no parking left nearby. You can imagine me on that hot afternoon lugging the stand over to the recreation ground and setting it up.

Helen and Charles arrived soon after that and we ran a well organised stall. In the end we had a good afternoon and signed up seven people. This brings the total new members for the week to 33.

Membership now stands at 455!

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

New Banner Unveiled

2011-07-24T23:58:00.000+01:00

I’ve been out in Cromford, Intake Lane area, today and met some interesting people; I’ve met the couple who owned the house next to ours in Upperwood Road and remembered all our neighbours, both old and new; I also met someone who worked with my wife Penny and kept her horse in a field in a field near our fields; small world!

We now have a banner (pictured) organised by Andie and used for the first time when we had the festival fundraiser in the Fishpond.

Membership now stands at 422.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Membership Passes 400!

2011-07-23T21:12:00.000+01:00

We now have 412 members!

Today we appeared at the “Sheldon Day” and had a great afternoon. We had a lot of interest and signed up six members. Sheldon is near Ashford-in-the-Water and therefore near the boundary of the area that we regard as our natural audience. As a result we were expecting a few people to show less interest in The Grand Pavilion; this was not a problem, all bar one were enthusiastic.

We appeared with Robin and Max from the Mining Museum and this worked well.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Fishpond Event

2011-07-16T21:58:00.001+01:00

We have had a great event in the Fishpond. I have no idea how many bands were there, but the recently repainted building was “positively humming”.

We had the stand as you can see from the photo. As usual we signed up a few people. More important we made some more useful contacts and carried on building our relationship with the new owner of the Fishpond.

We are now at 395 members – more soon!

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.savethepavilion.co.uk

Highfields - Schools Will Rock You

2011-07-15T23:15:00.001+01:00

We have just finished our three evening stint at the “We Will Rock You” at Highfields School. The whole event was sold out, that means more than 650 tickets sold! It was a fantastic performance and really showed what 17/18 year olds can do. Of particular note were Chris Woods, Louise Wallwork, Rose Laud, Luke Marsden, Tristan Kawalek and Meg Woods, who played the leading roles really professionally. I hope we can persuade them to do a performance for our members in the near future.

We had the stall open at the beginning, the interval and as people left. We got a lot of interest and signed up some members. Thanks to Trina, Sue, Helen and Janet for their help.

We are now at 382 members – more soon!

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor

Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd
See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &
Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Membership Motors Past 360!

2011-07-11T12:53:00.000+01:00

After a successful weekend we are now at 361 members – more soon!

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Nigel Mills MP meets the Grand Pavilion

2011-07-10T10:51:00.000+01:00

Amber Valley’s MP Nigel Mills met the Grand Pavilion this weekend in Ambergate Carnival. I showed Nigel the displays of how the building will look once it has been converted and explained how the group will raise the necessary funds.

Afterwards Nigel said; “The group really have a super plan for the building, it will provide a fantastic resource for Amber Valley; being so close to the edge of the Borough. I can see people from as far as Ripley. Belper and Alfreton visiting the building to attend concerts and the theatre; as well as some of the many other events that the building can support.”

It is great to have Nigel’s support for our project. Although the Grand Pavilion is just outside Amber Valley, we see the Grand Pavilion as a venue for both Borough and Derbyshire Dales District. The Grand Pavilion is nearer, to most people living in both, than any other venue and it has such good transport links. With Nigel’s support we now have both local MPs helping the campaign. I will shortly be showing Nigel round the building and discussing the proposals in detail.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Regional Growth Fund Application Submitted

2011-07-07T22:23:00.001+01:00

The Grand Pavilion Ltd has just submitted its Regional Growth Fund application for the Second Round.

We have applied for £1m, which is the minimum amount allowable. This rule has made it difficult for us, as we are not going to create a large number of jobs directly. We will however protect a large number of jobs in Matlock Bath and create some more jobs, in the community, from our development. The total comes to 207.

This may create the conditions, whereby we can be taken seriously, but these grants will have to be the “tipping point”; whereby they make a project happen. Since we have not got any successful grant yet, this condition cannot be shown to have been met. I don’t therefore want to raise hopes that we will be successful, from this round, and expect that we will have to get closer to our goal, by having applications to other funding bodies accepted, before we have a successful application from the RGF.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Highfields Visits the Grand Pavilion

2011-07-05T20:44:00.002+01:00

Eddie Wilkes visited the Grand Pavilion today to see what we are doing and to offer support. Eddie is the new headmaster of Highfields School.

The Grand Pavilion is very keen to work with Highfields, particularly as it is specialising in the Performing Arts. We talked about communicating with the school at all levels and working together both before the Grand Pavilion is able to re-open and after.

Before the Grand Pavilion is open we can provide a venue for students to perform as we organise events for members. This may include classical and other music concerts, as well as work with drama and dance groups. The idea being that The Friends of the Grand Pavilion would provide an audience from the community for performers from the school; to give them practice in performing in front of a real audience.

Once the Grand Pavilion is open we could carry on that process on the same or a bigger scale, using either the “Grey Room” or the Ballroom. We could also provide a venue for larger educational events, where the school is unable to offer adequate seating capacity on site.

We hope to carry on building this relationship.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See our Progress: http://www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: http://www.savethepavilion.co.uk

Visit from the HLF

2011-07-04T16:11:00.000+01:00

We have had a very interesting visit from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HFL).

Charles, Mark and I met Des Gallagher and Lesley Owen-Jones this morning. We showed them around the Grand Pavilion and shared our vision. In response they were positive about the proposals, but made it clear that the competition is quite steep!

Particular areas that we need to be attentive to are those of:

· what we can do to assist education of young people, particularly in the area of heritage,

· producing a heritage plan for the building,

· showing much more clearly how we will be working with the other tenants in the building.

We will be submitting a proposal shortly, for creating a Heritage Center in the old Tourist Information Centre. This can be created quite quickly; more about this later. We can then move on to the main application, by which will time we will have build up a closer relationship with the HLF.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Pavilion Roadshow in Bakewell and Whatstandwell

2011-07-02T22:01:00.002+01:00

We have had a lovely day in Bakewell and Whatstandwell! The sun shone all day and we have talked to dozens of people.

The stand in The Bakewell Carnival was the fist using the new table and gazebo and this really helped in the blazing sun. My head was not burnt at all!

At The Whatstandwell Festival, we just used the new table and that worked fine in the evening sun. The music was good and there was a lovely crowd.Overall we signed up 12 members over the day, taking us up to 324 overall.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See out Progress: http://www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: http://www.savethepavilion.co.uk

Grand Pavilion Roadshow

2011-06-30T18:04:00.001+01:00

During the summer we are appearing at a number of events in the villages around Matlock Bath. We will erect the stall, which many of you have seen, and tell people about the Pavilion. So far we have been to Starkholmes, Cromford and Darley Dale.

The next Roadshows are below:

· Bakewell Carnival in the Bakewell Recreation Ground on Sat 2^nd July from 12noon to 5pm

· Whatstandwell Festival Hankin Farm, New Road. On Sat 2^nd July from 5.30pm to 9.00pm

· Ambergate Carnival, Recreation Ground. On Saturday 9^th July from 11.00am to 4.30pm

I will have the stand on the 2^nd and will move from one event to the other, as the Bakewell event ends, so timings may be slightly out.

Would you like to come to help with this for an hour or two?

I’ll take some photos!

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.savethepavilion.co.uk

Membership Crosses 300 line!

2011-06-29T21:38:00.000+01:00

The Friends of the Grand Pavilion has now motored past the 300 mark. With 306 members as of today.

The stall was out in the Darley Dale Fun Day last Sunday and helped to pile on the members. Thanks to Trina and Sue and their helpers, we now have members in Darley Dale and Two Dales.

This means that we have put on another hundred members; in just a month!

Overall Matlock Bath still has “just a head” over Cromford with over one hundred each. The other hundred members are spread throughout the towns and villages around Matlock. We do however have four members from outside Derbyshire, one from as far away as Hertfordshire!

If you are still thinking about joining, sign up now and help us to realise this impressive project.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Membership reaches 291

2011-06-26T13:34:00.000+01:00

Before we appear at the Darley Dale Fun Day, our membership has now reached 291!

So this weekend we should get above the 300 mark. This is a massive increase in just four weeks.

As I write this, Sue and Trina are setting up in Whitworth Park in Darley Dale, so if you get a chance to come and see us; please do so!

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Rain Stops Play at Bonsall

2011-06-14T16:46:00.000+01:00

The rain on Sunday had its impact on the “Friends of the Grand Pavilion” as well as the Tennis at Queens Club! (By the way well done to Andy Murray).

We arrived to set up the stall, saw the rain and went home! Sorry Bonsall, maybe we will be at the next event.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

The Duke of Devonshire Supports Grand Pavilion Plans

2011-06-13T12:53:00.000+01:00

In a clear statement to the Pavilion Group, the Duke of Devonshire has added his weight to the growing support for our plans to renovate the Grand Pavilion in Matlock Bath.

He writes; “I am happy to write in support of the work that is being done to restore the Grand Pavilion and turn it into a multi-purpose arts / entertainment / sports facility for the local community.” He went on; “We have over 500 staff at Chatsworth and I am sure that many of them will be as interested as I am in what you are doing…..”

I an very pleased to have The Duke’s support for our project. He carries huge influence in the area and it will help us enormously to know that he right behind us. We have a long road to travel before getting the money to realise this project, his support helps us on the way.

We already have the support of the “Chatsworth Players”, the local theatre group to Chatsworth. They will use the Grand Pavilion, once it is open. Now with the Duke behind the project we can move further forward towards our goal.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Starkholmes Fun Day

2011-06-12T11:32:00.000+01:00

We had a great time at the Starkholmes Fun Day signing up 18 new members. That takes us to 37 for the week so far!

The Lancaster bomber went over again this year and did four flypasts.

We were indoors, which was great when the rain came down at 5pm and the fun came to an abrupt end!

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Holymoorside Seasonings

2011-06-11T11:19:00.000+01:00

The evening was a great success, The play lasted about two hours including an interval. Being written by the players made it all the more interesting; though it did not have the professionalism of the a normal script.

The storyline centred around a café in a little village, with all the goings on around it. One chap was sleeping with both a mother and daughter; and not his wife! A farmer was suspiciously marking out a bit of land, for what seemed like development. An outsider arrived in the village and was not being open with the gossips. This is what made the play’s plot.

The Grand Pavilion stall was erected and we signed up four new members, which is good since Holymoorside is near to Chesterfield.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Accounting & Controls Specialist; UTC FS (working from home)
Masson Cottage, Upperwood Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK DE4 3PD
(Home) +44 1629 55088
(Mobile) +44 777 1717 086
P Help save paper - do you need to print this email?

Derbyshire County Council visits the Pavilion

2011-06-10T22:32:00.000+01:00

Today Charles Beresford and I took Sue Douglas around the Pavilion. She was impressed with the potential of the building and promised to help us.

Sue is the Senior Economic Development Officer in the Regeneration Team of Derbyshire county Council’s Chief Executive's Office.

Afterwards she said; “The building has clear potential. I confirm that I am happy to be the County Council contact person and will be pleased to review any draft funding applications and to raise awareness amongst colleagues. I have already asked colleagues if they know of anyone who has examples of similar projects, who would be useful for you contact.”

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Holymoorside and Walton Arts Festival

2011-06-10T15:17:00.001+01:00

I will be appearing with the stall tonight at Holymoorside and Walton Arts Festival to talk about the Pavilion.

It should be a good show; Seasonings is a “A drama devised, written and presented by local people”. It starts at 7.30pm.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Grand Pavilion Roadshow

2011-06-09T20:38:00.001+01:00

During the summer we are appearing at a number of events in the villages around Matlock Bath. We will erect the stall, which many of you have seen, and tell people about the Pavilion.

The next Roadshow is below:

· Celebrating Cromford, Scarthin Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June from 10am to 4pm

Peter Hume will have the stand; as I am in Spain on business for two weeks!

Come and find us there if you can make it..

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk

Big Lottery Fund

2011-06-08T13:52:00.001+01:00

We have so far not perused the Big Lottery Fund because of the limit of £750,000 on the total size of the application. Our project is going to cost £2.6m!

It has occurred to me that we could look slightly more esoterically; by taking the project and dividing it into parts. That way we can provide the Big Lottery Fund with a project that would work for them, but at the same time give us a large part of what we will need.

This is something that we could now look at, with a view to getting an application together much quicker. It does have its complexities though. We will need to look at how this would fit with the whole project and our relationship with the other interested parties to the building.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

Masson Cottage, Upperwood Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK DE4 3PD

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk
(O) +44 1629 55088
(M) +44 777 1717 086

230 Members

2011-06-07T12:22:00.001+01:00

After a frantic week last week, with articles appearing in the local press, we are now nearly half-way to our first target with 230 members.

These members have generously donated more than £2,000 in memberships and extra donations!

Currently I’m visiting people in Barnwell Lane. It is amazing how many houses there are in this inconspicuous lane running off Cromford Hill! I thought that I would easily get my first run along it done in two hours, but in the end I ran out of time having visited only half the houses.

Expect me back sometime this coming weekend folks!

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

Masson Cottage, Upperwood Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK DE4 3PD

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk
(O) +44 1629 55088
(M) +44 777 1717 086

Grand Pavilion Roadshow

2011-06-06T15:47:00.000+01:00

During the summer we are going to appear at a number of events in the villages around Matlock Bath. We will erect the stall, which some of you may have seen, and tell people about the Pavilion.

The first two are below:

· Starkholmes Fun Day, Starkholmes Village Hall. Saturday 11^th of June from 1pm to 5pm.

· Bonsall Garden Open Day, we will meet at The Old Tea Rooms in the square, Sunday 12^th of June 1pm to 4pm.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=bonsall%20derbyshire&rls=com.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7SKPB_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl

Come and see us and see how our plans will work out in practice.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

Masson Cottage, Upperwood Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK DE4 3PD

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support our vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk
(O) +44 1629 55088
(M) +44 777 1717 086
P Help save paper - do you need to print this email?

First Pavilion Tour

2011-06-06T13:41:00.001+01:00

We have now done our first Tour of the Pavilion for new members.

About 14 people came and saw how our plans will look in the building. This was after having heard Charles Beresford describing the history of this iconic building. It really is interesting to hear all the interesting anecdotes from the building’s history.

What was really good is that half of the new members who came, have offered to help. One of this group will be with us at the Starkholmes Fun Day on Saturday the 10^th of June.

The next tour is on Wednesday the 22^nd at 7pm. We are meeting in the old Tourist Information Centre.

I shan’t be there as I’ll be in Sunny Spain!

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

Masson Cottage, Upperwood Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK DE4 3PD

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk
(O) +44 1629 55088
(M) +44 777 1717 086

Up and coming Friends Group activities:

2011-06-03T10:08:00.001+01:00

At a glance...

Sat 4^th June – 2.30pm Open Day and Tour of the Pavilion

Weds 22^nd June – 7pm Open Day and Tour of the Pavilion

Sat 16^th July – 2.30pm Open Day and Tour of the Pavilion

Sat 16^th July – 2pm Fishpond Musical Celebration

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

Masson Cottage, Upperwood Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK DE4 3PD

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk
(O) +44 1629 55088
(M) +44 777 1717 086

Matlock Mercury Article

2011-06-02T23:05:00.004+01:00

There was a great article in the Mercury today, sadly I can’t find a link to it. It is on page two and tells of our success in getting members. It tells how to join: “Sign up online at http://www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk/ or contact (me at the address below). Individual membership is £10, a family membership is 315 and concessions (students, OAPs and unemployed) are £5.”

More soon……

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd
Masson Cottage, Upperwood Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK DE4 3PD
See out Progress: http://www.blogger.com/www.savethepavilion.co.uk &
Support out vision: http://www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk/

(O) +44 1629 55088

(M) +44 777 1717 086

Over 200 and up to 212

2011-06-01T21:47:00.000+01:00

Look out for tomorrow’s Matlock Mercury.

I have spent two weekday evenings calling on houses in Cromford. It is strange that so many people who are out over weekends, when I’m normally able to get out, are in on weekday evenings!

I have met a choreographer who we had not found before and signed her and her husband up as members. How may other people are there out there that we ought to have met?

People keep coming up with ideas for using the Pavilion, here are a few:

1. More things for young people, particularly in the Grey Room.

2. How about Bingo on a weekday evening, people travel for miles to find bingo.

3. Get Smedleys Mill to do fashion shows.

More news soon.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

Masson Cottage, Upperwood Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK DE4 3PD

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk
(O) +44 1629 55088
(M) +44 777 1717 086

Cromford Hill and 191 Members

2011-05-30T10:43:00.000+01:00

Another good day yesterday. I am currently working my way up Cromford Hill and we have reached 191 members!

I called at one house and talked to an old man; and them moved on. I got a few doors up the hill and signed up someone who is doing up his house – left I a terrible state by the previous owner.

When coming down the other side of the road an hour later, I was hailed by an old lady coming out of the second house I had visited. She got me to cross the road to tell me that she wanted to join, so I followed her back to the first house and signed her up on a concessionary membership.

She turned out to be registered blind, how she saw me across the road I don’t know, but the most cheerful person I have met. She had memories of dances at the Grand Pavilion and had seen many of the famous bands; that appeared there in the early sixties.

Anyway I was just across the road, and resuming my downward progress, when I got hailed again. The same lady beckoning me back!

Back into the first house again and this time to sign up her tenant, the old man that I had originally spoken to; who also wanted to join.

Anyway; I completed my downhill progress, wishing that I had the same amount of energy as that nearly blind octogenarian.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

Masson Cottage, Upperwood Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK DE4 3PD

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk
(O) +44 1629 55088
(M) +44 777 1717 086

Friends of The Grand Pavilion - Membership reaches 175!

2011-05-23T15:15:00.001+01:00

The new “Friends of The Grand Pavilion” group has now signed up 175 members, confirming the enormous support that the Grand Pavilion now has.

I am very happy with this early progress in signing up member of “The Friends…” group. When going around both Matlock Bath and Cromford, I am really heartened by both the level of knowledge of, and support for, what we are doing.

There is a great support for our plans. These include a theatre with banked seating, allowing everyone a good view. The seating is removable to create an open space for table-top-sales, antique fairs, pop concerts and many other uses as an open space.

Another great factor of our success is the number of people who are adding donations to their membership fees. A quarter of what people have given us has been in the form of extra donations.

A high membership will help enormously with the Funding Bodies that we will be approaching. These bodies will provide a major part of the funding needed to renovate the Grand Pavilion. It is one thing to get people to sign a petition. It is a wholly greater commitment when people are willing to donate to support our project. This is recognised by the funding bodies.

Those who want to join us can sign up online at “thegrandpavilion.co.uk” or contact us at Masson Cottage.

Individual membership is £10, Families £15, and Concessions (Students, OAPs and Unemployed) £5.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

Masson Cottage, Upperwood Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK DE4 3PD

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.thegrandpavilion.co.uk
(O) +44 1629 55088
(M) +44 777 1717 086

New Blog Posts

2011-05-14T19:52:00.002+01:00

I can now post blogs directly from my email address.

Gregor

N.Gregor Macgregor
Chairman, The Grand Pavilion Ltd

Masson Cottage, Upperwood Road, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, UK DE4 3PD

See out Progress: www.savethepavilion.co.uk &

Support out vision: www.savethepavilion.co.uk
(O) +44 1629 55088
(M) +44 777 1717 086

Gerry Kreibich Finds the News

2011-04-06T18:44:00.003+01:00

Gerry Kreibich has just been up in his loft and come up with a treasure trove of Pavilion memorabilia in the form of old copies of the Matlock Mercury. He has turned them into a 15 minute video, which we hope to be able to use.

They include editions with adverts for Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton and many other musicians, who appeared in the Pavilion. There is also a comment from the owner of the Matlock Mercury suggesting that raised seating at the back will give a better view, "but it would cost thousands".

You bet it will!

Gregor

Fantastic Coverage in the Matlock Mercury

2011-04-04T13:22:00.005+01:00

The coverage in the Matlock Mercury has been fantastic this week. It really does give us a boost to see our case so effectively covered.

I am personally very grateful to Amanda Hatfield for coming out to the Pavilion and having a look around. She saw it "in the raw" as after her visit we tidied it up significantly; so it was safe for members of The Friends of the Grand Pavilion to see.

Gregor

The Grand Pavilion Ltd – New Future Announced

2011-03-30T19:05:00.015+01:00

More than 50 Matlock Bath residents packed into the Community Room in the Grand Pavilion to launch “The Grand Pavilion Ltd” and its two sub-groups. Over 40 of them then joined “The Friends of The Grand Pavilion”. “The Friends….” group will raise awareness and tap the enormous support that the Grand Pavilion has in the area. It will raise money for the project by subscriptions and some events. Members will be kept informed about progress on the project.

The first event occurred immediately after the meeting when new members could see for themselves how the project would work out including a tour of some parts of the building.

The second group launched on the night, was the group; which will become the motor for getting the grant aid and later the building work done. Nick Whitehead, Dave Mowle, Charles Beresford and I, who have all seen the project through from its inception 14 months ago, joined the committee of the Matlock Bath Pavilion Group. We hope to be joined soon by at least one other member.

This is a real boost for the project. These two groups will change us from being a campaigning group to a Charity ready to take the project on to the next stage. I hope ‘The Friends….’ group will draw in hundreds of supporters and build the support we have into a solid membership; which will be a tremendous asset.

In the meantime, The Matlock Bath Pavilion Group will be the doing an enormous amount of work. It will be responsible for all the Grant applications, required to get the funding of this project off the ground. It will not be so visible but, behind the scenes will be to make this project a reality.

Gregor

Charitable Status!

2011-03-09T16:26:00.004Z

Today The Grand Pavilion Limited announced that it has been registered as a Charity . This is the second pillar we needed, from which we can build the next stage of our project for the Pavilion. With this news we can now announce new things: Firstly, we will be launching “The Friends of the Grand Pavilion”; which allows us to tap that great pool of support we have in the area – and wider afield – and start the process of raising the large amount of money needed to complete this project. We will have various levels of member, depending on what people want to give. These gifts can be “gift aided” giving us the tax benefits we are now entitled to. “’The Friends…’ group is launched with our first Patron, Simon Groom, who spent much time in The Grand Pavilion as a youth. He may never have become the nationally famous celebrity that Simon now is, had he not had his eyes opened to the world; by the events organised in the Grand Pavilion in the sixties. We hope to be announcing more patrons over the next few weeks and months. To pull all this together we are also launching a new website; http://www.thegrandpavilion.com/ , which will belong to ‘The Friends…’ group. Gregor

AGM Announcement

2011-03-07T12:35:00.005Z

Our AGM will be on Monday 28th March at 6.30pm In the Community Centre at the back of The Grand Pavilion There will be a short AGM followed by the opportunity for you can see for yourself how our plans may work out. All are welcome. Gregor

A New Dawn for the Grand Pavilion

2011-02-17T20:49:00.002Z

Press Release from “The Grand Pavilion Ltd”

Today Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Regeneration and Partnership Committee unanimously voted to grant a lease to The Grand Pavilion Ltd. This means that the group can now go ahead to obtain grants necessary for the restoration and refurbishment of the building. A number of councillors, including Lewis Rose and Council Leader Geoff Stevens praised the group for the professionalism of their work. In a short speech prior to the discussion, Pavilion Group leader, Gregor Macgregor said; “ 13½ months ago a group of residents got together to save the Grand Pavilion and had little expectation of success. With the professionalism, help and assistance of the council officers and the support of this committee we are able to reach agreement on a lease. We can now move forward to apply for the funding required for the restoration and refurbishment of the building. I hope that the partnership that we have built up with the District Council will carry on to a successful result. “The road ahead will be a long and difficult one. It will take time to get the necessary funding together. I believe that we will come up with the results in the end. Thereby we will be able to justify the faith that you have put in us.” The Grand Pavilion will provide a photo opportunity outside the Grand Pavilion itself. Please contact Dave Mowle at Treetops, Upperwood. 07976 262624 (or if no reply try Tel. 584387).

Gregor

New Objectives for The Grand Pavilion Ltd

2011-02-15T11:25:00.005Z

We have just altered the Objectives section of our constitution; so as to meet the requests of the Charities Commission. These will be visible in Companies House soon, but are listed below: 1) To further or benefit the residents of Matlock Bath, Derbyshire and the neighbourhood, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for sport and recreation leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents. In furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the trustees shall have power: To establish or secure the establishment of a community centre and to maintain or manage or co-operate with any statutory authority in the maintenance and management of such a centre for activities promoted by the charity in furtherance of the above objects. 2) To advance the education of the public in the understanding and appreciation of the arts. 3) Such charitable purposes for the benefit of the public as the trustees shall think fit. With these altered Objectives, we should be able to get Charitable Status very soon. Gregor Macgregor, Chairman

A Lease is Recommended

2011-02-14T11:16:00.004Z

Derbyshire Dales District Council’s officers published their recommendation that the Matlock Bath Pavilion Group be granted a lease. I welcome this proposal. If agreed by the District Council, the lease would be a 3-year headlease for The Grand Pavilion in Matlock Bath with an option to purchase the building if the Group can raise the money necessary to repair and renovate the building. I want to thank the council’s officers for their professionalism and clear-sightedness. Throughout the process of discussions with them, they have been clear that their proposal must be workable and long-lasting. They have appreciated that whilst this project contains some risk, we may not be able to raise the necessary money for instance, the costs of failure are far greater. I hope that Councillors agree to the officers’ recommendation. This will allow us to start the long process of obtaining the grant funding we need to restore the Grand Pavilion to its former glory. See the council's press release. Gregor, Chairman

Cromford Village Festival day One

2010-06-20T09:05:00.004+01:00

Day one is over and a large number of people visited the stall. It is not quite the same as being in the Pavilion Pump Room but very visible, up against the wall of "The Boat Inn". I will do an analysis of the results of the surveys, that visitors completed, when I do the next post. Gregor

Cromford Village Festival

2010-06-17T21:59:00.004+01:00

Come and see us in Cromford! We will have our stand at the Cromford Village Festival. It will show the plans and the Blog entries found here, wiich talk about what we hope to do in each section of the building. Gregor

The Second day of the Open Days

2010-06-13T18:57:00.003+01:00

Two hectic days and now the Open Days are complete; time for a well earned rest! We have had 276 people through our doors and our plans have received a rapturous reception. Especial thanks must go to Nick Whitehead for organising the whole event; Mark Crowfoot for the fantastic “Artists Impressions”; Mike Askey for the amazing plans; Robert Evans for the sketches; The Mining Museum for the use of the Pump Room; Bob Grayson for organising the bucket collection.That bucket collection raised £295.10, which more than paid our costs, and lots of people helped by holding a bucket.But the biggest thank you must go to all of you who visited the Pump Room and saw the plans; contributed ideas; and gave us some money. These ideas will be collated over the next few days and I will do another post with some of the results. Gregor

The First day of the Open Days

2010-06-12T20:37:00.004+01:00

Well the first day is over and I can declare it a good success. There was a good turnout from members of the committee and I believe that every question that was asked got answered. About 140 people have viewed the plans and many of them have completed forms giving their views. Those forms, and the comments on them, will help us to produce better plans. We will take all the comments into account and I feel sure there will be something there that we have missed! The Derby Evening Telegraph arrived and spoke to a number of people, they were impressed with our plans and organisation and I believe we will get a good article on Monday. We had a bucket collection and a number of people took part. Thanks for Bob Grayson for organising it. So far we have raised around £220, so well done everyone who helped. The Mining Museum had their open event, for Matlock Bath Residents, in the evening. The committee were well pleased with the turnout of residents; who enjoyed tea and cake, as well as a free view of the exhibition. Gregor

The Pavilion Plans Part 12 – Loading Area

2010-06-09T21:02:00.005+01:00

This is the twelfth and last in my series of articles about our plans for the Pavilion. When I started I never thought I’d get to the end! The loading area is an important part of any multi-use building as it is the place that makes those fast changeovers occur; which in turn make the building work. When we have moved the toilets, post eleven, we will have a space, which is out of the way, where we can park small and medium sized lorries; so that they can be unloaded and reloaded. In the old days much of this equipment seems to have gone in through the front door! There was a hoist at the back of the building to lift equipment through holes in the floor; which would be covered over afterwards. We wanted a better arrangement than this and in any case, that sort of procedure would not meet today’s health and safety requirements. Hence the need for a goods lift, covered in my post ten. This lift will arrive at the ground floor next to a roller-door to allow access. Outside will be the space for vehicles to park for loading. Here is an example of a possible Saturday in the summer: • 8am: Pavilion staff arrive and roll back the movable seating to expose the ballroom floor. They clear the removable seats into the carousels and use the goods lift to move them to the store on the mezzanine floor. • 9am: the roller door is opened and the table top traders use the goods lift to move their items up to the ballroom. Our staff start to move out and lay up the tables. • 9-11am: our staff ensure that traders move their cars once they have unloaded, to create space for other traders to use. • 11am: the table top sale starts, the roller doors are closed and the vans are moved to other parking places. • The downstairs toilet becomes available to the public during the day. • 2pm: the band, which is playing that night, arrives and uses the goods lift to move their gear onto the stage. The stage curtain is closed to reduce the noise. The stage lighting is organised at this time. • 4pm: the table top sale ends and traders start to use the goods lift to move their unsold goods back down to the loading area. • 6pm: the ballroom is free and the band carries out its sound-check and adjusts the lighting in the ballroom. • 7pm; the public toilet is closed to outside users. • 7.30pm: guests for the concert start to arrive and use the bar. • 8pm: the concert starts. • 11pm: the concert ends. • 12 midnight: the band is packed up and out of the building. A busy day, but that will be life in our Pavilion! Gregor

The Pavilion Plans Part 11 – Toilets

2010-06-09T19:54:00.005+01:00

This is the eleventh in my series of articles about the plans for the Pavilion. Why would I want to devote a whole post to the subject of toilets!

When we spoke to the District Council they indicated that they were looking to reduce their commitment to providing toilets in almost every large village and town. They asked us if we could include this provision into our plans.

• We had nowhere in the building to store things of any size. • There was a toileting requirement for Theatre, far larger than we could cater for within the building. • We had not got a proper unloading area for equipment; needed for the events that would be put on. • We would probably have to build an extension for the goods lift in any case.

As a result it became clear that to take over the existing toilet block; move it to the side of the building; add a further story to it; and use the remaining space as a loading area would, together, give us the solution that we were looking for.

The whole process rests on our ability to re-build the block on the side of the building and to use the toilets, on some evenings, as part of the capacity of the building.

The existing toilet block is hardly pleasant, over 50% of respondents to our survey said that the toilet facilities “could be much better” and only 18% thought “They are OK”. No-one responded yes to the question “Matlock Bath is over-provided”!

We could provide much better toilets, but only if we can have them locked at night. Much of the damage occurs at night. Apart from Illuminations nights, very few people use the toilets after around 6-7pm. In any case there are other toilets near the War Memorial and we would have the Pavilion toilets open for Illuminations nights.

From this thought process arrived the idea that toilets, with two entrances, would be the best solution. One entrance, open during the day, allows members of the public to use the toilets; but not enter the building. A second entrance connects the toilets to the rest of the Pavilion. This entrance would be open during evenings, when the full capacity is required; see my post four.

The number of spaces in the toilet would be the difference between the requirement for normal use, when people can go at any time, and Theatre use; when use of the toilets is concentrated into a narrow timeframe. So where people are free to move around the building, the downstairs toilets will be closed to the building; and completely closed in the evening. When the seats are out, and for instance there is Theatre or Classical Music in the ballroom, the internal door only would be open.

Within this proposal there may be some conflicts in the use, but good management of the facility should avoid these from causing confusion. Matinee Theatre events would be an example of this and, either we will not be able to do them, or we have to manage the movement of people during the interval.

This is not an idealistic solution to the problem, but it is a cheaper and workable solution.

Gregor

The Pavilion Plans Part 10 – Storage, Stairs and Goods Lift

2010-06-08T22:11:00.006+01:00

This is the tenth in my series of articles about the plans for the Pavilion. Storage space maybe the least sexy part of a building, but it is one of those things you can’t afford to get wrong!We have to have a goods lift, even though it is a really expensive item, as we cannot lift all the gear that is required for concerts, theatre, exhibitions or even table-top-sales without this lift. We will also have to move the re-movable chairs talked about in post eight. The lift will have to use the south staircase by the stage as it is the only position in the building that can access all the floors. The Stage and under-stage area are both on different levels to the ballroom. To achieve this it will have to have three doors, one opening at ground level and at storage level facing south. One door will be facing north to give access to the ballroom and the final one accessing the stage and the under-stage area. We will therefore require a new staircase which will go around this lift and connect the stage, under-stage, sun terrace, storage area and the toilets. This will be in a new building beside the stage and under-stage extension to the Pavilion. This staircase extension leads to larger extension on the south side of the Pavilion and beside the Mining Museum; it will run the length of the ballroom and be two stories high. I will talk more tomorrow about the lower floor tomorrow, but the upper floor will be our store and plant room. We need a store for all those seats talked about in part eight, there will be 4 carousels; a number of staging pieces that would be used to extend the stage; portable equipment for the flexible use intended for the building; and finally staging props that are regularly used and better not to store off-site. The philosophy and justification for this extension will be discussed in detail in post eleven. But the upper part of this building will be very useful to us, even if not very sexy! Gregor

The Pavilion Plans Part 9 – The Stage

2010-06-08T18:39:00.006+01:00

This is the ninth in my series of articles about the plans for the Pavilion. The stage will not change in principle, but there is a significant amount of work to be done. We are looking to achieve the following objectives: • To keep the Proscenium Arch. • To have the ability to construct Theatre props, whilst the rest of the Pavilion is being used for other things. • To be able to slide in props from the wings. • To be able to drop props from the “Fly Tower”. • To be able to drop backdrops from the “Fly Tower”. • To have a good Dressing Room area for the Theatre. • To be able to have a “Green Room” for musicians. The stage is “raked”, what that means is that it is lower at the front than the back. This allows more people to have a clear view of the back of the stage. We will not change this. The width of the stage is an important question, due to sight-lines and the type of performance that we can put on. However the Proscenium Arch is a tremendous feature in the Pavilion, which should not be lost.The Proscenium Arch is seven meters wide but the stage could be extended to ten by ten meters. The result is that the arch restricts the view of the back of the stage; especially if you are sitting at the front and off to one side.The result is that there will be a limit to the range of productions that we can put on; because we have decided not to tamper with this wonderful feature. The curtain will have to be thick to ensure that we do not have too much noise from the construction of a stage. When other activities and occurring in the Ballroom, we will see stages being created for later Theatre productions. We may need a Safety Curtain and, if we do, this may be heavy enough to block most sounds. There is a lot of old equipment hidden behind the boarding that was erected around the Proscenium Arch, many years ago. This has protected the equipment and it is possible that we can re-use it for curtains, and backdrops to be lowered. We have in any case created a budget to cater for these items in our plans. The “Fly Tower” rises some meters above the stage and, whilst not a perfect shape or height, allows up much more flexibility in the productions that we can put on. Scene changes will be much easier with this arrangement. Currently there are two staircases one on each side of the stage. This allows an actor to leave one side of the stage, but return from the other. We will still have this facility, but one of the staircases will have to go, to give access from the goods lift; to both the stage level and the level below. The under-stage level currently has loos and dressing rooms and a large open space. For the current plans the changes on this level will be limited, even though the plans show a considerable alteration. This may be delayed as it is not essential and we will be limited for money at this time. We should, however, be able to refurbish this area and make it as pleasant as we can, without spending an enormous sum. From this under-stage area there is at least one exit to the stage and we feel sure that another exists. We have not been able to uncover enough of the stage to see where this comes in. Having different accesses to the stage will allow actors to arrive to the stage from numerous different directions. We hope to arrive at a position where we can offer a reasonable stage for; Theatre for Amateur Productions; Theatre for Schools; Small touring shows, with limited requirements; Comedy Nights; One man / woman shows. Gregor

The Pavilion Plans Part 8 – The Space

2010-06-06T17:40:00.005+01:00

This is the eighth in my series of articles about the plans for the Pavilion. This part is again about the Ballroom, but it is about the ballroom uncovered, with the seats rolled back and the floor exposed. It is fine having a theatre, but that format limits the use that a space can be put to. So why not have a theatre that can also be used as a concert venue or as a space for exhibitions, table top sales or local sports? In the previous post I talked about the possibility of nine rows moveable seats and the front five-and-a-half rows being completely removable. The nine rows of movable seats would be able to be rolled back like drawers into a wardrobe. Click this link to see how this would work; there is an animation half way down the page. These would roll back to form two stacks at the back of the hall, in front of the balcony. The approximately 110 seats making up the front of the theatre seating would be stacked into carousels and stored in our new storage area. Below is a picture of how these would look when stacked.Clearing a large space in front of the balcony, which could accommodate around 400 people standing, means that we can use most of the ballroom for events other than theatre. The floor will be largely unaffected by the movement of the chairs as the flat chairs have removable rails that they attach to; which themselves can be removed. The moveable chairs have a wheeled arrangement that, at worst, will require a flat metal rail cut into the floor. The stage can therefore be used for a band playing, or extended forward if the band requires more space. These extensions would also require storage when not being used and would reduce the audience capacity.The balcony should not be forgotten. It will still be available when there are concerts, and will have a fire limit of 60. This is slightly lower than the seating capacity, but has more to do with the fire exits and the fact that there will only be one staircase for the first flight of stairs. When we have exhibitions and table top sales, we would use the whole space available including the Foyer, the Refectory and the Grey Room; this would give us a considerable space to erect tables and stalls. For these events, we would open the shutters and the lantern blinds. The whole ballroom will then feel very light – except in winter! Gregor

The Pavilion Plans Part 7 – The Theatre

2010-06-05T21:52:00.008+01:00

This is the seventh in my series of articles about the plans for the Pavilion. This part, and the eighth talk, is about the Ballroom. It is central to the project and is therefore one which requires a significant amount of time devoted to it.

Firstly we wanted a theatre with around 400 seats. There is no Theatre near Matlock Bath of this size. You have to go to Buxton, Chesterfield or Derby to find a venue of this size or greater. There are however a number of venues that can cater for around 200; Ashover Village Hall, the Whitworth Centre and Highfields School all boast a hall of around this size. None fill the gap that exists for a larger hall.

Secondly we wanted to produce a proper theatre; everyone must have a good view of the stage. If all the seating was flat on the ballroom floor, however, the seats at the back of the Ballroom would not get a clear view of the stage. Clearly with a narrow Proscenium Arch there will be some seats at the front that will not be able to see all of the back of the stage, these would be few in number.

We also wanted people to enter the theatre from the top and walk down to their seats. We did not want a theatre that “felt” like a lecture theatre!

Thirdly we had to have a proper theatre stage and the dressing room facilities below that the Pavilion offers. As a result we have limited the use this space to a limited number of alternative uses.

Fourthly we had to cater for the legal requirements. There need to be at least two exits accessible to all the visitors in the hall. There needs to be full disabled assess and safe zones in the event of fire.

There need to be enough toilets; the rules state that 60% of a theatre audience are women and that there should be one loo for every 20 women plus one. That gives twelve womens’ loos! The requirement for non Theatre is much lower (one for every 50 plus two).

Finally we wanted a flexible space, but more about that in part 8.

The design we have come up with is one which has two corridors down from the entrances at the top. The first five rows of seats are on a balcony, about which I have already spoken in part 4. The following nine rows are all on movable seats (more about that in part 8). All of these seats will be at an angle to ensure a good view of the stage. The top seat will be around 11 feet higher than the ballroom floor level.

The five front rows, and another half row, would be movable allowing access to the fire exits and, if a larger stage is needed, some of these rows can be removed. Additionally, if 400 seats are not needed, the front area can be left open.

The seating would be proper cushioned theatre seats with armrests but probably not quite the quality that you would get in a top quality cinema. This compromise is in order to get the greatest number of seats in the theatre and, to have a flexible use for the space, some of the seats will have to be movable and others will have to fold away.

The windows would have sound-proof shutters that can be opened when the theatre is being used during the daytime. The walls would have heat insulation, which would also assist in keeping sound in the hall.

The big change from the nightclub would be in the roof space. We would re-open it as in the attached picture and create a mechanism that will shut out light from the lantern, when complete darkness is required.

The theatre will therefore have a great feeling of space, deriving from its height, so even with 400 people inside it will feel spacious.

The wonderful Proscenium Arch (pictured) will be exposed, repaired and shown in all its glory – it will become a great feature of the restored theatre.

The type of theatre we can offer is not going to be universal, we cannot cater for large theatre touring companies, but with only 400 seats on offer we cannot get enough income to pay their costs. We will be able to offer theatre in the following formats:

• Small touring company performances, e.g. those with limited numbers on-stage at any one time. • Local amateur theatre companies. • School theatre, where they need a larger venue to fit everyone in. • Comedy nights and other one man / woman acts.

This will give a tremendous range of theatre opportunities for people in an area covering most of both Derbyshire Dales and Amber Valley.

Gregor

The Pavilion Plans Part 6 – The Grey Room

2010-06-04T21:06:00.005+01:00

This is the sixth in my series of articles about the plans for the Pavilion. The room I’m talking about was known as the “The Quiet Room” in the time of the nightclub. We are working with the name “The Grey Room” in memory of Phil Grey, who ran the Pavilion in its heyday.We have considered a number of considerations for this room: • The room should be available for local use. • Additionally it should be available for certain events in the Pavilion. • There should therefore be a separate entrance for the local use. • It should primarily be simple in structure and organisation. • Could it be opened early?With the separate staircase it should be easy to separate the Grey Room from the rest of the building. The fire doors at the top of the stairs can be used to separate this room from and other activities going on in the Pavilion. There is an area beside the Grey Room that could be used as storage and the room can therefore be used for a range of activities beyond just meetings. As a result there could be a fairly wide range of activities from sports to meetings of the Parish Council. There will also be a door onto a patio we are creating above the storage space (more about this later). When there is an event that wants to spill out onto this it will be available. We can therefore cater for receptions and private parties in this room. When there is a Theatre night, the Grey Room would be used in the interval for drinks. When there are Table Top Sales or Exhibitions, this room can be added to the space available. Gregor

The Pavilion Plans Part 5 – Theatre Entrance 2nd Floor

2010-06-03T22:06:00.007+01:00

This is the fifth in my series of articles about the plans for the Pavilion. It talks about the top floor and the Dome.Few people will have seen this floor as it was mostly offices, store rooms and a workshop. The public did not often get up there! The Theatre starts to dominate my story. Part 7 will be all about the Theatre, but the reader needs to know that the entrance to the Theatre will be from this floor: • We needed to have a light and audio Control Room. • We needed to have a exits from the Theatre. • The Disabled Lift terminates here. • We needed provision for a disabled toilet. • The corridors have to be “fire proof” to meet the regulations. As the feature staircase (discussed in post four) arrives on the 2nd floor, the corridor splits and goes either side of the Control Room. The Control Room will have all the audio and light controls for both Theatre and Music Venue and, with a hole in the back wall of the ballroom, people in the Control Room will be able to see the whole stage area. It will be raised a bit above the seating in front, hence the steps up. As to the corridors, the right hand one (upper in the picture) goes straight to the entrance to the Theatre, past a small storage room or office. The left hand corridor will go past the atrium and the top of the disabled lift. Here will be a secure disabled safety area in case of fire. The corridor then passes another office and the disabled toilet, before entering the Theatre. The dome room will not be touched at the moment, as this will cost more and we will have limited funds. It will be used however; as we hope we have found someone to rent it from us. When exiting the building, in the event of fire, the right hand staircase, the upper on in the plan above will be the secure fireproof staircase. This directly connects to the feature staircase to the second floor. Gregor

The Pavilion Plans Part 4 – Main Foyer 1st Floor

2010-06-02T22:40:00.009+01:00

This is the fourth in my series of articles about the plans for the Pavilion. Let me say again, these plans are just draft plans and will change as further considerations are taken into account.The biggest internal change will occur in what was the long corridor between the Refectory and what we are calling the “Grey Room” (more about this room in a later post). In the days of the nightclub this was a long dark corridor with toilets off to one side and the dance floor off to the other, at one end was the Quiet Room and at the other was the Canteen. We wanted to convert this into: • Something that is light. • Somewhere not dominated by the toilets. • Space to create good access to the floor above (more about this in my next post). • Space for the Disabled lift. • A small retail outlet for ice creams chocolates and programmes. • A wider space; not just a corridor. In order to achieve this we are proposing a balcony, with five rows of seats, over the back of the ballroom. This looses a bit of the open space in the ballroom, but gives us an enormously useful space below it. In this space we will put the toilets and create an attractive foyer, in the middle, to draw people into the ballroom. As part of the corridor, it will give the corridor a much wider feel than it currently has. Where the existing toilet space are can be turned into a much brighter space, using the light from the windows at the front of the building. On the left will be a feature staircase, which will act as access to the entrance to the theatre; which will be above. By having a glass wall in this staircase, light will flood in from the windows to the foyer. In the middle, where currently there is a narrow staircase, will be the ice cream outlet with a small atrium above; to allow more light to flow into the foyer. On the right will be the disabled lift and the rest of that space turned into a small office. Again it may be possible to allow light to shine in from the office by having a glass partition between it and the foyer. In all, we can create a light and airy space right next to the Ballroom entrance with good assess, to both the staircases down and the feature staircase up to the floor above; about which I will talk in my next post. Gregor

The Pavilion Plans Part 3 – The Cloakroom

2010-06-01T22:24:00.005+01:00

This is the third in a series of articles about the plans for the Pavilion, which I will write over a number of days. This one is shorter as there is much less space on the Mezzanine Floor than any other.In the nightclub the space available was used as a cloakroom and a small room, with no natural light, used as part store and part fuse-room for the electrical system.The disabled lift has to go through this so a part of the space is taken with its shaft. The rest of the space will be taken up by the cloakroom. The cloakroom will therefore be bigger and able to store coats from a large proportion of the 400 theatre visitors if necessary. Gregor

The Pavilion Plans Part 2 – The Refectory

2010-05-31T22:04:00.004+01:00

This is the second in a series of articles about the plans for the Pavilion, which I will write over a number of days. It must be remembered that these plans are just draft plans and will change as further considerations are taken into account. The design of a bar / catering outlet in the Pavilion is important and will be one of the keys to its success. The profile we were looking for is as follows: • Primarily to cater for visitors to the Pavilion. • Not to compete directly with other Café / Food outlets in Matlock Bath. • Not to offer too complex a range of food; which would have required a large kitchen. • Be part of the pedestrianised area at the front of the Pavilion, to draw people in. • But also offer food to people on the 1st floor. • Only to sell alcohol to those inside the building for an event. The formulation we have come up with is to have a “Refectory” on the ground floor, which would offer things, not currently available elsewhere in Matlock Bath. For instance we could offer “Fair Trade” products in the Refectory. There could also be long benches rather than simple tables and chairs. The Refectory would be in the old Tourist Information Centre. On the ground floor will be the kitchen, with a “Dumb Waiter” to the floor above. This will be big enough to lift crates of drinks to the floor above. There would be a self service servery again adding to the distinction between it and other facilities in the village. The new back door will lead to a small bins area and a reasonably sized beer store. These would take up three public parking spaces, but by re-organising the parking, these can be replaced. This is an important point, as the Council values these spaces! On the first floor will be the bar. It is in the room above the old Tourist Information Centre, as this will allow space for queuing; without having people trying to get past. The bar will need to be supplied from the beer store nearby below. Currently the window with the best view in that room, over Matlock Bath, is taken up by the Kitchen. We will have the bar backing onto the view of the car park, so when this room is let or used during the day, the view will be visable. The right of the bar will have the food preparation room and the whole of the rest will be available for serving food during the day and bar use during the evening. On Theatre nights, a ledge round the room will be used for pre-ordered drinks. In this way we hope to offer something is different and attractive to visitors to the Pavilion and encourage them to come back. Gregor

The Pavilion Plans Part 1 – The Entrance

2010-05-30T22:06:00.007+01:00

This is the first in a series of articles about the plans for the Pavilion, which I will write over a number of days. It must be remembered that these plans are just draft plans and will change as further considerations are taken into account. There were a number of considerations that we have already had to take into account for the New Front Entrance, we wanted: • Something bold; that made a statement about the changes to the building. • A pedestrianised area at the front; to give the entrance a welcoming feel. • To make the inside of the foyer warm in winter! • More natural light in the foyer. • To share the foyer with the Mining Museum to attract visitors to both. • To give disabled access to the whole building. • To have this disabled access the best possible position.The plan shows an entrance with a large pedestrianised area, a canopy and a glass covered entrance foyer. This allows the whole front area to be used as an advert for what is happening inside. The canopy will be high enough to be clearly visible from the road and for emergency vehicles to get underneath if needed. On the canopy we can hang adverts for what is happening inside. The sliding doors and the glass front enables the foyer to be larger and, with two sets of doors, stops the cold breezes that currently fill the Mining Museum on cold winter days! Inside the first set of doors is the disabled lift entrance; this leads to all floors. As you arrive in the foyer you are greeted with the ticket office for the Pavilion on the left and the entrance to the Mining Museum on the right. We hope that visitors, attracted by one venue, will pay a visit to both. The wall on the right of the foyer may be taken by the Tourist Information Point, which gives visitors about Matlock Bath attractions and allows them to make bookings. This is very accessible and again will attract visitors to also go into either of the Mining Museum or the Pavilion. Overall the entrance experience will be for more appealing than what was on offer by the nightclub. After buying their tickets, visitors would turn left to enter the Pavilion. What they will see next will be in the next instalment….. Gregor

What do you know about the History of the Pavilion?

2010-05-28T08:24:00.004+01:00

Along side the unveiling of the Draft Plans for the Pavilion the Matlock Bath Pavilion Group is looking at the History of the Pavilion. Over the months that the Group has been in existence Group Historian, Charles Beresford, has been busy building up a history of the building. Many people have shared their experiences and stories about their stories of the Pavilion. This will be shared as part of the Open Days, which will be held in the Pump Room of the Pavilion on Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th of June between 10am and 4pm; Saturday will be open until 6pm.The Group is attempting to build a repository of photographs, drawings, painting and peoples own personal accounts of how the Grand Pavilion may have played a part in their lives. Did you meet your partner at the Pav? Did you see live music? Have your first kiss?They will then look to use this ‘Memory Bank’ to tell the story of the Grand Pavilion through the years using a variety of methods, such as through their website or even in a book. Can you help us build a ‘Grand Pavilion Memory Bank’? Charles can be contacted at Lyndhurst, Brunswood Road, Matlock Bath. Tel.: 01629 56785. Gregor

Pavilion "Open Days" Announced

2010-05-27T08:34:00.003+01:00

We will be organising open days in the Pump Room of the Pavilion on Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th of June between 10am and 4pm; Saturday will be open until 6pm. After three months of furious work, we are ready to unveil our Draft Plans showing what the Pavilion may look like in future. Our plans include a 400 seat theatre, which can be changed into an open space within a few minutes. It will preserve the original stage and will use the side rooms as meeting rooms and a “Refectory” serving visitors to the building with food and drinks. The Pavilion will boast a grand front entrance with a canopy to the road and a foyer shared with the Peak Mining Museum. There will be full disabled access. We have built up a good relationship with the Peak Mining Museum and the Parish Council. We have included all their requirements into our plan, with the minimum of disruption to their space in the building. At the gardens side of the Pavilion the Group are proposing to move the Public Toilets to the side of the building and significantly upgrade the quality. Gregor

A Company Limited by Guarantee!

2010-05-26T09:14:00.002+01:00

After some time working on our ideas for The Pavilion, we are really beginning to show some results! First is setting up the company that will be the vehicle for the Charity; that will run the Pavilion. This is a “Company Limited by Guarantee”. It will be called The Grand Pavilion Ltd. The subscribers will come from the Matlock Bath Pavilion Group as well as a representative of both the Peaks Mining Museum and the Parish Council. You can find the constitution at the attached website: http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/Library/guidance/gd1text.pdf This wording helps to Fast-Track Charitable Status. We will need to add £4,000 to the £1,000 that we have already raised in order to apply. We have got lots of activities planned to raise this money and if you can help, please contact me by responding to this blog link or phone me on 0777 1717 086 or visit the website www.savethepavilion.com. Gregor

Visit to the Buxton Pavilion

2010-05-15T20:38:00.003+01:00

Yesterday I visited Buxton and spoke to Terry Crawford of the Buxton Pavilion. The place seems to be buzzing with activity. The Gardens were full of visitors and the Cafe was busy. The shop appeared to be doing a roaring trade and the Concert Hall was hosting an Antiques Fair. Terry spoke about how success was based on keeping busy and what I saw seemed to prove that. Having looked at our plans for the Pavilion, he suggested that when the stage was not being used, it could become a small cinema by facing the chairs sideways. What would be required would be sound insulation between the stage and the rest of the hall. We also spoke about the banqueting capability of the ballroom and talked around the difficulties of organising hot food without having a substantial kitchen facility. Corporate use during the week is certainly a possibility and the lecture theatre combines with the array of rooms for break-out meetings would work out well. Gregor

Latest Partnership and Regeneration Committee

2010-05-14T10:36:00.003+01:00

Last night the Partnership and Regeneration Committee unanimously noted our April report.

As they did this there were a number of comments about how much work we had done in getting to the stage that we are at. Well done everyone!

A comment made, that we must pay attention to, is that we should have a clear idea of where the funding comes from. We need this funding to do the necessary changes to the building, before we can open. We are working on this currently; but must end up with a clear idea, if we are to persuade the Council to allow us to go ahead.

Gregor

St George's Day Party

2010-04-25T22:44:00.002+01:00

The party was a great success! We raised around £1,000, which will enable us to progress with our work to save the Pavilion.

Thanks to all of you who came.
Thanks to all who bought raffle tickets (£400 of the profit came from them!)
Thanks to the Temple Hotel for providing such a good venue.
Thanks to Eat Cake for providing such a great entertainment.

Click on the link to see the photos.

Gregor

The April 24th Party - SOLD OUT

2010-04-24T16:39:00.000+01:00

At 4.00pm we sold the last ticket to Steve and Georgina.

So if you haven't got a ticket, please do not try to buy one on the door!

The Temple Hotel will however welcome you at the bar downstairs.

Next time we have a party remember to book early; if you have been disappointed this time.

Gregor

The April 24th - only 8 tickets left!

2010-04-22T22:01:00.001+01:00

We will sell out. So if you want a ticket, buy now!

Gregor

The April 24th - only 19 tickets left!

2010-04-21T23:33:00.002+01:00

Good sales today, we are nearly sold out!

I attended a meeting to discuss the future plans for the building today. Within a couple of weeks we will have a proposal to present to the public.

Until then we will have a lot of discussion as to what we can fit into the building.

Gregor

The April 24th - only 24 tickets left!

2010-04-20T20:46:00.001+01:00

We are still selling tickets at a good rate, no-one should expect that there will be tickets on the door......buy early!

Gregor

Toilets Get the “Thumbs Down” from Visitors

2010-04-18T22:09:00.006+01:00

The Matlock Bath Pavilion Group has found that more than half the visitors to the village think the toilets “Could be Much Better”. Many used the word “disgusting” to describe them. No one thought that the village was “Over-provided”.

The survey was conducted in response to a request by Derbyshire Dales District Council. The Group were asked to look at whether they could take over responsibility for the toilets near the Pavilion. Before doing this the Group wanted to see what they were taking on, and now they know!

We could provide a better service than is currently available, but things would have to change. One of the reasons that the survey came out with such a negative response was that damage was done to the toilets on Friday night. One hand dryer was ripped off the wall and another damaged.

No-one uses the toilets at night except when there is a special occasion, such as the Illuminations. We would obviously leave them open during these nights, but leaving them open every night exposes them to the certainty of vandalism.

The detailed results of the survey are below. In total 169 members of the public took part as they left the toilets.

Results of the Survey:

Could be much better_________86___51%

Needs some improvement_____52___31%

They are OK________________31___18%

Matlock Bath is over-provided___0___0%

Total_____________________169__100%

Gregor