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Dateline: 25th June, 2005
Major Contribution to Watermill Appeal The Watermill Theatre’s appeal for money to save it from closure (see our story of 10th June) has received a major boost in its first week by Newbury’s Greenham Common Trust responding with a pledge of £520,000, representing nearly 20% of the £3,000,000 needed to secure the future of the theatre. The funds to be supplied by Greenham Common Trust will contribute to the costs of extending and refurbishing the existing office accommodation providing additional workshop and rehearsal space, and increasing the electricity and mains water supply. In addition, Greenham Common Trust will fund a new sewage treatment plant to replace the existing, decaying system, which will be a major environmental benefit. The Grade II listed theatre, along with its grounds and buildings, are due to come up for sale next year. Its current owners Jill Fraser and James Sargant plan to move on in 2008, after 25 years at The Watermill. The Watermill Theatre Trust has an option to buy the premises and secure the future of The Watermill. At the same time the organisation is bursting at the seams and money is needed to develop and refurbish the buildings. The Watermill Theatre Trust launched an appeal on 10th June 2005 to raise the £3,000,000. Sir Peter Michael, chairman of the Greenham Common Trust, said, “As soon as the Greenham Common Trust heard that The Watermill had to raise £3 million we knew we wanted to help with a substantial grant. Having supported the theatre with previous grants we understood the quality and importance of its work and involvement with the community. The Watermill is more than just a place of entertainment in Newbury. It also makes a vital contribution to the wider community by touring small-scale productions to rural communities and schools in Berkshire and around England. “The Theatre’s work in encouraging youth theatre, its education projects and its special initiatives, such work with the Reading Homeless Project and Newbury Day Centre, make it a significant and precious resource for the area that is worthy of our support”. Ralph Bernard, Chairman of The Watermill Appeal Board said, “This award from Greenham Common Trust is a fantastic start to our Appeal to raise the £3 million needed to ensure the future of The Watermill as a theatre that brings an extra dimension to the lives of many people in Berkshire and beyond. We anticipate that this award made so soon after the announcement will enhance our ability to reach our target.” >> The New Season at the Watermill Please note that all three Archive indices are very long and will therefore take some time to download.
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