Ludlow Assembly Rooms in cash plea

A TOP SHROPSHIRE arts venue has launched a £100,000 fundraising bid to secure its future after a "difficult start to the year" due to the cold weather, bosses have said.

Snow and ice earlier this year meant people who would normally enjoy shows at Ludlow Assembly Rooms were marooned at home.

Those that did make it to the venue suffered plummeting temperatures in the auditorium after the boiler broke down.

Dido Blench, marketing manager for the assembly rooms, said: "Not surprisingly customers were in short supply and box office takings, normally healthy at this time of year, plummeted.

Cancelled

"More was to follow – owing to problems with air travel, several shows had to be cancelled because performers were unable to fly on schedule."

She added that since March there had been a marked improvement, with films in particular packing in good audiences.

But she said box office losses were only part of the picture and even though the venue's broken boiler was patched up, it urgently needed replacing at a cost of at least £35,000.

Paula Redway, director of the assembly rooms, said bosses were looking forward to the huge fundraising campaign. She added: "We need to get our finances on a firm footing, and build up substantial reserves to cover emergencies like the boiler breaking down.

"A lot of our equipment is very old and on its last legs so we know these emergencies will happen.

"But we're not downhearted. Our board has launched a campaign to raise £100,000, and it's been kick-started with an incredibly generous gift from two anonymous donors who have promised to match every £1 donated up to £12,500.

"Our fundraising events in May raised a further £1,500 so we've made a good start, and we'd like to thank all the people who have already made generous donations."

To donate to Ludlow Assembly Rooms' fundraising effort call the box office on (01584) 878141.

By Sophie Bignall