Edited version of press release issued on 23 May 2012
Four local Angel investors have invested a total of £1.2million in loans. Names have not yet been released but they consist of passionate supporters of the work of The Rex and The Odyssey.
Over the past two years, the team have spoken and negotiated with seven banks and a handful of venture capitalists with the aim of raising enough finance to turn The Odyssey back into a working cinema. In April, one financial services organisation got closer to lending the necessary money than any of the other banks, including those publicly owned. However, one thing led to another, terms were found to be unmanageable, and later that day, the answer returned to ‘No’.
James Hannaway says “By 9.45 on the 1st May, the word ‘Yes’ came from one man, whom, along with his family, agreed to step in to the bank’s pockets, without a second thought. After two solid years (almost to the day) of endless talks, emails, meetings, tasks and questions answered, re-answered and repeated, it was all over in two days! Suddenly every hoop and tedious question seemed worth it. A virtual repeat of how the Rex was won. One odyssey over; the best to come.”
The team will start rebuilding the Odyssey from the inside. Quietly, much of the work to satisfy the fire brigade’s and Council’s prohibition notice last September (which halted the Grease event and following Open Sunday) has been completed, and all four screen pits have been demolished and removed. Nevertheless, money is still tight. The quantity survey confirms a finished price of around £1.6m.
With the new investment, The Odyssey hopes to show its first film at the beginning of 2014.
For anyone wanting to provide financial support, loans and equity are now closed - this year will be your last chance to buy an ABL, sponsor a seat and/or other parts of the building listed on the website. Advanced Booking Lists (ABL) are still available. To purchase any of these go to the website and/or send an email with your request to contactus@odysseypictures.co.uk.
Supporters and interested parties can sign up to our mailing list at www.odysseypictures.co.uk to be kept up to date with the latest news and opportunities to get involved. On the site, you can also find contact details.
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Wednesday 9 May 2012
St Albans City and District Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
Edited news release from St Albans City & District Council on 9 May 2012
A giant street party in St Peter’s Street, St Albans will be among the events held across the District to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The celebrations will run from Saturday 2 June to Monday 4 June, culminating in Diamond Jubilee Beacons being lit across the District and a fireworks at the St Albans Diamond Jubilee Street Party.
St Albans City and District Council is organising the street party on Monday 4 June which will provide a fun day out for the whole family. St Peter’s Street will be closed to traffic but the shops will be open for business as usual. Everyone is welcome at the exciting Jubilee celebrations with ten hours of fun and entertainment for all. You can dine al fresco at the Bring or Buy Lunch from 12 noon to 3.30pm by taking along your own picnic or buying food from the many stalls hosted by local restaurants and eateries. You can also enjoy live music from the Swanvesta Social Club, and family entertainment including a funfair which will stay open until 9:30pm.
The Diamond Decades Gig, showcasing music from each decade of the Queen’s reign, will take place in front of the Town Hall from 4pm to 9:45pm. It will include performances from Ricky Lopez, Scam 69, and The Faith Stealers. The gig will be followed by the lighting of a Diamond Jubilee Beacon on the roof of the Town Hall at 10.15pm and a short firework display.
Other Diamond Jubilee Beacons will also be lit at events in Highfield Park in St Albans, Harpenden, London Colney, Greenwood Park at Chiswell Green and Jersey Farm Woodland Park.
Throughout the long weekend there will be other celebrations across the District. These will kick off on Saturday 2 June with a Diamond Jubilee Family Fun Day at Harpenden Common, running from 11.30am to 5pm. In the evening, the London Colney Jubilee Ball will be held at the Community Centre in Caledon Road from 7pm. This will be followed on Sunday 3 June by Redbourn’s community celebrations which will include a service at St Mary’s Church and a ticket-only street party.
On Monday 4 June, Wheathampstead will play host to a variety of Jubilee Celebrations including a picnic, concert, bonfire and fireworks at the Marford Road Playing Fields. Celebrations are also taking place on the same day at Jersey Farm Woodland Park between 3pm and 11pm with lots of family activities and a Diamond Jubilee Beacon. Other events being held to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee include Jubilee activities for all ages at St Albans Museums on 2, 7 and 8 June. And don’t miss the extremely popular Adoramus choir and orchestra when it returns to the Alban Arena on 30 June with a musical extravaganza to celebrate the Jubilee.
More information about the events is available on the Council’s website or from the St Albans Tourist and Information Centre on 01727 864511 or at tic@stalbans.gov.uk. If you would like your event to be added to the listings, please contact the St Albans Tourist and Information Centre.
A giant street party in St Peter’s Street, St Albans will be among the events held across the District to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The celebrations will run from Saturday 2 June to Monday 4 June, culminating in Diamond Jubilee Beacons being lit across the District and a fireworks at the St Albans Diamond Jubilee Street Party.
St Albans City and District Council is organising the street party on Monday 4 June which will provide a fun day out for the whole family. St Peter’s Street will be closed to traffic but the shops will be open for business as usual. Everyone is welcome at the exciting Jubilee celebrations with ten hours of fun and entertainment for all. You can dine al fresco at the Bring or Buy Lunch from 12 noon to 3.30pm by taking along your own picnic or buying food from the many stalls hosted by local restaurants and eateries. You can also enjoy live music from the Swanvesta Social Club, and family entertainment including a funfair which will stay open until 9:30pm.
The Diamond Decades Gig, showcasing music from each decade of the Queen’s reign, will take place in front of the Town Hall from 4pm to 9:45pm. It will include performances from Ricky Lopez, Scam 69, and The Faith Stealers. The gig will be followed by the lighting of a Diamond Jubilee Beacon on the roof of the Town Hall at 10.15pm and a short firework display.
Other Diamond Jubilee Beacons will also be lit at events in Highfield Park in St Albans, Harpenden, London Colney, Greenwood Park at Chiswell Green and Jersey Farm Woodland Park.
Throughout the long weekend there will be other celebrations across the District. These will kick off on Saturday 2 June with a Diamond Jubilee Family Fun Day at Harpenden Common, running from 11.30am to 5pm. In the evening, the London Colney Jubilee Ball will be held at the Community Centre in Caledon Road from 7pm. This will be followed on Sunday 3 June by Redbourn’s community celebrations which will include a service at St Mary’s Church and a ticket-only street party.
On Monday 4 June, Wheathampstead will play host to a variety of Jubilee Celebrations including a picnic, concert, bonfire and fireworks at the Marford Road Playing Fields. Celebrations are also taking place on the same day at Jersey Farm Woodland Park between 3pm and 11pm with lots of family activities and a Diamond Jubilee Beacon. Other events being held to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee include Jubilee activities for all ages at St Albans Museums on 2, 7 and 8 June. And don’t miss the extremely popular Adoramus choir and orchestra when it returns to the Alban Arena on 30 June with a musical extravaganza to celebrate the Jubilee.
More information about the events is available on the Council’s website or from the St Albans Tourist and Information Centre on 01727 864511 or at tic@stalbans.gov.uk. If you would like your event to be added to the listings, please contact the St Albans Tourist and Information Centre.
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