Creepy crawlies, beautiful butterflies and phenomenal flowers provide the inspiration for a range of artistic and fun educational workshops for children at Butterfly World throughout the half-term holidays from Sat 27th October until Sat 3rd November, culminating in a fireworks extravaganza on 4th November.
Young visitors will be able to step into costume and join the ‘Ugly Bug Ball” with Herts Inclusive Theatre drama sessions, get crafty with sand art, pumpkin carving and making birdfeeders with Herts University Art team, and make masks and learn about nature with Butterfly World’s education team.
They can also meet our ‘giant’ creepy crawlies and interact with them in our insect handling sessions to be held every day. Children can imagine life as a tinyinsect in the giant ‘Through the Flower Pot Garden’ and Insect Study Centre, home to hissing cockroaches, stick insects, ant colonies and African snails. There will also be some special sessions on Monday 29th October all about bees, so that visitors can learn all they can about this incredible species and visit our on-site hives.
There are face-painting sessions every day from 12 to 3pm run by Wendy, whopaints beautiful butterfly and fun creepy crawly creations and a special session on Saturday 3rd November involves having your caricature painted. The season closes with a Fireworks Extravaganza on Sunday 4th November, from 5 to 7pm. Please buy tickets in advance for this popular event in order to avoid disappointment, from www.allaboutstalbans.co.uk or 01727 869203.
Butterfly World is open until 4th November, with a special offer of £5 per person in October (Under 3s and Blue Peter badge holders go free). Opening hours are from 10am-5pm, seven days a week with last entry at 4pm each day. It is served by local buses and St. Albans train station and is situated just off the M1, junction 6a and M25, junction 21a.
Halloween and Half-term Holiday Activities
Insect handling sessions 11.00. 1.30pm and 3pm every day (free)
Facepainting every day from 12 to 3pm (£4)
Saturday 27th October - 11-12.30 and 1-3.00pm Pumpkin carving (£3)
Monday 29th October - 11.00, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm Bee Zone (half hour sessions – lots of fun and education about bees (£3)
Tuesday 30th October - 10.30am-3pm Kids Bee Happy, Sand art sessions (£4)
Wednesday 31st October - 11-12.30 and 1-3pm Big Draw art sessions (£2)
Thursday 1st November - 10am-12.30pm Herts Inclusive Theatre ‘Ugly Bug Ball” £10 (To book call Caroline England at HIT - 07857986364, 01923 499310 e-mail: hertsinclusivetheatre@live.co.uk), 1-3pm Mask-making
Friday 2nd November - 11.30 Storytelling (free), 1-3pm Make a birdfeeder session (£2.50) with Herts University Arts team
Saturday 3rd November - Have your caricature painted (£5)
Sunday 4th November - 5-7pm Butterfly World Fireworks Extravaganza (£5); food and drink stalls, BBQ, children’s fairground, facepainting (£4), free parking. For tickets: www.allaboutstalbans.co.uk; or call 01727 869203
2012 marks Butterfly World’s fourth phase of development. The project, which is backed by Sir David Attenborough and Professor David Bellamy, is hoping to secure the final tranche of funding to enable it to open its doors as the biggest butterfly experience, conservation and education centre in the world complete with living rainforest, 10,000 tropical butterflies, Mayan ruins, caves, streams and rope walkways, all housed in a massive 100metre diameter biome. There are currently 27 acres of beautiful interactive gardens and a huge natural play area, a tropical butterfly house with over 600 spectacular butterflies, a leafcutter ant exhibition, insect study centre with butterfly emerging cabinets and a whole host of unusual creepy crawlies. The Nectar House Café provides a selection of hot and cold drinks and meals and the plant and gift shops offer a huge variety of ideas and presents to take home.
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Major Roman coin hoard found near St Albans
Source - News release from St Albans City & District Council - 16 October 2012
A nationally significant find of 159 Late Roman gold coins has been found by a metal detectorist on private land in the north of the district of St Albans in Hertfordshire. The find is believed to be one of the largest Roman gold coin hoards ever discovered in the UK.
A team from St Albans City & District Council’s Museums’ Service investigated the site at the beginning of October and confirmed the find. The coins are in very good condition and were scattered across a fairly wide area. Evidence suggests that the hoard was disturbed in the last couple of hundred years due to quarrying activity or plough action.
The coins date to the very end of Roman rule in Britain, and there are practically no other comparable gold hoards of this period. After AD 408 no further coin supplies reached Britain.
The coins – called solidus (plural – solidi) date to the closing years of the fourth century. They were mostly struck in the Italian cities of Milan and Ravenna and issued under the Emperors Gratian, Valentinian, Theodosius, Arcadius and Honorius.
David Thorold, Prehistory to Medieval Curator at Verulamium Museum in St Albans said: “During the period of the Roman occupation of Britain, coins were usually buried for two reasons. They were buried as a religious sacrifice to the Gods, or as a secure store of wealth, with the aim of later recovery. Threat of war or raids might lead to burial in the latter case, as may the prospect of a long journey, or any other risky activity.
“Gold solidi were extremely valuable coins and were not traded or exchanged on a regular basis. They would have been used for large transactions such as buying land or goods by the shipload.
“The gold coins in the economy guaranteed the value of all the silver and especially the bronze coins in circulation. If you saved enough bronze, you could exchange it for a silver coin. If you saved enough silver, you could exchange it for a gold coin. However, most people would not have had regular access to them. Typically, the wealthy Roman elite, merchants or soldiers receiving bulk pay were the recipients.”
Such finds come under the Treasure Act 1996. The next stage is for the British Museum’s panel of independent experts to examine the coins and make their report to the Coroner who will determine whether they are to be considered as ‘treasure’ under the Act. The value of the gold coins is not yet known.
Cllr Mike Wakely, Portfolio Holder for Sports, Leisure and Heritage at St Albans City & District Council said: “This is an exciting find of national significance, and one that our museums’ team is very excited about. We hope to have an opportunity to display these coins at Verulamium Museum in St Albans over the coming months, once the formalities have been dealt with.”
Verulamium Museum in St Albans will be presenting a talk on the Roman gold coins hoard on Thursday 1 November at 7pm. Tickets cost £7 and are available from the museum on 01727 751810, email museums@stalbans.gov.uk.
A nationally significant find of 159 Late Roman gold coins has been found by a metal detectorist on private land in the north of the district of St Albans in Hertfordshire. The find is believed to be one of the largest Roman gold coin hoards ever discovered in the UK.
A team from St Albans City & District Council’s Museums’ Service investigated the site at the beginning of October and confirmed the find. The coins are in very good condition and were scattered across a fairly wide area. Evidence suggests that the hoard was disturbed in the last couple of hundred years due to quarrying activity or plough action.
The coins date to the very end of Roman rule in Britain, and there are practically no other comparable gold hoards of this period. After AD 408 no further coin supplies reached Britain.
The coins – called solidus (plural – solidi) date to the closing years of the fourth century. They were mostly struck in the Italian cities of Milan and Ravenna and issued under the Emperors Gratian, Valentinian, Theodosius, Arcadius and Honorius.
David Thorold, Prehistory to Medieval Curator at Verulamium Museum in St Albans said: “During the period of the Roman occupation of Britain, coins were usually buried for two reasons. They were buried as a religious sacrifice to the Gods, or as a secure store of wealth, with the aim of later recovery. Threat of war or raids might lead to burial in the latter case, as may the prospect of a long journey, or any other risky activity.
“Gold solidi were extremely valuable coins and were not traded or exchanged on a regular basis. They would have been used for large transactions such as buying land or goods by the shipload.
“The gold coins in the economy guaranteed the value of all the silver and especially the bronze coins in circulation. If you saved enough bronze, you could exchange it for a silver coin. If you saved enough silver, you could exchange it for a gold coin. However, most people would not have had regular access to them. Typically, the wealthy Roman elite, merchants or soldiers receiving bulk pay were the recipients.”
Such finds come under the Treasure Act 1996. The next stage is for the British Museum’s panel of independent experts to examine the coins and make their report to the Coroner who will determine whether they are to be considered as ‘treasure’ under the Act. The value of the gold coins is not yet known.
Cllr Mike Wakely, Portfolio Holder for Sports, Leisure and Heritage at St Albans City & District Council said: “This is an exciting find of national significance, and one that our museums’ team is very excited about. We hope to have an opportunity to display these coins at Verulamium Museum in St Albans over the coming months, once the formalities have been dealt with.”
Verulamium Museum in St Albans will be presenting a talk on the Roman gold coins hoard on Thursday 1 November at 7pm. Tickets cost £7 and are available from the museum on 01727 751810, email museums@stalbans.gov.uk.
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
St Albans Food and Drink Festival 2012
News release from St Albans City & District Council on 25 Sep 2012:
This year’s St Albans Food & Drink Festival runs from Wednesday 26 September to Sunday 7 October. This is your opportunity to enjoy 12 days of delicious food and drink throughout the district.
See cookery demonstrations, visit cheese and wine tastings and beer festivals, hear live music, and enjoy fabulous food and drink at great prices. There are bargains to be had at local pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars including buy-one-get-one-free offers, 25% off offers and complimentary wine when dining.
The Festival kicks off with the St Albans CAMRA Beer Festival at the Alban Arena from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 September. There are up to 350 beers and 60 ciders on offer.
The Gourmet Night on Monday 1 October from 7pm is a fabulous cookery demonstration by chefs from two of the city’s Good Food Guide listed restaurants. The event is held in aid of the Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice. Buy tickets online
Don’t miss the colourful Festival Finale in St Peter’s Street on Sunday 7 October from 10am to 4pm. There are dozens of stalls selling delicious food from all over the world, plus live music entertainment. Local chefs will also be cooking live for the crowds at the outdoor AGA Rangemaster cookery theatre.
This week is the last opportunity to vote for your favourite venue or producer in the Food & Drink Festival Awards. Vote for your favourite restaurant, bar, pub, café, family friendly venue, local producer and ‘local gem’. Voting ends 6pm on Sunday 30 September. This is also the deadline to vote in the Kate D’Arcy Award for Exceptional Customer Service, a reward recognising an individual’s excellence.
Winners of all the awards will be announced at the Award Ceremony at St Michael’s Manor on Thursday 4 October. Buy tickets online
For more information about the event, pick up a brochure at the Tourist & Information Centre and participating venues or visit www.stalbansfoodanddrink.com. You can also join our Facebook page or email foodanddrinkfestival@stalbans.gov.uk to join the mailing list.
Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism at the Council commented. “The St Albans Food and Drink Festival is a great opportunity for people to sample the delights of our local cafes and restaurants. You can also vote for your favourite venues and producers across the district. Make sure you get your Awards votes in by Sunday 30 September.”
This year’s St Albans Food & Drink Festival runs from Wednesday 26 September to Sunday 7 October. This is your opportunity to enjoy 12 days of delicious food and drink throughout the district.
See cookery demonstrations, visit cheese and wine tastings and beer festivals, hear live music, and enjoy fabulous food and drink at great prices. There are bargains to be had at local pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars including buy-one-get-one-free offers, 25% off offers and complimentary wine when dining.
The Festival kicks off with the St Albans CAMRA Beer Festival at the Alban Arena from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 September. There are up to 350 beers and 60 ciders on offer.
The Gourmet Night on Monday 1 October from 7pm is a fabulous cookery demonstration by chefs from two of the city’s Good Food Guide listed restaurants. The event is held in aid of the Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice. Buy tickets online
Don’t miss the colourful Festival Finale in St Peter’s Street on Sunday 7 October from 10am to 4pm. There are dozens of stalls selling delicious food from all over the world, plus live music entertainment. Local chefs will also be cooking live for the crowds at the outdoor AGA Rangemaster cookery theatre.
This week is the last opportunity to vote for your favourite venue or producer in the Food & Drink Festival Awards. Vote for your favourite restaurant, bar, pub, café, family friendly venue, local producer and ‘local gem’. Voting ends 6pm on Sunday 30 September. This is also the deadline to vote in the Kate D’Arcy Award for Exceptional Customer Service, a reward recognising an individual’s excellence.
Winners of all the awards will be announced at the Award Ceremony at St Michael’s Manor on Thursday 4 October. Buy tickets online
For more information about the event, pick up a brochure at the Tourist & Information Centre and participating venues or visit www.stalbansfoodanddrink.com. You can also join our Facebook page or email foodanddrinkfestival@stalbans.gov.uk to join the mailing list.
Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism at the Council commented. “The St Albans Food and Drink Festival is a great opportunity for people to sample the delights of our local cafes and restaurants. You can also vote for your favourite venues and producers across the district. Make sure you get your Awards votes in by Sunday 30 September.”
Monday, 20 August 2012
Celebrate arrival of Paralympic Flame in St Albans at Sports Fest 2012
Source - St Albans City & Distict Council
Verulamium Park, St Albans will come alive on Saturday, 25 August as the District’s first inclusive Sport Festival is held to welcome the Paralympic Flame to the city.
The St Albans City and District is among 34 communities across the country hosting an official Paralympic Flame Celebration Event. The aim is to celebrate the start of the Paralympic Torch Relay and the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Kicking off the celebrations, the UK’s number one wheelchair badminton player will carry the Paralympic Flame, along St Peter’s Street to Verulamium Park. The Flame Ambassador, Gobi Ranganathan, will be accompanied by local children, young people and disability community group representatives carrying 89 flags.
Residents and visitors will then be invited to join in a variety of free sports and physical activity sessions at Sports Fest 2012 in Verulamium Park.
Community organisations taking part in Sports Fest 2012 include St Albans City Youth Community FC, Marshalswick Judo Club, St Albans Cricket Club and Verulamians Rugby Club. World Rhythms, another local group known for their involvement in the council-run ‘adiZone Fun Days’, will be giving residents the opportunity to participate in an outdoor Zumba dance class.
There will also be a full programme of live music and entertainment throughout the day with MOBO award-winning Tinchy Stryder topping the bill. Known as the ‘Prince of Grime’, Stryder is one of the most successful UK male solo artists of the last five years, clocking up two number one singles and nine top 40 hits. He has worked with Jay-Z and collaborated with such stars as Tinie Tempah, Emeli Sande, N-Dubz, Taio Cruz and Pixie Lott. He has also been licensed to release an official song for the Olympic Torch Relay, ‘Spinnin for 2012’, which he recorded with Amy Winehouse’s god-daughter, Dionne Bromfield. A number of local acts including The Cautionaries, Telstar and Go Monaco, as well as vocalist, Melissa O’Donnell, will also be on the bill.
Details of the event are below:
Paralympic Flame Celebration Event - Event Format
11:15 - 12noon: A procession to welcome the Paralympic Flame. The Flame will be carried by Flame Ambassador Gobi Ranganathan, the UK’s number one Wheelchair Badminton Player along St Peter's Street to Verulamium Park. The procession will also include local children, young people and disability community groups and showcase 89 banner flags designed by children from local special schools and adults from local disability organisations. The flags have been designed to celebrate the Paralympic Games.
12noon - 12:15pm: Welcome ceremony in Verulamium Park for the Paralympic Flame. This will feature a short speech from Gobi Ranganathan, followed by a fast-moving and dramatic dance-theatre performance from, ARC; the professional arm of Redbourn’s Inclusive ArtsBase, ActOne.
12.15pm - 5pm: Sports activities, entertainment, live music and dance programmed throughout the day
5pm - 9pm: Live music from local artists and musicians, featuring headline act Tinchy Stryder.
For more information please visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/paralympicflamecelebrations
This blog content was sourced from a St Albans City & District Council news release.
Verulamium Park, St Albans will come alive on Saturday, 25 August as the District’s first inclusive Sport Festival is held to welcome the Paralympic Flame to the city.
The St Albans City and District is among 34 communities across the country hosting an official Paralympic Flame Celebration Event. The aim is to celebrate the start of the Paralympic Torch Relay and the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Kicking off the celebrations, the UK’s number one wheelchair badminton player will carry the Paralympic Flame, along St Peter’s Street to Verulamium Park. The Flame Ambassador, Gobi Ranganathan, will be accompanied by local children, young people and disability community group representatives carrying 89 flags.
Residents and visitors will then be invited to join in a variety of free sports and physical activity sessions at Sports Fest 2012 in Verulamium Park.
Community organisations taking part in Sports Fest 2012 include St Albans City Youth Community FC, Marshalswick Judo Club, St Albans Cricket Club and Verulamians Rugby Club. World Rhythms, another local group known for their involvement in the council-run ‘adiZone Fun Days’, will be giving residents the opportunity to participate in an outdoor Zumba dance class.
There will also be a full programme of live music and entertainment throughout the day with MOBO award-winning Tinchy Stryder topping the bill. Known as the ‘Prince of Grime’, Stryder is one of the most successful UK male solo artists of the last five years, clocking up two number one singles and nine top 40 hits. He has worked with Jay-Z and collaborated with such stars as Tinie Tempah, Emeli Sande, N-Dubz, Taio Cruz and Pixie Lott. He has also been licensed to release an official song for the Olympic Torch Relay, ‘Spinnin for 2012’, which he recorded with Amy Winehouse’s god-daughter, Dionne Bromfield. A number of local acts including The Cautionaries, Telstar and Go Monaco, as well as vocalist, Melissa O’Donnell, will also be on the bill.
Details of the event are below:
Paralympic Flame Celebration Event - Event Format
11:15 - 12noon: A procession to welcome the Paralympic Flame. The Flame will be carried by Flame Ambassador Gobi Ranganathan, the UK’s number one Wheelchair Badminton Player along St Peter's Street to Verulamium Park. The procession will also include local children, young people and disability community groups and showcase 89 banner flags designed by children from local special schools and adults from local disability organisations. The flags have been designed to celebrate the Paralympic Games.
12noon - 12:15pm: Welcome ceremony in Verulamium Park for the Paralympic Flame. This will feature a short speech from Gobi Ranganathan, followed by a fast-moving and dramatic dance-theatre performance from, ARC; the professional arm of Redbourn’s Inclusive ArtsBase, ActOne.
12.15pm - 5pm: Sports activities, entertainment, live music and dance programmed throughout the day
5pm - 9pm: Live music from local artists and musicians, featuring headline act Tinchy Stryder.
For more information please visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/paralympicflamecelebrations
This blog content was sourced from a St Albans City & District Council news release.
Friday, 13 July 2012
Sky Ride Local – free, fun, friendly bike rides in St Albans
Sky Ride Local, the popular programme of friendly community-led cycle rides, is coming to St Albans District starting on Sunday July 15.
The bike rides will take place every Sunday until mid-October. With British Cycling-trained Ride Leaders on hand to offer encouragement and support, it's a great way to get out and explore local areas. Registration is free and open now for rides already taking place in St Albans, Watford and Dacorum districts.
More rides are being added all the time, so families, friends and groups can check out the dates and details of rides taking place. Rides vary in levels, from beginners to experienced cyclists, so everyone can pick a level to suit their skills and enjoyment. This year there are new ride levels to excite and challenge, including some tougher rides and new off-road rides at all levels. There are great gifts for children available too.
Sky Ride Local is provided by British Cycling and Sky. For more information visit www.goskyride.com
This blog content was sourced from a St Albans City & District Council news release.
The bike rides will take place every Sunday until mid-October. With British Cycling-trained Ride Leaders on hand to offer encouragement and support, it's a great way to get out and explore local areas. Registration is free and open now for rides already taking place in St Albans, Watford and Dacorum districts.
More rides are being added all the time, so families, friends and groups can check out the dates and details of rides taking place. Rides vary in levels, from beginners to experienced cyclists, so everyone can pick a level to suit their skills and enjoyment. This year there are new ride levels to excite and challenge, including some tougher rides and new off-road rides at all levels. There are great gifts for children available too.
Sky Ride Local is provided by British Cycling and Sky. For more information visit www.goskyride.com
This blog content was sourced from a St Albans City & District Council news release.
Monday, 2 July 2012
The Olympic Torch is coming to St Albans
Press release from St Albans City & District Council on 2/7/12
The Olympic Flame will arrive in St Albans at 4.06pm on Sunday 8th July.
Our Torchbearers will carry the flame along the length of Hatfield Road from its junction with Charlotte Close (near Oaklands College, Smallford Campus). They will then take it across St Peter’s Street into Catherine Street, along Folly Lane joining Verulam Road before finishing near the Batchwood roundabout.
Large crowds are expected, so the advice is to get there early for a good view. There are lots of events and celebrations going on in the city on the day. Many local people, community groups and clubs are having parties and celebrations and many are open to the public.
Along the torch route, you can enjoy music, face painting and ‘Play in the Parks’ at Fleetville and Oysterfields recreation grounds. Clarence Park has fun and games with St Albans City Youth Football Club. The fun continues at Victoria Playing Fields with the Friends of Victoria Playing Fields organising lots of activities and a community Cricket Match. There is judo, zumba, street entertainment, music and lots more in the city centre. Many of the pubs and eateries have their own entertainment planned.
The churches along the route are laying on celebratory events. Hatfield Road Methodist Church, St Paul’s Church and St Peter’s Church all have activities galore. St Peter’s Church is offering tours of the tower.
Cllr Mike Wakely, Portfolio Holder for Sports, Leisure and Heritage at St Albans City and District Council, said: “This is one of those historic moments for St Albans and we are expecting lots of people to line the streets. We have gone to town on the bunting and there are flags designed by local children to wave as we cheer the runners on. The Olympic Torch is due in the District from Hatfield at 4.06pm, but there is plenty of fun and things to see all day, so people can make a real day of it. In the morning, the Freedom Parade* is taking place in the city, and with the Farmers Market, the Wheathampstead Village Day, and all the community events all over town, there’s going to be a real buzz. Make sure you get your spot early, crowds are expected.”
For more information about the Olympic Torch relay in St Albans, visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/olympic-torch-relay
The Olympic Flame will arrive in St Albans at 4.06pm on Sunday 8th July.
Our Torchbearers will carry the flame along the length of Hatfield Road from its junction with Charlotte Close (near Oaklands College, Smallford Campus). They will then take it across St Peter’s Street into Catherine Street, along Folly Lane joining Verulam Road before finishing near the Batchwood roundabout.
Large crowds are expected, so the advice is to get there early for a good view. There are lots of events and celebrations going on in the city on the day. Many local people, community groups and clubs are having parties and celebrations and many are open to the public.
Along the torch route, you can enjoy music, face painting and ‘Play in the Parks’ at Fleetville and Oysterfields recreation grounds. Clarence Park has fun and games with St Albans City Youth Football Club. The fun continues at Victoria Playing Fields with the Friends of Victoria Playing Fields organising lots of activities and a community Cricket Match. There is judo, zumba, street entertainment, music and lots more in the city centre. Many of the pubs and eateries have their own entertainment planned.
The churches along the route are laying on celebratory events. Hatfield Road Methodist Church, St Paul’s Church and St Peter’s Church all have activities galore. St Peter’s Church is offering tours of the tower.
Cllr Mike Wakely, Portfolio Holder for Sports, Leisure and Heritage at St Albans City and District Council, said: “This is one of those historic moments for St Albans and we are expecting lots of people to line the streets. We have gone to town on the bunting and there are flags designed by local children to wave as we cheer the runners on. The Olympic Torch is due in the District from Hatfield at 4.06pm, but there is plenty of fun and things to see all day, so people can make a real day of it. In the morning, the Freedom Parade* is taking place in the city, and with the Farmers Market, the Wheathampstead Village Day, and all the community events all over town, there’s going to be a real buzz. Make sure you get your spot early, crowds are expected.”
For more information about the Olympic Torch relay in St Albans, visit www.stalbans.gov.uk/olympic-torch-relay
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Restoration work begins on The Odyssey cinema after £1.2m is offered by local Angel investors
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.
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.
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