Arts centre’s tribute to loyal supporters
The names of loyal supporters who helped turn the dream of Norden Farm into a reality have been etched into a series of glass plaques.
The performing arts centre, in Altwood Road, opened in September 2000 following decades of planning and fundraising from arts enthusiasts in the town.
Since then the venue has gone on to welcome household names in comedy including Michael McIntyre, Miranda Hart and Russell Howard.
It has also operated as a community hub, supporting isolated and vulnerable residents during the pandemic through livestreamed performances and running significant events such as the Norden Farm Kite Festival.
To mark the centre’s 21st anniversary, artist Kirsty Brooks has inscribed the names of all those who sponsored seat plaques in the Courtyard Theatre onto a new illuminated glass display.
Jane Corry, chief executive, said: “Norden Farm got dreamt into existence by these arts enthusiasts, both local residents and politicians, who were determined that Maidenhead should have an arts centre.
“People were developing the idea of Norden Farm and fundraising for it for 40 years before it got built and that just shows the passion and determination of Maidonians.
“Thanks to them Norden Farm got built and we owe them everything.”
Jane told the Advertiser the venue has a packed schedule of acts ahead, including special Christmas shows for children and adults, as it looks to entertain people with live shows again after a tough 18 months.
She added: “Post pandemic Norden Farm is a safe space for people to venture back into the world and restore some joy and optimism to our lives.
“Norden Farm has always been a really important place for comedy and we’ve never needed comedy more.”
Question marks remain over the centre’s funding with financial support from the Royal
Borough due to be scrapped in the 2022/23 financial year.
“It’s a very anxious time but we’re still hopeful the council will still find a way to give us some core funding so that we can continue to be here for Maidenhead,” Jane said.
At last week’s disability and inclusion forum Conservative councillor Gurpreet Bhangra said the council is looking at various options to support Norden Farm and expected to provide an update at the next communities and overview scrutiny panel.