CHARITY APPEALS FOR £50K TO SAVE WALES’ OLDEST CINEMA
THE charity that runs Wales’ oldest cinema has lost almost £100,000 since its forced closure in December after asbestos was found in the building. The building was shut down to “protect public health and safety” while investigations were carried out.
Now the charity that runs the picture house is appealing for £50,000 on website Crowdfunder on a page titled “Save the Market Hall project”.
“The building itself has historic asbestos issues and due to these most unfortunate of circumstances the venue has been rendered temporarily unusable and in need of remedial improvement works,” it says on the page.
“Although we are working with partners and are in the throes of resolving the issues that have arisen, this has placed the trust in a precarious position.
“With current losses during the closure in the realm of £95,000, and with more income generation opportunities being lost week by week, our reserves are dwindling.
“With the need to keep staff employed and the payment of potential works, the charity has been forced into the position where we are requesting the help of our friends, patrons and all those who have a love of the venue and all it represents to help us secure its future.”
They asked for help ranging from “the price of a child’s ticket” to the “most generous of donations”.
“We would be eternally grateful,” the Crowdfunder page reads.
“We appreciate all donations given and look forward to moving this project to its next stage.”
In a video posted online, director Peter Watkins-Hughes urged people to help the Brynmawr cinema.
“The market hall cinema is more than just Wales’ oldest cinema, it’s a true Welsh national treasure,” he said.
“For over 122 years it’s been enter- taining countless generations of families from both near and afar.
“Queen Victoria was still on the throne when it first opened its doors in 1894, and since then it has survived two world wars and outlasted 28 UK prime ministers, and in 2014 it was actually awarded the title of UK Cinema of the Year.”
He said that for the first time its doors have closed and the charity which runs the historic venue has no income.
Julian Gardner, from the cinema, said: “That’s why we’re asking you to donate to ensure the future of this historic building.
“If you can simply pledge £3.50, which is the price of a child’s ticket, it will help the Market Hall Cinema and Arts Trust to ensure the future of this amazing building.
“If you’d like to pledge a little more you’ll find an unique package for pledgers of rewards.
“The market hall is a very unique and special project – please help us maintain this proud cinematic tradition.”
To help, see www.crowdfunder. co.uk/save-the-market-hall-proect