I hope this is not the end of our Pavilion

From: Elizabeth Cheyne, Chairman, Friends of Whitby Pavilion.

TO consider the possible end of Whitby Pavilion after 141 years of continuous service to the community is another punch in the stomach for us all, after being in lockdown for many months.

The Pavilion is the heart of Whitby, with many touring companies making visits, and it has been a learning space for many years for our youngsters from the town who use it as a showplace for their activities.

In the 1900s it rapidly became a popular venue for the theatrical entertainment, music and dancing of our beloved and wellloved town, and also early silent movies were shown here making it a place of importance.

It had a lavish makeover in 1915 when the Urban District Council purchased it.

Since Scarborough Borough Council bought it, it is the best cinema for miles around and is still the foundation of our busy lives here in Whitby.

Please let it lie dormant for now so that, at some time in the future, it may once again be our Britannia.

Let us be able to say: “We never closed.”

From: Liz Atkinson, Sleights.

IT was with great sadness and concern that I heard the news that Whitby Pavilion had been mothballed.

Whitby is already under great pressure following the lockdown measures, and all the events at our local theatre brought in crowds who filled the B&Bs and cottages.

Those people then supported cafes, restaurants and pubs.

The venue was also home to the Eskdale Festival, highlighting all our local young talent.

It also hosted many U3A events, especially the weekly keep fit and dance sessions. How will we keep fit now?

Then there’s the Amateur Dramatics and Whitby Musical Society providing fun for all ages and the Chris Colebrooke stage group which excelled in developing young talent.

Prime Minister like Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand who is the first to admit when she has made a mistake.