Community rallies to save the Barrington Theatre

It is a plea to help save the theatre following the charity’s insolvency.

In the online statement Andy says, “We need to fundraise £30,000 to keep our doors open for the entire community of Ferndown. The £30,000 will help us get into a position to stabilse the charity and be able to trade again. Please give generously as your donation will not only benefit the community now but also for generations to come. If the council take back the building we will lose all aspects of the theatre.”

Terry Holbert, who has been involved with the centre for over 30 years and is president of the FCA said, “We wish to keep the Barrington Centre open. If we raise enough money, we will be able to carry on. Anyone with planned events should have been contacted by the Barrington. We hope to reopen as soon as possible.”

Mrs Vi Hayden who was passing the centre today said, “I am staggered. Really very upset. I come her a lot and am a member of the WI.”

Tony Furz added, “I’ve been coming here since 1999 and spent a lot of time at the Barrington going to shows, with Phoenix, the U3A, going on coach trips and outings, I even sang in the Ferndown Voice competition. The Barrington really is the hub of the community.”

And Frank Fortey said, “It was a shock to me when I found out it was closed. I have volunteered here for 23 years and still do the bingo which attracts 80 or so people. That’s why I’m here now, to make sure if anyone turns up, I can tell them what’s happened.”

Terry added that there will be a meeting of East Dorset District Council this evening followed by a Ferndown Community Association meeting on Thursday. She is encouraging everyone to donate and save the Barrington to preserve the theatre as well as a community centre in the town.

You can do this at www.barringtoncentre.co.uk

Bank details: Sort code 40-21-21, Account 71336053. Cheque donations welcome at the centre or telephone 01202 894858.