Sir Alan visits success story
FIFTEEN months of hard work has culminated in an esteemed MP visiting one of Dunmow s biggest success stories. Sir Alan Haselhurst went down to the Arts Centre on Haslers Lane to see exactly what they had been up to since they took over a dilapidated ware
FIFTEEN months of hard work has culminated in an esteemed MP visiting one of Dunmow's biggest success stories.
Sir Alan Haselhurst went down to the Arts Centre on Haslers Lane to see exactly what they had been up to since they took over a dilapidated warehouse over a year and a half ago.
During his Friday visit the Saffron Walden MP was so impressed that he even joined in with some of the workshops taking place, including a special Halloween nursery.
He said: "It is amazing what they have done here in such a small amount of time, I really wish them the best of luck in future. I am so impressed I will certainly come back very soon."
The Arts Centre started out as a shell of a building in early 2006 but since then its owners have been busy building and renovating rooms for lots of activities such as dancing, singing and acting workshops that have led to several sold out shows in their very own theatre.
Centre manager Jacky Rom said: "It was great to have Sir Alan here to visit us, we have put a lot of hard work in over the last year and a half and we are getting bigger and better all the time.
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"We have been lucky to receive several grants from various groups and charity funds and have really made the most of them by installing lifts for the disabled, a diner, a brand new theatre, and providing as many classes as the community wants."
The mantra at the centre is a very positive one, and the staff see themselves as providing a real community hub for people. Staff member Mikki Rom said: "If we can get five or more people for a class, then we will run it. People can suggest things and if the interest is there we will find a teacher to run it."
That idea has been proven most recently when a member of public rang up the Arts Centre to ask for adult ballet classes, soon after, five people were enrolled and the group will be starting on Monday nights in just a few weeks.
What do you think? E-mail us at nick.thompson@archant.co.uk or call us on 07804217442.
