The Former Gala Bingo Hall
We want to see the former Gala Bingo Hall returned to what it was - a gig venue, and a community hub.
But we need YOUR help!
Hi - we’re Lindsey and Beccy
We met when they moved onto the new Hanwood Park estate in Kettering in the summer of 2017.
We have the same passions and mindsets as each other, but we were (still are) intimidated by the other one’s expertise. Lindsey was in awe of Beccy’s vocal ability, and Beccy thought she’d be seen as a fraud in teaching due to Lindsey’s knowledge and experience as a Head of Performing Arts.
Our friendship developed because of our kids, and because of our passions. We both know and understand the power of human connection, and the impact the arts can have on forming those connections.
As our friendship grew Beccy continued to grow her vocal business and Lindsey decided to take some time out to ‘just be Mum’ to her children after the sudden loss of their father. Lindsey toyed with different career options and Beccy waited patiently supporting her friend to find her own way and realise just what she needed to be doing.
COVID-19
When COVID-19 hit, in 2020, we took to the pavements once our kids were in bed, sitting across the road from each other and putting the world to rights.
Suggestions and tongue-in-cheek remarks were made. We discussed the need for the arts to be accessible, and how the arts can help in so many other ways to the ‘normal’ way it is approached in schools. Suddenly ideas were being put onto paper and a dream was formed. Part of that dream was to set up an academy that embraced the arts as a whole and gave students
a sanctuary to be themselves, explore and discover their unique abilities, and be accepting to whoever came in through the door.
We’ve grown that, and have found our niche - supporting children and young people with additional needs, which extends from our own lives and our children.
The other part of our dream was to take on the old Bingo Hall in Kettering Town Centre. It was up for sale at the, but there was no chance that could happen. We didn’t have the money, contacts or capacity to do such a big investment. Hey ho – everything happens for a reason and at some point we hoped be in a position to purchase something else and turn it into a bespoke arts and community hub.
In preparation for this we set up BHVA Axis Hub CIC. It has asset locks in place, which means equipment and properties can’t be sold on. We want to create legacy so anyone can access equipment to help with their creativity and gain the skills the arts can help with. Bespoke flooring, iPads, and other equipment have been put through this company so that people can access affordable quality settings.
To 2023…
A newspaper article was published saying that the old Bingo Hall was up for sale again, and any interested community group could pause the sale to put a bid together. We said “nothing ventured, nothing gained”, because we’re crazy, and emailed the Council to say we were interested as potential bidders.. A moratorium is now in place until June, and we are now putting together bids for funding and negotiating the price.
This is where we need YOUR help. We have the support to write the bids, business plans, and negotiate the purchase of the building. We’re looking in the region of about £5 million to purchase, refit, and bring it up to to standard.
However, we need to show we can also provide funding from other sources – up to £500,000 to be precise! This can be through community crowd funding, or donations of time, equipment and resources.
We also have to show how the building is part of the heritage of Kettering Town Centre, and the impact it would have on the residents of the town, and the wider North Northamptonshire area.
This is where you come in. This is what YOU CAN DO:
· Register your support for this project. This could be in the form of a financial pledge, or it could be the provision of labour or materials.
· You can also use the forms on this website to share stories about the history of the theatre and bingo hall.
· Maybe you’re a small business or an arts company and would like some community space in the centre of town to rent on a permanent or ad-hoc basis. If so then we would love to know what size space you may be interested in, and what kind of rent you would be able to pay.
We need all this information to bring together a case that will help rejuvenate the High Street and give back to the town of Kettering. We want to provide a sanctuary – a hub in the heart of the town – to pay forward the experiences and journeys of self-discovery we had when we were younger. A place where business, services, and creative and performing arts groups can come together in a non-corporate setting.
Support
Support
It all begins with an idea. That’s what we’ve done. But we can’t do it on our own.
Please click on the button below to see how you can help us Take Action to rejuvenate Kettering Town Centre.
Stay amazing peeps!