MEMBERS of the Farnham Theatre Association met at the Daniel Hall on Saturday, October 17, for its Annual General Meeting.

In the new tear FTA issued invitations to meet Andrew Welch, the much-admired previous manager at the Redgrave and at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Supporters heard Andrew and theatre consultant, Michael Holden put forward the case for the retention of the Redgrave Theatre, seeing no reason why this should not be successful.

Subsequently, FTA directors and Andrew Welch met MP Jeremy Hunt with the aim of discussing the impact of Crest Nicholson’s planning application to demolish the Redgrave, which was due to be determined by Waverley three days later.

Despite hearing that the Redgrave could be viable, Jeremy Hunt reiterated Waverley’s defence of its closure on the grounds of previous commercial failure and that the Maltings is able to satisfy the town’s need for theatre.

Waverley’s joint planning committee duly met to decide the Brightwells Listed Buildings demolitions application. Television cameras from BBC South Today were outside the council offices to give an account of the proceedings and to interview Andrew Welch. Inside the council chamber statements opposing the demolitions were presented on behalf of the Farnham Buildings Preservation Trust and the Farnham Theatre Association.

FTA members witnessed councillors repeating the dismissal of the case and ignoring the advice of English Heritage that the whole Brightwells redevelopment should be re-designed.

However, FTA chairman Anne Cooper feels that the 10-year campaign to raise the profile of theatre and to replace the Redgrave has had some positive outcomes. She claims that Farnham is becoming something of a ‘theatre town’.

Two new school theatre buildings have been created at Weydon and All Hallows, the Great Hall at the Maltings is undergoing improvements and the University of the Creative Arts has introduced courses in performance for students of film and television.

Mrs Cooper said, “Our lobbying has at least contributed to this greater recognition of the value of theatre in education in Farnham,” and she continued, “But, there is a very big omission! We still do not have a theatre to satisfy the needs of the public at large – a dedicated venue for the performing arts where the public can enjoy a full range of entertainment - theatre, music and dance throughout the year. Our campaign will continue until this becomes a reality.”

Following the AGM, members and guests heard Michael Holden explain his alternative plan for Brightwells, which he devised with the support of Michael Blower, vice-president of the Farnham Society. This idea was first launched at the Farnham Town Council Annual meeting and was enthusiastically received.

It was presented in more detail to the Farnham Society’s Residents Associations meeting in April and since then has been shown to a few leading members of Farnham Town Council and of Waverley Borough Council. To loud applause, Mr Holden began his presentation at the FTA event saying, “I disagree with your chairman - you do have a real theatre – it is the Redgrave and it is an outrage that you are not allowed to use it!”

He explained that his plan ‘Brightwells Restored’ would contain the theatre running in conjunction with an ‘art house’ cinema and restaurant. Elegant terraced houses, framing the lawns with an avenue of trees, affordable housing some retail and 350 car parking spaces would complete the plan and the whole would be developed by a Farnham Community Trust to ensure it fulfilled the needs of the town.