By Harry Mottram: The former Methodist Church in Axbridge – also known as a chapel – will reopen as an arts centre as the former place of worship is transformed into an arts centre. The brain child of residents Paul Hughes and Pete Harding, the building was declared redundant by the church authorities last year due to falling congregation numbers and planned to put it up for sale.
On Sunday, July 6tth, the newly renamed Axe Vale Arts Centre will open with a launch day when residents can experience a taste of what is to come as a number of activities are outlined in the coming weeks. On the day that starts at 1pm there is a programme of events to showcase some of what is likely to happen – with an art exhibition, live folk music and theatre along with poetry readings and choral music and jazz.
The launch day starts at 1pm on Sunday and continues through to the evening with non-alcoholic refreshments available with money raised going towards the building’s upkeep and renovation. The arts centre is on a one year lease and the organisers hope to purchase the Victorian building eventually so events pencilled in for the future are fundraisers to achieve their ambition.
Paul Hughes said: “There has been a fantastic response from the community with people volunteering to help paint and decorate the school room and outbuildings – and putting in a bar for the teas and coffees. Everyone in the town is welcome as it is a free event – and many residents will never have been in this beautiful and ancient building – and they can get a taste of what is to come.”
Pete Harding commented: “We’re transforming the old Methodist church on West Street, right in the heart of Axbridge, into the Axe Vale Arts Centre — a new home for creativity, community, and culture. This historic building is being reimagined as a vibrant space for music, theatre, exhibitions, workshops, and more. Join us as we breathe new life into this much-loved landmark and create a welcoming venue for everyone to enjoy.”
Launch Day Programme (Subject to Change)
1:00pm – Doors open
1:15pm – Ochre Trails – Axbridge folk trio opens the day with a lively set of folk tunes. Also introducing the new Open Mic Acoustic Night, to be held every third Wednesday evening starting 16th July.
2:00pm – Tony Wilson from Axbridge Community Theatre presents extracts from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
2:15pm – Mumblecrust Theatre – Multi award-winning theatre company presenting extracts from The Tale of the Cockatrice.
2:30pm – Robert Anderson – Ex-organist of Bath Abbey performs exquisite music on our 175-year-old church organ.
2:45pm – Axbridge Singers – Local mixed community choir performing unaccompanied songs in four-part harmony.
3:30pm – Axe Vale Verse – Simon Rennie and Harry Mottram share poems and introduce the new Open Mic Poetry Night, held on the 4th Wednesday of every month.
3:45pm – Last Night’s Debacle – Simon Rennie and friends perform traditional folk songs.
4:45pm – Winscombe Swing Jazz Project– Six-piece band playing jazz standards from the 1930s–1950s, with a touch of Latin.
5:45pm – Jo Hogg – A cappella singing.
6:15pm – The Wayward Strays – Acoustic country and blues in the style of JJ Cale.
7:45pm – 88 Straight (Trio) – Rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, boogie, and blues.
9:00pm – Finish.
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Axbridge Review is edited by Harry Mottram and is published for the interest of himself and fellow residents.
Harry is a freelance journalist. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Blue Sky, YouTube etc
Email:harryfmottram@gmail.com
Website:www.harrymottram.co.uk
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