March News Roundup

Progress, Gratitude and Looking Ahead at the Selsey Pavilion

As spring approaches after a particularly wet winter, it feels like a good moment to reflect on the steady progress being made at the Pavilion, and the work that continues behind the scenes to bring this historic building back into community use.

Trustee Update

After serving as a Trustee since August 2019, Gillian Plowman has recently stepped down from the Board of Trustees. Gillian has played an important role in reconnecting the Pavilion with its theatrical roots, particularly through her work with Arts Dream Selsey.

She also organised two highly successful fundraising initiatives, a quiz evening at the Selsey Club and four performances of A Christmas Carol at her home, raising just under £2,000 for the restoration project.

The Trustees would like to extend sincere thanks to Gillian for her enthusiasm, dedication and generosity. Although stepping down as a Trustee, she continues to support the arts locally and will shortly be hosting five performances of Florrie.

The Restoration Project: Two Years On

It is now two years since the Selsey Pavilion Trust secured ownership of the building, a significant milestone in safeguarding this much-loved historic venue.

The initial priority has been to make the Pavilion watertight and safe, and substantial progress has been achieved. However, as with many heritage buildings, restoration brings unexpected challenges.

One of the most frequently asked questions is: “When will the Pavilion reopen?” It’s entirely understandable, and while a definitive date is not yet possible, progress continues steadily. Much of the work involved in restoring a building of this age (over 110 years old) happens behind the scenes. Architects, surveyors and engineers carefully assess the structure and prepare detailed plans. Fire safety systems, insurance arrangements, health and safety compliance and modern accessibility standards must all be addressed before public reopening can take place.

Funding also plays a crucial role. Like many heritage charities, the Trust relies on grants, donations and fundraising events. Many grants are paid retrospectively, meaning work must first be completed, documented and evaluated before funding is released. Alongside this are the essential administrative responsibilities of running a charity, professional fees, insurance, legal oversight and financial governance.

Although much of this work is not immediately visible, it is vital to ensuring the Pavilion’s long-term future as a safe and vibrant cultural space. There is still work ahead, but the commitment to restoring and reopening it remains unwavering.

Outreach and Media

In February, the Trust appeared on the Sarah Gorrell Show on BBC Radio Sussex and Surrey, highlighting the radio adaptation of the student-led Pavilion history film. Segments from the adaptation were broadcast before Dan Musty of Millstream Productions spoke about the project’s impact on students and the way it has connected different generations through local heritage. Trustee Christian Skelton shared updates on restoration progress and revealed that the original film has now received over 180,000 views on YouTube, an extraordinary milestone.

There is also growing anticipation about the potential opening of the small hall at the rear of the building later this year.

Community Engagement

The Trust will once again attend the Selsey Town Meeting on Tuesday, 17th March at the Selsey Centre. Doors open at 6.30 pm, with the meeting beginning at approximately 7.15 pm.

It is always a welcome opportunity to answer questions, hear memories of the Pavilion and discuss volunteering opportunities.

Fundraising Update

The Trustees are extremely grateful for recent support from two local funders:

• The John Coates Charitable Trust – £7,500 towards refurbishment of the small hall
• Ferry Farm Community Solar – £3,600 supporting improved energy efficiency

Individual donations also continue to make a meaningful difference. For those eligible, completing a Gift Aid form allows the Trust to receive additional funds at no extra cost to the donor. Every contribution helps move the project forward.

Glancing Backwards: 70 Years Ago

This month’s look back takes us to 1954 and the release of The Vanishing Prairie, one of the vintage posters currently on display in Chaplin’s.

Released in August 1954, the Disney documentary won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Celebrated as one of Walt Disney’s greatest true-life adventure films, it explored the drama and complexity of life on the American prairie, revealing natural wonders that audiences had never before seen on screen.

It is a fitting reminder of the Pavilion’s rich cinematic heritage, and of the stories that once lit up its screen.

‍

‍

The restoration journey continues step by step, supported by volunteers, funders and local residents. With that shared commitment, the Pavilion’s next chapter draws ever closer.