KENTON FOR KEEPS DEAL
KENTON FOR KEEPS DEALJoint Announcement from Henley Municipal Charities and The Kenton Theatre
The Trustees of the Henley Municipal Charities, custodians for part of The Kenton Theatre freehold have agreed to sell to The Kenton Theatre Management Society. This follows an approach, some time ago, from The Kenton Theatre Trustees seeking to purchase their freehold. After lengthy negotiations an agreement has been reached and both parties have entered into a six month Option to Purchase Agreement.
With the signing of this agreement it now creates the need for The Theatre Trustees to raise the necessary funds, to initially purchase the freehold and then fund improvements with the aim of maximising The Theatre's facilities and ensure the future of the Kenton, as a theatre, in perpetuity.
The Kenton - the fourth oldest working theatre in the country and staffed almost entirely by volunteers - will be working with theatre consultants to improve facilities for both patrons and users bringing the facilities into the 21st century - whilst maintaining the beauty and character of the Grade II listed building.
As local theatregoers and residents will know the KENTON for KEEPS Campaign has already begun with some welcome generosity and the momentum has to be maintained with the ultimate aim of achieving a sum of £1.5 million over two years.
Kenton Theatre Chairman, Alan Pontin says "The Kenton is one of the town's most cherished cultural assets which will be available for our future generations to act, sing, support and enjoy for decades to come. As Trustees we are merely custodians and we must do our best to make sure we pass The Theatre on to future generations. My board of trustees and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Municipal Charities for their willingness to take this forward in a most professional and supportive manner.
Wendy Bowsher, Managing Director of The Kenton comments, "I am very proud to be able to play my part in securing the future of The Kenton Theatre. Since re-opening in 1967 The Theatre has given pleasure to so many people in the community, the last 43 years is the longest period in The Theatre's history that it has been open. I thank the Kenton Team for their hard work and dedication to make this happen." Wendy goes on to say "The Kenton is for everyone, together we can make sure the Kenton is for Keeps."
The Chairman for the Henley Municipal Charities David Tate comments "As Trustees of the building we have worked hard with the Kenton to ensure that it remains as a valuable asset to the town. We have overcome a very complicated joint ownership ensuring that in the hands of one owner the building can be used to its fullest potential and we congratulate The Theatre Trustees on their commitment to The Theatre.
The hope and vision of the Kenton Theatre Trustees relies on the support of not only theatregoers and the local community but also those keen to support and preserve a wonderful historic listed building - a credit to the town of Henley-on-Thames.
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