As Curzon cinema staff and volunteers come to terms with the fact that this historic building has closed for the first time in 108 years, the team from Corbel, who had begun the roof restoration last month, have now stopped work and secured the site last week.
In recent weeks, the appeal received a generous gift of £5,000 from the Society of Merchant Venturers resulting in just £18,000 left to raise towards this major project. However, like many charities, the current pandemic halted most of the fundraising plans for the final push in the appeal. With no income to the cinema, the charity has furloughed the majority of its staff in an attempt to manage the severe financial risk they now face simply to survive this crisis. These are major blows for the community cinema.
Susannah Shaw, CEO, said:
“I am pursuing what avenues we can access support like so many others across the world and I’m checking in on the Curzon regularly. The National Lottery Heritage Fund and our contractors Corbel have have a very positive and sensible approach to ensuring that, as far as possible, we are all working together for the good of the project.“
Suzanne reminded us:
“The Curzon has survived two world wars, the previous business saved from liquidation in 1996 by the community, as well as years of coping with a leaky roof – we are hopeful that we can survive this too and open our doors once again when this crisis passes.“
“Our thoughts are very much with our community as we all face this unimaginable situation. The continued support of the community has been truly heartwarming; thank you for helping us with your donations so we can get through this and open our doors once again”
Today, Online Tag-a-Tile is launched to continue the fundraising efforts. The much-loved initiative, which allows people to write messages onto the new roof tiles, has so far raised £11,700 with 723 tiles “tagged”. The temporary closure of the Curzon has meant people could no longer tag tiles in the final couple of months before they would start to be used on the roof.
Online Tag-a-Tile now allows the public to donate and send their message to Susannah, who has taken a number of tiles home. She will write their message and send them a photo of their tile. More information can be found at http://www.curzon.org.uk/tag-a-tile
The first online tile is from staff at the Curzon, a poignant message if it is revealed in another 100+ years when the roof may be restored again.
For more information please contact: Susannah Shaw, CEO Email: susannah.shaw@curzon.org.uk / Tel: 07918 904040
About the Curzon
The Curzon has been at the centre of life in Clevedon, North Somerset, since 1912. A charity, run with support from volunteers, it is one of the UK’s few traditional, independent cinemas showing mainstream and art house films. The Grade II listed cinema has tremendous heritage value, locally, nationally and internationally. It is one of the oldest purpose-built continuously operating cinemas in the world. Despite repairs over many years, rain water has been coming in through the Curzon’s failing roof and damaging this unique building. The ornate tin panelling, which reaches throughout the building and is the most complete example known to survive in England, is rusting and deteriorating. The collection of nearly 500 cinematic artefacts, some of which are incredibly rate, is in peril. The future of this historic cinema, that means so much to the local community, was in jeopardy.
About the National Lottery Heritage Fund
The Curzon’s roof appeal has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund who have pledged £239,900 towards the project. Using money raised by the National Lottery, they Inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. http://www.heritagefund.org.uk.
