New company has big plans for Hazlitt


A NEW company could soon be treading the boards atMaidstone’s Hazlitt Theatre. The council has accepted a tender – one


of only two received – from Worcester- based Parkwood Leisure to run the 350-seat theatre, the Exchange Studio and other fa- cilities at the Earl Street venue. Parkwood Leisure, which operates 84 fa- cilities on behalf of 25 local authority clients, employing 4,500 people, could take over at the theatre complex by the end of the year, saving the council an estimated £3.2m over the course of the 15-year con- tract, according to the cabinet member for commercial development,Malcolm Greer. The contract needs to be finalised. How-


ever, Cllr Greer said: “I am confident that Parkwood will deliver a noticeable im- provement to service levels and reduce the bottom line cost.” Parkwood Leisure has pledged to main-


tain a focus on community use of the the- atre and will continue to offer outreach community activities, such as the Maid- stoneMela and Proms in the Park. Existing staff would be offered the chance


to transfer to Parkwood Leisure, under the same terms and conditions they have with the council now. Concerns that prices could rise, not only


to customers but to outside organisations who hire the theatre for amateur produc- tions, after Parkwood said it would honour existing prices 'for an initial period' were dismissed by the company's sales and mar- keting director Joanne Martin, who said: "It is always our policy to operate an estab- lishment for a year prior to any changes.We will consider feedback from customers, at- tendance at shows and market conditions


before determining if prices should be ad- justed either up or down. Sometimes, there is no need to make changes." The company has said it would continue


to offer concessions on tickets for people on low incomes and would also introduce a loyalty card, offering discounts on tickets and drinks, as well as behind the scenes tours and other inducements. Joanne said: “Through the card, we be- lievewe can encourage loyalty from patrons


while introducing arts and culture to a wider and more diverse audience.” The venue would also cater for arts and


craft exhibitions, workshops and activities. There are plans to introduce daytime stu-


dio classes for mothers and babies and the over-50s, as well as developing the café. If a deal is agreed, Parkwood plans to in-


vest more than £45,000 in the first year for new IT equipment and the box office book- ing system.


Lord Bearsted opens Mote’s Tabernacle


A NEW chapter in the long history of The Mote cricket ground was written when the current Lord Bearsted – the fifth – opened the restored Tabernacle as the Mote Youth Sports Centre. The Tabernacle was built over 100 years ago by his great grandfather, the first Lord Bearsted,


when he lived on theMote Park family estate. Heplayedcricketandbuilt theunique Tabernacle


as his own sporting, business and social base, as well as a newpavilion still used by the club. Lord Bearsted builtuphis fortune as founder and


first chairman of Shell Oil, named after his family international trading business, which included a successful line in ornamental sea shells. After his death, the family sold Mote Park in


1929 to Maidstone Corporation for £50,000, and the cricket groundwas left intrust to TheMoteCC. Upkeep of the Tabernacle was expensive, and


three years ago it became derelict. The club campaigned for help, and four grants


raised almost£55,000. The Tabernacle is nowren- ovated, with all main features retained. Lord and LadyBearsted, accompanied by their son Harry, unveiled a large photograph of the 1st


Lord and Lady Bearsted at the Tabernacle


Lord Bearsted in front of Maidstone mayor, Cllr Rodd Nelson-Gracie, local MPs, Maidstone coun- cillors, the site trustees and many past and present members of cricket and rugby clubs. All en- joyed lunch in the pavilion before a social cricket match. The Tabernacle will be run by the newly-formed Mote Sports Federation to develop youth sport, as a meetings room and for use by match-day officials.


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