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businesses but bringing it in-house gives the centre more flexibility. Café manager Jess makes all of the food in the Flavel
kitchen, including delicious cakes. The Flavel bar has also benefited from a revamp and rebranding. Ann is hoping some of the town’s younger residents will get more involved as volunteers and help promote the centre through blogging, podcasting or providing content for its social media. Live events continue to flourish but to plug the film
gap, the Flavel has introduced a host of new classes – art, life drawing, health and wellbeing, dance with Flavia (of Strictly Come Dancing fame) – along with various adult and youth workshops. They are also attempting to reach out and
involve the whole community and to this end have collaborated with Dartmouth Academy to run a youth theatre event, with plans for more in the pipeline, including hopefully a Battle of the Bands type contest. “I’d like to try more of those sorts of things to encourage a more diverse group of people within the town to be involved – I see young people as being a real key to that,” said Ann. “For me, the arts should also challenge us, start conversations, entertain, educate or simply allow us to escape and have fun.” Volunteer numbers have reduced since the pandemic so the trustees have launched a recruitment drive for more; to act as ushers, work behind the bar and in the café. Someone is also needed to help manage the Flavel’s art gallery by choosing the artists and displaying the work. Ann, who regularly volunteers behind the bar, said:
“We give some training and people can choose which areas they’d like to volunteer in, and the hours and the events they’d like to support. “One of the benefits is getting to watch the event
they are helping with. It’s a great way to meet people and being a volunteer also means people can be a part of the Flavel community and influence what we do.” There are also opportunities for one-off support
from people with expertise in particular fields such as marketing, social media, IT, or from the catering industry. “We’ve been reaching out to volunteers who may
wish to complete a discrete time limited project; there are so many people with a range of talents and expertise in Dartmouth and we can optimise their skills in a way that meets our business needs and fits in with their commitments. “We also have a great range of expertise among our
trustees, but what we’d also welcome is somebody with artistic or theatre experience.
“We have an associate trustee scheme so people can dip their toes in and try it out before they become a full trustee.” Ann enjoyed a career as an academic, and her last
role was heading up the life sciences department at Coventry University. Ann, her husband and two children lived in Lichfield
before moving to Dartmouth in 2020, where she enjoys coastal walking and boating on the River Dart, playing golf, reading, cooking for friends and a range of arts including theatre, opera and any kind of music and exhibitions. “We always intended to retire here; we’ve had lots of
holidays down here, camped and sailed here, enjoyed the beautiful scenery, and Dartmouth has an arts centre!”
“I’d like to try more of those sorts of things to encourage a more diverse group of people within the town to be involved – I see young people as being a real key to that,”
“The role of chair of the Flavel trustees has meant I have met many more people. With fellow trustees and the staff we have formed partnerships with local businesses and enjoyed the continuing support of friends, founders, supporters and volunteers. I like working with people, being in a team and part of a community, which is what the Flavel is. “It’s a job where I do something most
days, but that fits with the way I like to work - I like to be very ‘hands on’ and the inclusive team is energetic, creative and hard working.
“Together we are a committed ‘band of brothers (and sisters!)’ each contributing what we can. If anyone reading would like to get involved please feel free to contact me and we can talk through the options and opportunities. Like my own experience, volunteering leads to friendships and further networking. A great way to find your place in Dartmouth. She added: “Leading the Flavel is a big responsibility.
I’ve learnt so much about the history of the Flavel. It was such a pioneering and unique project, forged by some really committed and determined people. It’s such a fantastic legacy and a privilege to carry on their work, along with the other trustees. “I want to ensure that when it’s the Flavel’s 20th
anniversary in 2025, we are in good health and looking forward to the next 20 years.” The Flavel’s autumn programme includes a Royal
Opera House Live screening of ‘Aida’, a talk by former BBC cricket commentator Henry Blofeld, and live gigs by tribute band ‘Dark Side of Pink Floyd’ and ‘Fairport Convention.’ At Christmas time, look out for the Royal Opera House Live screening of the Nutcracker ballet, a lively live gig by ‘Riviera Dogs’ and the BRNC Christmas Concert. For more information about volunteering and events visit
www.theflavel.org.uk
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