Fresh calls to reopen much-loved Armstrong Hall in Thornbury

The Armstrong Hall complex on Chapel Street - which includes Armstrong Hall and The Cossham Hall - has been described as ‘vital’ and ‘an asset’ by campaigners and theatre-goers. 

Due to ongoing costs, it was closed for the 'foreseeable future' three years ago in 2020, resulting in the loss of five jobs.

The beloved venue - which was opened in 1972 - was a hub for theatre, music and community groups with a wide range of performances, productions and activities taking place. 

Previously there was discussion about moving the venue's facilities to Turnberries Community Centre and demolishing the hall. 

Now a row has erupted with debates raging about the ownership and running of the hall. 

Campaigners from Armstrong Hall Action Alliance claim that the Thornbury Town Council has not been transparent enough. 

They also allege as a trustee of the hall, the council needs to do more to reopen. 

But the town council has refuted this saying the authority is completely separate and they have no responsibility over its running or closure.

Armstrong Hall, stage view (Image: Armstrong Hall Action Alliance)

It comes as voters in Thornbury are due to elect new councillors for the town council as well as for South Gloucestershire Council on May 4. 

Geoff Kitchen from the Thornbury Musical Theatre Group said the continued closure has caused a ‘very large hole’ in the ‘cultural life’ of the town. 

In an open letter he said: “We call upon TTC and representatives of the Armstrong Hall Trust to work together to solve the acute problem of the very large hole left in the cultural life of Thornbury caused by the closure.

“Our community is much poorer for the lack of this facility; and the creative forces that have long existed are in danger of fading away.

“It is not too late to bring the complex back to life, but this is now extremely urgent.”

Previously in May last year 94 per cent of Thornbury residents voted asking the town council to hold a public consultation - although the turnout of that vote was only about 24 per cent.

Members of the Armstrong Hall Action Alliance in 2021 outside the community venue (Image: Armstrong Hall Action Alliance)

AHAA secretary David Walker-Cornes said: “The Alliance is in place to show how the Armstrong Hall can be reopened and run sustainably for the benefit of the whole town, as it used to be. 

“A different management approach would provide spaces for our local groups and also attract all kinds of touring artists to give a rich diet of musical theatre, drama, opera, dance, music, comedy and exhibitions, and so on, all on our doorstep. 

“The community needs the trustees to show some ambition.

“We have already seen several performing arts groups move out of Thornbury for their productions; some have even stopped producing entirely. 

“AHAA believes that urgent action is required before performing arts within the town are further impacted."

Cossham Hall interior (Image: Armstrong Hall Action Alliance)

A spokesperson for Thornbury Town Council said: “The town council as a corporate body is the Trustee of the Armstrong Hall Trust, but this is entirely separate to the role and responsibilities of the town council as a local authority. 

“The management of the Armstrong Hall Trust must be kept entirely separate from the business of the town council.

“This is based on charity legislation, appropriate local government governance and expert legal advice received by the council from one of the leading experts in this area. 

“Our resources must not be used in the running of the charity and must ensure its governance is in line with legal advice, whether or not this is to the liking of everybody.

“Councillors are not trustees. They are automatically representatives of the Trust, but this is a completely separate duty and role to that of local councillor. 

“They meet as representatives of the Trust at Trust meetings, but this is entirely separate to their roles as town councillors and they are not representing the town council as a local authority when acting in this way. 

“The town council cannot choose alternative representatives of the Trust under its current constitution. 

“Armstrong Hall funds are entirely separate from our funds, and the two are not interchangeable in any appropriate or legal way.

“We reiterate that expert legal advice has been taken to ensure that the council acts appropriately and that the council has no option but to adhere to this.”