Lighting Up Event-Welcome to Powerstock Village Hall Our Historical Hut
Lighting Up Event
LET THERE BE LIGHT!
Despite the wet and blustery night over 70 friends and neighbours, from the very young to the very wise, attended The Hut’s one-off event on Saturday 5 November. The occasion was to formally switch on the new lighting scheme, also to christen the “new” piano. The jolly event featured upbeat music from the Ping Pong Pocket Orchestra, with plenty of drinks and snacks (local cider provided byWest Milton Cider)The new lighting scheme was a serious investment in our Hut (partly from Hut funds and partly from a Covid grant) and achieves two important objectives; firstly, it reduces electricity consumption by over half by using LED bulbs throughout and secondly provides much more flexibility to create different moods for different events e.g. soft mood lighting for evening do’s or bright lighting for school lessons and craft events. There are dedicated circuits for the stage area to create a more theatrical effect which will enhance performances, also the serving hatch is framed with ultra-cool rope lighting. The stage end now has a special industrial socket so can take professional stage lighting and audio rigs; by the hatch USB ports are provided for recharging devices. New external downlighting cleverly preserves our precious rural dark-sky but also welcomes guests on dark winter evenings.
Ed Marsh, whose family have served the parish in so many wonderful ways over the years, flicked the switch on the night and unveiled a commemorative plaque. Heartfelt thanks to him and our lighting designer John Bullock, contractor Sorrell & Son, and our own Adrian Semmence for their contribution to realise the project.The Joseph Cramer piano is a classic, renowned for its deep and even tone. Very kindly donated to the Hut, it belonged to the well-known broadcaster and conservationist Kenneth Allsop who lived at Milton Mill and is buried in Powerstock churchyard. Pat Creed, the very accomplished West Milton-based pianist and church organist, played a selection of tunes, some solo, some with the orchestra, which showcased the quality of the instrument and Pat’s skills beautifully. She has also made a cover for it. Tristan Allsop, son of Kenneth, was delighted to attend (despite being the projectionist for the screening of La Traviata at The Bridport Arts Centre the same evening – multi-tasking indeed!) and was really thrilled to see his family piano ‘coming home’ again.Finally, thanks to the Hut Committee for being a brilliant team! The event was great fun and an outstanding example of warm village life on a dark November evening. SEE PHOTOS IN GALLERY
