Renting the Tolmen Centre
Did you know you can rent the Tolmen Centre for private parties and weddings for a very modest fee? It has a great atmosphere and is very well equipped.
Similar Posts
Tolmen Restoration Project News
Exactly one year on from the launch of Constantine’s Tolmen Centre ‘Love Me Restore Me’ campaign to raise funds for the restoration of the building’s roof, twenty-two windows, and carpark on February 14th 2019, phase one of the restoration project is complete. Thanks to a ‘National Lottery Community Fund’ grant of £10,000, and a grant from Cllr John Baston’s Community Chest fund of £700 there is now a car park which is not only safe to use but also compliments the original Victorian building.
Replacing the old tarmac surface was crucial it was becoming unsafe to walk across and was unsightly with its huge holes often full of rainwater. The replacement work began on Monday 16th December but being reliant on good weather for the new imprinted concrete surface to dry, has meant it has taken eight weeks to complete. Patience has paid off and we are thrilled with the final results.
After twenty years of ownership of the building the Constantine Enterprise Company have acknowledged that if this wonderful facility is to remain a prominent feature in 21st Century Constantine, some serious restoration must take place. It is a building used by so many groups in our village from Community choirs to Yoga groups, Wedding breakfasts and Wakes. It has been a part of village life since 1880 and we have a duty to make sure it remains so. With a full programme of high quality theatre and musical events, the Tolmen Centre’s reputation has now spread well beyond the County. Regular art exhibitions, a wonderful Museum and pre show café have all helped make it an oasis of culture in an isolated village area. Totally run by volunteers it provides so many opportunities, it would be such a loss if the building were not fit for purpose.
The fundraising team are now focused on phase two of the project (perhaps the most major) – the roof replacement, and with £32000 raised so far, hope in the near future to be successful in reaching the £55000 target with some further grant applications pending and generous donations from supporters. If and when, we ever get dry weather it is hoped phase three, the replacement /restoration of some of the windows with the £8000 generously donated by the Tanner Trust will commence.
Should you wish to volunteer at the centre, or donate towards the ongoing restoration please contact Tracey Clowes 01326 340279.
No more ‘numb bums’
Over the summer, we are seeing the arrival of a complete set of specially designed upholstered seat cushions for the Tolmen Centre theatre. Ever since the Centre opened as a performance place in 2002, we have been beset by the lack of comfort offered by the original wooden church pews. These are part of the ‘listed’ features of the building and can’t be physically altered – even if we wanted to.
In fact they are such an intrinsic part of the old chapel, and contribute so much to the much loved ambience of the Tolmen Centre, we would never want to replace them with modern theatre seats. So the compromise has been to commission made-to-measure upholstered foam cushions. These should make them more comfortable – or at least, much less uncomfortable! The Tolmen Centre’s days as a place of ‘numb bums’ may be over! If you have been reluctant to attend our performances because of the seats, please try the new seating – and hopefully you’ll be persuaded to come more often!
We are very grateful indeed to Cornwall Council’s Halls for Cornwall Fund for a substantial grant to cover this improvement, without which we would never have been able to afford the considerable cost: and to Perham Upholstery from Treverva who have designed and made the cushions for us. The new Autumn programme of events is just being distributed – pick one up from the Tolmen to see what’s on offer between now and Christmas.
Tolmen Centre News January 2015
The programme for the start of 2015 at The Tolmen Centre is now printed and published, with details on this site as well as the printed leaflet.
One important change to our plans is that The Feast of Fun originally scheduled for 10th January has had to be cancelled. After a break, we hope it’ll reappear next year!
The programme continues with the visit of Steve Knightley on 16th January, develops with some excellent Movies, and gets into top gear in February with some fabulous Theatre and Folk sessions. Cafe Tolmen will be offering pre-show meals at all the events.
The wonderful Tolmen Family Drama Group sessions continue on Thursday nights. There’s already a full complement of youngsters, but more grown-ups are needed to balance the group. Learn about making theatre by joining in with this vibrant group – all you need is enthusiasm and commitment, and being able to turn up on Thursday evenings. Phone Tod Welch on 01326 341045 to find out how to get involved.
Don’t forget that The Tolmen Centre has spaces to rent for all sorts of parties, activities or events, either on a regular basis or for one off occasions. It’s well equipped, comfortable, fully licenced, and the rents are very reasonable.
It’s a good time of year to thank all the many volunteers who help make the Tolmen Centre work. There are too many to name all of them, but they know who they are. The Tolmen Centre couldn’t run without them.
Charlie Pugh
Watercolour Exhibition
During the month of March, following a successful showing of photographs by Gavin Saunders, the Tolmen Centre is now hosting an exhibition of watercolours by Tiffa Meadows who lives in Port Navas. Tiffa is a keen botanical artist who studied at Heligan and has undertaken commissions for the National Trust. She is also known locally for her evocative watercolours of the Helford.
Visit tiffa.com
BBC Radio 4 Any Questions
Broadcast live from the Tolmen Centre.
It’s your chance to ask a question and influence debate on the popular Radio Four programme. Free entry. Pre-booking essential.
Music returning to the Tolmen Centre
On Saturday July 3rd we welcome locally-based singer and songwriter Martha Tilston and her band.
We were very disappointed at having to cancel Martha’s planned concert in the New Year at the last minute, but we’re confident that this one will be a great success.
Saturday July 17th will see the multi instrumentalist duo The Blackheart Orchestra take to the stage for an evening of what has been described variously as ‘electronic prog-folk’, ‘a mesmerising powerhouse’ and ‘an avant-garde musical utopia’. Sounds intriguing – why not come along?
We are moving towards online booking and will only be taking phone reservations in exceptional circumstances. You can book through our website at tolmencentre.co.uk. We have an exciting and varied programme booked for the autumn season, culminating in a blockbuster evening just before Christmas. Watch this space!
