USING a grant of Ј10,000 to create a week of activities and experiences at the Laverton will be one of the first jobs for the new Laverton development and marketing officer, David Lawrence.
‘The Laverton Experience’ will take place from 13th – 20th April, and bring free activities ranging from cookery demonstrations to computer sessions to the Laverton for residents to try. The event has been designed to offer people a taster of all the different activities and events that can be run from the building.
The sessions will be free and the week has been funded by a grant of £10,000 from the lottery’s ‘Awards for All’ scheme.
As the Laverton’s development and marketing officer, David will be helping to promote the Laverton and what it can offer to the local community with events like the Laverton Experience.
David comes to the Laverton having worked at the University of Bath’s sports training village, where his duties included managing the facilities for the Paralympic training camps. He said, “I recently moved to Westbury, and I’m currently studying a history degree through the Open University. So for me, the Laverton is bringing together the history interest with a background in facilities management.
“I’m really quite excited to get everything going. We’re launching the experience week on the 13th April, where there will be free activities for the local community to come and enjoy.”
The Laverton was built in 1873 by local philanthropist Abraham Laverton, and over the last few years has benefited from extensive refurbishment to develop it as a community venue. As a Grade II listed building of architectural and historical interest, users are often attracted to its heritage and original features which include stained glass windows, a wrought iron staircase, and Victorian chandeliers.
The Laverton’s main hall can seat 160 guests, with a stage and audiovisual system. There is also a fully equipped kitchen, bar, lounge, meeting rooms, and disabled access.
The Laverton is home to the town council and organisations such as the West Wilts Credit Union meet there on a regular basis. It is also available for private hire, and people are welcome to make an appointment to view the facilities.
You can find out more about the Laverton at www.westburytowncouncil. gov.uk or call on 01373 822 126.
