OVER 200 people enjoyed a selection of free events hosted by Westbury Town Council to celebrate 150 years of The Laverton in Bratton Road.
There was something for everyone in the weeklong events that took place from 1st August, with a film night, a business breakfast meeting, a lunch at The Laverton, a craft morning and a quiz night.
Speaking about the events, the town clerk, Deborah Urch said, “We were really pleased that so many came along and during the week, over 200 adults and children took advantage of the free events, who are now perhaps more familiar with this wonderful building which was built for the benefit of our community,”
The week kicked off with a showing of the film ‘Belfast’ but there was a slight hiccup with the video equipment as the Laverton facilities and development officer, Philip Torjussen, explains, “After 26 minutes we had to postpone the event, as the production equipment failed, but everyone was very kind and understood that it was just one of those things. We will be showing the film again at the end of the summer, when we hope as many as possible will come and see it.”
On Tuesday 2nd, a number of business owners came along to meet the mayor, cllr Sheila Kimmins, at a business breakfast meeting where tea, coffee and bacon and sausage baps were served.
Phillip says, ‘We plan to have this meeting now every three months with a guest speaker and we are sure that the business community will find this a great networking opportunity.”
Abraham’s Kitchen hosted a “Lunch at The Laverton” on Wednesday 3rd where approximately 40 adults and children came together for a ploughman’s lunch and met some new friends. A magician and a film showing of ‘Frozen’ kept everyone entertained.
Over 50 children and adults came to the craft morning on Thursday 4th and in keeping with the Victorian theme, everyone made crafts based on Victorian toys – cup and ball toys, spinners, and pop-up puppets – but with the modern twist of using materials from today. Organisers say it was thoroughly enjoyed by all who came.
Finally, over 65 people took part in a quiz night which ended the week on Friday 5th. Eleven teams competed for the winning title, with the ‘Fearsome Five’ team, made up of Westbury town councillors narrowly gaining a win – although they will have to be very good to overcome the competition next time!
“Overall, a highly successful week and it was good to see so many people enjoying themselves from all parts of the community,” said Philip. “The Laverton has several rooms available – as well as the main hall – for the use of the local community. If anyone is planning an event and would like to have a look round to see what is available, I would be delighted to give them a tour.”
It has now been 150 years since the foundation stone for The Laverton building was laid by Abraham Laverton, who generously funded the development of the now grade II listed building, which has been the home of the Westbury Town Council since 2003.
When setting up The Laverton charity, Abraham Laverton described his aim for “the provision and maintenance of a community centre for the use of the inhabitants of Westbury without distinction of political, religious or other opinions, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants.”
Today, The Laverton remains a community venue for the town and its hall and rooms can be hired for private use.
You can contact the team at the Laverton on 01373 822126.
