From Shakespeare to Sgt Peppers: a busy week at Westbury’s Laverton

THE Laverton Experience got into full swing on the opening day of its week’s worth of free activities on the 13th April. 

Starting with the mayor’s opening, Dorothy House ‘piece of cake’, children’s author Eileen Browne (‘Handa’s Surprise’) and finishing the day off with Shakespeare Rattle and Roll, the week offered something for everyone.  Despite the weather a great turnout came for the cake sale, and so far the Laverton Experience has raised over £180 for Dorothy House and the Alzheimer’s Society.

The children enjoyed the book reading from Eileen Browne and had the chance to get a signed copy of their favourite book and have the opportunity to engage with Eileen.

There was also a good turnout for Martin Dimery’s Shakespeare Rattle and Roll. He presented a funny and revealing look at Shakespeare’s life, loves, verse, and in particular, the songs he wrote for his plays. The music for these songs has been lost, so the lyrics were taken and worked into more familiar modern styles like Bob Dylan, Buddy Holly, The Beatles and Bob Marley.

Monday saw North Bradley Computer Club and the Learning Curve present their ‘Get online’ computer sessions, and there was also an armchair yoga session courtesy of the Leighton Recreation Centre

With events such as Steven Hobbs and the Westbury Heritage Society presenting a fascinating look at the History of Westbury, An investigation of archaeological sites around Westbury and Sgt Peppers Only Dart Board Band closing the week, the Laverton Experience has put on a range of events that have offered something for everyone in Westbury.

David Lawrence, Laverton marketing and development officer said, “The Laverton Experience has been a great success and with events still to come. It will be great to see how the children of Bitham Brook School decorate the hall ready for the French Twinning and also to see how they enjoy a taste of French food. The Laverton experience has given us the chance to show off the Laverton’s flexibility, not just as a historic venue but also for meetings, training courses, weddings and parties”

Keith Harvey, town clerk said, “We are all very pleased with how the Laverton Experience week has gone, and it has catered for all ages. The children’s author on Saturday and film on Monday were very popular, the film on Wednesday evening ‘The Hobbit has created interest and 150 tickets for the final event on Friday evening have all been taken. Those attending the building for the first time have been very impressed and some organisations have said we will definitely use The Laverton again.

“If you have never been inside The Laverton please call in during working hours to have a tour of your community hall.”

For more information, please contact David Lawrence 01373 822126 or d.lawrence@westbury towncouncil.gov.uk