Warminster Athenæum Trust to hold AGM: exciting year reflects on progress and looks to the future

Residents of Westbury and the surrounding area are invited to attend the Warminster Athenæum Trust’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) next month. 

The meeting, on Saturday, 9th November, at 11:00 AM, at the historic Athenæum theatre in Warminster town centre, offers an opportunity for locals to hear about the year’s achievements and future plans, and participate in the election of new trustees.

The Athenæum Trust, which oversees the Grade II listed theatre, is also inviting local interested people to get involved as volunteers or trustees.

“It’s been an exciting year at the Athenæum since a change in the trustee board last September,” said chair of the trustees Jon Ellis. “Much has been achieved and events are as popular as ever.

“The present Warminster Athenæum Trust (charity number 1086353) was formed in September 2001, combining two existing charities (the Athenæum Trust and the Bleeck Memorial Hall) which have been located in the Grade II listed Athenæum on the High Street since 1857.

“The remit of the Trust is ‘providing entertainment, education and community support to the residents of Warminster and the surrounding area’ which is now formally defined as the BA12 and BA13 postcode areas so includes the Westbury area.

“By extension, it provides a well-funded, well-used community facility that draws visitors into the town is also a great asset to local residents.

“The Athenæum is run by volunteers, supporting various in-house user-groups as well as visiting shows.

“There is a need for a wide range of skills to support running the building, with our volunteers manning the Box Office, the Friends Bar, as well as front of house and ushers during events. We are always interested to talk to anyone who thinks they might be able to help, either with their time, or with a particular expertise.

“Also, if you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please send an e-mail to secretary@theath.co.uk for an initial chat about the role and responsibilities. All nominations for elected Trustees must be submitted in writing before midnight 26th October 2024.”

Simon James, secretary of the trustees, added about the recent changes, “The process of amalgamating two historic trusts led to some confusing wording in the scheme rules, and it was time to revisit these to give more clarity to our remit and aims. Working with the Charity Commission, the definition of the area of benefit, as well as the process for electing trustees has been updated to provide clearer governance of the Trustee board, and bring processes into line with Charity Commission guidelines.”

For more information about the Athenæum, upcoming shows, community projects or getting involved, please visit www.theath.co.uk.