Penistone Cinema Organ Trust receives lifeline grant from Government

PENISTONE Cinema Organ Trust is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country set to receive a lifesaving financial boost from the government thanks to the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

The 445 organisations will share £103 million, including Penistone Cinema Organ Trust to help restart vital reconstruction work and maintenance on cherished heritage sites, keeping venues open and supporting those working in the sector.

The Penistone Cinema Organ Trust have been awarded £58,000 in order to protect their historic Cinema Organs based at The Astoria Centre in Barnsley. Funding has been provided for the installation of ambient heating equipment, adaptation of reception and toilet areas in order to maintain social distancing, the purchase of PPE for volunteers, installation of cameras in order to film virtual events for broadcast on social media and to part cover operational premises costs.

This vital funding is from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage and the Heritage Stimulus Fund - funded by Government and administered at arms length by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Both funds are part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund which is designed to secure the future of Britain’s museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues with emergency grants and loans.

Kevin Grunill, Chairman, Penistone Cinema Organ Trust, said: “This funding is a real lifeline to the future existence of the Penistone Cinema Organ Trust and the work we do with regards to the preservation of the cinema organ both at the Penistone Paramount and the Astoria Centre in Barnsley.

“We are a relatively small group run entirely by volunteers but have made a big impact in the UK as one of the foremost cinema organ preservation groups, with the formation of the National Theatre Organ Heritage Centre at Barugh Green, Barnsley. “The cancellation of all our public events because of COVID- 19 restrictions dealt our volunteer group a huge blow and threatened our very survival, however because of this grant from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund we are able to continue our preservation work, look at new ways in which to engage with an audience and remain sustainable. This wouldn’t have been possible without the Government’s support, for which we are immensely grateful and thankful.”

The Astoria Centre at Barugh Green, Barnsley is the home of the National Theatre Organ Heritage Centre, which houses a large collection of 1930s Art Deco Cinema/Theatre Pipe Organs, together with an extensive archive of Cinema Organ memorabilia and sheet music.

“Our usual events include music and memories afternoons and afternoon tea dances, all of which sadly cannot take place at the current time due to regulations. We have piloted a virtual concert on Youtube recently, featuring the star organist from the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool; Phil Kelsall. This has been viewed by people from all over the world, so is helping to promote the work we do, as well as keep audiences engaged”, said Kevin.