Odeon Journey - update 10 Oct 2011
- new website means people can upload memories through a moderating system- www.odeonjourney.org.uk
- we are still looking for 3 more people to train in oral history taking and then interview people about their cinema memories. This involves a day and a half's training, with refreshments, travel paid and will give people an introduction to how to interview people and record/edit their work. Museum of St Albans, 18/10 and 1/11. Info@odeonjourney.org.uk for more details.
- bringing memories to life through drama, a fun social evening to share cinema memories; 13/10, 6-8pm, Museum of St Albans, Hatfield Road
- share memories of the cinema at the Central St Albans Library, the Maltings, on 20 October, 2-4pm; bring a photograph of yourself at the age you used to attend the cinema
Odeon to Odyssey
August 2011 - The transformation of the Odeon continues continues with a new community project 'Odeon Journey' supported by an award of £32,200 from the Heritage Lottery fund. The aim is to celebrate the history of the building by collecting stories and recollections from cinema-goers of all ages. Contributions will be invited from across the area.
The project director, Anna Reynolds, is thrilled to get the grant, and the opportunity to celebrate this building’s heritage. The Civic Society campaigned to save the building and open it as a cinema again.
Anna is now seeking people to share their own – and their parents’ and grandparents’ – memories of the cinema. The Society is glad that people's memories of this iconic St Albans building can now have the permanence they deserve.
Two local primary schools, Camp and Mandeville, will also be involved in the project. Schoolchildren will help by recreating famous film footage in a performance installation during 2012.
Contact Anna Reynolds through her website: www.odeonjourney.org.uk
The project director, Anna Reynolds, is thrilled to get the grant, and the opportunity to celebrate this building’s heritage. The Civic Society campaigned to save the building and open it as a cinema again.
Anna is now seeking people to share their own – and their parents’ and grandparents’ – memories of the cinema. The Society is glad that people's memories of this iconic St Albans building can now have the permanence they deserve.
Two local primary schools, Camp and Mandeville, will also be involved in the project. Schoolchildren will help by recreating famous film footage in a performance installation during 2012.
Contact Anna Reynolds through her website: www.odeonjourney.org.uk
Council to change direction on cinemas
13 April 2010 At the Cabinet meeting tonight, the leader of the Council, Cllr Robert Donald, announced that there would be a "change in direction" with respect to the Council's policy on cinema(s) in the city centre. He and a colleague will be meeting James Hannaway on 21 April.
Correspondence relating to the report to the Council's Cabinet proposing that the Maltings Arts Theatre should become an "art-house" cinema venue can be seen here.
12 April 2010 James Hannaway has confirmed the purchase of the former Odeon building - see the All About St Albans website.
Correspondence relating to the report to the Council's Cabinet proposing that the Maltings Arts Theatre should become an "art-house" cinema venue can be seen here.
12 April 2010 James Hannaway has confirmed the purchase of the former Odeon building - see the All About St Albans website.
Odeon / Alpha Cinema
8 April 2010 The Society has written an open letter to all Councillors about the report to the Council's Cabinet proposing that the Maltings Arts Theatre should become an "art-house" cinema venue. The full letter can be seen here.
1 April 2010 The Herts Advertiser reports that contracts have been exchanged between Mr Hannaway and the owners of the Odeon, Wattsdown Developments, following a campaign to raise £1 million to purchase the art deco building.
March 2010. The Odeon, or hopefully the Alpha Cinema, is highly topical. The latest news is that James Hannaway has raised over £1m. We hope he will be successful in purchasing the building. Then there will be the long haul of finding the £2 million plus needed for refurbishment. Your ideas will be most welcome.
This link to a blog may be of interest, and also check:
www.allaboutstalbans.com and www.therexberkhamsted.com
for the latest news about the Alpha.
1 April 2010 The Herts Advertiser reports that contracts have been exchanged between Mr Hannaway and the owners of the Odeon, Wattsdown Developments, following a campaign to raise £1 million to purchase the art deco building.
March 2010. The Odeon, or hopefully the Alpha Cinema, is highly topical. The latest news is that James Hannaway has raised over £1m. We hope he will be successful in purchasing the building. Then there will be the long haul of finding the £2 million plus needed for refurbishment. Your ideas will be most welcome.
This link to a blog may be of interest, and also check:
www.allaboutstalbans.com and www.therexberkhamsted.com
for the latest news about the Alpha.
