PLANS for the future of the Cheese and Grain venue are moving ahead in a positive light, following a productive meeting between Cheese and Grain trustees and town councillors and staff. There was agreement over ideas which were put forward for changes to the venue and these will now be available for public consultation.
The ground-breaking meeting, held on 10th March, was facilitated by Steve Macarthur of Green Strand Consultancy Ltd.
Focus groups of both town council and Cheese and Grain representatives, had identified a common ground of ideas to take the Frome venue forward which included:-
• A new purpose-built professional stage to replace existing temporary structure.
• A new ‘green room’ for bands and performers.
• New toilets in better locations.
• Development of a new covered market area connecting the main building to the slope to the east of the building.
• Arcades to be constructed alongside the length of the building to provide cafe and bar facilities, which could operate either separately or in conjunction with the main building. This would allow for the space occupied by the existing bar and restaurant to be incorporated into the main hall, providing increased capacity.
• General restoration of the building, particularly the north end beside the railway and the Mezzanine.
• Development of the foyer area for multiple use, such as a post office, police point, CAB, and ‘all Frome’ box office facility.
• Solar panels and other green energy production to be incorporated.
The next step will be to now take these ideas to public consultation in order to develop and cost out the project.
Cllr Karen Harvey, chairman of Frome Town Council’s recreation and properties committee said, “We made great progress at the meeting. I am sure I can say on behalf of everyone there that the future of the Cheese and Grain is looking brighter by the day.”
Upcoming events at the Cheese and Grain
There is a variety of exciting events planned for the venue including”
• ‘Fragile’, a European tribute band to 70s super-group ‘Yes’, on April 2nd at 8.00pm. Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door.
• A comedy night on 15th April at 8.00pm, with two comedians, quickfire gag merchant, Tony Cowards and headline act, Jeff Stevenson. Overseeing the proceedings will be Kevin Hampson. Tickets are £7 advance.
• The Electric Night Garden is all set for April 23rd at 8pm which will premiere local 16-25 year olds with original music; 16+ event. Tickets are £7 advance and £5 for concessions.
• The venue also hosts a variety of regular events; including a weekly Thursday Country Market from 8.00am until 12.00pm with home-made and home-grown produce and handmade crafts and gifts; and on the first Saturday of every month from 9.00am until 3.00pm, an antiques, collectors and gifts market.
• For a full run down of upcoming events at the cheese and grain visit www.cheeseandgrain.co.uk
