SPOTLIGHT ON... JANE GABBUTT
- theatrereviews
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
This week, we've thrown the spotlight on Events Leader and Volunteer Trustee, Jane Gabbutt...
Q. Where you're based in Lincolnshire, and what your role at the Old Town Hall.
"The Old Town Hall is in the centre of Bourne, in the south of Lincolnshire. I’m Jane Gabbutt and I’m a volunteer trustee as well as Activities Lead for our regeneration project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund."
Q. What was it that first drew you to the local arts scene? Has it been a constant in your life, or was there a hiatus due to work/life commitments? What sparked or, indeed, re-ignited your interest?
"I have always been interested in the arts, mainly through theatre, literature, poetry and amateur dramatics with lots of arty creative types in my close family too. I was drawn to the town hall project because I feel strongly that the town will benefit from the types of events and activities planned, especially given the distance to other local venues. I have been involved for over three years in my spare time."
Q. Quite simply, give me three words that describe what the arts means to you.
"Entertainment, emotions, education."
Q. This is an exciting time for the Old Town Hall. Can you share with us the investment ongoing at the venue and what the overall ambition is?
"Bourne Town Hall Trust has been awarded £3.3 million by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore and transform the 200-year-old town hall into a vibrant community hub. Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, this funding will enable a full restoration of the building, including the reconstruction of the clock tower and the recommissioning of the original 200-year-old clock to chime the daytime hours.
Internally, the building will be restored to its former glory with modern additions such as lifts and enhanced facilities to ensure accessibility for all. Sustainable design features, including improved insulation, solar panels, and heat pump technology, will bring the building up to date, enhancing energy efficiency and supporting carbon neutrality.
When the restoration is complete, the Old Town Hall will serve as a cultural and heritage hub, offering a diverse program of entertainment, education, and community activities. The Trust's Community Activity Plan will engage local residents through heritage research, outreach, events like exhibitions, markets, live music, and educational talks, fostering new partnerships and expanding the building’s role at the heart of Bourne.
This long-term project will not only restore a cherished landmark but also create jobs and volunteering opportunities, ensuring the building’s future as a community resource.
In addition to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project has also received valuable local support from organisations based in Bourne itself."
Q. Aside from securing this government funding, what previous other achievements are you proud of concerning the Old Town Hall?
"A team of committed volunteers has been working towards restoring the town hall building for 8 years. Through that time, the Trust has made significant strides to develop the plans, engaging and consulting with the local community, testing out the final vision and progressing plans with the support and guidance of a wider professional team.
During this time the Trust surveyed, explored and opened up the building, researched its history. We have run a series of well-attended community engagement and family events, explored key themes and stories about the building’s history, which will be important and will be central to proposed interpretation plans. Alongside this, since 2019, we have delivered around 100 events testing meanwhile arts uses such as live music, poetry nights and exhibitions – many of which have been sold out within hours."
Q. It's a voluntary-managed enterprise, can you talk us through some of the pros and cons of this?
"You’re right, we’re all volunteers at the Old Town Hall. We have been lucky enough to find a lot of committed, passionate volunteers who share in the overall vision and who have helped to build a strong, warm, welcoming venue. We are lucky to regularly receive interest from others willing to give up their time."
Q. And the programming... is there a committee who decides on what events and workshops are held at the venue, or is there an artistic director in place, or are events programmed due to companies and people registered their interest to bring their work to Bourne?
"In terms of programming, we decide on events as a trustee group, based on our experience of organising and running over 100 events in the building, we tend to know what works. Often locals offer events to us and we try to include performers or businesses from the vicinity when drawing up the programme."
Q. The Old Town Hall is a real firm favourite among locals. What makes it so unique? What does it offer and specialise in?
"The Old Town Hall has always set out to be a warm, welcoming, safe space which provides joy to its visitors. We pride ourselves on our focus on talking to all visitors, sharing our story and history with those who are interested. Our events, especially those held in the downstairs Shambles bar are cosy and friendly with strangers sharing tables, perhaps becoming friends; sometimes visitors arrive alone and they always find a friendly table to share."
Q. How do people volunteer, and what, specifically, are the roles and opportunities available at the moment?
"People can volunteer by getting in touch by any means (email, social media, in person). We are always looking for people to help with events, marketing, cleaning and set-up, serving in the bar, ideas for fundraising or even becoming a trustee."
Q. And finally, can you give us a quick rundown on what is currently being exhibited, or performed, or for people to participate in, at the Old Town Hall in the upcoming months?
"We have a few upcoming events including a National Lottery Open Week event on Saturday 15th March from 10am to 1pm where, if you bring a National Lottery ticket, we will give you a free hot drink and cake.
On Saturday 29th March, we will have a talk on the 'History of the Afternoon Tea', served with a traditional afternoon tea. The talk will be provided by Eileen Dilley, who was a National Trust guide for over 30 years and whose specialism is tea.
On 25th & 26th April, Neena Quinlan returns with a new show. Many will remember her from the Menopause Monologues, the hilarious one-woman show which she wrote and performed at the Old Town Hall in two sell-out evenings. Her new show, called 'Neena’s Notes to Her Younger Self' will be just as funny and tickets will be released soon."
For further information on The Old Town Hall, please visit their website by clicking on the link below.
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