This week, the This is Haslemere team had the pleasure of meeting Howard Bicknell, the General Manager of the Haslemere Hall to find out a bit more about this incredible local venue.

The Haslemere Hall was built in 1913 and was gifted to the town by the daughter of the founder, Barclay Day Lewis, in 1919. A fine example of the Arts and Craft movement, it is primarily a theatre. Seating  340 people within a main auditorium and in an upper balcony, it also boasts a fully licensed bar serving refreshments. 

Howard joined the team at the Haslemere Hall just over a decade ago and it's clear that he has just as much passion for the role, the building and what it stands for today as he did when he started. The hall was a firm part of Howard's childhood. He attended his local scouts group there along with more than one theatre group. Howard therefore saw his role as Manager as a way of giving something back. 

And he has certainly made his mark. The building has undergone various mini facelifts since he took over. However, Howard has always ensured that any work retains a look and feel in keeping with the building's primary role as a theatre. These renovations are still underway today - as we speak, the bar area is being revamped and should be completed in a couple of weeks.

Howard is the only full time member of staff at the Haslemere Hall. There are then seven part time staff. But Howard is very clear that it is the volunteers that form the backbone of the Haslemere Hall. Throughout our chat, he was at pains to stress the importance of the hall's volunteers. These currently number between 60 and 80 people, with some volunteers helping out weekly and others more sporadically dependent on their commitments. Volunteers range from teenagers working on their Duke of Edinburgh badges to retirees keen to give something back. And the volunteer roles are quite varied too. However, we have to admit we particularly liked the sound of the usher roles since apparently ushers get to enjoy a complimentary ice cream during their shift! Howards is still keen to take on more volunteers - even with a volunteer base that large, there are always times when he needs an extra pair of hands.

What many may not realise is that the Haslemere Hall is a registered charity. The Hall receives no endowments or state grants. In fact, the only source of income that the Hall can depend on is from letting the space, from individual 'Friends of Haslemere Hall' and from sales to their film showings.

Howard is certainly very grateful to those groups that rent the space regularly. These include the Haslemere Musical Society which uses the space every Monday from September to May along with the Theatre Monkeys, U3A, The Haslemere Thespians, the Women's Institute and many, many more. In total, Howard estimated that the Hall probably has over 50 different 'regulars', all of which provide much needed income. It's also used as a polling station and by the NHS for their eye screening programme.

What was clear from listening to Howard, is that he wants the Hall to offer as much variety as it can. He wants the Hall to truly provide something for everyone to enjoy within the Haslemere community. Just last week, the Hall had The Queens of Magic perform their adult only drag night on four separate evenings. And not long ago, the Hall also opened its doors to Boogie Days, a hugely popular daytime disco which will be returning this September.  Howard would love to discuss other ideas people have which may bring a new audience to the Haslemere Hall in the future.

However, at the end of the day, the Hall depends on local support. Simply put, the Hall needs bums on seats to ensure it can cover its costs and remain viable for future generations. Their film showings are a real lifeline to help them cover ongoing costs at the Hall.

It was such a pleasure to talk to Howard and to see the passion that he has for the hall and his gratitude to the many volunteers that give up their time to help out. 

If you would like to see something at the Hall, please do head to the Haslemere Hall website for up to date information about what events are taking place. Coming up they have an eclectic mix of events as part of the Haslemere Festival. There are also plenty of great films coming up - Mr Burton is on this week, and in May there is Death of a Unicorn as well as a new 4K restoration of the classic film The Dam Busters to coincide with the 80th Anniversary of VE Day! And there are always regular theatre events via satellite along with live music performances.

You can also show your support by becoming a Friend of Haslemere Hall for a fixed donation of £35 per year, or you can make a bespoke donation via their website to support the work that they do.

Discover what's on at the Haslemere Hall and book tickets.