President Daphne welcomed everyone to the March meeting of Wyesham WI, in St James' Community Hall. The speaker for the evening was Mr Chris Ryde, manager of the Savoy and he gave them a most interesting talk on the history of this theatre. There is no sign today of the Bell Inn that existed in the spot now occupied by the Savoy in the seventeenth century and which probably put on entertainment. In fact, it was in 1830 that the local Odd Fellows Society used public subscriptions to erect a "most commodious hall". As a nod to the past, it was known as the Bell Inn Assembly Room.

For a brief time, it became a theatre, first in 1850/1 and called the New Theatre, then, it became known as the Theatre Royal in 1855, but became a corn exchange in 1865 and then a temperance hotel in 1871. The startlingly varied uses for the building continued, when in 1909 it became a roller skating rink, The Rinkeries. As the new phenomenon, cinema, was sweeping the country and by 1914 it was known as the Picture Palace, combining film shows with variety acts. The building was sold in 1926, demolished and completely rebuilt, including a stage, and in 1928 on 5th March, the New Picture House opened and the present building dates from that time.

Since then, the building has had very many ups and downs. After being a part of the Gaumont chain, it was bought in 1958 by Mr BT Davis, from Birmingham, and is still in that family's hands today. Cinema's golden age was coming to an end and the Savoy closed in the 80s. A "magic lantern" enterprise didn't last long until Mr Michael Blackmore re-opened it in 1995 and renamed the building, The Savoy. In 2004 the Savoy Theatre Trust was formed and secured funds to renovate the building. A new trust took over in 2009 and redefined the Savoy's purpose by mixing live acts with film. The hard work of Mr Ryde, his team and dedicated volunteers has secured the future of this wonderful theatre which is so loved and valued by residents of Monmouth and far beyond the town too. We go there for live theatre, cinema, special cinema screenings, to see the best in stand up comedy, local bands and theatre groups and even TPTV takes over the cinema from time to time. It is indeed a jewel in the crown of Monmouth. 2028 will mark 100 years of the building in its current form, so look out for special events to mark that occasion! Chris was warmly thanked for such an interesting and inspiring talk.

As usual, Wyesham WI has much to look forward to, with skittles in the near future and a lunch next week. The team competing in the Gwent WI quiz on 20th were wished good luck. Next month's speaker on Monday 13th April is Mr Richard Cobourne, who will speak about his 40 years in show business. |New members warmly welcomed, meeting starts at 7pm.