Did you waltz here? (From Penarth Times)

Did you waltz here?

2:20pm Monday 2nd November 2009 in Latest news

A PROJECT to discover the history of the ballroom at Penarth Pier Pavilion got under way this week.

Backed by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) the scheme aims to uncover the history of the Pavilion during its heyday as the ‘Marina Ballroom’ in the 1940s.

The Ballroom Project will gather together experts in textiles, fashion, hair, music and dance styles to put on a number of workshops demonstrating old skills.

Twenty-five young volunteers will meet older community members and talk to them about the past and what it was like to attend the social occasions at the Pavilion.

The group are appealing for old suits as they look to recreate the Second World War atmosphere at the ballroom and hope Penarthians who attended the 1940s dances have kept their best going-out clothes for old times sake.

Managed by Penarth Arts & Crafts Ltd (PACL), the organisation behind the Penarth Pavilion refurbishment, the project will continue for 18months and culminate in an exhibition.

As previously reported in the Penarth Times, PACL, the community organisation that manages the Washington Gallery, launched a revised bid for funding to HLF earlier this year.

A decision on the renewed bid for half of the £4m restoration fund is expected next month.

In the meantime project director, Maggie Knight, wants to engage young people in the community to learn more about the Pavilion and in doing so, develop new skills.

“We held our first meeting of tutors last week,” said Maggie.

“No matter what the November 17 outcome of the larger HLF application, this project should be lively and able to interest both younger and older people.

“Early research shows the ballroom was used extensively by the young things of Barry too, so we hope to make links there.”

An exhibition of fashion styles will run at the Washington Gallery with a video diary of the project and a final retro dance being held at the Paget Rooms in late 2010.

Anyone who has a memory of the 1940s ballroom, clothes from the time, or who would like to be involved in the project either as a young volunteer (15 to 25 years old) or an adult helper should contact the Washington Gallery on 029 2071 2100 or email: contact@penarthpavilion.co.uk