DEAR editor,

What is happening at our magnificent Pier Pavilion? To be critical, very little, it seems.

From the no fuss, almost stealthy opening two years ago, I had been looking forward to enjoying a exciting new chapter in the Pavilion story, a range of events and activities. What a disappointment.

The successful bid, masterminded by Maggie Knight, to transform a sad, dilapidated building, promised so much. The Pavilion was to be an attraction not just for Penarth but South Wales, with ‘something for everyone’. Yes, people admire the brilliantly redesigned and refurbished building, but most nights the doors are shut at 5pm, the main hall dark.

The art exhibitions are interesting, the bijou cinema is popular and the café is bringing in the public but is this enough?

Look at the ‘programme’ - for November and December, including Christmas - just four events listed on the Pavilion’s website.

The slogan involve, educate and inspire is admirable but no mention of entertainment, surely one of the best ways of attracting support and, crucially, providing income.

Money raising events are few and far between and perhaps this is why the committee has not replaced the Pavilion director.

I appreciate the commitment of the volunteers - I was one at the optimistic pre-opening stage, assuring visitors to the former showroom on the Esplanade of the pleasures to come - but so far I have been disappointed.

What should be a major South Wales attraction is so low key, with the Kymin and Paget Rooms more active and innovative - thanks to the enterprise of our Town Council with their excellent Christmas programme booklet listing a range of attractive events.

Unless our Pavilion generates more interest - and finance - I foresee a struggle to survive. An admirer of the Pavilion for well over 70 years - as a Penarth Times reporter I covered many events there - I hope I am wrong.

Bob Skinner

The Esplanade

Penarth