I READ with interest the letter from Glenys Jamieson in last week’s paper, in which she compared the Pier Pavilion with Chapter Arts Centre in Canton.

However, some important facts regarding the two facilities do not feature in her comparison.

Chapter was opened in 1971, some 46 years ago. The Pier Pavilion was opened in 2013, just over three years ago.

Chapter is based in the former Canton High School, thereby providing a wide range of usable spaces. The Pier Pavilion has one main usable space, plus the cinema and two meeting rooms.

Chapter is located in a densely populated area, the Pavilion on the very edge of Penarth. Chapter receives considerable financial support from external bodies whereas at present, the Pavilion is totally dependent on internally generated income together with generous donations from visitors.

The letter suggests that nothing of interest seems to happen in the main hall.

Clearly the question of ‘nothing of interest’ is entirely subjective but I would like to report on a few recent events which have definitely been of considerable interest.

During the recent school half-term more than 500 visitors enjoyed the large mobile planetarium, together with capacity audiences for the Mad Science events held in the cinema.

Just last Saturday, more than 70 attended a special St David’s Day celebratory Twmpath, again in the main hall.

Also on St David’s Day we launched our new programme of exhibitions in conjunction with Hallmark Care Homes. This exhibition, which continues until the end of March, consists entirely of artwork created by residents of Hallmark Care Homes.

Since last July we have been holding monthly Film and TV Quizzes which regularly attract more than 70 participants. We have two sessions of Tai Chi each week, one on Wednesday morning (fully booked), the other on Sunday morning.

Finally, I must just mention the cinema. Since opening we have had more than 2,000 screenings in the cinema with just five having to be cancelled due to technical difficulties. A remarkable achievement.

Professor Tony Hazell

Chair

PACL