Do You Know How The Fabulous Flavel Was Born..?

The local organisations - they say YES!

I have just finished reading, from cover to  cover, 'The Curious Story of the Birth of the Flavel Arts Centre Against Great Odds'. All I can say is I am full of admiration - in fact, nothing short of amazed - to learn about this tortuous journey and had no idea of all the many setbacks, challenges and disappointments that a small but dedicated band of Dartmouth-lovers had to go through to realise their dream. 

Support from local artist Simon Drew

Visitors and people who have recently moved to Dartmouth often ask how such a fine contemporary building - with its library, theatre and cinema facilities usually only available in larger town - came about.

As Mr Ray Bridges, Hon. President, says in his introduction on the purpose of this fascinating booklet "It was an heroic community achievement, and this explanation of the Flavel's arrival is a little tribute to all those people and their families who took part. This is their story..." 

One of the many fundraising events - don't they look happy?

 And what a story it is...

Thereby hereby hangs a very lengthy tale, chronicling an incredible eight years from the original idea for the Flavel in 1997 to its 'birth' in 2005.

From feuds, funding setbacks and financial problems to bureaucracy, bad news and building regulations, not to mention continuous opposition from various councils, this determined group - along with a host of supportive and eager volunteers - doggedly carried on and overcame hurdle after hurdle without losing sight of their vision of a community hub for the town.

 

The Great March, 2nd September 1999

"We're from Dartmouth! Mighty, Mighty Dartmouth! What do we need? 
We need THE FLAVEL!"  

This rousing chant was apparently developed by four young supporters en route on a boat upriver from Dartmouth, along with one hundred and eight fellow Flavel supporters, for a demonstration to SHDC in Totnes.  

This day proved to be one of the most important days for the future of the project.

From May 1997 this committed band of Trustees and Townspeople continued to work tirelessly: fundraising, demonstrating and basically working their collective socks off until - after a veritable river of blood, sweat and tears - the Flavel finally, finally made it to its Grand Opening 
on February 25th 2005.

There is a lovely poem at the end of the book, epitomising the enthusiasm of so many supporters, which I would like to share with you. I must now confess that after reading every single detail of this incredible story, I STILL cannot read these words without getting a lump in my throat.

I hope you will enjoy it too:

Go, proud ship, your four sails gleaming,
Child of years of hope and dreaming;
All the future lies before you.
Not a soul can now ignore you.

Now’s the time for celebration,
Flagship of the Town’s creation.
Flavel would be right behind you:
Go, proud ship, may fortune find you.

Ken Dent, 2005

 

For full details of this fascinating story of the many trials and tribulations of how the Flavel was ‘born’, pick up a copy of this unique historical record.

I really loved this little book and I think anyone who enjoys visiting the Flavel will too - and the good news is that for a mere £5 you can help to keep the Flavel ship sailing on!

(Oh, and wouldn't it make a great present for a Flavel-Loving friend, or an interesting holiday souvenir..?)

 

Copies of the booklet are on sale in the foyer during opening hours, or for more information on how to receive your copy please contact those friendly Flavel people and they will be happy to help:

Contact:

Tel: 01803 839530

E Mail: boxoffice@theflavel.org.uk

Website: http://theflavel.org.uk/TheFlavel.dll/Home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFlavel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlavelArts

Valeria D, Guest Blogger