PRESS RELEASE SAVING THE STAG – SOCIAL HISTORY FILM

In 2008 after the Stag had gone bankrupt again owing considerable funds to local performers and suppliers Sevenoaks Town Council took the brave and difficult decision to step in and take over the venue with a new Business Plan and for the following reasons:

1) Assisting the sustainability of the local economy of the town, particularly the night time economy and the tourism economy

2) Retaining a valuable social and leisure facility for both performers and audiences

3) Enabling the development of youth services both in performing arts and youth outreach services. (achieved via Stag Youth Theatre and HitB Youth Café)

4) Retaining an iconic building in the town and preserving the street scene.

5) Creation of an independent charity.

Sevenoaks Town Council has continued to support the Stag both practically and financially with grants totalling to date of £560,000.

The Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Libby Ancrum said: “The Stag has proven to be great asset to Community life in Sevenoaks. Town Councillors are committed to ensuring that it continues to develop to meet the evolving needs of our town”.

Linda Larter, Town Clerk is one of those featured in the film and said: “Saving the Stag is a short film and therefore could not include all that was originally recorded and acknowledgements to everyone. I would publicly like to pay tribute to the following involved in 2009 - 2012, Doug Abbott, the two hundred plus initial volunteers led by Annie Houghton and Jen Lewis, the original dedicated staff who worked extraordinary hours alongside me, Ray Russell and SCAT and the Town Councillors. It wasn’t easy or perfect but together we did keep the Stag Theatre and Cinema alive enabling it to go on to even greater successes.”