The roof above the foyer at the entrance to Shanklin Theatre has, like other parts of the building, come to the end of its useful life. The foyer below has been beautifully redecorated in recent times and there was risk of damaging this decor due to the ageing roof starting to leak again, despite being patched up more than once.
The Trustees of Shanklin Theatre & Community Trust, whose responsibility it is to preserve the building, consequently tasked a local firm, Newton Roofing, with the substantial job of stripping the old roof and renewing the lead covering on a like-for-like basis in line with English Heritage Grade 2 Listed Building requirements.
Lead is a traditional covering and, with a long lifetime, has lasted well since the 1930s when the rebuilt Theatre was opened. The old lead wasn’t wasted – it went for recycling and will be processed and used again.
It’s great to see a local firm has the skills to make use of these traditional materials. The images show some lovely lead work where the lead was joined (burnt): looking like a string of pearls.
Contributions are always welcome to help with the significant costs in maintaining the fabric of Shanklin Theatre.
Please consider and help contribute to this if you can by becoming a ‘Friend of Shanklin Theatre’ https://www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/about.php
‘Name a Seat’
https://www.friendsofshanklintheatre.co.uk/name_a_seat.php
‘Window Appeal’
https://www.shanklintheatreandcommunitytrust.co.uk/windows-appeal/
‘Personal Legacy’
https://www.shanklintheatreandcommunitytrust.co.uk/personal-legacy/
Thank you for your continued support.
Michael Beston, October 2017.
