Following the take-over of the De Valence Pavilion from Tenby Town Council last April, the new managers, the De Valence Trust, have been looking for new uses for this arts and community centre. The building has been under used for some time, and losing money, so the Trust has set out to find new services for the local community, and new uses that will make the De Valence more profitable. The De Valence Trust is a not-for-profit community enterprise, so any improvement in the finances can be ploughed back into improving the facilities, or providing less profitable community services. One of the ideas that has been developed in the last few months has been to use the De Valence for wedding receptions. It was realised that the hotels and restaurants in the area could not cater for the very large wedding parties that some people wanted - anything over about 200 guests. This was therefore a service the Trust could provide that was not competing with existing establishments, and it could in fact complement the service of accommodation providers. At the De Valence there is a large main hall, with a dance floor, a licensed bar and a kitchen. The building can be hired with or without catering services etc., though the Trust does have a wedding co-ordinator, Cath Graham, who can secure an extensive variety of services to meet every need and budget. This can include discos, children's entertainers, and a wide range of different types of catering. "The hall can be decorated and, although it is not yet licensed for the actual wedding itself, if there is a demand for that, the Trust will be happy to arrange it. De Valence Trust chair, Mike Thorne, told the Observer: "This is an exciting time for the De Valence. We want to see the building being profitably used, and we intend making it a success. "The idea of using the De Valence for wedding receptions has been developed by Cath Graham, and we have been delighted by the feedback from the receptions that have been held here over the last couple of months. "We hope that we can continue to expand this service, and welcome new customers." With this in mind, an exciting wedding fayre is being staged at the pavilion this Sunday afternoon to help prospective brides and grooms plan for their all-important 'Big Day'. Not only will the De Valence's wedding co-ordinator, Cath Graham, be available to advise on the use of the pavilion as a prospective venue, but there will also be a range of exhibitors on hand to help couples prepare for their wedding. Prospective brides and grooms can enjoy a free glass of wine and some tasty canapés while they wander around the exhibitors, who will be offering information on bridal wear, suit hire, car hire, flowers, stationery, hair and beauty, honeymoons, catering, hen night packages, photography and much more. Enhancing the atmosphere will be a staged 'mock' wedding reception, which will include a bride and groom and wedding guests, all modelling items provided by exhibitors. Music will also be provided by a harpist, while there will be a 'living' statue to add to the fun. During the afternoon, there will also be a free raffle for prospective brides and grooms. Cath told the Observer: "When the town council controlled the De Valence, I always enjoyed assisting with the organisation of weddings. "I have always considered the pavilion to be the ideal venue for larger scale weddings and, being a multi-use hall, it is like a blank canvas. With a little imagination, it has tremendous potential. "I am delighted the Trust has given me the opportunity to promote the pavilion in this way. "I have lots of ideas I am looking forward to sharing with brides and grooms, including putting up swags in the hall to create a marquee effect, complete with covered chairs and decorated tables." The wedding fayre is open from 12 noon until 4 pm and entry is free. For more information, contact Cath on 843568.
