After months of closure during the coronavirus pandemic, Axminster Guildhall is stepping into a new era with a new manager at the helm.

Originally built in 1931 as a Guildhall, the building was used as such until 1946 when it was sold and used as a cinema until it closing down in 1964.

The building was purchased by a local firm and was almost immediately put up for sale, with the town council purchasing it and undertaking a complete renovation.

The Guildhall today is still the home of the town council but is also the mainstay of local entertainment and recreational activities.

It boasts a large auditorium with stage and balcony seating and full sound and lighting equipment, bar, kitchen and the versatile Churchill Rooms upstairs which can be hired by local groups.

Leigh Conley was appointed the new manager in October following the Guildhall's reopening as coronavirus restrictions lifted.

The venue was previously managed by the late Mayor of Axminster, Anni Young, who died suddenly in December 2020 and Leigh now hopes to build on her work to bring a varied programme of arts and entertainment to Axminster, as well as creating a real centre for the community.

A former teaching assistant at Axminster Primary Academy, Leigh is also chairman of Axminster Drama Club, playing Mr Poppy in their upcoming festive production of 'Nativity The Musical', so the arts have always been close to his heart.

"I have known Axminster Guildhall for many years and always thought it was a great asset to the town," said Leigh.

"Following lockdown and Anni's passing, I thought this was a great opportunity to take it on.

"I want to build on what Anni had already achieved here. The aim is to never see the Guildhall doors but and to make it a real community hub."

With Axminster Musical Theatre's 'Evita' currently running at the Guildhall until Saturday, and several festive events including 'Nativity The Musical' scheduled for December, Leigh is now busy putting together a programme for 2022.

This will include more of the popular tribute and music nights, as well as a monthly comedy club.

These larger events will help to raise funds for the Guildhall to allow it to become more self-sufficient and stage more of its own community events, which will include an indoor Christmas market on December 19.

The Guildhall is already regularly used by a variety of community groups, everything from the monthly Repair Cafe to the Karizma Majorettes, as well as a number of dance and exercise classes and even a French conversation group.

Leigh is keen to build on this and, in particular, reach out to local schools who could make use of the facilities for events such as art exhibitions.

He is also planning a full refurbishment of the Guildhall in the New Year.

Look out for Leigh's new monthly column on the latest goings on at the Guildhall coming to Axminster Nub News soon.

For more information on upcoming events, visit the Axminster Guildhall Facebook page.