Havant arts centre staff 'blown away' by donations from supporters while it is closed

Like all theatres and art centres across the country, The Spring in Havant closed its doors last month in accordance with the government lockdown.

Since then, the venue has been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of its local community, with more than £4,000 in donations being sent in to ensure The Spring’s survival through these challenging times.

Sophie Fullerlove, director of The Spring, said: ‘We already knew we had a wonderful community of supporters, but we have been blown away by the support that we have received since closing.

‘At times this has been emotionally overwhelming but we are so grateful to know that people care and it speaks volumes of The Spring that the community feels this way.’

Supporters of the arts centre generously donated the price of their tickets for cancelled shows as well as making text and online donations, with more than £2,500 pledged in the first two weeks after closing.

Sophie added: ‘People have let us know that they will miss us and we will miss them just as much. We look forward to welcoming everyone back with open arms when we reopen.’

Despite its closure, staff at the venue have responded and reacted to these challenging times in the same creative and community-centric way they are known for.

The team has been busy delivering their own surplus supplies to schools and supporting their many volunteers with grocery drop offs, telephone support and deliveries of DVDs from their library.

They have also been sharing free online family activity ideas as part of a #FamilyFriday campaign and are running a free virtual book club to help keep their community connected.

Known as a small organisation where big things happen, the arts centre in East Street delivers a diverse programme of vibrant cultural events and activities that inspire and engage its local community.

To make a donation or find out more, visit thespring.co.uk.

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