The Gregson Centre

The Gregson Centre in Lancaster, Great Britain is an arts and community centre, music venue and bar which has been awarded the Cask Marque. It is one of the last medium sized music venues in the area, and is run by a charity; the Freehold Community Association. It has a micro-cinema and a fish and chip shop as part of the complex. It was previously known as the Gregson Institute.

History

The Gregson Institute was founded in the 19th century by Henry Gregson as a Temperance Library. The Gregson family included his father Samuel Gregson (senior), his brother Samuel Gregson (Junior) Mayor of the City of Lancaster & Liberal MP 1847, co-founder of the Natural History Museum and the one of the Victorians responsible for giving the world the word “Dinosaur”. Following in the family tradition Henry himself was elected Mayor of Lancaster in 1850. The funds for the building came from many notable sources including James Williamson, later Baron Ashton and the Storey Brothers. It was designed by Paley and Austin.

Artists who have appeared at The Gregson Centre

* Christine Tobin
* Howard Haigh
* Stephen Grew
* The Imp of the Perverse
* Julian Arguelles
* The Freehold Theatre Company
* John Gray Gregson
* Billy Jenkins
* Blyth Power
* Pleix
* Adventures Of Loki see Angelica (band)
* Baghdaddies

Azmat Begg the father of Moazzam Begg spoke at a public meeting at the Gregson in 2005.The Gregson is the home of the Gregson Cricket Club whose Honourary President and friend is Gehan Mendis.

Mission Statement

The aims of the Gregson Arts & Community Centre are to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the local community, without distinction; to advance education and to provide facilities for recreation and leisure time activities.

External links

* [http://www.gregson.co.uk Centre website]
* [http://www.gregson.co.uk/gregson_by_name____.htm Gregson Connections]
* [http://www.gregson.co.uk/What_we_are.htm] . mission statement]
* [http://www.theimpoftheperverse.co.uk/archives.htm]