Plough Arts Centre issues urgent plea for emergency funding

The Plough Arts Centre in Torrington has issued a plea to councils and the public for £60,000 in emergency funding to stave off closure while its recovery plans take root.

The charity says its reserves are almost gone but a raft of cost-cutting and revenue measures are expected to see results later this year and it has appealed for help from Torridge District Council and online public donations to get there.

It is feared the centre - now in its 50th year - could be forced to close within months if the money can’t be found.

After the pandemic The Plough saw falling ticket sales and increased running costs but under new CEO Emma Marston monthly losses have been cut by 50% and ticket sales have increased by 35%, giving hope for the future.

Measures to increase income—such as revised ticket pricing, expanded venue hire and improved marketing—are already underway, with most benefits due to be realised by autumn 2025.

In the meantime, help is needed to plug the gap. On Monday (May 19), Councillor Chris Bright presented a Notice of Motion to a meeting of Torridge District Council calling for the council to take urgent action to help.

The written motion on behalf of Torrington councillors said: ‘We understand that without immediate support, it will be forced to close within months and is also contacting other organisations for support as well as TDC.

‘The Plough is a vital hub for culture and creativity within Torridge. It is fundamental not only to the council's vision for culture but to our economic strategy, ambitions for Regeneration, and for the success of the Globe Hotel project for which government funding has just been achieved’.

The motion was approved and a report for discussion is being prepared for the TDC Community and Resources Committee meeting on Monday, July 7.

Plough CEO Ms Marston said: “Thank you to the local community and local authorities for all of their help so far, The Plough is the beating heart of our town.

“We offer a dynamic programme of events, run a thriving youth theatre, and bring joy and creativity to isolated communities. The changes we’ve made are working—but we urgently need support to survive this final stretch. With help, we can continue to serve the people of Great Torrington and beyond for generations to come.”

Chair of trustees Fran Hardiman added: “The Plough has run at a loss for many years which has been covered by dipping into reserves. These reserves are now very low and when equipment breaks or fails, it is difficult to fund replacements in a timely fashion.

“Our strategic changes are starting to bear fruit and the monthly accounts are beginning to show small surpluses. If TDC or the community can help us then this will help to stabilise our cash flow and provide a buffer for emergencies.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation to The Plough, or help in other ways such as buying gift vouchers or arranging a legacy, can do so at https://www.theploughartscentre.org.uk/donations-and-legacies