The Official opening of the Engine Room 3.0 took place today by the Mayor of Bridgwater Cllr Jacqui Solomon. The event was marking the completion of the building’s recent transformation and celebrate 21 years of the Engine Room. Cllr Solomon said “Congratulations on 21years of great input to the world of film. A county wide film project with it’s feet firmly in Bridgwater. The new refurbishment not only makes the whole building accessible and useful but also ensures it’s future for the next 21years.Massive thanks to all the all the agencies involved and the dedicated staff that have ensured the future of this project“
Patrons
Also speaking at the event film director Julien Temple described the creation of the centre as ‘transformative‘ for a town like Bridgwater and where ‘life changing events could take place for so many people who have been denied this’.
Founder Phil Shepherd listed Julien Temple, a key patron of the centre, as ‘one of the many hands that made this place work’.
Origins
Cllr Tim Mander (Labour Westover) Chair of the Amenities Committee, worked as Estates valuer for Sedgemoor District Council when the centre was established. He commented “Little did I know just over 21 years ago that a brief initial conversation with Phil Shepherd of Somerset Film and Video would lead to the development of such a fine facility as the Engine Room which culminated in today’s grand event and celebration. At the time I was responsible for Sedgemoor’s Commercial Estate which included a fairly down at heal former garage/second hand furniture store No 52 High Street. Phil was keen to explore any opportunity to accommodate his concept of a Community Media Centre. As the building was vacant it seemed sensible to run with the idea and what started initially on the basis of a 10-year lease soon became more permanent with the adjacent former TIC No 50 Hi gh Street, including the derelict 1st and 2nd floors, soon added. As the saying goes, from little acorns giant oaks will grow, so I was particularly pleased to have played a very small part and was honoured to be invited to this celebration and remain thankful that Bridgwater has been able to host this magnificent organisation”.
A Clash Town
One of the key events that launched the Engine Room and helped with the initial funding was the concert by Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros at the Palace in 2002.
Town Council Leader Brian Smedley played at that gig and remembered the event “Strummer was very important for Bridgwater. When others put the town down he stood up for it. He described it as ‘a Clash Town’. And he was right. It’s undustrial, it’s working class and it’s full of creative people and it’s full of rebels. The Engine Room is a brilliant hub for all the above and long may it continue. Joe Strummer sadly died in December 2002 but each year the town holds a ‘Clash Day in February when musicians take to the streets and play Clash songs. The town is also twinned with the US city of Seattle home of KEXP radio that links up every year for ‘Clash Day’. The twinning proclamation was originally signed in ..where else..the Engine Room.”