Cleethorpes 1916

[CarolClee]

Thank you for accepting me into your forum.  My reason for joining, is that as part of my role of Townscape Heritage Manager for Cleethorpes I am carrying out research of the 3rd (Special Reserve) Battalion Manchester Regiment who were billeted at Cleethorpes from 1914 to 1916.  I am aware that they were billeted in The Baptist Church and I have sadly read on this forum, the fate of many members during the zeppelin raid on 31st March 1916.  The Baptist Church is part of the TH project and we are hoping to fully restore the church which was rebuilt after the damage.  But another building in the scheme is the former Empire Theatre on Alexandra Road.  I understand that after the destruction of the baptist church, the billet moved to The Empire where all of the seats were removed, but I cannot find any further details than that.  It is hoped to restore the former Empire too and this building is part of the national Heritage Open Days on Sept 14th and 21st and we are providing a timeline history of the building including any early photographs. We have offered behind the scenes tours of the building and they were snapped up in four days, so there is much interest.  My message is a plea to see if there is anyone who has any documentation or photographs of the time.  As part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Townscape initative we hope to display the history of this building, and the Baptist church during their restoration.  Thank you for reading and I look forward to reading feedback. 

[mack]

welcome carol
have they restored that beautiful  organ in the chapel,hope someone can help you with docs and photos

mack

[CarolClee]

Hi Mack, Yes I believe the organ was restored, but sadly it looks like it will be removed as part of the restoration of the building.  The church has not been in use for a few years due to the poor condition, so it all looks quite sorry for itself.  Services are regularly held in a small chapel behind the more recent Kings Hall which faces the street. Carol