There's nothing quiet about new trustees' plans to make more people aware of the offering at Betteshanger Social Welfare Club in Deal.

Describing the Cavell Square venue as a 'sleeping giant', new committee members Ted Schofield and John Cullis feel it's time to set off the alarm clock.

They are introducing a music section The Becker aimed at enticing more members, starting with a cello recital on Friday, February 14.

Their vision is to host a number of musical events in the main function room which they have named the Arts Centre, leading up to a major outdoor prom this summer.

They also want to promote the space as a conference setting, with new screen and speaker facilities already installed thanks to a grant.

Another aspiration is to introduce a Sunday carvery, accompanied by live music on a grand piano donated to the club by Julius Bannister.

Mr Schofield, who as a retired principal of Ripplevale School has form for organising outdoor proms, said: "This is an underused resource. I often refer to it as a sleeping giant.

'This is an underused resource. I often refer to it as a sleeping giant' - Ted Schofield, trustee

"There are things going on but there could be a lot more."

The pair feel adding more music and culture to the programme will complement the 12 sports teams including bowls, cricket, football, darts and fishing, already using the club.

It also gives a new home to The Becker, an established music ensemble formally associated with the Royal Marines School of Music, where Mr Cullis was a Professor of Music from 1981 until 2014.

He said: "This area needs music.

"Apart from Deal Festival which is only two weeks of the year, there is not a lot going on.

"Cliff Davis, the chairman of the trustees, was keen for us to bring more music and culture into the building.

"We believe there's a demand for this, and we both feel we want to give something back to the community.

"The first events will test the water and we hope to put on a major outdoor concert in July or August.

"On top of that we want to involve artists, photographers, dancers, anybody who has something of quality which they'd like to share, to get in touch."

Mr Cullis, a cellist who now works for the Royal Opera House in London, will perform a classical repertoire at the February 14 event alongside pianist Jonathan Duke.

The evening begins at 7.30pm and will feature music by Bach, Sarasate and Massenet. The bar will also be open.

Tickets are £10 available from the East Kent Mercury office or on the door.

Another event featuring a sextet is scheduled for Friday, March 6.

Go to 'Betteshanger Arts Centre' on Facebook for regular updates.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal