The amulet of 7 mallets is a powerful and mystical artifact that is said to possess immense strength and protection. It has been revered for centuries in various cultures and is believed to bring luck and ward off evil spirits. The origin of the amulet dates back to ancient times when mallets were used as tools for building and construction. Over time, these mallets became symbols of strength and power, and it was believed that they could bring good fortune and protection to those who possessed them. The amulet of 7 mallets is named as such because it is adorned with seven miniature mallets, each representing a different aspect of strength and protection. These mallets are intricately carved and meticulously crafted, with every detail symbolizing a particular attribute or virtue.
Fiona Bayer's amulet depicts a falcon with a songbird in its talons, hung on a heavy golden chain.
We are also concerned that there is a lack of clarity regarding the extent of the building to which the proposed change of use applies and that this could unwittingly cause the loss of the building s protected theatre status. Because it was made before the Breaking, the Waterlow amulet is not limited as the modern amulets and lasts permanently, not requiring to be renewed by the clansfolk.
These mallets are intricately carved and meticulously crafted, with every detail symbolizing a particular attribute or virtue. The amulet is often made from precious materials such as gold or silver, with gemstones or other intricate designs embellishing its surface. It is worn as a pendant or charm, close to the body, in order to harness its protective and luck-bringing powers.
Amulet Theatre
A gift to Shepton Mallet by the local Babycham brewing family, the Amulet is an unusual Brutalist theatre with a unique retractable seating system which may be the only one in existence in the UK.
Address 7 Market Place, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AZ Risk Rating 6 (Community Rating: 2, Star Value: 1, Risk Factor: 3) Local Authority Mendip District Council Local Group Local consortium of four organisations Owner Private Architect Unknown Date of Construction 1974 Listing Not listed Capacity 270 Database Link View in Theatres DatabaseSignificance
The Amulet was built in the early 1970s, opening in 1975. Originally known as The Centre it was re-named in the 1990s following the discovery of a Roman amulet in excavations nearby. A philanthropic gift from the Showering family, local brewers famed for Babycham, the theatre was part of a major redevelopment of Shepton Mallet funded by the family and was intended to provide a cultural and creative legacy.
Architecturally it is Brutalist in style, flanked by a block of offices and retail units along Market Square that were part of the same development. The theatre is located at first-floor level and features a fly tower and large foyer. It was built with the best theatre technology of the time and designed to be flexible. Significantly, it includes what is believed to be the UK’s last remaining example of a motorised ceiling carrying seats, which descends to convert the flat floor of the theatre into a space with raked seating.
The Amulet hosted theatre, live music and film screenings and as the only theatre in the town and with limited provision in the wider area, it became an important venue in this part of Somerset.
The Amulet is an unusual style of building for this area with unique theatre technology and an interesting social history with its connection to the Showering family.
Why is this theatre at risk?
The Amulet was added to the Theatres at Risk Register in 2022.
The Amulet was acquired by the Bristol Academy of Performing Arts (BAPA) in the mid-2000s, refurbishing the building and using it as an education and training centre known as the Academy with a full programme of public theatre and performance use maintained in the evenings. BAPA went into administration in 2011 and the Amulet was acquired by a private owner and has been closed as a theatre since. The auditorium has been in use as a gym but there is no record of planning permission having been obtained for this use.
In July 2020, the owner of the Amulet submitted a planning application to convert the building into apartments with a portion of the ground floor converted into a retail unit. This would see irreversible alteration that would result in the permanent loss of this theatre as an asset for the town and its people. It would also see a private individual profiting from what was a gift to the people of Shepton Mallet.
Theatres Trust submitted a strong objection to the proposals, as did a number of local individuals, Shepton Mallet Town Council, and a consortium of local cultural organisations. Our submission cites a lack of evidence that the theatre is surplus to requirements and therefore the proposals conflict with local and national planning policy. While the building has been vacant for some years, this is not through lack of want in the community. We understand that requests from community groups to view or hire the building were left unanswered and that rents demanded were far in excess of what would be reasonable for a theatre of this size in this location. The application remains undetermined because Somerset is an area where decisions on residential developments have been halted due to phosphate levels
In November 2021, a further application was submitted to progress the retail element of the scheme in the interim and we objected on the same basis. We are also concerned that there is a lack of clarity regarding the extent of the building to which the proposed change of use applies and that this could unwittingly cause the loss of the building’s protected theatre status. The proposal has been supported by Shepton Mallet Town Council, although this carries no legal weight. The application remains undetermined by Mendip District Council.
Theatre potential
Although the theatre has been used as a gym it is thought that it remains substantially complete and that it could be quite easily reverted to live performance use, or used for compatible mixed arts, community and cultural use. There is no other provision within Shepton Mallet, little within the wider area and great interest in the facility amongst local theatre and community groups.
The building remains in lawful theatre use (Sui Generis). We believe as a theatre or cultural facility the Amulet could be a catalyst for drawing people into the town centre, benefitting other shops and businesses.
Current situation
Theatre use ceased with the administration of its previous operator in 2011. The auditorium and now the ground floor of the building have been used as a gym within the last few years without planning permission for change of use. There has in the recent past been a planning application permitted for change of use of the ground floor to a pub / drinking establishment, but the auditorium above would have been retained, as would the potential to utilise it again for performances.
The 2020 planning application which proposed converting the building into residential apartments remains undetermined. A campaign group consisting of local arts and cultural organisations want to see the building re-established as a cultural venue, and they have worked together to engage a planning consultant to object to the plans.
In late 2021, the theatre’s owner, working with Bar 501 (a cocktail and gin bar located adjacent to the theatre), announced plans to use part of the ground floor space of the Amulet as a venue for live performance. The detail of the cultural offer, the design of the space and the owner’s intentions for the remainder of the building have yet to be clarified.
The ambition to reopen part of the building after such a prolonged period of closure has attracted cautious but positive responses from the community. A live performance / bar venue on the ground floor could complement a theatre and arts space at the first-floor level. However, until such time as more information is provided there remains concern that the proposals – as they stand – may fall short of the local demand for arts, community and cultural use. We also wish to ensure that any change of use that may be approved for the ground floor of the building does not compromise the potential reuse of the theatre space at first-floor level and the greater reuse of this building for arts and culture.
The addition of the building to the Theatres at Risk Register in 2022 resulted in several individuals contacting us to express their interest in using the venue for live performance / entertainment. We have provided introductions to the owner and also between the groups. It is hoped that this may be the start of wider, more fruitful discussions between all parties regarding the overall future use of the building.
Theatres Trust will continue to seek to work with the owner, the local council and community groups to see the Amulet brought back into cultural use.
Photo of the Amulet by Karen Mercer.
One of the key beliefs associated with the amulet of 7 mallets is its ability to ward off negative energy and evil spirits. It is believed that the seven mallets represent the seven directions: north, south, east, west, up, down, and center. By having this amulet close to one's body, one is believed to be protected from any harm or ill-intent that may come their way. Additionally, the amulet is said to bring good luck and fortune to its wearer. It is believed to attract positive energy and opportunities, bringing about prosperity and success in various aspects of life. Many people wear the amulet during important events or ceremonies, hoping to gain favor and good fortune. Overall, the amulet of 7 mallets is a symbol of strength, protection, and good luck. It is highly regarded in various cultures and is often passed down through generations. Whether one believes in its power or not, the amulet remains a fascinating and enchanting artifact that continues to capture the imagination of many..
Reviews for "The Amulet of 7 Mallets: Unlocking Inner Wisdom and Intuition"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Amulet of 7 mallets" based on the glowing reviews, but I was really disappointed. The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting. I found myself struggling to get through the book and ended up skimming over large sections. Overall, I don't understand the hype surrounding this book and wouldn't recommend it.
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