FROM THE CHAIR

I hope you all enjoyed your summer breaks and whatever adventures you got up to! Now of course, the club starts concentrating on our next production ‘Two’ to be produced in early October.

The read-through and social event for this production was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and a synopsis of the play and the cast details following last Sunday’s auditions, are provided further on in the newsletter. Advanced tickets for ‘Two’ can now be reserved by contacting Rosalind and having been at the read-through, I think I can safely say that everyone will really enjoy this production, which treats the audience to a range of humorous and emotional scenario’s, as the play progresses.

Immediately following the production, the club needs your help in preparing and painting the scenery ready for our January Pantomime, which is of course, ‘Puss In Boots’. My sincere thanks to those of you who have already contacted me with offers of help on particular days, but unfortunately we / I still need more of you to offer assistance, so please do contact me as soon as you read this, so I can be confident we have enough help on all the planned dates. I have repeated the planned programme of works again further on in the newsletter if anyone needs a reminder – I’m waiting for YOUR call (or email!)

As detailed in our last newsletter, the committee were very concerned to discover that some individuals involved in the last production were not registered club members and to again acknowledge that year on year, there always seem to be a number of last years members, who for whatever reason, apparently choose to ignore the AGM date (this year it was back in June), when our new club year commenced. Every year the membership secretary then has to contact each of these individuals to remind them personally, but then even with this and the reminder information provided in subsequent newsletters it doesn’t happen - until it suits them.

This year it unfortunately seems to be worse than ever and the committee have therefore now decided to take a hard stance against this, as it ultimately causes huge administration headaches, non members not being appropriately insured for being involved and changes back and forth in club newsletter distribution arrangements for the responsible members.

It is perhaps worth everyone remembering that we are all voluntary members of this wonderful club for our own and others enjoyment and therefore why on this particular issue does it always have to be such hard work, especially if individuals really want to continue supporting the club and being members?!

Therefore the committee and myself are clarifying that for any of last years members that do not rejoin by 30^th September 2007, this will be the last club newsletter you will receive and should you wish to re-join after this date (until the end of February 2008), there will be an additional £5 administration charge added! This will of course affect anyone who has already secured a part in the annual pantomime, so our suggestion is to of course contact Graham with your payment before that date, to avoid having to pay that additional cost!

To be clear, this arrangement does not effect any new members or patrons, only those that were members during the last club year and we’re sorry to have to take this stance, trusting that everyone can understand the frustrations the committee (and probably other regularly paid up members) face on this issue.

I was very saddened to hear the recent news of the passing of Keith Jefferies. Although I never had the privilege of being in a show with him, I know from my involvement with the past pages of the website, that he was a hugely influential director and talented actor with the club over many, many years. I'm sure I speak for everyone who knew him when I say that our sympathies and thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

As always, if you have any comments about the club you wish to discuss, please don’t hesitate to call me on (01903) 532587 or email me on twankeydame@yahoo.co.uk

David Abbott - Chairman