Newsletter Issue 27 Back Issues
September 2007
Dear Member
Thanks are due to Clare and Stuart for organising the Treasure Hunt - it all seems such a long time ago now.
And to Jeremy and Susannah, Debra and Ian and Sheelagh and Mike for their hospitality at our Summer barbecues.
Welcome back to April Ryder, it’s been too long since we last saw her on our stage. In fact, if I’m strictly accurate, I don’t think we’ve seen her on this new stage at all.
I’d also like to say “Hello” to new member, Jenny Gregory, who has been part of the set-building team.
Reports from the Treasurer and Chairman were very encouraging. Roger pointed out that membership and ticket sales were both up. Over the season the audience figures averaged out at 91%.
But the main business of the evening was really to elect a new President. Philip Chambers, who has served the Attfield well in many on and off stage roles over the years, had indicated to the committee that he wished to step down.
Of course, however reluctantly and sadly, the committee had to accept his decision. Although we will miss his presidency, we won’t miss the man himself, as he accepted the award of a Life Membership and I’m sure he’ll be renewing his season ticket and will continue to support everything we do.
And Pip, if you still want to keep up your custom of coming backstage after every production to tell us how marvellous we’ve been, a warm welcome is a certainty for you!
There’s always a bottle of wine open, come round and share a glass.
As to Pip’s successor - at a special meeting of the General Committee, it was unanimously felt that there was one obvious candidate to take over. The Committee proposed to the AGM that Christine Hughes be invited to become Honorary President of the club, a motion that was adopted immediately and Chris said she was honoured to accept.
Starters
Until next time . . .
Humble Boy by Charlotte Jones
We have just finished a very successsful run of Humble Boy directed by Christine Hughes. It’s so nice to see so many seats full and the audiences obviously enjoying themselves. Lots of positive comments have been filtering through.Lawrences were the kind sponsors of Humble Boy. We are very grateful for their generous help.
Play Reading - 4th October at 7.45 - That’s this Thursday!
Louise invites you along to read Fairway to Heaven by Diana Raffle. Everyone is welcome. Don’t be shy, you can just sit and listen if you prefer. Judging by the photos of this farce on the author’s website there should be plenty of laughs.
AGM
The AGM was held on 13th September. If you were there on the night you’ll know there was a mix-up with the minutes of the previous year’s meeting for which Kath got the blame (because it was her fault, basically). Full members will receive a copy of those minutes with this newsletter. If you wish to raise any points or matters arising, please get in touch with Roger or Kath asap.
The following officers, directors and general committee members were elected
The post of Secretary is not an elected one. According to our Articles of Association, the Secretary of the club is appointed by the directors. Kath has indicated that she is willing to continue in the role and I expect to be able to report in the next newsletter that the committee has formally reappointed her.
NEW MEMBERS
- We often have enquiries from new members that, despite our best efforts, we never, ever get to meet. I can’t stress strongly enough that what you have to do is to turn up - either to one of our advertised events or to anything you hear about from a member. Each and every one of us, who now look like the stalwarts of the club, trod that lonely road once upon a time.
Subscriptions
A last reminder for those of you who haven’t coughed up yet. Subs are now due and this will be the last newsletter you receive until you pay. So get those cheque books out now. Please.
Newsletter by email
Unless we’ve got tickets, membership cards etc to send you, to save money on postage - which costs us a fortune - we’re going to start emailing newsletters to anyone we have an address for. If you’d prefer to continue receiving yours by snailmail please let Sue know. (Tel: 662667)
Christmas do - Saturday 15th December
Bill Lewis is organising the Christmas party again this year. It’s in town, at Brooks (by the traffic lights) and will cost £22.95. Menu is overleaf, please send your choices and a £5 deposit to Bill, cash or cheques payable to Attfield Theatre Co Ltd. asap and no later than 24th November. Please don’t send full payment, it messes up Bill’s system. His address is 25 Gatacre Ave, Oswestry, SY11 1DP Tel: 655814
Chef’s own lightly spiced roast parsnip soup finished with parsnip crisps& warm bread V
Stilton and cranberry puff pastry parcels served with a leafy salad V
Duck liver and orange pate with tomato and onion marmalade, finished with baby leaf salad and toasts
Mains
Escallop of turkey breast with all the trimmings and gravy
Lamb shank faggots served in cabbage leaves with a winter vegetable stew
Leek and Stilton potato bake
Brooks own winter vegetable pie and cranberry served with a herb jus and findant potatoes V
Chicken and wild mushroom pie served with fondant potatoes & vegetables
Desserts
Xmas pudding with a winter berry compot, brandy cream
Duo of white and dark chocolate mousse V
Apple and black cherry crumble served piping hot with crème anglaise V
Chocolate orange cheeses cake served with cointreau coulis V
To finish
Coffee, tea, and mince pies
e mail: newsletter@attfieldtheatre.co.uk
A Parting Thought... “If you took acting away from me, I'd stop breathing. ”
Ingrid Bergman