Newsletter Number: 330 March 2010

Hello everybody,
At last, spring is in the air, the AGM has been held and a new year of productions is under way. The last year has been very successful despite the worst the weather could throw at us. Following the change of Committee personnel at the AGM we say many thanks to those members standing down (Mike, Leighton and Victoria) for all the hard work they have put in during their time on Committee and ‘hello’ to the newly elected members. In this newsletter we can report on the changes, the details of the spring production and plans for the year ahead.

Committee Changes for 2010
Following the election of the Committee at the recent AGM: comprising Liz Foley Secretary, Bruce Dean (Treasurer), Wendy Davies, Jay Garland, Anne Lyth, Katrina McDonald, Jeannie Metcalf, Martin Rodgers, Peter Smith, Jean Taylor and Mike Wheeler, we met on the 22nd of March and considered the issue of selecting a new Chairman. Bruce Dean had volunteered to step up from the position of Treasurer if a new Treasurer could be found. Having some experience of budgeting and financial management of projects I (Peter) offered to take on the role provided a suitable hand-over process could be arranged. This solution was considered and agreed unanimously by the Committee. Mike Wheeler proposed Bruce as Chairman and this was seconded by Jay Garland. Jay then proposed Peter as Treasurer and this was seconded by Anne Lyth. Both were then duly elected by the Committee. So, with a newly constituted Committee we are ready to move forward to the....

Spring Production – “Strictly Murder” by Brian Clemens, directed by George Yates
Ewhurst Village Hall - 19, 20, 21, 22 May 2010
This promises to be an intriguing murder mystery with a continental twist! As has become almost traditional the spring production will be a supper evening (also with a continental twist!). The Director and Casting Committee have chosen a first-rate cast for these performances and we look forward to another of George’s theatrical tour-de-forces.

Cast:
Peter Meredith Jason Butler
Suzy Hinchcliffe Jay Garland
Miriam Miller Izzy McLean
Ross Bruce Dean
Joseph Martin Rodgers
Radio Announcer Mike Richardson

Out of the limelight, but also essential for all successful productions we have had offers of support as follows:

Front of House Victoria Helstrip, Mike and Brenda Wheeler
Supper Organiser Jeannie Metcalf

Supper Helpers Jane Biggins, Felix Cuthbert, Di Day, Marian Heathcoate, Anne Lyth,

Nicki Payne, Sophie Shickell, Jean Taylor, Liz Westaway

Table Laying Liz Foley

Stage Manager Barrie Heathcote

Props Marian Heathcote

Prompt Wendy Davies

Costumes Katrina McDonald

Lighting John Haile (with assistance offered by Dave Biggins and Peter Smith)

Sound Peter Smith (Bob Foley has offered to help create the sound effects)

Set Design and Decoration Leighton Davies

Set Building Chris Lyth, Roland Butcher, Michael Nash and Mike Richardson

Painting of artwork Philip Gardner

It’s not too late to get involved! We particularly need more volunteers for table laying. This takes 1 hour maximum on the afternoon of each performance. If you can help, please contact Liz on: 01483 275965.

In line with the proposal at the AGM it was agreed that tickets will go on sale to the cast and members of the Players one day before booking opens to the general public. Therefore, the Box Office will open to members on Sunday 18th April at 6 to 6.45 pm at the Village Hall (ie before the 7.00pm rehearsal). George and Julie Yates will be managing the Box Office for this production and they will be at the Hall so that any members wishing to use this advanced booking facility can go along with their cheques books. (Tickets must be paid for at the time of booking and are £10 per person including supper – the audience is invited to bring along their own drinks).

Booking will open to the general public on Monday 19th April at 9.00am. Box Office number: 01483 277354

Please note that bookings will only be available by telephone (i.e. no personal callers) and payment must be made within 48 hours of booking.

Reminder: Because of Health and Safety regulations, everyone wishing to see the show must have a ticket/seat at a table. Seats must not be added at the back if the hall on an ad hoc basis.

November Production – (17), 18, 19, 20 November 2010

The Committee has received a number of offers for this production and are in the process of reading scripts. If anyone would like to put forward a play for consideration, please let Bruce have the information (including one or more scripts) by the 1st June.

(It’s also not too early to be considering whether you would like to propose and direct the next panto. One proposal has already been received so it’s never too early to start thinking about Dames!).

Miscellaneous
Notes of Thanks: Notes of thanks have been received from Mike Fanya for the book that was presented to him on his retirement from the Committee and from Marian Heathcote and Bob Foley, the joint winners of the John Pidgeon Award announced at the recent AGM.

A message of thanks has also been received Catherine and Richard van’t Riet for the flowers sent by the committee on behalf of all the Players as a ‘welcome home’ following Anouk’s final in-patient treatment. The message particularly refers to the generosity and support of the community and members of the Players that they and Catherine’s parents (Marian and Barrie) have received over the last few months.

Ewhurst Carnival – Saturday 24th July: We propose to support this event again this year and the Players will offer to join the walking procession in the theme of “The Good Old Days”, run the £50 stall and manage the bar for the Barn Dance in the evening (as last time). More information in due course but if you would like to take part in the procession please contact Liz Foley on 01483 275965.

The Electric Theatre: We have received a message asking that we encourage members to support The Electric Theatre in Guildford. This is an excellent facility that offers a wide range of entertainments for all ages and also has a Cafe Bar that is an ideal place to drop into on those trips into Guildford.
More information is available on their web site: www.guildford.gov.uk/guildfordweb/leisure/electrictheatre

Players Picnic: Sunday 15th August, Ewhurst Recreation Ground

Following the fun and games of the 2008 picnic, this event will be repeated in 2010 – make a note in your diaries! More information will follow in future newsletters.

So that’s all for now but please make a note in your diary of the dates listed below. A summary of the Player’s current membership and a membership form is included on the final page of the newsletter.
Peter