Members cast into committee roles

A REALLY good turn-out of members attended the Denstone Players AGM on Sunday, September 26, at Denstone Village Hall.

Chairman Dave Shooter reported that Denstone Players had been active since its last AGM in May 2019, holding five meetings and staging a variety show in June, performing ‘A Case of Mistaken Identity’ written by Les Humphries and producing the pantomime ‘Cobblers! – the story of the Elves and the Shoemaker’ written by Gill and Dave Brown in February, 2019.

Off stage a second storage container had been purchased with support from ESBC (£1,000) and fitted out with shelves for props and costume storage.

The first storage container was rationalised and unwanted resources sent for recycling. A new replacement shed had been purchased with support from SCC (£400) for the Toddler Group.

Around 40 people of all ages attended the afternoon’s audition for February 2022’s production of ‘Big Nose – the adventures of Pinocchio’ which is written by Dave and Gill Brown and will be our 59th production and promises to be a great success.

He concluded by paying tribute to two members, Les Humphries and Gareth Jones, who had sadly died recently and thanked all members for their continued support during a very difficult time and hoping Denstone Players will return to being the most active amateur dramatic group in East Staffordshire.

The 2020- 21 accounts were presented for approval.

Lynn Shooter was thanked for her work as treasurer and Lynda Kempson for acting as auditor.

Social secretary Sue Davies said there was little to report due to the various lockdowns and restrictions resulting from the pandemic but it was planned that a Christmas meal would be organised at a venue yet to be decided.

Theatre visits to the New Vic

and the MADS Variety Show in November will be considered for Players’ group outings.

The following officers were elected:

Chair Dave Shooter Vice-chair Terry Davies Secretary Hugo Marsh. Retiring secretary Cavell Portman was thanked for his sterling work and support over the years.

Treasurer Lynn Shooter Health and safety officer

Stephen Leake

Safeguarding officer Viv Edwards

Social secretary Sue Davies Publicity officer Pete Smith Village Hall representative Dave Shooter

Auditor Lynda Kempson A change to the constitution was agreed: In compliance with insurance cover requirements the temporary membership category will be discontinued.

All members including helpers are now required to be full members and pay a flat membership fee of £5.

Our 2022 productions are:

‘Big Nose! - the adventures of Pinocchio’ to be performed during half term week in February. Director Gill Brown and musical director Terry Davies will commence rehearsals on Sunday 17th October.

Two one-act comedy plays will be performed in May.

Marge Stanley will direct

‘Lock Down in Little Grimley’ and Terry Davies will direct ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Tea?’

A Variety Show to be performed in the Autumn.

Date of the next committee meeting: Sunday December 5 at 4pm before rehearsals at Denstone Village Hall.

And the next AGM will be held on Sunday May 15, 2022 at 6pm in Denstone Village Hall.