THE Holsworthy Amateur Theatrical Society’s (HATS) annual meeting, held at the theatre on Monday, October 1, began with a minute’s silence in memory of Celia Sanders, Eric Taylor and Ruby Garland, three valued members who had passed away during the past year, writes Christine Williams.

Celia had been involved in theatre in Holsworthy since the 1960s and had served as HATS treasurer for many years.

In his chairman’s report Peter Whitehead said it had been a year of tremendous activity both on and off the stage. There had been two productions, a play and a pantomime, ‘The Hollow’ and ‘Aladdin’. The play ‘Blackadder Goes Forth’, which had recently ended its run, was one of four HATS productions in the current year. In November there would be ‘Lest We Forget’, a tribute to the fallen of the First World War, a pantomime ‘Puss in Boots’ in February and a play ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ in May.

Member numbers had increased but there had been no spring production this year to allow for a major refurbishment of the theatre. The surface of the stage had been replaced, the lighting cleaned, additional stage electrics installed and office space created above the foyer. Further improvements would include general maintenance of the fascia and the roof space above the auditorium as well as increasing stage storage, painting the props room under the stage, sealing its floor and improving drainage. All this work meant a significant expenditure and fortunately the new treasurer Terina Ellacott’s report showed that the theatre’s finances were healthy. They had received £720 from the Co-op Community Fund for lighting, and ticket prices had been increased by £1. However, there had been a slide in audience numbers and ticket sales alone did not meet the running costs of the theatre so continued fundraising, applications for grants and plenty of publicity would be needed.

With Trevor House continuing as president and Peter Whitehouse as chairman the following officers and committee members were elected: secretary, Annette Dennis; treasurer, Terina; membership secretary, Eve Earles; bookings/events manager, Amy Clarke; facilities manager, Phil Barfett.

Committee: Sue Painter, Mary Osborne, Charles Jeffrey-Hudson, Sarah Leach, Sally Whitehead and Kay Napier.

There will be a general meeting on Tuesday, November 13.

With the business part of the evening over Lesley Wonnacott gave details of ‘Lest We Forget’, which she and her husband Mike had devised. As a commemoration of the end of the First World War it will be an evening of songs, sketches, poems and scenes linked by a narrator, threaded around the lives of 39 local men. It will be a real community show with some audience participation and involving the army cadets and scouts.

There will be two performances on Thursday and Friday, November 8 and 9. Tickets priced at £7 will be available from the theatre box office from Monday, October 29. Proceeds will go to Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.