RUSHDEN AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY

 “IMPROMPTU” I

                                                                                                                                                June, 1969

Dear Member,

            At the first Committee Meeting of the New Season (June 16^th) it was suggested that the Newsletter be revived and this was decided upon, but with a slight variation in that it would be a more informative rather than “chatty” newsletter. I was volunteered for this thankless job and the first task was to find a name. I thought of “On Cue” but the reputation I have of always being late did not seem appropriate, so I adopted John Denton’s suggestion of “Impromptu” which I think you will all agree, will be more in keeping.

Elections

            For those who could not, or did not attend the A. G. M. On 3^rd June, the officers and committee elected were:-

            It is a pleasure to welcome back onto the Committee three ex-Committee members, namely Rene Welsford – who has been involved with other activities during the past year; Barbara Harrison – who has now fully recovered from her illness and Alan Goulsbra – who (also after his illness) has kindly accepted the job of Press Officer so I hope we are all going to keep him busy with publicity for the forthcoming production.

            Two members were welcomed onto the Committee for the first time and these were our electrician Tony Watts and Jessie Maguire.

            The absence of Marion Knott was felt by all as, being a founder member and serving the Society as long as I can remember (and before), she had become part and parcel of the Committee, but felt she had to retire for the time being due to Scouting Commitments!!

Forthcoming Production

            Rene Welsford is to produce a Comedy Play in October and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Ideas to be sent to Secretary, Producer or any member of the Committee.

Social Events

            There have been criticisms in the past about the lack of “get-togethers” for all members, so we are aiming to organise a social event at least once every month – also this will help raise money to cover the loss accrued last season. As a lot of time and trouble (as well as enjoyment) will go into these events, every member is asked to participate, so lets see the enthusiasm that should exist within a small Society like ours.

Reminder

            Subscriptions are now due for the forthcoming season so would those members who were not able to pay at the A. G. M. Please send their 10/6d (2/6 under 16) to the Treasurer, whose address is as shown.

            The next committee Meeting is on Monday, 14^th July so if anyone wishes to have any item to be discussed, please let the Secretary know 7 days before hand so it can be included in the Agenda.

            Look out for “Impromptu” II sometime in July for further details and more exciting news!!!

                                                                                                            VIRGINIA J. POPE

Printing by kind permission of Mr. D. J. Dormer (Vice-President)

RUSHDEN AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY

“IMPROMPTU” II

                                                                                                                                                July, 1969

Dear Member,

            The main theme of this news-letter is the forthcoming production. The Committee have chosen a Comedy Thriller “House on the Cliff” by George Batson. Auditions will take place at 7.15 p.m. on Tuesday 12^th August at the Scout Room, Skinner’s Hill. Scripts are now available from Alan Goulsbra at Lloyds Bank but members are requested not to keep books for more than 3 days to allow for circulation.

            The Producer, Rene Welsford wishes me to convey to you all that although it is a small cast (3 men and 4 women) she wants to see everybody at Auditions including those interested in back stage work. She also says that anyone who cannot possibly attend, to contact her (Rushden 3750) to arrange for a private audition.

            Please make a note of the dates of the production which are 28^th, 29^th and 30^th October – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

            Although no plays were submitted to the Committee for consideration this time, please remember that we are always welcome to suggestions for future productions.

Social Events

            The Cheese and Pickle Evening held on 11^th July proved successful but had more people attended (there were 25 present) it would have been a more enjoyable evening.

“Autoride Quiz”

            Tony Watts who has organised this event, with the kind permission Toc H will send out further particulars and entry forms.

Jumble Sale

            This takes place on Saturday 27^th September at 2.00 p.m. at the Scout Room. The Hall will be open the Friday previously for the acceptance of jumble and setting out, but anyone who cannot get down there and would like jumble picking up, please let Ellen Smith know at Rushden 4658 and arrangements will be made for collection. We shall also need “officials” to serve on stalls so those interested let Ellen know.

Dinner

            It has been decided by the Committee this year to hold the Annual Dinner after the autumn production and this will take place on a Friday in November at “The Westward Hotel”. Details will follow.

            The Treasurer would like to remind those who have not paid their subs, that THEY ARE NOW DUE.

            On last month’s letter I stated Barbara Harrison’s address as 57 Allen Road. This should have read 57 Blinco Road so please accept my apologies.

The next Committee Meeting will convene on August 25^th, therefore you will not be receiving “Impromptu” III until September, so I wish you all a good holiday and hope the weather stays fine for you.

                                                                                                VIRGINIA J. POPE

RUSHDEN AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY

“IMPROMPTU” III

                                                                                                                                                September, 1969

Dear Member,

            I must apologise for the delay with this issue of “Impromptu” but owing to pressure of work and moving house, I am sure you will understand.

            The Auditions held on Tuesday 12^th August were very poorly attended but a full case was obtained viz: Karen – Marion Knott; Dr. Lane – John Booth; Ellen Clayton – Teresa Higgins; Jenny – Jessie Maguire; Nurse Pepper – Lily Hawes; Corey Phillips – Robert King.

            Rene Welsford has started rehearsals which are on Wednesdays at the Scout Headquarters, Skinner’s Hill and anybody interested in attending rehearsals will be made welcome. I can assure you that many tips can be picked up from these rehearsals which are useful, particularly new members to which acting is a new venture.

            The Stage Manager for the production is Cyril Smith and he will be pleased to hear from members wishing to help with scenery (tel Rushden 4658).

            Posters and car stickers have been ordered and tickets, when available, will be sold by Mr. & Mrs. Swart (Opticians) High Street and by Alan Goulsbra of Lloyds Bank. If you require posters or advanced booking, please do not hesitate to contact the Secretary John Booth, 100 Wymington Road. We also hope to have a booking office in the High Street on Saturday, 18^th October.

            It is with regret I have to report that John Denton has resigned from his position of Vice-Chairman, owing to the fact that he has temporarily been transferred to Bolton by his firm. John feels he cannot justify this position if he is away for any length of time and believes the steps he has taken are the correct ones.

            The Treasurer is now making a complete revision of the list of members and reminders will be sent to those who have not paid their subs. In turn, he will advise me of the names to be eliminated and thereafter, no letters will be sent to those people. I hope members who have not paid will do so and take an active part in forthcoming productions.

            A pair of ladies sheepskin gloves was found in the workshop when it was tidied out a few weeks ago. I f anyone has lost a pair, please contact the Secretary.

SOCIAL EVENTS

            The Annual Dinner is to take place on Friday, 14^th November at “The Westward Hotel”. Please make a note in your diary. Details of menu, time and cost will follow.

            Don’t forget the Jumble Sale on Saturday 27^th September starting at 2.00 p.m. Any jumble to be collected, contact Ellen Smith or take down to the Scout Room, Friday evening. All those who can, attend Saturday to serve on stalls.

AUTORIDE QUIZ

            The rally was held on Thursday 28^th August and about 10 or 12 cars entered. The weather was kind to us although the light failed and some of us finished in the dark, looking for clues by torchlight. Douglas, my husband and I, after missing half the directions; travelling 42 miles instead of the calculated 28; meeting cars coming the opposite way to ourselves; having an argument (to say the least) and arriving ages after everyone else, tied for first place with Bob King and his party but as we had had so many mishaps, we took second place. The first prize was a basket of fruit, second prize a pound box of chocolates (oh! my figure) and the Booby, presented to Mr. & Mrs. Hawes and party was a very useful spark-plug.

            Many thanks to Tony Watts for arranging this “travesty” and to Christine Smith who helped him or should I say “plotted” with him. (I am sure all those who went on this rally will know exactly what I mean). Seriously though, a good time was had by all and the buffet laid on at “The Fordham Arms” was more than adequate.

            The next Committee Meeting is on 23^rd September, 1969.

            As a final note, may I wish all our friends who are appearing in “Oliver” this week, a successful and prosperous show – good luck.

RUSHDEN AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY

“IMPROMPTU IV”

                                                                                                                                    November, 1969

Dear Member,

            It has been nearly two weeks since “House on the Cliff” ended its three day run at the Boy’s Secondary School and I am sure you are anxious to know whether a profit or loss was made. I am afraid I have to report the latter. At the Committee Meeting held last Monday, the Treasurer reported a loss of £14 taking into account the bills received to date.

            The reason for this was the very poor audiences and not, I hasten to add, due to a second-rate show. Far from it. I think all concerned put on a play to be proud of. I personally was not keen on the play but nevertheless in between drawing the curtain (which I am sure has added two inches to my biceps) and making sure that props were not on set when they should have been; I must confess our players made it come alive. In my estimation special applause must go to the cast who had a most difficult job of playing to half empty houses on top of coughs and colds which they nearly all had at the time; Cyril Smith on making a very nice set under difficult circumstances i.e. lack of space in our “club room”; and last but not least, our producer Rene Welsford who always turns up trumps with a first class performance.

            The main cause for poor attendances might be due to:- lack of publicity; coming at the tail end of two major shows in the town (“Oliver” and “Half a Sixpence”) and perhaps, I regret to say, lack of interest by members selling tickets and spreading the gospel. We hope to remedy this next time but we do need your support.

            The Committee have already started reading plays for the Spring and Autumn productions which are “Billy Liar”, “Come Laughing Home”, “Blythe Spirit”, “Milk and Honey” and “Watch it Sailor”. Please let us have your comments and suggestions.

Social Events

            The Annual Dinner was held on Friday last at “The Westward Hotel” on 14^th November and I hope a good time was had by all.

            Christmas Party. Mr. & Mrs. Cyril Smith are holding a party at their home, 433 Newton Road on Thursday 18^th December. An invitation is extended to all members and friend/husband/wife etc. and if you wish to attend please send your name to Mrs. Helen Smith along with 5/- per person to cover the cost of all refreshments.

            January. An outing is to be arranged some time during January – probably at The Rep and details will follow.

New Members

            May I welcome all our new members to the Society and hope you will take an active part in all we achieve to do. If you have any queries, please contact our Secretary, Mr. John Booth at 100, Wymington Road or our Chairman Mr. Cyril Smith 433, Newton Road, Rushden.

            One of our founder members Mrs. Lily Hawes is going (or has gone) into hospital for a minor operation. May I wish you, Lily on behalf of the Society a speedy recovery and hope to see you back in the circuit very soon.

Our next Committee Meeting is on 8^th December at 29 Glenfield Close.