(History - The Fundraising Years)

THE FUND-RAISING YEARS 1971 to 1983

Click here to jump to 1973 Click here to jump to 1975
Click here to jump to 1976 Click here to jump to 1978/9
Click here to jump to 1980 Click here to jump to 1983
Click here to jump to Nearly New & Jumble Sales
Click here to jump to Garden Parties
Click here to jump to The Hereford Charity Shop
Click here to jump to On-going Activities 1975 to 1983

1971

       After the 1960's, the Roxy Cinema became an uneconomic venue due to increased rents, new management and the absence of a stage. Massive problems with the storage of scenery, props and costumes came about when the space that we used at Ashtons became unsafe and had to be vacated. All these items were spread about the town - Mr. Nicholas' storeroom, Old Gloucester Road; a farm at St. Owen's Cross; attics in members' homes, but the bulk was stored at the Phoenix Coal Co.
        As this situation was becoming impossible, the Society started to look round for a permanent home and in 1971 the Old Fire Station came up for auction. Arranging a bank loan of £2,000 from the Midland Bank, a successful bid was made on behalf of the Society and the first steps towards owning our own theatre had been taken.
It was from sheer necessity that the Society was, for a great number of years, faced with the fact of being a Fund-raising Society, with productions being low on the agenda and had anyone at that time realised the enormity of the task ahead, perhaps the dream would have been stillborn - what a blessing it is that they did not know.
        After the first excitement had died down, raising funds became an unpopular chore and membership declined with many Ross inhabitants thinking that it was an impossible task, indeed, many R.O.A.D.S. Members went through periods of doubt and disillusionment, feeling that they now owned a white elephant.

1973

        Plans were drawn up, free of charge, by a member, for a two-storey building where the present auditorium is, with a green room upstairs and a dressing room below the stage, which was to be located at the left of the present auditorium. These were submitted to the Planning Department of the local authority and work started on demolishing the roof and inner walls. There was plenty of hard work to be done, bricks (supposedly to be re-used in the new building), to be cleaned with the old mortar removed and no building work could be started until there was sufficient money raised to repay the bank loan.
        Play readings were held once a month in a room at the Chase Hotel and one play ("The Bride & Bachelor") was produced in the hotel ballroom, conditions for rehearsal were pretty impossible and so no plays were produced for a period of two years, 1975 and 1976 and membership declined.
        It was becoming more and more evident that to make any headway at all, the Theatre Project must continue, even if only to provide a meeting place for the members and somewhere to store all the props. costumes etc.

        With a dogged determination to prove that the Fire station could and would be turned into a theatre, a small Fund raising Committee was formed and every conceivable way of raising money was explored. To a very few, fund raising remained a chore, but most of the events became enjoyable social occasions as well as being a necessity.

Christmas Fayre - Youth Centre

        The first venture was held in November and was one of the first of its kind to be held in Ross and its popularity was such that, over the years, many others have followed the lead of R.O.A.D.S. and now hold their own fairs.
        Over the preceding months, regular meetings were held to display the items collected and made, to pool suggestions and ideas and to plan combined operations. Enthusiasm grew and it was found possible to put on a really good display of goods and amusements. It ran all day, with refreshments being served for the whole period and at the close the stalls were nearly bare, the members and friends were tired but happy and this first effort had raised around £200, which was a goodly sum in those days, this was so encouraging that a repeat in 1974 was a "must". In fact, the Christmas Fayre was an annual event until 1985, the highest amount raised being £1,000 which exceeded all expectations.
        Each year it seemed possible to add an extra stall or event - including the arrival of Father Christmas - which in itself was not really a money maker but was a great attraction.
        In 1979 an additional stall was added, which although not really in keeping with the Christmas season, was a real money spinner. Nearly New Clothes and household articles were becoming popular, our standards were very high, everything spotlessly clean, pressed and repaired and it made a lot of money.
        Many thanks must go to the business people of Ross and friends of the Society, who so generously gave prizes for Tombola and a draw, there were usually 100 prizes for Tombola and 20 for the Draw, tickets for which were sold by a number of shops in addition to the members.
        The Christmas Fayre had certainly become a great social event as well as a Fund Raiser.

NEARLY NEW & JUMBLE SALES

        Jumble Sales had long been a means of raising small amounts of money (£40 or so), but now much larger amounts were needed and it seemed a good idea to include Nearly New sales as well.
        A hall was booked for a whole day, only Nearly New was sold in the morning, any remaining were included with the Jumble and sold in the afternoon, this arrangement proving very successful. The first ½ hour in the morning became great fun for the members, with a lot of exchanges of clothes taking place; for the privilege of having first choice prices were slightly higher than those charged when the general public came in (not the usual thing, I believe, in Jumble sales, but cheerfully accepted in R.O.A.D.S.). Takings were rising from the usual £40 or so to £150.00 with having the Nearly New included. In this field, as with the Christmas Fayre, R.O.A.D.S. had now got a reputation for good quality at reasonable prices.

SPRING FAIR & stalls at other events

        In the early 1970's a ploughing match was held near Ross, followed by an Ox Roast in the Market Place. R.O.A.D.S. were offered two stalls on the "apron", one to sell Hot Baked Potatoes & Soup and the other, Old Fashioned Sweets with the stall holders to be in Victorian costume. As well as being very successful financially, it was great fun.
        Stalls were then provided at:-

·The Regatta - including Hot Dogs
·Carnival at Riverside & Market Place
·"It's a Knockout" at Rope Walk
·Harewood End Agricultural stall
·Horticultural Show
·Youth Club Christmas Fair

These stalls were proving very successful and the suggestion was made that the Council should be approached for permission to hold a Spring Fair in the Market Place on Spring Bank Holiday Monday. Permission being granted a large fair was organised with the stall holders wearing Victorian costume. the market traders lent their stalls, the area was decorated and the following stalls were run entirely by R.O.A.D.S. members and friends on similar lines to the Christmas Fayre:-

1.	Bric-a-Brac	8.	Skittles
2.	Wheel of Fortune	9.	Cakes
3.	Plants	10.	Handicrafts
4.	Jewellery	11.	Books
5.	Cosmetics	12.	Sweets
6.	Peg Board	13.	Toys
7.	Roll-a-Ball	14.	Refreshments

        In addition to these stalls, there were others stocked and managed by the W.I., Friends of Chestnuts and Friends of Dean Hill, all of these very generously donated their profits to the Theatre Fund.

1975

        The largest fund raising opportunity came for R.O.A.D.S. when the South Herefordshire District Council, knowing that the putting and tennis facilities at Crossfields were running at a loss and also that R.O.A.D.S. were desperate for funds, offered a partnership deal, whereby they would carry out the maintenance whilst R.O.A.D.S. provided the people to man the courts and keep any money that they could make.
        This needed a lot of consideration as the implications of guaranteeing the manning of the pavilion from Easter to October, 7 days a week from 2.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. plus 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on Saturdays and school holidays were enormous, especially as the membership at that time, was very low in numbers. However, funds being so desperately needed, the commitment was made. The only copy of the agreement left is for 1980, but it was no different for the other years and a copy of the rota for 1981 demonstrates the scale of the task.
        The running of Crossfields was carried out from 1975 until 1986 with help from Bridstow W.I. on Friday afternoons for the first two years.

        The money brought in during the first two years paid for the excavation for the dressing rooms, the building of a single-brick lining wall and finally, the positioning of the concrete girders that were intended to support the 2nd. floor Green room.
        With no venue to put on plays, attendance's at play readings fell off and morale reached a very low ebb - to such an extent that at one meeting the suggestion was made to abandon the Theatre Project and approach Goodrich Arts Society with a view to a possible amalgamation with R.O.A.D.S.. Despite all these difficulties, for several months the nucleus of the Society held together.

1976

        Spirits were revived a little and a play called "Short Story" was staged at the modified Roxy cinema. the expense and difficulties were considerable and so was not repeated.
In the Autumn, conditions improved enormously as the result of the co-operation of the Nuns at St. Joseph's Convent involving the use of their old school hall which, since they were having a new building erected, was not in regular use. "And this was Odd" was staged there and several of the old class rooms were used for storing equipment. Realising the difficulties facing the Society, they offered their hospitality during a most difficult time.
        We held several functions there, some fund raising, some social - a Soirée, Carnival Revue, jumble sales and several plays: "A Lady Mislaid", "A Day's Mischief", "A Man Most Likely To", "A Letter from the General" and "Murder in Company".
        This was a period of hope, it gave a boost to the Society and time to revive enthusiasm resulting in an increase in membership from 25 to 100. Although many of these members were in a supportive role and "active" rather than "acting" members, it meant that more help was available at fund-raising events, particularly at Crossfields.
        During the summer, a chance encounter with a customer at Crossfields, resulted in "the bomb" being dropped. The gentleman was an official from another part of the country and his work was connected with the safety of Public Buildings, he pointed out that building regulations with regard to safety and Fire hazards had been altered since building permission had initially been granted by the local Council and the change over to the county planning authority would mean that the building which was being carried out would not comply with the new regulations. He suggested that we should obtain professional advice on this matter - PANIC!!!
        After several unsuccessful attempts a meeting was eventually arranged with the authorities, they ordered that a survey of the building be carried out by a Consultant Engineer - at our expense. There was a reluctance on the part of the Council to admit total liability in respect of the original planning consent when it was discovered that the supporting walls were not strong enough to support the overhead girders. However, the Society managed to get a compensation payment of £1,500, being half the cost of building the walls and excavating for the dressing rooms, which also would not comply with the safety standards. it seems likely that, had the warning not been given by the gentleman at Crossfields, work would have been allowed to continue on the building which, in the end, would have been condemned.
        This appeared to be TOTAL DISASTER, but there was no other way to go other than forward - who wanted an empty shell with a swimming pool in it? the excavation had now filled with water and continued to do so despite being pumped out many times. the whole place looked AWFUL and quite un-saleable.
        A glimmer of hope gave some encouragement when it was discovered that a Mr Brian Sheppard, BSc, CEng, MICE, MIStructE, AIAS , the only Consultant Engineer in the area, nearer than Worcester, had recently moved to Gorsley and was carrying out some part-time work in Ross. He had been involved in the building of many projects but never in the design of a theatre and he was intrigued with the idea of converting an old Fire Station into a working Theatre in miniature in a part of town which was a conservation area. He was enormously impressed with the vision that we had and was very willing to become involved as the Architect, advisor and Director of the Project. He was engaged to carry out the survey and to oversee the work which he recommended to overcome the faults.
        The "swimming pool" was filled in, double walls built with the necessary strengthening and the shell was pronounced SAFE. He talked to many professional acquaintances with knowledge of the Theatre to gain an insight into the requirements of stage work, thus enabling him to draw up plans, making full use of the limited space available together with the limited financial resources likely to finance it. As there was the ongoing problem that at any time the work would have to be abandoned due to lack of funds, the construction had to be simple enough to allow a conversion to some other use, should it need to be saleable.
        The need for a second Fire Exit under the new Regulations, necessitated the purchase of a small piece of land from the Royal Hotel. Mr Sheppard went to visit Trust House Forté at their head Office in London and successfully negotiated the sale of the land and re-established the agreement of Right of Way from our forecourt and building to the main road.
        This was satisfactory, as far as the building was concerned, but it was all too evident that the acquisition of funds was to be of paramount importance, since it was the agreed policy of the Committee, that no work should be undertaken without the money being available to pay for it. This policy did not meet with universal agreement among all members of the Society and there were the inevitable divisions, discussions and outspoken dissatisfaction with this policy. Society members were being sorely tested by being asked to support a seemingly endless project - some thought it was only a dream - whilst endeavouring to put on three plays a year with the minimum of expense and the maximum of difficulties to overcome.

GARDEN PARTIES
1974-1977

        There were many members and friends who, both past and present, have been willing to hold coffee mornings, lunches, tea parties and barbecues in their own homes and gardens. Some have allowed the Society to use gardens and houses for fund-raising events, even put on the event themselves and donated the proceeds to R.O.A.D.S..
        All have been a great success, both socially and financially and it is impossible to list them all as they are far too numerous. A few photographs give the general impression, if any one can produce some more they could appear here if a second print is called for. The following list is of occasions when events have been held at larger venues and were open to the general public:

1. LOWER CARADOC
An enjoyable evening event, musical entertainment, refreshments and the use of the swimming pool.
2. ROSS COURT
A strawberry tea with stalls and competitions etc.
3. MORRISTON HOUSE
Country Dance Display with refreshments.
4. CUBBERLY
Gardens lent to the Society for opening to the public, including use of the swimming pool. Stalls and refreshments provided by the Society.

HILL COURT - before it became a Garden Centre

Open to the public on behalf of the Society at least twice. Garden available, refreshments served from the present tea-room, stalls allowed on the lawn.

ON-GOING ACTIVITIES 1975-1983

        During the intense fund-raising Years, there were 5 ongoing efforts which, though not bringing in vast amounts at one time, did over the years raise quite a considerable amount of money:
1. AUDREY'S TOYS
A member called Audrey had a husband who was connected with a toy factory in Birmingham and they offered the Society toys at a huge discount - 50% and more - which were used for Toy Stalls at Christmas and Spring Fairs, Tombola and Draw prizes, cheap prizes for the Peg Boards run at all our events (the big advantage of R.O.A.D.S. Peg Board was that the winners had a choice of any of the prizes on the table as there was a never-ending supply of each item from what came to be known as "Audrey's Toys"). Finally, when her husband retired, we had the opportunity to buy vast quantities of travellers' samples etc. for next to nothing, these were sold at the Crossfields shop at a very good profit.
2. SALE OF NEWSPAPERS
At this time, newspaper fetched a very good price and for many years, members and friends saved theirs and brought it to one member who volunteered to tie it up into the tidy bundles, as required, and take it along to the depot monthly for sale. This ended in 1981 when newspaper was no longer saleable.
3. NOTELETS
Brian Sheppard, our Architect, drew views of Ross for us, these were printed on card, folded, packed and sold at Crossfield and all events where it was possible. Several shops agreed to sell them on our behalf and trade was good, particularly at Presentations' and the Mayflower Cafe. These brought on several hundreds of pounds and continued until quite recently.
4. FLAG DAYS
Several were allowed by the Council together with a house-to-house collection one year. This gave an excellent opportunity to publicise the Theatre Project, which by now was being regarded as a reality rather than a pipe dream.
5. COLLECTING BOXES
Several shops and Public Houses had tins on their counters for R.O.A.D.S. and, though not a lot of money was collected, every little helped.
6. SPONSORED EVENTS

	a	One Swim
	b	One Knit-in (in Vines window)
	c	Two Walks
	d	One Cycle ride to Stratford

SKITTLES MATCHES

A number of these were held at The Prince of Wales and the White Lion and although they were really social events, such was the pressure for funds that the chance was always taken to make some profit as well (this was not approved of by a few members).

BARN DANCE

This was held at the Drill Hall and was open to the public but was not very well supported and so was not repeated.

T-SHIRTS & BADGES

Sale of R.O.A.D.S. T-shirts and badges proved not to be popular and were discontinued.

BOOKLET of POPULAR SAYINGS

Called "Have You Heard This One" was compiled containing favourite sayings of members and well known personalities of Ross. All paid to have their 'saying' included which covered the cost of the printing, this was quite profitable but had obviously to be a 'one off' event.

1977

        Funds came in from various sources in small amounts but larger sums when applied for from the Arts Council and Government bodies were not forthcoming. Seemingly these would only be available when the building was nearing completion. it was then decided to form a "Spearhead Committee" whose job it was to investigate ways of raising money and to give a monthly report to the General Committee, thus removing this onerous task from normal committee work.
        From a chance hearing of the Pete Murray Show on radio and a following letter to Lady Barker - a keen supporter of Amateur Theatre, the group were put in touch with Richard Gill, the Director of Polka - the Children's Theatre- who had been instrumental in raising thousands of pounds for his enterprise. His advice was to write to industry and Grant giving bodies with an appeal for help, he had, himself, written many hundreds of letters and received the patronage of the Queen Mother but he warned us that at the most probably only ¼ would answer but he said, "Don't Give Up - keep on trying until you have achieved your target".
        A small group of members embarked upon research at the library and banks etc. for the addresses of company chairmen and Grant Giving Trusts. Over 700 envelopes were addressed, filled with information and posted or delivered locally by hand. Some were completely ignored, many were acknowledged showing interest and good wishes and some were backed with donations, but other replied that money could not be sent unless the Society was a Registered Charity.

        The Choral Society joined the R.O.A.D.S. to put on a show at the Roxy Cinema called 'Midweek Melodies'. This was a very successful evening, enjoyed by the public as well as members of both societies.

THE HEREFORD CHARITY SHOP 1977-1979

        Progressing from Nearly New and Jumble sales the suggestion was made to rent the 'Charity Shop' (this was well in advance of the present nation-wide range of such shops as Oxfam, Sue Ryder, Age Concern etc.) in Maylord Street, Hereford for a day. Unless you worked there, your education was incomplete.
        The shop was hired for a Monday so that the goods could be put out, ready for sale, on Sunday, this was a mammoth task, the shop was equipped with some counters, display stands, drawers, shelves and window space.
        Though not essential, all clothing and household articles were washed, mended and priced in advance, in order that things would run smoothly next day and the high reputation of R.O.A.D.S. be maintained. Much bric-a-brac and many household goods and toys were also sold, this had been renovated and, where necessary, re-painted by members and their families to get the best possible prices. (Totting had even been employed, if neighbours had been seen throwing away saleable items)!
        The shop opened at 8.00 a.m. with a queue already formed outside and closed at 5.00 p.m. with an hour left to clear everything away ready for the next group to set up their shop at 6.00 p.m. At least 8 helpers were needed at all times and many of them said that they had never felt so tired in all their lives.
        After we had run the shop for two years and found that on the second occasion there were quite a lot of goods left, it seemed sensible to hire the shop for Monday and Tuesday. This required even more items of course and so collecting started even earlier than before; goods were stored in members homes, attics, outhouses etc. until the Sunday when a fleet of, mainly hatchback, cars and a large van assembled to transport the cases, toys, furniture, boxes etc. to Hereford. Some of the best items were kept back for the second day so that with the window re-dressed we would attract new customers.
        It was just about possible to raise enough man(woman)power to staff the shop and to provide the transport but, in spite of making £500 profit R.O.A.D.S. did not take the 'Charity Shop' again after 1979. That year £1,200 had been raised from other peoples' discarded goods.

1978

        The "Ultimate Garden Party" was held at Merrivale House. This had never before been opened to the public and a great many Ross people were curious to see what was behind the tall walls, on August 30th. there was a great deal going on.
        The weather was fantastic, the crowds phenomenal and the funds raised were beyond expectations. It required 48 people to work behind the stalls and to attend to the other attractions and all were well satisfied with the results of their efforts. The press report and photograph says it all. What good friends R.O.A.D.S. have in Ross.

1979

        An application to the Charity Commissioners was successful and the Society was granted charitable status and was now eligible for an annual grant of £60 with the promise of a larger grant from H.W.C.C. when nearing completion.
        This year saw the re-introduction, after many years, of a Society News sheet, or magazine, as this one was to be called and it shows a very full calendar and an active Society. A steady increase in membership resulted but, with its attendant difficulties. The need for more drama was obvious, but the ability to provide the facilities and the money to fund these conflicted with the Society's agreed commitment to direct all money raised through fund-raising events to the building project.
Real conflict arose from this division of thought between, firstly, those who wanted to direct funds to the hiring of rooms and equipment and abandon the Theatre Project, secondly, those who wanted to take up a loan to complete the Theatre immediately and thirdly, those who wished to continue the policy of channelling all moneys earned to the Building Fund, despite the difficulties this made for those wishing to enjoy more drama.
        A troubled Summer was filled with calls for changes within the Committee and of the Society's policy and so, in October an E.G.M. was called to "re-consider the viability of the Theatre Project, with special regard to the finances needed to complete". Many views were expressed with feeling, some wishing the total abandonment of the Theatre Project, some giving eloquent appeals for unity amongst the ranks, but a single voice, with an impassioned plea urging members not to forsake the project midstream, but to carry on the "fulfilment of a dream", swayed the voters and it was passed by a vote of 20 - 5 that Stage II of the building programme should proceed and the building of the foyer and facade should start next Spring.
        "The Days Mischief" was performed at the Convent in December after overcoming problems that arose during early rehearsals.

        The bulk of the money raised for the building of the theatre was raised at Crossfields going from £800.00 the first year to an all time high of £3,000.00.
To those present day members who were not involved in the Crossfields era, it will be hard to realise to what extent it took over the lives of R.O.A.D.S. members, there were very few who did not take part at all and most agreed that on the whole they enjoyed it, in spite of it being such a tie. On a cold, wet, dull day with very few customers, it could be boring in the extreme!
In addition to letting out the facilities, we had the opportunity to make more money by running the shop; sweets and refreshments were served, with home-made shortbread and flapjacks always available, plus cakes etc., preserves, fruit, toys, plants etc. given by members.
        The Associate membership was started and many thanks are due to those members who put in an enormous number of hours to keep the rota going. Without their help, it would have been impossible to continue for so many years, it would be invidious to mention any names, but two members were actually on duty for 120 to 130 hours each and every year during our time at Crossfields.
        During Carnival Week there was usually a putting competition for members and any members of the public who wished to join in. This was always an enjoyable evening, finishing with a barbecue arranged by members outside the pavilion.
        The Ross Carnival Committee put on a Jubilee day during Carnival week at which, of course, R.O.A.D.S. had several stalls. Unfortunately, it rained and the stalls out on the apron had no real cover, the lasting memory of that event is the resultant havoc that was caused to the red, white & blue icing on the little Jubilee buns which had looked so attractive. But in spite of the weather it was a profitable day.
        The Arwen Singers (a very good local group at that time) joined with the Yorkley Onward Band and the Drybrook Male Voice Choir for a musical evening at the John Kyrle High School to raise funds for the Theatre Project. It is very encouraging to have this kind of local support.
        A Disco was held at Brockhampton Court which raised £141
        Donations to the tune of almost £1,000 had been received during the last few weeks of the year.

1980

        Under the guidance of Mr. Sheppard, the work continued, when the requisite money was available and between August and November, the kitchen, 1st Floor dressing rooms and Foyer were built by W H Giles of Cinderford. Donations came in as the building started to take shape and the "topping-out" ceremony was carried out in December.
        The Society was fortunate in being offered the use of Meaders Hall for most of the regular functions, previously play readings had been held in a room at the Royal Hotel and Committee meetings at Merton House; but now these, plus rehearsals and several other social and fund-raising events were able to take place at Meaders. This was a tremendous help to the running of the Society and made things much more enjoyable, the monthly newsletter was revived with contributions from all departments with news and views from members. This was a great success, keeping everyone abreast of news, the calendar of events and monthly timetables.
        The Convent School hall was no longer available for productions so, a move was made to the Grammar School in Ryefield Road but it was only available for hire during the half-term break, when heating and caretaking were available. A dress rehearsal, building the set and three nightly performances was no mean achievement within the space of a half-term holiday, however, despite all the difficulties, some excellent productions were staged there: "The Happiest Days of you Life", "When We are Married", "Absent Friends", "The Heiress", "Bonaventure" and "Tomb with a View". "After Magrite" was entered in the Hereford County Drama Festival and, whilst not getting an award, received a very good adjudication.
        With these successes, good publicity and the Theatre taking shape, the townspeople began to give support with a regular audience and patronage at all events. For a decade the Society had not enjoyed much popularity in the town, but hard work and tenacity began to provide a better climate both within and outside the Society. The high quality of the drama and all fund-raising events, including annual events such as, Spring & Christmas Fairs created a very good profile.
        Play readings were held firstly in the Royal Corks Wine Bar and latterly in Meaders Hall.

LITERARY LUNCHEONS

        Following the 'Spearhead Appeal', the offer came of the use of the Chase Hotel ballroom as a venue for a fund-raising event. This took the form of an "International Evening" put on by the Society and supporting friends, offering food from many lands, cooked by the members and served on a 'help yourself' basis with perhaps starter - main course - sweet all from different nationalities and with as many variations and helpings as required.
        This was an outstanding success and was the fore-runner of other functions at the same venue. In Jubilee year there was a dinner called "Salute the Queen" and for 6 years, starting in 1979, the Society held it's annual Literary Luncheons. These were basically fund-raising events, but also added a considerable prestige to the Society's standing among the townspeople, many of whom regularly attended these events.
        The guest speakers, all of whom had recently published a new book were pleased to attend free of charge and to have the opportunity to sell autographed copies of their books. The speakers were:-
Michael Glover Dora Saint
Bronwen Naish Fred Archer
Sarah Cullen Alice Buchan
Wynford Vaughan Thomas Sylvia Thorpe Kit Williams
Dulcie Gray Phil Drabble
Peter Yorke Roger Banks
Ina Taylor Frederick Woods
Dr. Robert Clifford

        The R.O.A.D.S. Spring Fair continued throughout the intervening years but it was now felt that the erecting of the stalls and overall responsibility for the Fair was becoming rather too large a commitment for the Society in addition to all the other fund raising activities which were under way.
        It was suggested to the Carnival Committee that they might like to take overall charge, letting out the stalls to a variety of local charities including, of course, R.O.A.D.S.. They agreed and so the present day "Spring Bank Holiday Victorian Market" was born - with R.O.A.D.S. continuing to have several profitable stalls each year.

1981-1982

        Two One-Act plays entered the county Drama Festival, "Instrument of Darkness" and "Colour of the Wind", both did well, the latter received an award and entry to the second round at Malvern.

        In July, during Carnival week, with the Theatre still an empty shell, it was decided to publicise the Project, and to raise funds, by opening up to the public and selling coffee, ploughman's lunches and then teas. This was very popular and a great deal of interest was raised as well as considerable funds.
        From this beginning, developed the idea of opening each Thursday morning for coffee for members and friends when you could watch the progress of the work and be sure of meeting friends.

Thursday coffee mornings have continued to this day and, in spite of the low selling price of coffee and biscuits, profit continues to be made. it was agreed by the Committee that this profit should not go into the general funds, but be used for the purchase of items to furnish the upstairs section and the coffee/changing room.

        Shelves, racks and boxes had been bought to house costumes and 'props' and a set of 10 stacking chairs for the changing room. The latest purchase has been cutlery to be used for 'Club Evening' suppers which are arranged periodically by the Social Secretary. As well as being excellent value they usually make a good profit.
        1993 Footnote: This fund has been handed over to the Treasurer to go into the General Fund as it has now outlived its original purpose.
        With a target date for completion in view, it was time to think of raising money for specific items, for example, one of the numerous musical concerts being in aid of the 'curtain' fund.

The seats were going to be expensive, even though they were reconditioned ones from the Rank organisation and so it seemed appropriate to launch a public appeal for people to sponsor a seat for £25 - £30. many offers were received from both past and present members, the general public and even families of members from long ago. In several cases, people who had made a loan to the Society when the Old Fire Station was purchased, turned the loan into a gift to purchase several seats.

A list of all who donated seats now hangs in the Theatre Foyer for all to see, as also does the list of donations made in the very early days.

        More money than was actually needed for seats was offered, mainly by present members, and so a 'lighting' fund was started and the list of these names is also in the Foyer.

1983

        A most enjoyable and profitable day, held in the grounds (given free) of the Chase Hotel on Sunday, 3rd. July . There were a good many of R.O.A.D.S. own members selling goods for the Society plus quite a number of 'sites' let out to other people. A R.O.A.D.S. caravan was selling delicious refreshments all day and the day itself was so hot and sunny that it was a pleasure to be there.

        In October, came the culmination of all the hard work and effort, the Theatre finally opened it's doors to the first production in our home. "Mixed Doubles - an entertainment on marriage" was a series of short plays and featured almost all of the acting members of the Society.
At this time membership stood at 65 Members and 79 Associate Members.
        Thus we leave the "Fund-Raising Years" and bring to an end one, perhaps the most momentous, chapter of the History of R.O.A.D.S. and in it we salute those dedicated members who had a vision and by diligence and perseverance, turned it into reality. No names have been included, deliberately so, because all contributions, no matter how small, enabled the Phoenix to arise anew from the ashes.

This Page was created by Arachnophilia.
Most recent revision 25th. November 1998