2010

08 May 2024

WIMBORNE COMMUNITY THEATRE  AGM  THURSDAY 7th APRIL 2011 AT ALLENDALE HOUSE, WIMBORNE  CHAIR’S REPORT   Review of WCT activities in 2010  At the AGM last year, we shared disappointment about not staging a production for the last two years. However, we can now report that we staged a successful production in 2010. We are grateful that Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water Company (now Semcorp) have encouraged us to use the old Waterworks in Wimborne as the base for the production in 2010 and for a major production in 2011. The project involves exploration of the waterworks building and its function; the theme of water in its global context; WCT’s ideas through workshops. Activities related to the Pump House project have included:

  • A further application to the Art Council for G4A substantive funding which proved successful and has allowed us to continue with the 2011 project
  • The development of material that was used for a pilot project Source staged in August (as part of the Sting in the Tale Festival) and in September (as part of Dorset Architectural Heritage Week)
  • Three practical and very successful workshops led by Jonathan Petherbridge and Pip Nash in the Autumn and Winter of 2010 to develop and discuss the Pump House project with WCT members These focussed on Silent Stories, Imaging and Weaving the Scenography. The imaging workshop was particularly well attended as it was opened to interested members of the public
  • Continued involvement with professionals in preparation for the main production in 2011: Jonathan Petherbridge (artistic director), Tony Horitz (TIE, schools’ workshops), Robert Hart and Adrian Newton (Sound), Daniel Horitz (Media/Film)
  • Tony, Gill and Dan Horitz worked with children from St John’s First School on writing and filming poems about water which were used in Source
  • Developing links with local schools, Bournemouth University design students and Walford Mill, as well as with other community groups, such as Wimborne Community Dance
  • Setting up a creative group to develop the framework and story line of the 2011 production
  • A presentation of the Tiddilik story at Holtwood Fete on July 3rd which helped raise the profile of WCT as well as advertising the pilot production. The event also raised a small amount of funding for the group thanks to Dunya Wood.
  • A detailed evaluation process for the 2011 production has been arranged with Victoria Pirie
  • An enjoyable social evening hosted by Tony and Gill Horitz was held over the Christmas period. A raffle raised further funding for the group
Thus 2010 has been a successful year for the group – we staged Source and we planned actively for the major project in 2011. We have also worked with local schools and used their work as part of the Source production. We also liaised and worked with a local choir, Steam Heat, and members of this group performed at the pilot project. It was a particularly successful year in terms of branching out and using new technology. We extended our range with the use of visual images and innovative sound in Source to enhance the telling of stories. A further feature of 2010 has been the creation of a blog as part of the Pump House project. We are still ambitious to improve access and materials on the WCT website and are considering an application for funding to develop this as well as to begin the process of archiving our resources. Last year’s AGM witnessed WCT at a crossroads as we were frustrated at not staging a production and had limited funding. However, we now have new members, liaison with several groups and a positive outlook on times ahead. Gill Horitz has done a sterling job in promoting the group’s work, co-ordinating activities but especially in the very detailed applications she has made for funding.   Tuppy Hill also deserves much praise for her continued excellent support and organisation. In Spring 2010, Alan Wilson retired as Director of EDHT but continued as Treasurer of WCT. We were all very saddened by his sudden death early in 2011. Alan provided wonderful support to the group over the years and will be greatly missed. We intend to dedicate a performance to him in 2011 supporting his favourite charity. Jeff Hart   Chair WCT   03.04.2011