Denton Variety Club – Chair's Report 2019
This is the Chairman's Report as submitted to the Club's Annual General Meeting held at the Village Hall on Thursday 4th July 2019.
This has been an important year for the Club for a variety of reasons, some of which I list below. I apologise for my absence from the meeting but I had arranged to be abroad on 4 July many months ago.
This year saw a break with tradition with the script for the annual production being written by Charlotte Valori. She developed a script for Cyder with Bertie which was engaging, funny and thought-provoking. It was, in its original format, somewhat overlong and it was whittled down as the rehearsals developed. It was still rather lengthy by first night but that did not prevent it from being a great success and very well received. So, thank you Charlotte for your outstanding contribution, not only with the script but also in assisting the indefatigable and enterprising Gill Hipwell in directing the cast.
The cast performed with their usual vim and verve and I salute you all for your many skills and talents which were given full exposure in the show. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated members who give up their time to ensure that the annual production is a success. And I here I pause to give particular mention to Helen, for making such a significant contribution with the box office, and to Michelle, Sara and others who kept us fed and watered in rehearsals and showtime.
No mention of the show can pass without saluting the tireless efforts of Margaret and Barbara, who, year in and out, produce the goods with good humour and boundless patience. The backstage crew once more did us proud, as did Matt on lighting. Our wonderful musicians Simon and Ken worked their magic as always, ably assisted by Sue. Additionally, I wish to thank Denise and Peter Grant for their unfailing generosity in hosting the singing practises for the annual production. They have done so now for a number of years and I wish them to know that the Club is extremely grateful.
At this juncture I pause to reflect on the outstanding contribution to the work of DVC made by Johnnie Carslake. I do so because he has indicated that he wishes to hang up his tripod and pass the baton to others, if you will excuse my mixed metaphors. Johnnie, we thank you sincerely for your many years of providing the recording of the annual production and also for helping out throughout the period of the show, providing helpful insights and suggestions. And not forgetting the live link from hall to changing room, even if some of the cast enjoyed watching the show when they should have been on stage! It will be strange for us not to have you about, Johnnie. Enjoy your well-earned “retirement”.
We had a very useful Committee meeting in March concerning feedback on the production. Among the matters canvassed was a move towards a production which might appeal more in content to the younger members of the audience. It will be important to carry forward in a timely fashion the decisions taken at that meeting so that the lessons learned and the plans made are acted upon in sufficient time for the benefit of the production next year.
I mentioned Gill earlier, and do so again now to applaud her work with the Rising Stars. It is quite remarkable how Gill finds the time and energy to put in so much effort to help mould the future stars of DVC. Gill, your skills and enthusiasm are legendary and I wish to place on record our grateful thanks for all you do, and at the same time noting the significant contribution to the work of Rising Stars of others, such as Margaret, Caroline and Rosemary, to name but a few.
Away from the stage, we acquired, at long last, our own shed for the storage of costumes and small props. I wish to thank Peter and Denise for their help on this project. It is a welcome addition to the Club’s assets.
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of the Valori family, we also now have some storage for larger props at Kingsland Farm at no cost to the club. Peter has kindly agreed to do some minor work on the unit to keep it wind and watertight.
The Club funded the paving and lighting of the footpath running along the front of the village hall to the rear double doors entrance, this to assist in the routing of the audience to those doors on show nights rather than the front entrance. This change produced a noticeable easing of the progress of the audience to their seats after buying drinks and refreshments.
And now my tenure as Chair has run its course and after my two-year stint I must stand down. I have received superb support from my fellow officers throughout my term in office for which I thank them.
It has been an honour and privilege to serve this great institution in Denton. My earnest hope, and indeed expectation, is that this Club will continue to thrive and prosper, to the mutual benefit of its members and the wider community.
You, the members of DVC, would not, I suspect, wish to be known as “luvvies” but that does not prevent me from taking my leave of you with my usual term of endearment. I love you all.
Mike Fitzgerald.