Welcome to our first Annual Report set out in the format you have before you.
Although it is the first report of this type we have produced, it covers two
centuries.
A great deal has happened over the last year, which I believe has moved the
Society forward in the right direction. The year has not gone by without us
experiencing some great sadness. The loss of Ken Ward, Frank Bowyer and Eileen
Smith came as a great shock to our Society. The Quince Players were very
fortunate to have had such members who gave so much to the Society. Our thoughts
and support are still with Mary, Sonja and Ray and we are very pleased they
continue to help and be part of the Quince Players as we value them as members.
We hope this method of producing the annual report is both clear and keeps
you informed of how our Society is performing. Our main objective every year is
to produce exciting and innovative productions for our paying public. I am
pleased to report that this was certainly the case this year. An Inspector Calls
directed by Sarah Matthews was performed in the round for the first time. Our
Millennium Pantomime Dick Whittington directed by Jenny Hooper, and to finish
the season A Midsummer Night's Dream directed by Peggy Flint (an excerpt of
which was taken to the Ascot Camival). All three productions were extremely well
received and have certainly been great adverts for the Society. It was also very
pleasing to see Peggy Flint back in the director's role.
We have had a number of members who have moved on but I'm pleased to say that
over the last year we have had an increase in new membership - welcome to you
all. This, I believe, is due to two reasons. Firstly the success of the
productions encourages people to join our Society. Secondly, our open evenings,
which we have on the first Tuesday after every show, create a warm welcome to
unsure potential members.
We are trying to move with the times and are pleased to announce we have a
website, so if you're able, check it out on www.quinceplayers.co.uk.
You can now also receive your newsletter through Email. However don't ask me for
any advice on this matter!
Social events this last year were a little disappointing for a number of
reasons. Please try to support whenever you can.
The publicity sub-committee has had the hardest task this year and has leant
a great deal on the way. We are very much aware of certain errors that have been
made over the last year but we believe we now have a format in place (which is
also on file) that will automatically "kick" into action at the start
of every new production.
With the increase in members we will hopefully see the increase of people
available to take on the role as stage manager, property coordinator and other
crew positions. These are the areas we could do with extra support.
To sum up, I believe we have had a very successful year in more ways than
one. Our productions have been well received and our bank balance is looking
healthy. I also think we have been able to lay the foundations from which to
build next year. With the support of the main committee, subcommittees and you,
the members, we are in a great position to move even further forward. Thank you
for your support over the last year and I can assure you that the committee and
I will work hard next year in your interest and the interest of the Society.
Finally, I could not complete this Chairman's Report without mentioning Mary
Simpson. Mary has worked tirelessly over the last 28 years as our Honorary
Secretary. She has advised the committee that she will stand down this year. I
would therefore like to thank Mary, on behalf of all the members, for carrying
out her role as Hon. Sec. with such commitment for so many years. The Quince
Players owe a great deal to Mary and wish her to know how much we appreciate all
she has done. I hope we will see her continue as an active member.
Phil Machers
Chairman
Quince Players' Constitution
The Quince Players' constitution is nine members, the Treasurer and the
Secretary. The committee shall elect from its number a Chairman and
Vice-Chairman. The members may at annual general meeting elect Vice-Presidents
to hold office for life or until resignation. The President, Secretary and
Treasurer of the Society, along with the committee, are elected at the annual
general meeting.
The committee has power to co-opt members to fill committee vacancies either
where resignation or other loss of membership takes place or such special
officers or persons as may be deemed necessary. Committee members shall serve
for a maximum term of three years after which they shall be eligible for
re-election.
Aims and Objectives
The Society shall exist exclusively for the furtherance of the art and
technique of the Theatre of Sunninghill, Sunningdale, Ascot and Cranbourne area
and in such other districts as those to which it may extend it's activities in
accordance with its financial or artistic requirements.
Membership Structure
