My
first year as Chairman has flown by and it is already time for my
AGM report. At this time in the QP year it is always good to look
back and review our performance, quite literally, and reflect on
what we have achieved.
Our programme this year has been extremely varied.
We started off by making the journey to Discworld, a land frequented
by witches and demons in Terry Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters. This
production had a cast of eighteen consisting of both new and old
members and was ably directed by Vivienne Fenton.
We then blasted off into outer space for an
intergalactic disco adventure in Paul Reakes pantomime Santa in
Space. Santa had a cast of forty-four (including the on-stage band)
which I was very pleased to direct.
We ended our programme for the year in late 1800's
snow bound Norway for Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House. This production
had a cast of ten and was directed by one of our most experienced
directors, Peggy Flint.
I would like to congratulate and thank everybody
involved in all of these productions for their hard work and
commitment, without which no QP production would ever make it to the
opening night.
It is the first time that the Quince Players have
staged any of these productions. This is always more challenging for
a society and I am pleased that we are trying things that are new
and slightly different. Our aim is always to stage productions that
interest both our membership and audiences alike. I hope and believe
that this year we have achieved both of these.
For both Vivienne and myself it was the first
production we have directed for the Quince Players. Although we have
both been members of the QPs for many years and taken part in
numerous productions, it was the first time that either of us had
taken on the challenge of directing a whole production. I am sure
Vivienne would agree that the task was made much easier by having a
great cast and crew, as well as a reliable team of
"helpers" to call upon when things weren't going quite as
planned.
It was also the first time that the Quince Players
have ventured into Ibsen territory but being in Peggy Flint's
capable hands, along with a great cast, the quality of the
production was always assured. Unfortunately A Doll's House will be
Peggy's last production for the QPs as she has recently moved to the
Peak District. Peggy has worked with the Quince Players for a number
of years and has been responsible for a number of the QPs most
memorable and well received productions. Peggy will be missed by
many QPs and I am sure that we all wish her well in her new home.
Another longstanding member who has moved away
from the area this year is Eileen Fenton. For many, many years
Eileen has worked tirelessly for us in the wardrobe department. I
know that Eileen's hard work and commitment for the QPs has already
been missed but it is good to know that she has settled into her new
home and it has been nice to see Eileen returning for productions.
Our membership has continued to grow slowly but
steadily again, which is good to see. The open evenings are still
proving to be a good way to encourage potential members to come
along and meet us and maybe get involved in a production. I would
like to take this opportunity to welcome all of our new members to
the Quince Players. I look forward to your new ideas, energy,
enthusiasm and commitment and hope that you will play an active role
in the society for many years to come.
We need to work even harder to improve our play
ticket sales. The committee have been working hard to tackle this,
particularly in the selection of productions for next years
programme and the way we publicise these productions and our society
in general.
The Cordes Hall has now reached its Centenary year
and we will be celebrating this, along with the Queens Golden
Jubilee, in our Autumn production A Jubilee Review directed by Jenny
Brown. No sooner will the Review be over when Jenny Hooper will be
working hard on this years pantomime Snow White. The programme will
conclude with a spring production of Alan Ayckbourn's Absurd Person
Singular directed by Ken Long.
With these exciting productions to look forward to
in the coming year, please make some time to get involved if you
can. It is up to all of us to support each and every production. I
know that there are always more than enough jobs to go around and it
is great to have an extra pair of hands.
Thank you to all those who have supported me this
year and I look forward to seeing you all at the Cordes Hall soon.
Patrick McCarthy
Chairman
Quince Players' Constitution
The Quince Players' constitution is set out in the
Rule Book and comprises 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 are elected, and
committee vacancies are filled, 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.
The committee also has power to appoint
sub-committees to assist the Committee in its work. Sub-committees
have the power to co-opt members as they deem necessary.
The committee and sub-committee members are shown
below.
Aims and Objectives
The Society shall exist exclusively for the
furtherance of the art and technique of the theatre in 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.
The Society shall have as its prime objects the
production of plays and play-readings. It may also undertake or
co-operate in other entertainments and collaborate with any other
individuals or organisations to the furtherance of its objectives.
It may institute courses of lectures or educational movements
associated with the art of the theatre.
The Society shall endeavour to give annually a
season of performances of dramatic and similar works. It shall be
the aim of the Society to devote a percentage of the net proceeds of
all public performances in any one season to organized charities of
suitable public beneficence as shall be decided by the committee
from time to time.
Structure of the committee from 1 June 2001
