At the beginning of November 2024, the Club gathered at the barn, with members of the family of the lovely late Patsy-Ann (Patricia Staley), to officially open the new shed that was bought using money donated to the Marlborough Dramatic Club in Pat's memory.
Over the Summer and early Autumn, the committee had spent time clearing an area of the barn to house a new shed in which the club's costumes and some of the more delicate props can be safely stored, with less risk of being affected by being in the open barn. The barn itself is waterproof and has a brand new tin roof, but we do find that it can get dusty, so we have been wanting an extra shed for a while. Pat's legacy enabled us to get going with this plan.
A nice big space, within the barn, for the new shed:
The committee did some research and settled on a shed 6x8 feet with a door on the short end, so we can walk in and see clothing rails of costumes either side. We decided on a plastic shed as it would be less easy for any rogue rodents to gnaw through.
On 28 October, a few committee members met at the barn to build the shed. COMING SOON - a time lapse video of the workers building the shed.
On 2 November, we gathered to officially open the new shed, which Pat's family adorned with a 'blue plaque'
Pat's Plaque:
Harry Morrison had the honour of cutting the ribbon to open the shed as the gathering celebrated with fizz, and hot drinks (the latter kindly provided by the Club next door.)
Harry cutting the ribbon:
In 2025, the committee will all be back in the barn to begin filling the shed with costumes and props.
Thank you dear Patsy-Ann for your kind gift to better protect the club's belongings.
Photos by Steve Bearpark.