2024 started on a very sad note for Marlborough with the passing of Pat Staley. An absolute stalwart of the club over many years as an actor, director, back stage and committee member. Her funeral was very well represented by members. Donations were very kindly given to Marlborough. More on this later.
We also lost a long-standing member and supporter in Peter Crutchett.
This year reverted to something like normal for Marlborough with two full-scale productions for the first time since before Covid. Our first one in April was produced by June and although the club had performed ‘Visiting Hour’ previously in 2002, we felt that the lack of a box set would make things easier for the group, especially since the tragic loss of Kevin. And so it proved with small audiences enjoying mayhem at an NHS hospital. We welcomed some new faces to the club as well as in the casting.
In June we all enjoyed a wonderful cream tea at the parish hall put together by the expertise of Sue and Brenda. It gave us the opportunity to remember Janet Cass and also to present the new Marlborough Cup to our first winner, Juliette Bird. A lovely afternoon enjoyed by all.
In October we held a quiz, again at the parish hall, run by Reg and Rita Wheeler. Four tables had a lovely time and a goodly amount was raised from the raffle. Also in October we performed our second production, Ten Times Table, directed by Graham Poultney. We last performed this back in 1990. Our audiences all enjoyed the show. Our NODA critique was exceptional
In early November Steve and Mark spent the best part of a day erecting a new pavilion in our barn which was named in honour of Pat Staley. On the unveiling day most of the committee and much of the Staley family attended where Harry cut the balloon to declare it open.
On the subject of the barn, the committee held a number of clean and clear out days to reduce our materials and tidy up to improve access. The job is far from finished and will continue into 2025.
2025 will again see two productions. The Ladykillers in April and Variations on a Theme in October. We also hope to arrange a good amount of socials, including a cream tea to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE day in May.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the committee members for their dedicated work and commitment to the Marlborough Club. In particular we bid a sad farewell from the committee, but not the club, to Brenda and George and may I thank you both for your work and support over the years. Next year will be my last as Chairman and so let the search now begin in earnest for my successor.
Thank you.
William Wells