Chairman's Annual Report 2003/04

This has been a year of consolidation and retrenchment. We did not put on any dramatic productions as our finances following the production of two one act plays, “The Café “ and Echoes of Applause, in October 2002 would not allow this. Instead we have concentrated on fund raising. Ironically this has allowed us to continue to involve the increased membership recruited last year in a variety of activities.

Key to this was the work of the Fund Raising Committee, which continued to meet bi-monthly, alternating with the meetings of the main Executive committee. This allowed us to involve a wider range of people with new ideas about how to contribute as well as a willing workforce to carry them out. Among these activists were individuals with experience of seeking Grants from charitable and other bodies, whose knowledge we were keen to exploit. More of this later.

Although the Sponsored Slim was completed in March 2003, the collection of sponsorship money continued throughout the rest of year. In total we raised in excess of £ 550.00, a really amazing effort. Thank you to everyone who took part, but a special mention to Anna Haigh, whose weight loss and list of sponsors provided a big chunk of the total. We also had a further contribution for a sponsored Non-Smoking.

We also ran not one but two Entertainment Evenings in August and December 2003. These have always proved popular with our membership and the wider visually impaired community. Not only are they a source of funds, they also allow individuals with special talents or an urge to get in front of an audience, a chance to perform. I include myself in that number. The mixture of music, songs, poetry, prose and humour provides a less formal introduction to performing than do our drama activities.

In February 2004 we organised a Drama Workshop weekend in Eastbourne at the RNIB Hotel. Not only were there a variety of secessions run by professional movement and Drama coaches, including Denise Smith. But we also included a trip to the local theatre to see an Alan Ackbourne play. Although the event was self financing and not designed to make money, a lottery sweepstake organised by Jane Peake raised £19.00.

We also raised funds with a Harry Potter Quiz Night held at the “Goat in Boots” in October 2003. This proved to be a closely fought contest between J.K. Rowling enthusiasts, with the result being determined by a single question.

Although all the above contributed towards the recovery of our financial fortunes. It soon became clear that in order to achieve our target of two plays per annum, we would have to seek funding on a more substantial and secure basis. Among our newer activists we had Judy Cobbett, who had successfully applied for Grants from a variety of sources to fund her local cycling charity. Using her expertise, the Treasurer and the Fund Raising Officer, Ian Leask, together with the Vice-Chairman Val Slade applied to both the Lottery and the “Fund for London” for proper funding.

I am pleased to announce that we have been totally successful, with a Grant of £5,000 from the Lottery about to be paid to us. Plus further funding of £2,500 from the “Fund for London” available when required.

All in all this is a spectacular result and will allow us get back to our central remit. To make performing in Drama a real possibility for people with visual impairments. Thanks to all who have made a contribution. Next year we will reap the benefits of all your efforts.

Sandy Easton, Chairman
May 2004