Bolsover Drama Group

It was with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of our former secretary and honorary member Janet Atkinson earlier this year. Janet had been a member of the group since the 1980s until 2013 when she retired from the group to move to Cornwall with her family. While she had performed on stage in the ‘80s and into the ‘90s, Janet will be fondly remembered for the tireless work she put into the group behind the scenes – as group secretary, prompt and an ever-present member of the backstage team; always a helping hand at rehearsals and when organising props – her legacy certainly lives on with a little black box she left with the group, which contains a collection of small items which may be required during the run of the show, and which is still, to this day, lovingly referred to as “Janet’s box”. Even after retiring to Cornwall Janet still found time to help out with the local community theatre group in Senen, and still kept an active interest in the activities of Bolso...

We’re pleased to announce that we have been nominated for awards in our district of the East Midlands for our 2018 productions of ‘Mother Goose’ and ‘Oliver!’ by NODA. The chance to be nominated for awards such as these is one benefit we gain from being affiliated to NODA, the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, who also offer advice, information and workshops to amateur dramatics groups throughout the country. The winners will be announced at the NODA East Midlands Regional Day on Sunday 23rd June – keep an eye on our website, Facebook page and Twitter account to find out how we do.

Our recent 3rd Annual Steve Sowerby Celebratory Showcase Evening saw us jetting off across the globe as our theme ‘One Night Around the World’ took the audience on a world tour without having to leave their seats! Showcasing songs from musicals based in the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA, the evening also helped to raise funds for the Macmillan Unit at the Royal Hospital, Chesterfield. The full figure raised will be posted on our website, Facebook page and Twitter account, as well as appearing in a future programme.

Following on from our successful Race Night in November 2017 where Bolsover Drama Group and the Rotary Club of Bolsover joined forces to raise funds for the group and the charities of the Rotary Club of Bolsover, it was decided to nominate the Rotary’s charities would be the beneficiary of half the profits from the 2018 showcase night, One Night to Celebrate, and our sponsored walk. We were able to present a cheque of almost £800 for the Rotary’s charities at a recent meeting, and we look forward to working alongside the Rotary again this year, with another Race Night planned for November. In addition we have been able to name the Derbyshire Macmillan Unit at the Royal Hospital, Chesterfield as our nominated charity fund for this year’s showcase evening, ‘One Night Around the World’, which will take place on Saturday 23rd March at the Assembly Rooms.

The 22nd Bolsover Drama Group Annual Dinner and Dance took place on Saturday 16th June at The Angel at Spinkhill, which saw an enjoyable evening consisting of a three-course meal and music, during which long-service awards were presented to our members. 15 year awards were presented to Derrick Hulett, Donna Knowles, Michelle Shaw and James Sheppard, while Barbara Booth was presented with her award for 30 years service. At the group’s AGM in August another 30-year award was presented to Pam Mosley, who was unable to attend the Annual Dinner. Pam Mosley receives her 30-year service award from Mick Whitehouse at the group’s AGM

Following on from our successful collaboration at last November’s Race Night the group again teamed up with the Rotary Club of Bolsover earlier this year to raise funds to be split between the Rotary Club’s their local charities and Bolsover Drama Group. In March our 2nd Annual Steve Sowerby Celebratory Showcase Evening – ‘One Night to Celebrate’ took place, which was followed by members of the group and the Rotary undertaking a 10 mile sponsored walk in April. Following the collection of sponsorship money and income received at the showcase night we are pleased to announce that we raised £1563.12 from the two events, to be divided equally between the two organisations. We are in the process of developing a partnership with a local organisation for our 2019 showcase evening – ‘ One Night Around The World ’, which will take place on Saturday 23rd March.

On Sunday 24th June the group held a stall at the Bolsover Gala on Hornscroft Park to promote the group’s forthcoming productions and raise funds for the group by holding a sweet tombola, which was well received. Many thanks to Wendy Blunt, Rachel Johnson, Chris Peck and Mick Whitehouse who helped to run the stall on the day