April 2010
Hi folks
Seems like there is a lot to tell you considering it is only a month since we last got together.
First, I can now confirm that the Executive Committee has recently considered applications for the position of Musical Director for our next production “OKLAHOMA!” rehearsals for which start on Thursday, 9th September.
I can advise you that Alan Watts has been offered the appointment and our congratulations go to him. We will be meeting with Alan W and Ann Sullivan, the Stage Director to settle various matters leading to the publication, during the summer, of the Show Information Pack, which is already in a draft form.
When advising Richard Wade of our decision, I passed on to him the Society’s thanks for his contribution to the continuing success of TOPS since first directing for us in 1999 and my personal wishes for his future success.
One of the matters we have asked our new Musical Director to deal with is to ensure that everybody who is in the chorus is singing in the section appropriate to their actual vocal range. I want to make it quite clear from the outset that this is an instruction from the Committee and was a stipulation in the invitations to apply for the post. It is not something that Alan Watts has introduced.
Secondly, I would like congratulate Sue Mead who has now completed her fundraising swim in which she swam 800 metres. Sue has asked me to collect in the money from those of you who kindly agreed to sponsor her.
Thirdly the following is an up-to-date list of get-togethers and social activities for the coming months:
• 20 May - Annual General Meeting commencing at 7.30pm
• 17 June - Get together at usual rehearsal venue
• 15 July - Get together at usual rehearsal venue
• 24 July - South Ockendon Community Forum Party in the Park
• 15 August - Car Rally (organised by Lucy Bubb and her winning partners from last year)
• 4 September - BBQ/Garden Party (at Suzanne's)
• 30 October - Beetle Drive
• 27 November - Quiz Night
• 17 December - Have A Go Night
I cannot overemphasize how important it is for these events to be supported. The grant we receive from the Thurrock Arts Council is being cutback and if we are to ensure the continuance of TOPS, it is essential to boost our funds whenever we can. If anybody has any suggestions for other activities, or ways of increasing our bank balance then please le me know.
Lastly, as previously mentioned, the Annual General Meeting of TOPS will be held on 20th May. It is my intention to circulate the Agenda and reports well in advance so that everyone has a chance to read them prior to the meeting. In particular I have been aware that the existing “Constitution” has become outdated and does not cover many issues that a responsible group should nowadays address, (matters, for example, such as Health and Safety, Risk Assessment and the safety and wellbeing of any youngsters in our care during rehearsals and performance). I have therefore drafted a replacement document “Rules of the Society” and I have recently agreed its content with the Chief Executive of NODA. Once I have circulated it, please take the time to read it through and let me know of any questions in advance of the AGM.
Another matter that will be on the Agenda is the Appointment of Officers and Members of the Executive Committee. I know that one of the current Members of the Committee wishes to stand down and certainly I would invite any nominations for membership of the Executive Committee to be sent to myself or to the Secretary of TOPS. Any nominations to one of the Officer Posts (Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer) can also be submitted in the same way.
Lastly, a reminder that the 50th Anniversary Dinner/Dance is to be held on Friday, 18th June in the Monk’s Barn Restaurant at Ye Olde Plough, Bulphan (On the A128).
Our Cabaret entertainment at the Dinner/Dance will be provided by Josh Dubovie. As many of you will know Josh is the act chosen to represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo at the end of May. Here is a young man who is certainly going places but he has confirmed that he has every intention of honouring his commitment to perform for us. Our ticket sales are moving quite well at the moment, but they still could be better. If you have not booked you tickets yet, I suggest you do so now. My Vice-Chairman, Alan Flint, has a sub-committee working on this project. Please let him have your ticket order. We have been able to so far reduce the price per ticket to £44 per head. The more that come the cheaper it gets!
Ken Baker Chairman of TOPS
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