There are quite a lot of items on the News page at the moment, so please don't
limit yourself to the first few - you may just miss something of interest to you.
Subscriptions
Our Membership Secretary, Jack Homewood, would like to remind members that
it's that time of year again and your subscriptions are due.
Annual fees are £5 for Audience members (£8 for a couple), £10 for Students,
and £20 for Full members. Please make cheques payable to "RATS Ltd" and
send it, with your current membership card, to Jack at 19 Greenway, Chatham, Kent,
ME5 9UY. Alternatively, just drop your membership card and attached fee into the
postbox in the theatre foyer.
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More Unsung Heroes Wanted!
A big thank you to those members that have added their names to the Tea Bar rota.
Our Front-Of-House manager, Beryl Lacey, is now asking for volunteers to work behind
the bar on show nights (particularly those new members that expressed an interest).
If you fancy pulling pints or pouring glasses of wine then please contact Beryl at the
theatre or via this website so
that she can arrange some training for you on a rehearsal night.
We are also in need of an Electrics Manager to organize a technician for each
production (and a rota for the panto). Further, the Electrics Manager has to ensure
an adequate supply of replacement lamps and bulbs (for the theatre generally as well
as the stage lamps) and so on, and also to undertake periodic fire alarm tests. As
before, any interested parties should contact our Chairman, Ian Balderston.
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Wardrobe Help
Beryl is also busy in her other role as Wardrobe Mistress trying to kit out the 28
cast members of Dad's Army. This has not been easy because many of the
costumes have had to be modified due to..., ahem, the extra nutritional value of
food these days. In addition, some cast members need several costumes e.g. Private
Frazer alternates between his uniform, undertaker's suit and a Morris Dancer's
costume.
Beryl is still on the lookout for unusual pre-1960 items. She has also requested
that anyone that has 'forgotten' to return any borrowed items please return them as
soon as possible under a 'no questions asked' amnesty. Please have a look in the
corners of your wardrobes.
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Theatre Snippets
- Another of our popular Wine and Wisdom evenings has been arranged. See the
Social Events page for details.
- The Society celebrates its diamond anniversary this year, so watch out for
details of various events that are being planned on the
Social Events page.
- Early warning of this year's AGM that will take place on Friday 18th July
starting at 8pm. We are looking for a new Treasurer this year to take over from
Rose Waslin following her recent illness. If you wish to be considered for the
Executive Committee or any of the sub-committees then please add your name to
the list on the notice board (once it is posted). Also any resolutions that you
want discussed must be tabled in advance. Again, details will appear on the
noticeboard in the foyer.
- The theatre is always in need of maintenance so a work-in has
been scheduled for 7th and 8th June. Please make an effort to
come along even if only for a couple of hours.
- Some of our members have decided to enter the Duncan Rand One-Act Festival
at the Medway Little Theatre this July. The play is All My Life
and has been written by our own Neil Thorne and will be directed by Scott
Shearer (the musical director for our panto). Auditions will be held on 2nd June.
- Want to lighten your postman's load or save a tree? You could be receiving your
newsletter electronically (before it even goes to the printers!). If you wish to
get your newsletter in this way just use this link
and tell us your name and e-mail address.
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2009 Programme
Yes, we know it's a long way ahead but we must start thinking about what productions
to stage now. The Programme Committee are already busy reading plays to create a
shortlist of contenders but we need directors. If you are interested in directing
one of these (or have a play you would like to be considered) then please contact
Beryl Lacey via this website.
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Stage Crew
Would you like to get involved with productions but don't really want to appear on
stage? Have you ever considered undertaking any of the many jobs performed by the
stage crew? Descriptions of these various roles can be found
here. If anyone is interested then please
contact our Chairman.
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Set Building
The number of people volunteering to help build sets has gradually dwindled and we
are down to the same few helpers. We depend on volunteers for this essential task
and even if DIY isn't your strong subject there is always something to do that
doesn't require much skill (such as holding doors in place or painting).
Set building takes place on Monday evenings from 8p.m. (except the fortnight when
plays are on). If anyone is interested in helping then please feel free to simply
turn up, or for more information contact either our Chairman or Resident Stage Manager.
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Sponsorship Packs
The Publicity Committee have a number sponsorship packs to be sent out to local
businesses. If you know of any businesses that may be interested in advertising at
the theatre or just getting involved with the theatre and local community, please
contact Jeni on 01634 361023.
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Parking
- May we remind patrons that the designated parking spaces at the end of
Stratford Lane are for the owners of the adjacent flats only
and are not for use by theatre patrons.
- Also, patrons should not park in front of the
entrance to the car park halfway up Stratford Lane. This is for residents of
the new flats in the High Street.
- Patrons are advised to use the public car parks located
at Rainham shopping centre, behind the Cricketers pub or opposite the bottom
of Mierscourt Road.
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Theatre Archive Request
Following publication of the Theatre's book, our historians are embarking on the
creation of a Theatre Archive. This will, hopefully, detail all productions that
have taken place at the Oasthouse since its opening 40 years ago and contain photos,
press cuttings, programmes, and participant's memories.
If anyone has any material from the 1960s and 70s that we could borrow, please
contact Dean Caston (01634 374183) or David O'Brien (01795 428883). Your material
will be photocopied or scanned and then returned in its original condition. We are
also interested in written accounts (50-500 words) from members of the audience
about memorable productions - don't worry about spelling or grammar, we can tidy
that up. Contributions can be sent to the Theatre or by phoning Dean or David.
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