Sir, – Tomorrow, (Saturday), the Farnham Theatre Association is launching an appeal for membership and donations to support the project for the return of a theatre to Farnham. At the same time, the developers' plans for East Street are, yet again, under reconsideration. Since the Redgrave closed, there has been strong support from the theatre-going public in Farnham and the surrounding districts, for its reopening. There are those who originally invested money in the building of the theatre who feel cheated by plans for its demolition, there are many people who remember the theatre fondly and there are also young people who are attracted to live performance, having been reared on a diet of TV and cinema, and who are now expressing an interest in the revival of the theatre. Many theatres which closed at the same time as the Redgrave are now opening their doors and running as theatres once more. Most of these host professional theatre touring companies, amateur groups, music, dance and comedy, etc, as well as putting on some in- house productions. Many theatres supplement their incomes by hiring out their facilities for educational, community and business use. This is the kind of model we see for our theatre. A theatre of this type would complement provision elsewhere in the town by providing larger-scale entertainment in a purpose-built venue. By working with the Maltings and our University College, for example, there is a real opportunity to add to Farnham's growing reputation for the creative arts. The FTA has a constitution which will enable it to become a charitable trust to handle the running of the theatre when appropriate. The FTA's first task is to raise sufficient money to pay for a thorough professional business plan which demonstrates the theatre's viability, without relying upon Waverley Borough Council for on-going funding. Such a plan is already under way. The association has benefactors who have offered to match the sum raised by the theatre association to cover costs. In addition, we need to demonstrate that there is sufficient support from the general public to convince the local authority and other significant bodies. At the moment, the FTA has a small working committee which can draw on expertise in legal and contractual matters, local authority, accountancy and heritage issues. We have offers of advice in the areas of theatre management and education, but would welcome more to give a wider perspective. Practically, we need help with fundraising, marketing and publicity, secretarial and office support – and leaflet distribution. May I take this opportunity to address all your readers, not only in Farnham but in the wider circulation areas of your newspaper, to support this appeal. Donations of any size will entitle the donor to automatic membership of the association. If people can be generous in their giving, and in sufficiently large numbers, I am sure we will he successful. Please make cheques payable to "Farnham Theatre Association" and send to: FTA treasurer, Mr Michael Mitchell, Hartside, Back Lane, Bucks Horn Oak, Farnham, GU10 4LW. Offers of help and further enquiries may be made to me, Anne Cooper, chairman, on 01252 716394 or by e-mail to: [email protected]">[email protected]. Anne Cooper, Nutshell Lane, Upper Hale
