THE Phoenix Theatre in Bordon received a financial boost from a county councillor on Tuesday under the new county councillors' grants scheme. Each county councillor has been granted £10,000 a year to spend on important projects in the local community, and county councillor for Whitehill, Bordon and Lindford, Adam Carew made the first donation of £1,500 to the Dramability group. Mr Carew said: "I am very impressed with the important work of the Dramability group and want to express my support for this fantastic project. I received a warm welcome and it has been a pleasure to meet so many talented young people in our community. "This is another example of an exciting range of activities hosted by Whitehill and Bordon's very own Phoenix Theatre and I have no hesitation in awarding Dramability this money from my new county councillors' grant scheme. "I am looking forward to seeing the group perform later this year." Phoenix Theatre director, Jane Dawes said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this grant from councillor Carew and Hampshire County Council, which will ensure that the Dramability Youth Theatre continues to run." Mr Carew added: "This is the first of a number of grants I am about to make to community projects in Whitehill, Bordon and Lindford courtesy of Hampshire County Council. You can apply on line at Hantsweb or pick up a form at the Forest Community Centre. But be quick – I have less than £5,000 left and it's running out fast." Dramability is an inclusive drama group for young people of all abilities, including learning and physical disabilities, aged 14 to 19 who have an interest in drama and performing arts. Under the guidance and tuition of local theatre professionals, the group explore all aspects of drama and theatre including devising pieces of drama; doing scripted work; character building; stagecraft; voice work and directing. The group performed a unique version of Midsummer Night's Dream last July during the Whitehill and Bordon Arts Festival. For people who would like to join, the group meets on Tuesday evenings, at the Phoenix Theatre 6.30pm–8pm, during school term times.
