BP News

The 60th Birthday Celebrations - more appreciations

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BPs

And so a rather emotional Chairman finished her brief potted history on the Bancroft Players, and I dont think there was a dry eye in the house. Yes, it was the occasion of the BPs 60th Birthday party held at the QMT on 10 December 2005. Over 90 members and guests found themselves in a beautifully decorated auditorium to help celebrate this very auspicious occasion. It was a perfect evening with excellent food, a fantastic four-piece band and singer and of course the alternative entertainment! After Edith Pratts wonderful insight into 60 years of the amazing BPs, Rory Reynolds took to the stage as a badly disguised Eamon Andrews to present his own version of This is Your Life - although some of the audience began to doubt whether Eamon was actually Irish judging by the accent coming down to them! And Mr Andrews victim for the night? None other than our very own President, Mr John Coxall. John is surely a living legend as he must be the only person alive who can boast that he was at the very first BPs production - Pygmalion - which was staged in December 1945.

Rory had put together, with assistance from Peter England together with Amy Bellwood and Becky Lee. from the Youth Theatre plus Keith Crook on keyboard, a great interlude featuring songs and extracts from musicals and plays that the BPs have performed since 1945.

The evening finished far too early as these things always do but a marvellous time had been had by all present. There are so many people to thank for the hard work that went into the evening. First and foremost an enormous thank you to Maureen Nobes and Sally Hull who were the organising committee, aided and abetted by Edith Pratt. I know how much time and effort goes into such an evening. Also thanks to Sally and Margaret Coxall for making the delicious desserts, and to the people who served the food on the night and cleared away afterwards. I must make special mention of Mike Everitt, as in her efforts to thank everyone, Edith omitted his name during her speech. To Rory and his band of wandering minstrels - who probably only knew the previous evening that they were to be performing on the Saturday! (Sorry, Rory, cheap joke - I heard you all rehearsing on the Wednesday.) To everyone involved in decorating the auditorium, which looked fantastic. Especial thanks should go to Rosemary Bianchi for the giant Six Zeroes displayed on the curtains. And to everyone else who contributed in their many ways

I feel I have to end on a personal note. Being the same age as the BPs, it was me who brought this very important birthday to the attention of the Executive Committee at the beginning of the year and I am sure that all those present that evening will, like me, be thrilled that they decided to do something about it.

~ Paula Downes

Ted and I would like to say a big thank you to all the people who worked so hard to make BPs sixtieth anniversary party so enjoyable. Good food, good company and good music, what more could anyone ask for?

~ Betty Turner

We would like to thank you all for a most enjoyable evening on Saturday 10th. We appreciate the hard work that was put in to achieve the lovely warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere that ran through the whole celebration.

As ever - Bancroft Players are the best!

~ Barbara and Peter Robbins (Patrons)