BP News

Goodbye from the Linnetts

House-hunting in Hitchin 21 years ago I observed the sign to the Queen Mother Theatre with great interest! Indeed it could be said that it was an influential factor in deciding to make Hitchin our home. Once we had moved here it was not long before I ventured forth to find out more about the QMT. It was a joy to find that it belonged to a society that I could join, which I very soon did.

In those days the bar was a humming place every evening and at weekends. Members and non-members used it as their local and, apart from the fact that it was a good money spinner for the BPs, it was a great place to go.

I was immediately impressed by the standard of the productions and looked forward to becoming more involved which I soon did as prompt, actor, director as well as committee member, production manager and latterly chairman. I also tried my hand at other jobs such as box office, bar etc. I have enjoyed whatever I turned my hand to, mostly because of the enthusiasm and comradeship that I have gained from fellow Bancroft Players.

During the time that I have been involved, things have not always been easy for the Society. Every group goes through good and bad times and the BPs have been no exception. It is great to see things going as well as they are at the moment, lots of fun, enthusiasm and hard work with excellent productions and, always important, a sound financial footing.

After many years of saying that, if the Society is to continue to go from strength to strength, it is essential that younger members start to come through and take on, not only acting roles, but administrative and backstage responsibilities, I am delighted that this is now happening. This bodes very well for the future.

After many happy years with the Bancroft Players, Peter and I are now moving to Northumberland to be near our daughter and her family. We leave you all with grateful thanks for many happy years past and with hopes and best wishes for continued success in the future. We will continue our membership and look forward to coming back to see various productions!

Diana Linnett

A Note from Paula Downes

The Bancroft Players are very sad to see Diana and Peter leave the area. Their contribution to the Society and the Theatre will be sorely missed. However we all wish them well in their new life in Northumberland. I am sure we shall see them back from time to time.

Paula Downes, Secretary