Letter: Appeal for funding

Wombwell Thespians Dramatic Society was established in 1926. In 1969 the former Methodist Chapel on Park Street, which dates from 1869, was purchased and was converted into a theatre opening in 1973.

Although the Playhouse Theatre was originally conceived as a permanent home for the Wombwell Thespians Dramatic Society, since 2011 it has expanded to become a true Community Theatre as it is now home to two other local groups: The Real Music Centre Theatre Company (RMC) and Breakaleg Productions who present a mix of traditional and contemporary theatre.

Through the three regular groups, a broad range of productions is presented designed to appeal to a diverse audience, both in the immediate locality and the wider area, in addition to which the theatre is available for hire for use for a variety of other non-theatrical purposes, including regular ghost hunts and wrestling!

Just before the Covid-19 pandemic started last year Wombwell Thespians were told that our theatre needed a new roof as the original slates are now starting to disintegrate due to weathering over the past 150 years. Following quotes for the work from local roofing companies estimated between £36,000 and £40,000.

Being a self-funding group the Society does not hold large reserves as we have always used our income to keep the theatre open. This means that we need to seek grants from outside funding organisations.

We have made several submissions over the past six months and so far have received a pledge of £5,000 towards the cost from The Bernard Sunley Foundation. However, this still leaves us with some £25,000 raise.

If anyone can help with details of possible sources of funding or would like to help the Society in any way please contact us with using the contact form on the Society website www.wombwellthespians.org.uk or by telephone on 07508 566767.