This year has been one of change for the Association, firstly Mike Stewart, our chairman for many years had indicated his wish to stand down, and so I was elected to the chair at executive meeting in February. I would like to place on record our thanks and appreciation for all that Mike has done for Nanda, not just in the chair, lighting the One Act Festivals and many other helping hands. I should also add that Mike has not given up altogether and is, thankfully, still around to guide us from time to time.
Play of the Year
Thirteen plays were entered for this competition and this was Margot's last year organising the event, and I would like to thank Margot Anderson on your behalf for 13 years of hard, but I'm sure rewarding work. Fortunately Joan Wildgust attended the Annual Dinner, along with Bob, and volunteered her services and this years event is well under way.
Playwriting Competition
This event took place, with great success, at the Robin Hood Theatre on June 19th, adjudicated by Arthur Aldrich. Our thanks to Maggie Andrew for her hard work in organising, and to all entrants, as well as those who attended.
Open One Act Festival
Unfortunately the loss of our venue, the Duchess Theatre, due to fire, and our inability to find a suitable replacement, led to the cancellation of this event. It is planned that the Festival in 2005 will be the first round in the All England Theatre Festival.
One Act Youth Festival
This event was held at the Dukeries Centre on 12th April, Five entries were received and a list of awards is published separately. I would like to record Nanda's appreciation to Jean Lebeter for organising and Mike Stewart for stage management.
Newsletter
Three issues of the new style newsletter were produced in February, May and September and many thanks are due to Hayley Masom for editing, writing, photographs and publishing. The change of format and style, and greater up-to-dateness has been much appreciated by the membership generally.
Events
Two very successful Theatre Luncheons took place, one for Liza Goddard and Susan Penhaligon together and another for Gwen Taylor, both well reported in the newsletter. Our thanks go to Douglas MacDonald who set up all the arrangements.
Annual Award Dinner
This year's Dinner was held at Cotgrave Place Golf Club,on June 18th, and Bob Wildgust presented his report on the Play of the Year Competition. Nanda records its thanks to Keyworth Dramatic Society for arranging the evening.
Membership
Beeston Drama Group, Radcliffe on Trent drama Group were welcomed into membership
Executive Council
Nanda records its appreciation of the support of the Honorary Officers and members of the Executive Council which met seven times during the year.
Peter Stimson
Chair of the Executive Council