Chairman's Report
Reflecting on my task as Chairman has revealed that it is almost 5 years since I assumed this illustrious office. I think 5 years provides a good opportunity to assess the work that we have collectively carried out. I am of the firm opinion that all our activities have been strengthened and we have continued to develop a strong sense of kinship amongst our member groups.
During this period we have, however, been weakened by the loss of some key personalities, but we have been able to engineer continued growth as a result of some new additions and the hard work of the Executive Council and our officers. Clearly we would like to maintain this momentum and would urgently request that member groups continue to attend regularly and nominate representatives for the Executive Council. During the year, with great regret, the Council received the resignations of Hayley Masom, Madelaine Lord, Jon Jones and Alan Spooner. This represents a great loss. My thanks are extended to them all for their valuable contributions to the work of NANDA. Work is already underway to replace these members and again I look to groups for nominations.
The Play of the Year Competition attracted 14 entries, with success going to the Dukeries Theatre Group for their production of Ten Times Table. Our special thanks go to Jean Lebeter who took on the role of adjudicator and whose reports gave rise to universal acclaim by participating groups.
The One Act Festival was a great success after a year's rest, attracting 5 entries. The Nottinghamshire winner 'Limbo' by the Calverton Theatre Company went on to the Divisional quarter final of the All England Theatre Festival held at Evesham. Such was the success of the event that it is very disappointing that to date only one group has expressed an interest in this year's(2011) April Festival. I really do hope that by the closing date of 31st January this event can be saved by more entries.
Unfortunately, due to a series of circumstances we were unable to run a Youth Festival during 2010, but I am delighted to report that plans are in hand for a Youth Festival this year on 6th and 7th May at Chilwell Olympia Theatre.
Work was undertaken during the year on a revised format for the NANDA Newsletter, and my particular thanks are extended to Howard Whitehurst for his hard work on this project. The success of any newsletter depends upon the quality of its content and I know I join with Howard in asking groups to submit regular and interesting articles for inclusion. Make it 'Your Newsletter'.
Work has also been done on making the NANDA website more accessible and user friendly. I hope groups have appreciated this service and use the website more often. Don't forget to add links with your own group site.
Talking about communication leads me to another important item that I wish to raise with groups. There continues to be a serious problem regarding the updating of information relating to changes of officers during the year and at the beginning of each season. This has led to some groups being unaware of key NANDA events, activities and updates. The problem could be resolved so easily by the use of email to our secretary with any changes as they occur. We have increased considerably, by email, the flow of information between groups on all kinds of matters. If your group is not in receipt of such information it may be as a result of an out of date or incorrect email on our records.
I hope that you will read this report and pass it on to your members in the hope that you will continue to be aware of and support the work of NANDA for the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire area. In closing I would like again to thank all members of the Executive Council for their enthusiasm, time and particular areas of expertise that have helped me throughout the past year.
Thank you
JOAN WILDGUST
Chairman