NANDA CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
2007 seems an eternity ago when with trepidation I assumed the role of NAND A Chairman. At the time of AGMs the opportunity to reflect seems irresistible. A host of issues come to memory. For me foremost amongst them has been the happy times spent with member Groups, the constant support given to me personally, the Productions and entertainments that have given me endless hours of pleasure.
Perhaps my greatest pleasure was to witness the dedication of those around me that has resulted in the consolidation and strengthening of our Association. This year has seen the recognition of our Festivals and Competitions by Groups from the wider Midland region and one of our member Groups reached the finals of the All England One Act Play Competition.. Moreover, our strengthened financial position has enabled the Executive to plan new courses and workshops in the coming year.
There is no doubt that the internet has helped greatly but it was rewarding to note that the Association continues to do even more to serve the interest of member Groups. This year the assistance has again been varied and diverse. We have helped in the provision of actors in emergencies, the location of special props and costumes, alerted Groups of opportunities to partake in local films and projects. Perhaps our greatest triumph has been to break some of the insularality of Groups. The attendance at a NANDA function these days is more the meeting of colleagues than rival Groups. Come reflection comes hope that together we can continue to sail on this happy tide.
The Play of the Year Competition attmcted 15 entrants with success being achieved by Bonington Players for their production of "Shakers Restirred" The plays were adjudicated by Amanda Hall and all Groups were appreciative of her sensitive and helpful adjudications. The Competition was followed by the Annual Awards Dinner held at the Welbeck Hotel in June 2012. Despite a much delayed start due to tmffic problems the evening proved a great success and many friendships bonded.
NANDA were delighted to welcome back after many years Diane Richards to adjudicate The One Act Play Festival held at the Chilwell Theatre. The winner was a production of "Henna Night " given by West Bridgford Dramatic Society. This was
an outstanding Production which rightly went on to compete in the All England Finals at Worcester. Our own Festival drew entries from as far afield as Stafford. The 2013 Festival is to be held at the Bonington Theatre Arnold on March 1 st and 2nd with the adjudication being given by Sarah Warnsby.
The 2012 Youth Festival proved a great success. The adjudication was given by my husband Bob Wildgust and was won by the Lace Market Theatre Youth Group for their production of "Electra" by Sophocles ;a stirring Greek drama played with flair and polish by such young actors. The 2013 Youth Festival will be held at the Chilwell Theatre on the 9th and 11th May and adjudicated by Gordon Parsons.
Grateful thanks must again be paid to Howard Whitehurst and Mike Stewart. The regular newsletter produced by Howard has proved indispensable in keeping people in touch and news of coming events and issues This work has been enhanced by our new "Face book " page where gossip and news are becoming a regular feature. The Web Site maintained by Mike still provides an "ever ready "guide to all of our activities. It is interesting to note the number of overseas enquires received who, not only get in touch for information but use the site as a resource centre for a range of amdram topics and organisational issues.
NANDA have had cause to continue through the year a watch on the fate of some of our Theatres in the region. It is with some delight and relief that the position at the Bonington Theatre has now resulted in plans being launched for its longer term development and future. In the case of the Stanford Hall Theatre NANDA were eager to join the campaign for the saving of the Art Deco Theatre for use by community groups.. NAND A was advised by the Peoples Theatre about developments at the Nottingham Arts Theatre and offered support if required.
There is no doubt that communications between member Groups has dramatically improved. However the subject still gives rise for concern. One issue becomes aggravatingly apparent. Whilst there is understanding and knowledge of events, activities etc between the elected NANDA representatives and Secretaries of Groups such information on many occasions does not get "passed on" to individual members. The problem is age old and so could not each member Society at their next meeting spend half an hour or so devising or updating current systems of information flow. With email etc there is so much more can de done and more quickly.
Throughout the year the Executive have met monthly and once again I wish to pay tribute for their time, dedication and energy. There has always been a good attendance but new Group representatives would always be made most welcome.
I would ask that this report is made available to all the members of individual member Groups and would be delighted to receive more suggestions for our future activities.
JOAN WILDGUST
Chairman