29 LOCAL CLUBS AND SOCIETIES SOUTH HAMS THEATRE & CONCERT CLUB I
magine Plymouth without The Theatre Royal, Exeter without the Northcott …? Well, when
South Hams Theatre and Concert Club started back in 1948, neither existed and in those early days members enjoyed live events at Dartington, car sharing for transport. Over 70 years later, the choice of
venues has widened considerably but the original aims remain the same : a way of promoting and supporting the performing arts, meeting new friends and attending events alongside other like-minded people with convenient and safe transportation provided – now courtesy of Tally Ho!’s luxury coaches. As Nick Alen, Club Chairman
explained, “Our members join for many reasons, from ease of transport arrangements to being part of a friendly, varied group of people - it is always much more fun experiencing live theatre and music with others. Effortless enjoyment!”
“We have established excellent
connections with several venues keen to accommodate us with good seating at group rates – but why wouldn’t they? Without paying audiences, live venues cannot survive, so a Club which can contribute 2 coach loads of eager attendees, as we did when ‘Warhorse’ first came to the Theatre Royal, is life blood to a theatre.” Admittedly, that number was
exceptional but the Club’s regular visits are hugely welcome – even as far afield as Stratford upon Avon! Members can enjoy at least one weekend away exploring the hometown of England’s greatest playwright with a performance by the iconic RSC during their stay. “We usually fit two very well supported trips in each year but this season the RSC decided to ‘come to us’!” A far cry from the days when members could attend a concert, complete with ham sandwich and a coffee all for £5! Now a very(!) small team of
volunteers operate a streamlined system for subscriptions (just £10 per annum, per address – how’s that for value?), transport and ticketing making best use of tech- nology to keep cost to a minimum. The quarterly Programmes offered to members are, understandably, dependent upon what is ‘playing’ and where but they are kept as wide ranging as possible across plays, musicals, ballets, concerts and operas to appeal to the diverse
membership of over 250. “Not everyone enjoys everything
but often the best events are the ones you weren’t sure about before going! Live performances are so special – nothing else can transport you to another world by its very nearness, nothing else has that magic.” The Club relies upon the sup-
port of local businesses – from Nick Walker who prints their Programmes to their transport provider Tally Ho! Coaches whose consistent reliability and comfort enhance every trip. And in addition to their ‘local’
theatre, The Theatre Royal, the Club owe special thanks to Bourne- mouth Symphony Orchestra, whose concerts members visit three to five times a year – “Both or- ganisations are always exceptional- ly accommodating and welcoming.” So if this sounds like something
you would enjoy, why not join up? For more information about mem- berships or just about anything to do with the South Hams Theatre and Concert Club, please contact Gill White at 01548 856601 or email
gill.white514@gmail.com. Additionally, you could visit their brand new website
www.shtcc.uk.
If you would like your club or society featured in future issues of The Post we would really like to hear from you. Please email mark@southde-
vonmagazines.co.uk or call 01803 835740 or 07775 773837.
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