1962 (Summer) : Community Spirit Grows

At this point The Oasthouse was already 100 years old and owned by local farmer Jack Clark. He agreed to let the group have one third of the building rent free. The society led by Norman Booth raised money for renovation by holding regular jumble sales, continuing productions in St Margarets Hall, monthly subscriptions and “sponsor a tile” that could be inscribed with you name and laid for posterity. A practice still used by the society today by naming seats!

Whilst they lacked money, they certainly didn’t lack enthusiasm. A small band of members, Brenda Pearson, Zena Haddell, Betty Butcher, spent their weekends and evenings cleaning and repairing the building, while others like Brian Philpott and Fred Waddell took charge of the building works, including construction of a new stage and floors.