Goodbyeeeee...

Well, after five and three quarter years in the group, just about half of that as chairman, I'm off to college to hopefully take the musical writing to the next level (or not!). Wish me luck because I'll need it! I am looking forward to seeing the next few shows as a member of the regular Woodhouse audience, which will be a relaxing experience.

I'm handing back over to Steve, who has served as chair before and knows pretty much everything there is to know about how this group operates, which it has done very successfully all the time I've known it, getting bigger every year, always doing more things, improving the quality and range of the programme and offering better and better value to members.

All this comes for what is still an extraordinarily low membership fee (with no hidden costs), and with the friendliest and least political atmosphere I've ever encountered in an amdram group. Oh, sure, we have disagreements and occasional fistfights, er, hurt feelings, but in general there is a pleasing lack of ego, a tremendous respect for ideas, a robust and sensible attitude to work and a determination to be inclusive and as democratic as possible. Long may those things characterise the group.

It's also a plus that we have a very sensible attitude to money, too, meaning the group is always able to invest and increase its sustainability year on year. I'd like to see politicians achieve that without raising taxes! :)

Among the many fond memories for me are, obviously, the two halloween pantos of 2003 and 2005. Speaking for myself, I achieved things on those of which I would not have considered myself capable back in January 2001. This is one of the great things about the group: provided you are willing to take a risk or work at something new, there's always an opportunity to try out and develop your talents in a wide range of areas, be that directing, music, writing, sound, lighting, set design, poster design, web stuff... the list is endless (well, it's long anyway: see www.woodhouseplayers.co.uk/involved.html). In my time, I've noticed that generally the people who stick around and get the most out of the group are usually the people who diversify beyond acting.

I hope that whatever happens, the group remains open to new ideas and innovations and is able to sustain its current increased level of activity. Whether it can or not is not down to the chairman or committee, but is something that every member of the group can step forward to make happen. If you like how the group is shaping up, then help maintain the level of activity by volunteering to do something, especially if you haven't before.

Anyway, all the very best to you all, and here's to many successful years to come for the Woodies. I look forward to seeing you all at The Dresser, in a week's time as I write this, and at shows after that.

Tim