Time Line

2002 22^nd May Extraordinary Committee Meeting held. The Civic Centre was to rewire the lighting system, which would impact on Alice In Wonderland to be performed in June. The Civic had offered a contact who would provide lighting for Ł50. This was deemed unacceptable, since the lighting is part and parcel of our booking requirements. Further to this, since the show was to raise money for the Kemp Hospice, it was considered that spending money on something we shouldn't have to would be detrimental to the fundraising effort. The decision was taken to postpone the show until November.

10^th April Our hut planning permission expired. This denoted the start of 'borrowed time', when we may be evicted at any time.

Spring The hut roof was leaking. This was put down to sag in the beams, which had warped the external sheeting, allowing water to get in between them. To attempt to get around this problem, we removed the inner ceiling and insulation (dripping wet) and jacked up the roof to dry. A few weeks later we used a prop to hold up the rafters, drill holes in them and bolt angle iron in place to take the weight. The difference was immediately noticeable and almost fixed the problem. The next step was to re-fix the outer layer, making it watertight again.

2001 Spring The plan to build an extension on the hut for storage seemed closer to completion when suitable materials were acquired. However, when planning permission was requested it was granted until April 10^th 2002. This setback constituted something of a Sword of Damocles. It was decided to start looking for a new home, while the extension was put on hold.

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994 The Scottish and Welsh Arts Councils became autonomous and the Arts Council of Great Britain became the Arts Council of England.

1993

1992

1991

1990

1989

1988 Vicky Bagnall and Jane Finch finish work on 'An account of the development of Stourport Three Arts Guild'.

1987 Summer Vicky Bagnall and Jane Finch start work on 'An account of the development of Stourport Three Arts Guild'.

1986

1985

1984 November Guild Officers, according to The Importance of Being Earnest program as follows: President: Mrs M Stringer; Chairman: Mrs B Banner; Treasurer: Mrs H Williams; Secretary: Mr D Williams; Vice-Presidents: Mr Gordon Ward, Mr Don Williams, Mrs Harrison, Mr Finch, Mr H Banner.

1983

1982

1981

1980

1979

1978

1977

1976

1975

1974

1973

1972

1971

1970

1969

1968

1967

1966

1965

1964

1963

1962

1961 Mist Over The Mistletoe was hailed a success by the press. It also noted that the music section of the Guild sang a number of traditional carols before the play, setting the right atmosphere.

November AGM Held at Clifton Cafe. The treasurer, Miss Jane Williams was commended on an excellently presented balance sheet and the chairman, Mr R Randle thought the Guild was to be congratulated upon having strengthened its financial position during the year. Thanks were expressed to Mr H J Charles for auditing the accounts.
Gerald Williams reported that due to various difficulties the drama section had only presented two plays in the season, both running at a slight loss financially. The present season had opened on a brighter note, the October production had shown a profit and the next production was ready for presentation. A third play had been chosen and was soon to go into production.
In the absence of the music secretary, the report was read by Mr Paul Collins who reported a successful year had been concluded by the choir, both financially and musically, due largely to the hard work, patience and perseverance of the conductor Mr David Oakley. The Messiah was performed in St Michael's Church, as a result of which five guineas was donated to the church funds. The outstanding success of the presentation of Pirates of Penzance had enabled them to hand in a substantial profit to the Guild fund. The last venture of the season had been a variety concert in the Drill Hall in aid of Stourport Carnival funds. Future plans include Gilbert and Sullivan's Princess Ida, to be presented in the new year. The report ended by thanking Mrs Wall for help during the year and the thanks of the choir to the pianist Mrs F Crane.
Attendance of the meeting was lower than hoped, but this was explained by a number of other meetings in the town on the same evening.
A proposition was put forward by the Guild secretary that the Guild committee should be formed by an amalgamation of the two section committees, instead of separate election, because she felt this would tighten the bond between the two groups and an even greater understanding of each other difficulties. The motion was accepted.
The committee for 1961 - 1962 was elected as follows: President, Mr E J Jones; Chairman, Mr R Randle; Treasurer, Miss Jane Williams; Secretary, Mrs Iris Bufton. Music representatives: Mr David Oakley; Mrs E Corbet Perrin (Secretary); Mrs Mary Wehner; Mrs Irene Oakley; Mrs F Crane; Miss Dawes; Mr Paul Collins; Mr Roger Hildegard; Mr Maurice Southall. Drama representatives: Mr Gerald Williams; Mr Roy Hadley; Mrs Sybil Wardle; Mrs Kay Collins; Mrs Pamela Bickerton; Mrs Joan Wright; Mr Spencer Yarnold; Mr Cyril Passey.

November 8^th Play Reading - "The Camel's Back"

Drama Section AGM Held in the club room. Elections as follows: Mr G Williams (Chairman) Mr S Yarnold (Vice Chairman) Mr R Hadley (Secretary) and I Bufton, K Collins, P Bickerton, J Wright, S Wardle, C Passey, S Yarnold (Committee). Also I Bufton, K Collins, P Bickerton and C Passey will act as the casting selection committee.

April 27^th, 28^th, 29^th Choir perform Pirates of Penzance at the Secondary Modern School.

1960 December 10^th The Messiah performed at Parish Church. The choir was joined by the Bromyard and District Choral Society (conductor George Nunn) and combined chorus under the conductorship of David Oakley. The soloists were Gwen Browne, soprano; Christine Garforth, contralto; Phillip Russell, tenor; Geoffrey Grinnall, bass. The organist was Wilfred Ellis.

AGM Held at Clifton Café. The Guild Chairman, Mr. Ralph Randle commented on the satisfactory financial position shown on the balance sheet by the treasurer, Miss Jane Williams. Mrs I Bufton added that Ł25 17s had been donated to the World Refugee fund organised by Stourport UDC. Mrs E, Corbet Perrin, secretary for music reported a choir of 50 strong and reported that on December 10^th they would render 'The Messiah' in St. Michael's Church. Mr. R Hadley, secretary for drama said it had been a more successful year than the last. All officers were re-elected and the committee was strengthened by a further four members. Those elected were: President, Mr EJ Jones; chairman, Mr R Randle; Guild treasurer, Miss J Williams; Guild secretary, Mrs I Bufton; Guild committee, Mrs F Crane, Mrs E. Harris, Mrs M Wehner, Mrs J Wright, Miss D Allatt, Miss J Plunkett, Mr. N Fry, Mr C Bufton; representing music, Mrs E Corbett Perrin and Mr David Oakley; representing drama, Mr Roy Hadley and Mrs E England.

Two further performances of "The Creation" at Leominster Priory and Bromyard Parish Church.

Feb 27^th Choir perform Haydn's "The Creation" at St. Michael's Church. David Oakley conducted, with Gwen Browne as soprano, Phillip Russell as tenor, Harry Millward as bass and Wilfred Ellis on the organ.

1959 November The Paper Chain. Irene Yarnold, who had been cast in a leading role, was unfortunate enough to break her leg shortly before the play was due to start and had to be replaced at the last moment by Gwyneth Fry - stand in producer.

May Drama section AGM held at Parish Rooms. The vice chairman, Mr G Williams, who was acting on behalf of the chairman, said that the section had experienced one of the worst years for some time and pointed out that only one play was able to be produced. - difficulties experienced in obtaining producers and cast, a muddle about choosing a play. "There is far too much apathy in the Guild" he said. During the year the Guild had made a financial loss and the building fund had gone down rather than up.

March Quote from paper: "Mr E. J. Jones, president, said that whatever the differences of opinion were in each individual section, the dinner afforded the one opportunity when all could get together." Quote from story about Three Arts Guild dinner.

January Christmas Party. Held at Brinton's Arms. Mr R Randle, Guild Chairman introduced the compere for the evening, Mr John Burrows, a newcomer to the Guild. Refreshments provided by Mrs W Brown, wife of the licensee. The organising was done by the committee and thecompetition for a basket of groceries was won by Miss F Moule who put the prize up for auction raising Ł1 1s for Guild funds.

1958 April Guild Dinner. Entertainments by: Mrs. Judith James, Mrs. Weatherhead, Mrs. V. Crane, Miss Margaret Millington and Mr. Ian McKeag.

March Mr. H. Corbett Perrin dies.
February The Guild state they are intending to build their own headquarters.

January Mr. Norman Fry presented a cheque to Ian McKeag and new wife Gloria, just married.

1957 November Miss Hettie Bullock, secretary and treasurer resigns. Her successor is Miss Doreen Allatt. Other officers: Mr. E. J. Jones (President), Mr. Ralph Randle (Chairman), Mrs Iris Bufton (Treasurer) all re-elected.

Performances of The Crucifixion and Bavarian Highlands (supported by string orchestra)

1956

1955

1954 Choir formed. Leader Mr. Michael Higgins

1953 Coronation Year Combined production 'Heritage' devised and directed by Miss F. Moule. Profits to Nursing Association.

1952

1951

1950

1949

1948

1947

1946 9^th August A Royal Charter was granted to The Arts Council of Great Britain on 9^th August 1946, the Order for which bears date l0^th July, 1946.

1945 June C.E.M.A. changed its name to "The Arts Council of Great Britain", the Chancellor of the Exchequer announcing that it would go on as a permanent organisation with that title: it would be incorporated as an autonomous body, leaving the shelter of the Ministry of Education and receiving its grant-in-aid direct from the Treasury.

1944 March First production - The Cradle Song.

1943 August
(reported in Courier Sat 21^st) First meeting of Three Arts Guild - committee formed: Mr S.W. Fisher, 4 Francis Road as hon general secretary. Sub-committees for music, drama and art have been chosen. Mr L.W. Lashford, 17 Francis Road (organist and choirmaster at the Congregational Church) is acting secretary for music, Mrs W.A. Trippass for drama and Mr Fisher for art. Objective: To encourage interest in music, drama and art in the town.

July 16^th Public meeting held in Stourport with Mr. Tom Harrison of the Council for Encouragment of Music and Art (CEMA) Also present chairman of Stourport Urban District Council Mr. R.P. Vale. The objective of the meeting was to form a Three Arts Guild similar to the one already formed in Kidderminster.

1942

1941

1940 10^th April His Majesty's Government announced that the Treasury would provide Ł50,000 to further the work initiated by the Pilgrim Trustees and thereupon the Board of Education (seemingly providing another Ł50,000) constituted a body called originally the Council for the Encouragement of Music and the Arts (commonly known as C.E.M.A.). The Council consisted of Lord Macmillan (the chairman of the Pilgrim Trustees) and eight other members appointed by the Board of Education.

1939 December After the outbreak of the second world war the Pilgrim Trustees made a grant of Ł25,000 to maintain and encourage in wartime the practice and enjoyment of the fine arts - music, painting and the drama - and set up a small committee to administer the grant.

2002	22^nd May	Extraordinary Committee Meeting held. The Civic Centre was to rewire the lighting system, which would impact on Alice In Wonderland to be performed in June. The Civic had offered a contact who would provide lighting for Ł50. This was deemed unacceptable, since the lighting is part and parcel of our booking requirements. Further to this, since the show was to raise money for the Kemp Hospice, it was considered that spending money on something we shouldn't have to would be detrimental to the fundraising effort. The decision was taken to postpone the show until November.
	10^th April	Our hut planning permission expired. This denoted the start of 'borrowed time', when we may be evicted at any time.
	Spring	The hut roof was leaking. This was put down to sag in the beams, which had warped the external sheeting, allowing water to get in between them. To attempt to get around this problem, we removed the inner ceiling and insulation (dripping wet) and jacked up the roof to dry. A few weeks later we used a prop to hold up the rafters, drill holes in them and bolt angle iron in place to take the weight. The difference was immediately noticeable and almost fixed the problem. The next step was to re-fix the outer layer, making it watertight again.
2001	Spring	The plan to build an extension on the hut for storage seemed closer to completion when suitable materials were acquired. However, when planning permission was requested it was granted until April 10^th 2002. This setback constituted something of a Sword of Damocles. It was decided to start looking for a new home, while the extension was put on hold.
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994		The Scottish and Welsh Arts Councils became autonomous and the Arts Council of Great Britain became the Arts Council of England.
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988		Vicky Bagnall and Jane Finch finish work on 'An account of the development of Stourport Three Arts Guild'.
1987	Summer	Vicky Bagnall and Jane Finch start work on 'An account of the development of Stourport Three Arts Guild'.
1986
1985
1984	November	Guild Officers, according to The Importance of Being Earnest program as follows: President: Mrs M Stringer; Chairman: Mrs B Banner; Treasurer: Mrs H Williams; Secretary: Mr D Williams; Vice-Presidents: Mr Gordon Ward, Mr Don Williams, Mrs Harrison, Mr Finch, Mr H Banner.
1983
1982
1981
1980
1979
1978
1977
1976
1975
1974
1973
1972
1971
1970
1969
1968
1967
1966
1965
1964
1963
1962
1961		Mist Over The Mistletoe was hailed a success by the press. It also noted that the music section of the Guild sang a number of traditional carols before the play, setting the right atmosphere.
	November	AGM Held at Clifton Cafe. The treasurer, Miss Jane Williams was commended on an excellently presented balance sheet and the chairman, Mr R Randle thought the Guild was to be congratulated upon having strengthened its financial position during the year. Thanks were expressed to Mr H J Charles for auditing the accounts. Gerald Williams reported that due to various difficulties the drama section had only presented two plays in the season, both running at a slight loss financially. The present season had opened on a brighter note, the October production had shown a profit and the next production was ready for presentation. A third play had been chosen and was soon to go into production. In the absence of the music secretary, the report was read by Mr Paul Collins who reported a successful year had been concluded by the choir, both financially and musically, due largely to the hard work, patience and perseverance of the conductor Mr David Oakley. The Messiah was performed in St Michael's Church, as a result of which five guineas was donated to the church funds. The outstanding success of the presentation of Pirates of Penzance had enabled them to hand in a substantial profit to the Guild fund. The last venture of the season had been a variety concert in the Drill Hall in aid of Stourport Carnival funds. Future plans include Gilbert and Sullivan's Princess Ida, to be presented in the new year. The report ended by thanking Mrs Wall for help during the year and the thanks of the choir to the pianist Mrs F Crane. Attendance of the meeting was lower than hoped, but this was explained by a number of other meetings in the town on the same evening. A proposition was put forward by the Guild secretary that the Guild committee should be formed by an amalgamation of the two section committees, instead of separate election, because she felt this would tighten the bond between the two groups and an even greater understanding of each other difficulties. The motion was accepted. The committee for 1961 - 1962 was elected as follows: President, Mr E J Jones; Chairman, Mr R Randle; Treasurer, Miss Jane Williams; Secretary, Mrs Iris Bufton. Music representatives: Mr David Oakley; Mrs E Corbet Perrin (Secretary); Mrs Mary Wehner; Mrs Irene Oakley; Mrs F Crane; Miss Dawes; Mr Paul Collins; Mr Roger Hildegard; Mr Maurice Southall. Drama representatives: Mr Gerald Williams; Mr Roy Hadley; Mrs Sybil Wardle; Mrs Kay Collins; Mrs Pamela Bickerton; Mrs Joan Wright; Mr Spencer Yarnold; Mr Cyril Passey.
	November 8^th	Play Reading - "The Camel's Back"
		Drama Section AGM Held in the club room. Elections as follows: Mr G Williams (Chairman) Mr S Yarnold (Vice Chairman) Mr R Hadley (Secretary) and I Bufton, K Collins, P Bickerton, J Wright, S Wardle, C Passey, S Yarnold (Committee). Also I Bufton, K Collins, P Bickerton and C Passey will act as the casting selection committee.
	April 27^th, 28^th, 29^th	Choir perform Pirates of Penzance at the Secondary Modern School.
1960	December 10^th	The Messiah performed at Parish Church. The choir was joined by the Bromyard and District Choral Society (conductor George Nunn) and combined chorus under the conductorship of David Oakley. The soloists were Gwen Browne, soprano; Christine Garforth, contralto; Phillip Russell, tenor; Geoffrey Grinnall, bass. The organist was Wilfred Ellis.
	AGM	Held at Clifton Café. The Guild Chairman, Mr. Ralph Randle commented on the satisfactory financial position shown on the balance sheet by the treasurer, Miss Jane Williams. Mrs I Bufton added that Ł25 17s had been donated to the World Refugee fund organised by Stourport UDC. Mrs E, Corbet Perrin, secretary for music reported a choir of 50 strong and reported that on December 10^th they would render 'The Messiah' in St. Michael's Church. Mr. R Hadley, secretary for drama said it had been a more successful year than the last. All officers were re-elected and the committee was strengthened by a further four members. Those elected were: President, Mr EJ Jones; chairman, Mr R Randle; Guild treasurer, Miss J Williams; Guild secretary, Mrs I Bufton; Guild committee, Mrs F Crane, Mrs E. Harris, Mrs M Wehner, Mrs J Wright, Miss D Allatt, Miss J Plunkett, Mr. N Fry, Mr C Bufton; representing music, Mrs E Corbett Perrin and Mr David Oakley; representing drama, Mr Roy Hadley and Mrs E England.
		Two further performances of "The Creation" at Leominster Priory and Bromyard Parish Church.
	Feb 27^th	Choir perform Haydn's "The Creation" at St. Michael's Church. David Oakley conducted, with Gwen Browne as soprano, Phillip Russell as tenor, Harry Millward as bass and Wilfred Ellis on the organ.
1959	November	The Paper Chain. Irene Yarnold, who had been cast in a leading role, was unfortunate enough to break her leg shortly before the play was due to start and had to be replaced at the last moment by Gwyneth Fry - stand in producer.
	May	Drama section AGM held at Parish Rooms. The vice chairman, Mr G Williams, who was acting on behalf of the chairman, said that the section had experienced one of the worst years for some time and pointed out that only one play was able to be produced. - difficulties experienced in obtaining producers and cast, a muddle about choosing a play. "There is far too much apathy in the Guild" he said. During the year the Guild had made a financial loss and the building fund had gone down rather than up.
	March	Quote from paper: "Mr E. J. Jones, president, said that whatever the differences of opinion were in each individual section, the dinner afforded the one opportunity when all could get together." Quote from story about Three Arts Guild dinner.
	January	Christmas Party. Held at Brinton's Arms. Mr R Randle, Guild Chairman introduced the compere for the evening, Mr John Burrows, a newcomer to the Guild. Refreshments provided by Mrs W Brown, wife of the licensee. The organising was done by the committee and thecompetition for a basket of groceries was won by Miss F Moule who put the prize up for auction raising Ł1 1s for Guild funds.
1958	April	Guild Dinner. Entertainments by: Mrs. Judith James, Mrs. Weatherhead, Mrs. V. Crane, Miss Margaret Millington and Mr. Ian McKeag.
	March	Mr. H. Corbett Perrin dies.
	February	The Guild state they are intending to build their own headquarters.
	January	Mr. Norman Fry presented a cheque to Ian McKeag and new wife Gloria, just married.
1957	November	Miss Hettie Bullock, secretary and treasurer resigns. Her successor is Miss Doreen Allatt. Other officers: Mr. E. J. Jones (President), Mr. Ralph Randle (Chairman), Mrs Iris Bufton (Treasurer) all re-elected.
1957		Performances of The Crucifixion and Bavarian Highlands (supported by string orchestra)
1956
1955
1954		Choir formed. Leader Mr. Michael Higgins
1953	Coronation Year	Combined production 'Heritage' devised and directed by Miss F. Moule. Profits to Nursing Association.
1952
1951
1950
1949
1948
1947
1946	9^th August	A Royal Charter was granted to The Arts Council of Great Britain on 9^th August 1946, the Order for which bears date l0^th July, 1946.
1945	June	C.E.M.A. changed its name to "The Arts Council of Great Britain", the Chancellor of the Exchequer announcing that it would go on as a permanent organisation with that title: it would be incorporated as an autonomous body, leaving the shelter of the Ministry of Education and receiving its grant-in-aid direct from the Treasury.
1944	March	First production - The Cradle Song.
1943	August (reported in Courier Sat 21^st)	First meeting of Three Arts Guild - committee formed: Mr S.W. Fisher, 4 Francis Road as hon general secretary. Sub-committees for music, drama and art have been chosen. Mr L.W. Lashford, 17 Francis Road (organist and choirmaster at the Congregational Church) is acting secretary for music, Mrs W.A. Trippass for drama and Mr Fisher for art. Objective: To encourage interest in music, drama and art in the town.
1943	July 16^th	Public meeting held in Stourport with Mr. Tom Harrison of the Council for Encouragment of Music and Art (CEMA) Also present chairman of Stourport Urban District Council Mr. R.P. Vale. The objective of the meeting was to form a Three Arts Guild similar to the one already formed in Kidderminster.
1942
1941
1940	10^th April	His Majesty's Government announced that the Treasury would provide Ł50,000 to further the work initiated by the Pilgrim Trustees and thereupon the Board of Education (seemingly providing another Ł50,000) constituted a body called originally the Council for the Encouragement of Music and the Arts (commonly known as C.E.M.A.). The Council consisted of Lord Macmillan (the chairman of the Pilgrim Trustees) and eight other members appointed by the Board of Education.
1939	December	After the outbreak of the second world war the Pilgrim Trustees made a grant of Ł25,000 to maintain and encourage in wartime the practice and enjoyment of the fine arts - music, painting and the drama - and set up a small committee to administer the grant.