Going down a storm (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Going down a storm

FORTY years ago a Vale WI group had the idea of putting on little playlets in a barn at the back of a member's house.

Once or twice a year the members gave the place a spring clean, hung up the oil lamps, spruced up the outside privy for the paying public and had a whale of a time. Maria Marten and the Red Barn was the first ever performance and they called themselves the Barnstormers.

With something like 150 performances credited to what is now an award-winning amateur dramatic group, members are planning a year of celebrations.

Some of the few founder members still involved are Audrey and James Taylor, from the neighbouring village of Abberton. James said: "The first producer was Meda Thomas, and it was Miss Stanton, we never knew her first name, who let us use what was known as the Jubliee Rooms behind The Paddocks.

It was the only place apart from Church that villagers could meet together. There were two privies - one the family used and one which was tidied up for the audience to use, but I don't think anybody ventured in!"

Audrey said: "I was enlisted into the Barnstormers because they wanted somebody young to play Maria, but it's been great fun."

The Barnstormers played in many other venues around Bishampton for some time until eventually a village hall was built which also served Abberton and Throckmorton.

Among the leading lights in those days were Christine and Michael Trollope, Wilma Day and Daphne Poole, Jim and Mavis Jackson, Harold Willis and Carolyn Harris.

In the 1970s, a junior Barnstomers was formed, first by Christine Trollope, then Teri Rigg, who between them inspired scores of children, some of whom were later to became professional performers, musicians and stage technicians. Sadly, Christine, who staged an amazing Beggars Opera in 1974, died last year.

Teri, however, said: "In the 70s there were lots of Barnstormers with young children so it seemed only natural to get them involved. Mums made wonderful costumes, dads painted scenery and the children really enjoyed themselves."

Pinvin Middle School's drama teacher Martin Smith moved into the village in the 1970s and it was he who introduced the group to the All England Drama Festival leading to many awards which are still being picked up today.

He and Sue Chudley also wrote many sketches for reviews in those days and Jenny Davies, who recently moved to Wales, was another popular producer.

These days Sue and Terry Griffith and Roger and Carol Ockenden make up the backbone of the Barnstormers. Roger has the honour of a room named after him for all the hard work he put into the project to refurbish the village hall. Sue produces most of the plays and award -inning short pieces for drama festivals.

Husband Terry, with many leading roles under his belt, is one of many members who just joined with the intention of helping with the scenery. He had his first 'bit' part in 1977 in a play called Wanted One Body where only his arm was revealed holding a dagger. Terry said: "I was quite happy just helping backstage but after my arm's amazing success there was no holding the rest of me back."