We are a theatre, and our first aim is to present plays of all kinds and involve our members in some way in our productions. The Headquarters is the centre where we meet, rehearse, make costumes and properties and discuss all the aspects of theatre which interest us.

Unless we are doing a show with a large cast, many of our members are not actively involved. It is essential that the interest of these youngsters should be kept alive in some way. Here again, if we had more helpers, we could do so much more. We arrange a varied series of activities, which keep us all busy. Our season lasts all the year round. The Headquarters is only officially closed one week per year. Even then I am in the house some of the time.

We have frequent meetings of our various committees. On these occasions a social atmosphere develops. Free discussion takes place, refreshments are served and new members are quickly absorbed into the main stream of the Theatre.

'Open' evenings are popular. Members are encouraged to bring a friend. They can give turns. In this relaxed atmosphere I am able to pick out potential performers. The hut at the rear of the premises is regularly the scene of the weird shaking which today passes for dancing. Usually one of our groups provides the rhythm.

From time to time visiting lecturers come along to give us the value of their experiences on many topics. I borrow a projector if they bring films or slides. Most of the topics deal with some aspect of theatre though other subjects are not taboo.

A few years ago we were visited by a concert party artist who was 'resting' in Manchester. He had seen our notice board outside and, intrigued, called in for information. He became a constant visitor. Cultured, clever, with a genial nature, he gave us three evenings' entertainment in the form of character studies from Dickens and the classics as a thank-offering for the pleasant times he had spent with us. We were thrilled.

Quite my 'squareness' amuses my youngsters. Since they know I am open to conviction, much energy is mustered to convert me. After a particularly long serious argument one evening, I made them an offer. If they would listen to some classical music, then I would do my best to endure a beat session. They could explain why they were 'sent' by this cacophony of sound.

They accepted my gesture and two boys prepared for the opening session. I was much impressed when I saw with what seriousness they set about their task. They borrowed books from the library. From these they illustrated their points. Selections from relevant records were played. It was a stimulating and interesting evening and I can truthfully say that since that lecture I have accepted the beat world with more interest and a less jaundiced ear. I regret that we did not get a complete record of that evening on tape. The two lecturers are now in a well-known rhythm group, which has figured, in the Top Twenty.

The classical evening was also a success. They listened to a symphony and part of a piano concerto. Searching questions were asked and answered to our mutual satisfaction.

We take photographs of our productions. When I lecturer about the Theatre I take these slides along. Occasionally we have an evening when we run a selection of the slides through for members and friends. This helps in a recruiting capacity.

After our production of Richard III we threw the Headquarters open to the public one evening. We had costumes, props, scenery and designs on view. Members of the cast, on costume, took visitors round, explaining our activities and answering questions. In one room our lighting expert was showing slides of the show. Our Registrar was enrolling new members and interviewing prospective patrons. The coffee bar was open and did good business.

We extend a hearty welcome to interested individuals or groups to spend an evening with us. Dramatic societies, students from training colleges and youth clubs visit us. Visitors are invited to ask questions. We like visitors to come to what we call Magazine Evening. About a dozen members choose a story, an extract from a book or a scene from a play. They are encouraged to read it to the assembled members. If they are shy, then another member reads the selection. If they wish, they can play a musical instrument or their favourite selection on the record player. We have had original compositions offered to us.

From time to time we have a rhythm group of our own. For several years we had a very fine one, the Top Five. Their playing was a pleasure for even a 'square' to listen to. They were also pleasant on the eye. Good-looking, with tidy hair styles and spotlessly clean, they dressed in white shirts, scarlet bows, tight black trousers, and scarlet cummerbunds. They broke up when two turned professional. A third has now got his commission in the RAF.

As I know John English personally, and am so thrilled about his Midlands Arts Centre for Youth, I was anxious for our members to see this wonderful centre. We arranged to visit this materialisation of a dream, and had a most inspiring day. We are now arranging another party. It is in such places as this that I see coming alive all the ideals I have dreamt about for forty years. The zest of youth for these things is there. It is our bounden duty to give youth the opportunity. The reward for the lover of the arts is an intoxication-the sheer delight in being alive, and responding to all the beauty around us.

On odd occasions over the years we have had a poetry reading session among ourselves. We have had friends in to join with us and I intend to plan a more ambitious programme. I hope to arrange a group of about twenty who will get together and work out some themes. We shall then find poems to fit the themes, together with pieces of music, and guitarists. I suggest that the readers will be on stage, picked out by spotlights. I would like to see a programme presented about once a month.

We sometimes have a folk group in the cellars. It is our boast that we never close. During the summer we try out new ideas. Thank goodness we have plenty of those!