history 2
Our first target was to obtain a site for our proposed theatre and there was a suitable vacant site in Blackpark Road adjacent to the old Little Theatre. This was owned by the Douglas Mortification Trust of which Stewartry District Council were Trustees, and it did not take long to negotiate its purchase. Although it was recorded as a purchase at market value, in fact Stewartry District Council awarded a grant that more or less covered the price.
We then entered the first of several long periods when fundraising carried on but nothing much else seemed to happen. In the background, one of our members, Brian Murray, who is an architect was producing the plans for a new theatre building on our site. On the fundraising side, we tried many things, some with more success than others. Direct mailshots to individuals, local businesses and national businesses met with only modest success.
Our main annual moneyspinner from 1987 onwards was our annual pantomime, and our 100 Club which, to use the technical term is a Private Lottery, has brought a steady monthly income since the earliest years. Christmas dances were held in the Town Hall for a number of years during the fundraising period, and some were very successful. Theatrical entertainments and dances were put on at other times of the year, as were old favourites such as jumble sales.
Next page: history 4
