Cash windfall joy for Delph Millgate Centre

The generous-spirited Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Ginny Alexander, has donated £500 to Delph’s Millgate Arts Centre to underpin her backing for small theatre groups.

Ginny and her consort husband Adrian are regular theatregoers in normal times and, praising the Delph operation, she declared: “What an absolutely amazing place - it’s a gem.

“They are proud to show off their talents and support their communities. This is why we decided to donate to the theatre groups as they are inspirational and always provide something for everyone.

“I look forward to the day when all theatre groups can get back into action and produce their wonderful plays and shows.”

The Millgate host Performing Arts Societies, Saddleworth Players, Saddleworth Live, Saddleworth Chamber, Concert, Saddleworth Film Society, Delph Library and other visiting companies as well as offering costume hire. 

Last year the auditorium was refurbished and with a history dating back nearly 100 years with the touring Saddleworth Players, they still have a forward-looking view to develop the next generation of the creative community.  

More than 400 active members are involved in running the Arts Centre as cast, crew, sound and lighting, costumes, set design, publicity, front of house, subscribers and friends.  

Their young members have gone on to study at Central in London, Oxford Drama School and New York. 

During the 2017/18 season there were more than 10,000 audience visits and 80 shows for all ages and, as a registered charity, the centre supported five Charity Nights with Saddleworth Players shows raising £25,000 in last five years.  

Ian Shepherd, chairman of the centre’s management committee, said: “We are very grateful the mayor has recognised the Millgate Arts Centre with this donation. She has been very supportive of our work over the past few years.

“We have been effectively closed since March in what is an incredibly challenging period for the whole of the entertainment industry.  

“We are planning to open the full new season in September next year.  In the meantime, we hope to bring limited socially distanced entertainment until restrictions are lifted.  

“As the situation is changing on a week by week basis, it's very difficult to plan things in advance.  Full shows take several months from planning to performance.

“The mayor's donation will support us in this difficult period, and help us make the building 'Covid safe'.”

For details on plays, concerts, pantos and films, visit: www.millgateartscentre.co.uk To become an active member contact membership secretary Andrew Mann: mannandrew@aol.com or Ian Shepherd: 01457 874644.

 

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.