One of the oldest amateur dramatic societies in England has received an early 90th anniversary present – £5,000 towards “vital” improvements for their rundown venue.
Members of Wem Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society, based at the Stage Door on Aston Street, will use the money towards enlarging the back of the hall and toilets, and creating a disabled entrance.
Drama group members were forced to leave their headquarters earlier this year after it was discovered the roof needed repairing.
They have been borrowing premises at Wem Sports and Social Club, the scout and guide hut, Thomas Adams School, Wem Conservative Club and a church hall to rehearse and perform until their building is up to scratch.
The group received the funding from Shropshire County Council’s local joint committee and hope to raise a further £5,000 to complete the work early next year.
Members have been campaigning for 10 years to raise money for the improvements, which have also included repairing the roof and refurbishing the kitchen.
They have raised £26,000 themselves, including money from this year’s productions of Hoodwinked and Canterbury Tales and The Laundry Girls.
Next year they will be hosting Wind and the Willows and a number of adult productions.
The group has more than 80 members while its youth group has a waiting list of 25 people.
Margaret Simmons, society chairman, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to secure the funding to much-needed improvements and it has come as a fantastic present for our 90th anniversary.”