FOST News The latest from The Friends...
New Name A Seat Plaque Style
As announced in the March podcast with Michael Beston, we have introduced online purchasing for seat plaques as part of the ‘Name a Seat’ scheme, together with a new plaque design.
Culture Recovery Fund
Shanklin Theatre on the Isle of Wight has received a grant of £37,000 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen.
Completion of the Green Room Floor
Towards the end of August, as arranged the guys turned up to prepare and screed the floor (see photos) ready to receive the vinyl floor covering.
Dressing Room 2 Refurbishment
Due to the coronavirus situation last year, the Maintenance Team took the opportunity to add, as requested four new seating positions to give more scope when performers use this area.
Co-op Local Community Fund Final Update 2019-2020
We're delighted to confirm that Co-op members have raised a total of £3,125.51 for Shanklin Theatre during 2019-2020. When you buy selected Co-op products and services, 2p for every £1 spent goes into your membership account. The Co-op will split the same between like-minded organisations and local causes.
Posting Theatre Souvenirs
Great news! Theatre History Booklets and Pin Badges can now be purchased and posted by calling the Box Office between 10am and 1pm, Monday to Friday. Tel 01983 868000. £1.50 postage will be added to items sent.
Shanklin Theatre receives lifeline grant
Shanklin Theatre has been awarded £74.502 as part of the Government £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, the Culture Secretary has announced.
Grand Total of the FOST Fundraising Walk
Our walkers: Doreen Sheath & Sue - Sarah Bucher-Jones - Jacqui Robertson - Sammantha Cave - Michael Beston - Heather Whitchurch – Jane Robert - Matt Day - Eddy Parsons – Peter Tuppen.
Thanks to the tremendous support of the members of the Friends of Shanklin Theatre, Theatre supporters plus friends and family of the walkers, the money raised has reached over £2300.
The money raised from this event will go towards buying foggers to sanitise the auditorium and backstage, refurbishing the perished Green Room floor and posting the printed quarterly newsletter to members who do not have email.
Thank you again to everyone that helped and contributed towards the Fundraising Walk.
Celebrating our 100th Patron
On the 13th October we celebrated our 100th FOST Patron, Mr Simon Lacey, who is passionate about our theatre. Having recently moved to Shanklin from Newport, he decided to support the Theatre by joining FOST as a patron after having seen our posts on FOST Facebook.
Co-op Membership Changes
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Your membership with the Co-op has helped us make a real difference through the Co-op Causes Initiative. But this year our theatre needs your help more than ever. Our friends at the Co-op are changing the membership to give back even more – doubling the amount they give to communities when members choose Co op, whilst also providing even more personal value for you.
Shanklin Fund Raising Walk
READY, STEADY, GO! Our great thanks go to the Theatre Volunteers who completed the Shanklin Fundraising Walk –Sunday 20th September.
Shanklin Boundary Walk
VIDEO! With one week to go, watch our walkers preparing for their challenge of walking the 10 mile Shanklin boundary.
Please support FOST and our walkers by donating here:
Shanklin Boundary Walk
To support FOST funding, a group of intrepid Friends of Shanklin Theatre (FOST) will undertake a fundraising Shanklin Boundary walk with social distancing on Sunday 20th September.
Please support FOST and our walkers by donating here:
Very Important Information regarding the AGM 2020
One of the key conditions of the FOST constitution is that an annual general meeting (AGM) is held no later than 15 months after the previous AGM, (Article 11.1.1), in this case, the 24th April 2019. This gives the FOST committee until the 24th July 2020 to hold an AGM for this current year.
A big 'Thumbs Up'
We feel that the team at the Landguard Road Co-op, led by Julie and Simon deserves a big 'Thumbs Up' for their continuing support of Shanklin Theatre through the Co-op Causes Community funding initiative. The Co-op Team are always smiling, attentive and happy to serve us throughout the current unstable and uncertain situation.
Business (Almost!) as Usual
Shanklin Theatre, like all other theatres, is no longer putting on performances at the moment, with the Theatre and Box Office closed to those calling in person. Nevertheless, work very much continues behind the scenes with different departments experiencing very new ways of working.
Shanklin Theatre bar refurbishment.
Each Year, during the “dark time” at the theatre after the last Christmas and New Year Pantomime, a major project is undertaken by the maintenance team. This year’s project being the remodelling and refurbishment of the theatre bar.
Shanklin Theatre refurbished bar opened by Mr Michael Portillo.
Michael Portillo, the former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2000-2001 and Conservative politician is now a journalist and broadcaster. Mr Portillo was invited to cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the theatres refurbished bar before going on stage to present his show to a sold out theatre audience – Life: ‘A Game of Two Halves’.
Carol Laidler – First Act 2011
On the 2nd November, Carol Laidler, the founder of First Act 2011 - a theatre group for people with a learning disabilities, visited the theatre during the monthly 'Coffee, Cake & Chat' morning and gave a wonderful talk to our visitors, volunteers and staff at the theatre.
Landguard Road Co-op Store Windows Plaque Presentation
On the 23rd October 2019, members from the Friends of Shanklin Theatre committee, and the Shanklin Theatre Community Trust presented an engraved plaque to the Co-op Landguard Road team as a thank you to their continued support of the theatre.
Co-op Causes 2019-2020
We have some great news from our friends at the Co-op Landguard Road store. Thanks to our Treasurer; Peter Frankling, Shanklin Theatre has been chosen to benefit from the next round of the Co-op Local Community Fund to upgrade and renovate the theatre Bar area.
New Appointments to the Board of Trustees
The Shanklin Theatre & Community Trust Board has been busy recruiting new members. Two new Trustees/Directors were unanimously appointed at the Trust meeting held on 25th September 2019 and are very welcome additions to the team.
September 2019 Grand Prize Draw
The draw was conducted by Wendy Bliss, Margaret Platt and Vic Farrow in the theatre Bar.
Theatre Volunteering - Summer Activities
Volunteers have been out and about at various event across the Island this summer. Here is a roundup of some of the events you may have seen them carry out their invaluable work.
July Grand Prize Draw
Mr John Lee from Northwood was the winner of our July Grand Prize Draw that took place during the Coffee-Cake-&-Chat morning at the theatre.
Shanklin Co-op Continues to Support the Theatre
Dear theatre supporters, during the month of May, our friends and colleagues at the Landguard Road Co-op store held a bucket collection in aid of our historic window replacement program.
Community Action Awards 2019
You will be pleased to know that the Friends of Shanklin Theatre, after submitting their 2019 Community Action Awards application, had been shortlisted in the ‘Arts and Heritage category’.
On the 14th May, we presented all the good work carried out by our volunteers over the last year to the CAA Judges.
Shanklin Theatre Supporting Walk the Wight 2019 - 12th May 2019
Congratulations to everyone for talking part in, and contributing to ‘Walk the Wight’ on Sunday 12th May 2019.
More than 1,100 walkers signed up on the day, taking the overall total to more than 8,000 in Mountbatten’s flagship fundraiser and the largest throughout the Walking Festival.
The Friends of Shanklin Theatre Patrons Evening 2019 - 7th May 2019
On the 7th May 2019, the Friends of Shanklin Theatre committee held it’s very first ‘Patrons’ evening at Shanklin Theatre.
The Friends of Shanklin Coast to Country - 6th May 2019
On Monday 6th May, the Friends of Shanklin Theatre completed the first of two 'Coast to Country Walks' as part of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival 4th-19th May 2019.
FOST Volunteer Thank You Evening - 6th February 2019
During February this year over 100 FOST volunteers braved the wet weather to attend a ‘Volunteer Thank You’ evening at the Theatre.
Shanklin Theatre is ‘on the map’ of 2019 Isle of Wight Walking Festival
As part of the Walking festival, a group of FOST volunteers will be leading a walk around Shanklin stopping at Shanklin Theatre for refreshments.
FOST Poppy Pin Donation to Royal British Legion Shanklin Branch
As part of the FOST commitment throughout our Poppy Pin sales initiative, it was agreed to donate £1,550.00 to a designated local organisation.
Shanklin’s Shoppers Raise £5,902.46 to Help Maintain Town’s Theatre
We are delighted to announce that The Friends of Shanklin Theatre today received the final payment from this year's Co-op Causes Initiative 2017-2018 of £5,902.46.
10th Anniversary Celebrations
On the 2nd October 2018, Shanklin Theatre celebrated its 10th Anniversary of saving the theatre from closure and possible demolition. This milestone celebration marked a decade since a small band of dedicated volunteers saved Shanklin Theatre from closure.
Trip Advisor Hall of Fame 2018
We are delighted to announce that Shanklin Theatre has been recognised as TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence “Hall of Fame” winners 2018.
Limited Edition 10th Anniversary Poppy Pin
We have commissioned these beautiful, limited edition, 10th Anniversary of saving Shanklin Theatre Poppy Pin.
10th Anniversary Celebration Variety Show 2nd October 2018
Shanklin Theatre Celebrates 10 Years of Saving the Theatre from Closure with a Special Celebration Variety Show.
Introducing Amazon Smile
Do you shop on-line using Amazon? Of course you do, many people do. Would you like Amazon to donate money to Shanklin Theatre every time you make on-line purchases?
Upgrading Theatre Dimmers
When a show takes place at the Theatre, lighting effects contribute greatly to the overall experience of the show. Whether dark and sombre or bright and colourful, the lighting must be ‘programmed’ by deciding which lights come on when, and also how bright they are at any time.
Haven Hall National Garden Scheme Open Day 28th July
The Friends of Shanklin Theatre Catering team have once again been invited to provide refreshments for an NGS Open Garden, this time by FOST members David & Arielle Barratt at their luxury boutique hotel at Haven Hall in Shanklin.
FOST Attends the Main Shanklin Carnival 2018
Many thanks to everyone that came down and supported us at the 2018 Shanklin Main Carnival on Wednesday 1st August, the Friends had a great time handing out flyers and information on all our up-coming shows and events. They also collected much needed funds that will ensure Shanklin has a Carnival for 2019!
Local Community News UPDATE!
On the 21st July 2018, The Friends of Shanklin Theatre were presented with a cheque for £180.00 from the manager at the Co-op store in Landguard Road. Back in June this year, the Friends helped raise money for the Local Co-op Causes Initiative. Between the three causes over a period of seven days – Daisy Chains IW Children’s Charity – Rylstone Chalet Restoration and the Friends of Shanklin Theatre Window Restoration we managed to raise a magnificent £540.00!
Shanklin’s Shoppers Helping to Maintain Town’s Theatre
On the 23rd June 2018, The Friends of Shanklin Theatre helped raise money for the Local Co-op Causes Initiative at the Landguard Road store. All the money raised on the day was divided and donated to all three local causes: Daisy Chains IW Children’s Charity, Rylstone Chalet Restoration and the Friends of Shanklin Theatre to help restore and replace the listed historic windows.
David Kast Podcast Interview with Vectis Radio
Click below to listen to the podcast interview with Shanklin Theatre’s newly appointed MD David Kast. David talks to Kevin Wilson about the Friends of the theatre, volunteering and the theatre in general.
Community Action Awards 2018
Fantastic news! The Friends of Shanklin Theatre were selected as Winner of the Isle of Wight 2018 Community Action Awards for the Arts & Heritage category and Overall Runner-Up from over 60 nominations. Our thanks go to all our loyal, hardworking and dedicated volunteers for this achievement.
Shanklin Theatre Earns the 2018 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence
11th June 2018, Shanklin Theatre and Community Trust Secretary Anthony Wood today announced that it has received the 2018 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award. Now in its eighth year, the achievement celebrates businesses that have earned great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year.
Shanklin Theatre 10 Year Celebrations
Shanklin Theatre 10 Year Celebration Tuesday 2nd October – 7.30pm Shanklin Theatre celebrates 10 years of saving the theatre from closure with a special celebration variety show. At this non-profit show: Receive a free souvenir programme in addition to other souvenirs to take home. Watch a number of island acts perform – both professional and …
Garden Party Raffle Ticket Winner
The lucky winner is Wendy Bliss.
If you intend to go to the Garden Party, please purchase your tickets before the end of this month as the hotel would like to know the number of attendees for catering purposes.
Volunteer co-ordinator
A new role of volunteer co-ordinator has now been filled by Neil Hedges who is now on the FOST committee.
As you know Neil’s role was mainly focussed on recruitment of new volunteers, issuing car park passes and more recently issuing ID badges. Neil will now take on all the communication relating specifically to volunteers as well as recording attendance to training sessions.
Memories of Ken Dodd
We were heartbroken to hear of the passing of Ken Dodd on the 11 March 2018. Ken graced our stage back in 2014 and performed (until midnight) to a full theatre...
Co-Op Causes Cheque
The Friends of Shanklin Theatre (FOST) Chairman David Kast & Vice Chairman Beston met with the Shanklin Landguard Road Co-op branch manager Simon Thompson.
Jimmy Osmond Tweets
Jimmy was so impressed by his meal that he Tweeted a picture of himself with the Catering Team and as he called it, ‘their Yummy Pavlova’.
FOST 2018 AGM
The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Friends of Shanklin Theatre will be held on Monday 16th April 2018 at 7.30pm.
Shows with FOST Discount
A series of shows are now eligible for FOST member discount. Purchase at the box office or via phone. Online booking not possible.
