Publication Date: 28-11-2022 09:00
Bellway helps Haughley panto organisers with ham-dram fundraiser
Funds were raised for Haughley’s village panto at a pig race-night held with the support of local businesses, including housebuilder Bellway Essex.
Haughley Amateur Theatre Society organised the fundraising event at Haughley Village Hall on Saturday 12 November, with eight wind-up pig toys the main attraction.
Dozens of society members, theatre enthusiasts and village residents came along to enjoy a sausage-and-chips supper and place their bets on the eight races held during the evening.
Two of the races were sponsored by Bellway, which is building homes at Eve Meadows, off Fishponds Way in the village.
Lindsey Philpot, Chairman of Haughley Amateur Theatre Society, said: “Sponsorships from companies such as Bellway enable us to raise money for our panto and make it affordable for everyone to take part in.
“I approached Bellway to help with the pig race because they are a successful company with a large presence in the village and I felt that they may well be happy to help at a local level which, of course, they generously did. We thank them for all their support.
“Fundraisers like this take more organisation and time than you realise. The highlight of the evening for me was how several of our guests told me as they left that they had no idea what to expect from a pig race, but that they had thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely be back for our next one.”
The pig race helped raise over £650, which will now be used to meet the expenses the society incurs to arrange the hall, the lighting, the sound system, and the insurance for the panto.
The society, which was formed nearly 15 years ago, gives everyone who asks to be part of the panto a chance to contribute in some capacity, be it on or off stage. Those who wish to act do not have to go through an audition or have any previous theatrical experience.
Lindsey added: “We have helped many people of all ages to gain confidence and 'have a go' at things they may not have tried before over the years.
“We always find something to do for anyone who wants to be involved in our panto in any way. We don't run the group to make a profit, but simply to cover the costs of putting on our productions.”
As it largely depends on subscriptions, ticket sales, and local grants, the theatre society holds fundraising events every year to meet its expenses.
Emma Hawkins, Sales Manager at Bellway Essex, said: “This theatre society has a special place in the local community in Haughley and that is why we were happy to support the pig race to raise funds for their next production.
“We are pleased to have played a part in village life in Haughley during the construction period for Eve Meadows, which is now nearing the end. As well as providing 65 new homes, the development is delivering new public open space and a children’s play area, which residents in the village will be able to enjoy.
“We’d like to give the theatre society our very best wishes for a successful panto this year and hope they continue to go from strength to strength.”
To find out more about the final homes available at Eve Meadows, call the sales team on 01449 424618 or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/essex/eve-meadows.
