Dear Friends & Members of The Algarveans Experimental Theatre Group,

I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of The Algarveans. I am really excited about the future of the group.

I would like to thank Chris Winstanley, Chair of the group for the past 3 years, for everything he and the committee achieved in that time, which Chris will share with you in his address at the AGM!

Jim Landis has been appointed Treasurer, taking over the efficient, organised systems put in place by Steve Dackombe who served the group as Treasurer for 9 years. Huge thanks to Steve.

We are delighted to welcome Kathy Diz and Karen Morris-Marks who have been co-opted onto the committee.

Karen is our new membership secretary taking over from Mel Winstanley.
Mel has done a wonderful job in her role making new members feel welcome and encouraging people to get involved onstage and backstage, as well as with the social aspect of the group. Thank you to Mel.

The above appointments will be ratified at the forthcoming AGM.

Lynda Marshall will continue in office as Secretary, with Gloria Costa and Max Costa remaining as committee members.
Madeleine Wheare will continue to represent the group as Press Officer in a non-committee role.

Many of you will already know me but for those who don’t – a brief introduction! I’ve been involved in am-dram, amateur operatics, musical theatre, choirs and choral societies for many years.
I moved to The Algarve with my husband Ian in 2016 and one of the main requirements for me was that we could live near an amateur theatre group.

I became a friend of the group even before we moved! My first practical involvement was helping out behind the bar for Pollen. I was Assistant Director for Kindertransport. In my first onstage show with the group, I played Geraldine in The Vicar of Dibley and then went on to direct my first play Ladies’ Day. I played the part of Glinda/ Aunt Em in The Wizard of Oz and Lauren in A Bunch of Amateurs.

I was voted on to the committee in 2017 and for parts of 2019/20 I deputised for Chris in his absence and will now aim to continue with the progress the group made under his stewardship.

The committee works on behalf of its members- this is your group and we want to hear your suggestions, thoughts and ideas.
One of our priorities is member engagement – particularly given the recent crisis we have all had to endure.

We haven’t been idle during the crisis. We have held our first new committee meeting by Zoom which was really positive and a number of exciting plans are already in motion.
Keep an eye out for all the latest info in our newsletters which will be sent out regularly.

I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone in the not too distant future.

Take care & stay safe

Angela