An extract from “The Parish of Kilmington”, contributed by Phillippa Beckingsale

A history of Kilmington during the last one hundreds years would not be complete without mentioning our very own Drama Society; started in 1944.

The Second World War had been on for five years when a small band of enthusiasts led by Mrs. Peppiette, decided to do something to bring some cheer to the village and the Kilmington Players was born.

From the first Committee there are two people still living in the village today. They are Miss M. Hurford (May Lavender) and Miss B. Simmons (Betty Richards).

From the first Minutes we read of a social evening and entertainment that raised the princely sum of £8.lOs and this put them in business and they prepared to stage their first Pantomime, which was Dick Whittington. These days the cost of putting on a show is more like £810!

But this was the start of something that was to grow and flourish, and today we are extremely proud of that fact. There have not only been Pantomimes, but Revues, Music Hall and Plays.

Literally hundreds of actors have come and gone, and it is hardly fair to pick out names. However, one recurring name is the late Jack Lavender, and ‘there was nothing like his Dame’! Now, happily, his son David has stepped into this role. In fact, in a number of instances there have been second and even third generations of the same family. Bob Newbery’s family is one of these.

Producers have come and gone too. Barbara Brierley, who some will still remember, brought professionalism to the job and gave our Shows a great name in the district. Marjorie Lambert followed, and Jeremy and Sandra Ward and Joan Humphry and Phillippa Beckinsale, whose collaboration lasted for nearly twenty years.

In the old Hall, the Church Room as it was then, we had some marvellous scenery painters, giving us Fairy Castles and Haunted Woods and a world of Fantasy where clever perspective made the stage seem at least twice its real size. From those days one particularly remembers Brigadier ‘Nobby’ Carter, whose work was outstanding. Sadly we cannot use the rollers that carried this scenery in the modern hall, but Mary Hibberd made the most of the Hall facilities.

Since then the talented Rob Preece and his wife, Gail joined the Players and more recently the equally gifted Sue Deas with mother, daughter Vickie and husband Tim Pearce have shared in the production of some extremely popular pantomimes.

If you are interested in joining the Kilmington Players please contact David Lavender on 01297 33203

Click here to see some photographs of past pantomines

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