Beaconsfield Musical And Operatic Society
In 2018 CSC supported other local performing arts groups which need to upgrade their facilities.
The Chiltern Shakespeare Company (CSC) was formed in 1986 and performed initially in a school hall before coming to Hall Barn in 1989. Aviva and Michael Wiseman together with Sue and Dickon Thorndike were founder members and the cast was drawn from local amateur societies.
Amongst these Beaconsfield Operatic Society (now BMOS) contributed some of the early performers. Younger participants including many from Beaconsfield Young Theatre started to feature with several eventually graduating to become regular adult actors. Indeed from this pathway some have moved on to professional acting careers.
In addition to acting these local Societies collaborate on planning and resource sharing at a time when finances are increasingly under pressure from a combination of rising costs and an ever-widening choice of other entertainments. Beaconsfield Musical & Operatic Society has been producing Operetta, Opera and Musical Theatre since 1910. Young Theatre at Beaconsfield dates from 1970.
These organisations share facilities at the Curzon Centre, Beaconsfield which now require upgrading, particularly the provision of up-to-date sound amplification systems. Given the mutual co-operation between the groups described above CSC will be aiming to raise some funds to support BMOS and YT in 2018. For more information go to http://BMOS.org.uk/FundRaising
South Bucks Riding For The Disabled Association
South Bucks RDA provides people with the opportunity to ride to benefit their health and well-being in the South Buckinghamshire area. Riding is widely recognised as an excellent form of therapy – building self-confidence, improving core strength and concentration whilst also providing recreation, education, sport, exercise – and fun!!
The Centre works with junior and adult riders with a variety of disabilities. These include learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, rheumatoid arthritis, Down’s syndrome, deafness, blindness and limb amputation. Parents comment on how riding has improved their child’s physio and core strength and/or their focus and concentration.
South Bucks RDA receives no Government or Lottery funding so relies on donations and the commitment of volunteers and sponsors to offer life-changing opportunities for its riders.
The centre is based in the village of Fulmer, hosted by Diane Redfern, the Centre’s Chairman and supporter of RDA and Paralympian dressage for many years.
Chiltern Shakespeare Company supported Woodrow High House in Amersham.
Woodrow High House, located just outside Amersham, is a residential centre based in a 17th century manor house. It belongs to the charity London Youth, whose mission it is to support young people to become the best that they can be.
Every year, Woodrow welcomes over 7000 young people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, many from local schools and youth groups. We engage with children and support them to learn through the fun of outdoor activities. Our learning outcomes demonstrate that we help young people to:
Improve their self-confidence and belief Overcome challenges and see them through Develop the ability to work as a team and solve problems Take on leadership roles and reflect on their actions
"The funds raised through the generous support of the Chiltern Shakespeare Company and its customers will enable us to develop a high ropes course, specifically designed to encourage young people to work together and overcome challenges" said Martin Curtis, Head of Centre. "Young people leave Woodrow with happy memories that will stay with them forever."
Woodrow High House is a dynamic space for youth work and training, sports development, drama and dance workshops, offering opportunities for personal and social development.
Penn School was the chosen charity for 2015. Unfortunately the school closed just after our production ended and following half of the donation being made. The remainder of the donation that would of have gone to Penn School was instead donated to SignHealth in Beaconsfield.
SignHealth campaigns to improve healthcare for Deaf people and also provide sign language services including online translation, supported living and mental health therapies.
Carers Bucks is an independent charity supporting carers in Buckinghamshire. A donation of £10,000 was made as a result of the play.
Wycombe Homeless Connection, a community project of Wycombe churches which helps some 300 vulnerably housed individuals per year who do not qualify for Local Authority support. A £10,000 donation from the Company and the Lions was presented at the 2014 AGM.
A donation of £12,000 was made to Ian Rennie Grove House Hospice Care.
A donation of £8,150 was made to Macmillan Cancer Support.
CHARITIES SUPPORTED IN PREVIOUS YEARS
2013 Carers Bucks
2012 Iain Rennie Hospice at Home
2011 Macmillan Cancer Support
2010 The Stroke Association / Buckinghamshire Community Foundation
2009 Thames Hospicecare
2008 The Friends of the Curzon Centre / Wexham Park Ventilator Fund
2007 The South Bucks Hospice / Beaconsfield Talking Newspaper
2006 The National Society for Epilepsy / The Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust
2005 The National Deaf Children's Society / Bucks Search and Rescue
2004 The Royal National Lifeboat Institution / Pets as Therapy
2003 Breakthrough Breast Cancer / Maplewood School
2002 Scannappeal / Activenture
2001 The Thames Valley Hospice / Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
2000 The Friends of the Curzon Centre / Penn School
1999 Rushymead Hospice Day Care Centre / The Spinal Injuries Association
1998 The National Society for Epilepsy / The Princess Marina Centre
1997 NCH Action for Children / The South Bucks Hospice
1996 NCH Action for Children / The Samaritans
1995 NCH Action for Children / Cancer Relief Macmillan Fund
1994 Abbeyfield Beaconsfield / St. Dunstan's
1993 The National Society for Epilepsy / The British Heart Foundation
1992 The National Society for Epilepsy / The British Heart Foundation
1991 The British Heart Foundation / Cystic Fibrosis
1990 South Bucks Hospice Appeal / The Hospice of Our Lady and St. John / Thames Valley Hospice
1989 The British Heart Foundation