November 1988

As we approach the end of another year, it becomes time to reflect on our achievements and our lack of same and further to start planning our activities and goals for the coming year.

Here in the ATS we have managed quite a few improvements and we are generally happy with our year. Yet we look behind us and realise that there were quite a few objectives that we set ourselves early in the year that have not been achieved. It can be said that perhaps we have let the Society down a bit in not achieving these goals or targets, but I think not.

As with most organisations of this type, a fair amount of work sits on the shoulders of a very few workers. Most of these people have demanding employers who want, and are entitled to, their pound of flesh during their normal working week, plus families and social activities that absorb a goodly slice of their liesure time. Under these circumstances, the old adage about flogging a willing horse becomes a factor in recognising the reason why some of thse objectives have not been achieved.

I am raising this matter this month because our Annual General Meeting is coming up in February and at that time we will be conducting the usual election of office bearers etc. Last year the attendance at this meeting was not only disappointing but was a disheartening blow to those who have been carrying the society since its inception. THere was even some discussion as to whether we were all wasting our time. Reassurance came however from the continuing increase in support for this magazine, subscriptions have continued to increase; not at an overwhelming rate but at least increasing Groups are making more and more use of these pages and keeping us better informed about their activities and, over all, we are becoming more and more convinced that the Society has a distinct role to play in fostering inter Group communication and helping to promote amateur theatre to the general public.

Late in February therefore whne our AGM is held, we need you as members to attend. Seek a post on the committee if you are so inclined but, please attend. Show your support for the job being done or, conversely, have your say about what is being done incorrectly in your mind. Help to generate a few new ideas and maybe give a hand to implement them.

I mention all this now because we do not have a January edition and I wanted to give you plenty of time to get yourselves organised.