Award bid goes to script for theatre
WILLINGTON Youth Theatre had plenty to smile about on Monday after several of their most dedicated members were awarded certificates and the group received Investing in Children status.Stephanie Milburn and Sarah McAloon were both awarded certificates for being outstanding volunteers with the Youth Theatre.
Stephanie Milburn, 18, Willington, said: ³My certificate was for completing 400 hours as a volunteer and for being a member for three years.
³I started out doing some small acting parts and for the August show, I will be back stage doing everybody¹s makeup.
³I don¹t get nervous about shows because I¹m used to it now!² Sarah McAloon, 16, also from Willington, said: ³I help out with the younger children and I¹m the lead dancer in the shows.
³I¹ve been involved for five years now and I really enjoy it..² Youngster Kaycee Newton was also awarded a certificate for two years devoted membership with the theatre.
The group started out in 1999 as Willington Youth project and quickly snowballed to become the Youth Theatre.
Maxine Jackson, who started out as a member in 2001, is now a session worker with the club.
She said: ³I love to see the little ones have fun.
³They have so much energy and are always running around, chasing each other and having a great time.² ³They love their tuck shop too.² Michelle Fenwick, 21, from Durham County Council, attended to present the children with a framed certificate for their Investing In Children status after they passed all their targets with flying colours.
Chairman Keith Jackson jokes that he was seconded into the group when they needed help with the technical side of things and is delighted that they have achieved Investing In Children.
He said: ³I love it I absolutely love it.
³Everything we do is for the children and to see them get their certificates is wonderful.
³If they didn¹t put their time and effort in and volunteer we couldn¹t really run this.² Also involved is Christina Jackson, who has been involved from the start and now sees her own grandchildren, Charlotte and James Shephard, enjoying a place in the Tiddly-peeps.
Their mother, Samantha, was one of the founders of the theatre so the club has unique third generation status too!
Now Willington Youth Theatre hold sessions every Monday and Thursday.
Tiddly-peeps are on from 5pm to 6pm and the older children have a session from 6pm to 8.30pm.