First sod turns in a New Era for the Wash Common theatre
Following two year’s fundraising, Newbury mayor and mayoress, Anthony Pick and Catherine Kent, took part in the ceremonial turning of the first sod.
In 2012 planning permission was granted for an extension to the New Era Theatre, which will provide a foyer, improved toilet facilities, easier access and extra backstage space.
The estimated cost was £110,000.
Since then, the fundraising has been completed for the 50-seater Andover Road theatre and the building works have now started.
£50,000 came from Greenham Common Trust, £15,000 was raised from a variety of events held by theatre members and the rest came from various grants.
Representatives of Newbury Town Council, Greenham Common Trust and The Colefax Trust, which have been major contributors to the scheme, were all present at the event.
The Rev Paul Cowan, from St George’s Church, was also present as the church leases the theatre to the players.
Building work will continue into the spring but will not interrupt New Era’s busy schedule. The amateur theatre group will be mounting a community production of The Passion, from the medieval cycle of mystery plays, in conjunction with St George’s and St John’s churches, in the last week of March, at St John’s Church, St John’s Road, Newbury.
New Era Players have been entertaining local audiences since 1978.