An amateur theatre group has secured much-needed funding, from a regional house builder, to help cover its costs after being impacted by Covid-19.
Fleckney Duckpond Players has been awarded £1,000 by Persimmon Homes North Midlands as part of its Community Champions initiative.
The match-funding initiative seeks to support grassroots groups and charities in areas where the company is building, donating up to £2,000 every month across the region.
The theatre group, whose two annual productions fund performances, has been left with considerable costs for rehearsals, scripts and licensing after its annual productions were cancelled due to Covid-19.
Bet Haggerty, from the group, said: “All theatres in the UK are currently struggling, and amateur groups are really feeling the impact. So, we were delighted to hear that we had been successful in our application to the Persimmon Homes Community Champions initiative.
“Our members range from aged seven to 74 and we have been performing for more than 22 years. Any money we can now raise will ensure that we can return to normal activities once Covid-19 enables us to do so and keep up with the hire costs of our venue.”
Nadine O’Dowd, sales director for Persimmon Homes North Midlands, said: “It is always wonderful to see different generations together to celebrate the arts, and local amateur theatre groups provide a wonderful community to just that.
“We’re delighted to be able to support Fleckney Duckpond Players and hope it will be curtains up for their performances soon.
“If people were unsuccessful in their Community Champions application, we urge them to visit the Persimmon Homes website and to try again, hopefully they will be our next recipient.”
Persimmon Homes North Midlands makes two donations of up to £1,000 every month. The online application form can be found at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity