Grant award means roof repairs for Thame theatre

REPAIR work has now been completed on part of the roof at the Players Theatre in Thame, following the award of a £5,000 grant made by South Oxfordshire District Council earlier this year.

The grant was awarded to Thame Players Theatre Company, a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, as part of SODC’s Community Councillor Grant Scheme 2018/19, which allows each district councillor to award up to £5,000 for projects or services offering community benefits in their ward.

The grant, which was match-funded from Thame Players Theatre Company’s own resources, was necessary to repair the entire length of a flat section of roof, part of a 1980s extension made to the theatre, which had been requiring attention for some time. These essential repairs mean that the roof is now secure and there is no risk to passers-by beneath who are working or performing at the theatre. The completed work was inspected at the end of August by Councillor David Bretherton, Chair of South Oxfordshire District Council and also a Thame Town Councillor.

He commented: “It is very good to know that our grant scheme enables necessary practical work to be undertaken, improving the safety of members of our community and contributing to the future sustainability of community resources such as the Players Theatre, a valuable entertainment facility in the town. This is exactly the kind of project the scheme was designed to enable.”

Cllr Bretherton was taken up to the roof to inspect the work by Steve Lambell of Thame Players. Steve commented: “We’re delighted that the grant from South Oxfordshire District Council has enabled us to get this essential repair work done, ensuring the safety of those that work or perform in the space below, and removing concerns about the condition of the roof for the future. We look forward to maintaining our excellent relationship with the district council; they have assisted us with grant-funding on a number of previous occasions.”