Many years of service were recently rewarded when Highlands Theatre Group (HTG) inducted its first 11 life members.
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HTG president Steve Cheers said while updating the group's constitution, he noticed the existing one had provisions in it for life members.
He put the idea to the committee that they induct life members, which was well supported.
Looking back at the many people who had been involved with HTG, they came up with 10 life members and one posthumous life membership.
Close to 50 members gathered to celebrate the occasion earlier this month and congratulate Ossie Bruckard, Jim Cheesley, Mark Davidson, Roma Dix, Anne Robinson, Barbara Handley, Barbara Collins, Darrell Hope, Jill Hope, Ron Russell and Mike Butcher OAM, (whose award was accepted by April Butcher) on their achievements.
Life memberships went to people who had done 25 shows or more with HTG or been involved with the group for 20 years or more.
"These are the people who have been the constant through the last 20-25 years who have seen the group through all its different phases," Mr Cheers said.
"They were primarily people who work behind the scenes in production, costuming, directing and admin."
Mr Cheers thanked those who attended and councillor Garry Turland who presented the awards and updated them on the refurbishment of Mittagong Playhouse.
He said they would look to hold a reunion event next year where they would present awards for people who had reached milestone years of service with HTG.
Named to encompass the entire Southern Highlands region, the 'Highlands Theatre Group' was formed in 1986.
Much time has been spent over the past 12 months documenting HTG's history - researching, locating and recording information.
This has been possible due to the help of many members current and past, far and wide.
Highlands Theatre Group now has the programs for 76 of its past 78 productions, including photos and flyers, newspaper adverts and memorabilia, all saved electronically for the future.
They are currently focused on researching the commencement of amateur dramatics in the Mittagong area, HTG's forebears, and have discovered that the Mittagong Amateur Dramatic Club was established in April 1885, and continued through into the 1950s.
Progressive reincarnations where core members kept the torch burning are now filling the gaps like puzzle pieces gradually revealing the 'big picture - 'Mittagong Amateur Dramatic Society', 'Mittagong Repertory Company' and 'The Company' have all played their part in this story.
Anyone who has any information or items which could be of assistance, are encouraged to get in touch with HTG at archives@htg.org.au.
Highlands Theatre Group has also announced its first show for 2021 - NUNSENSE!
The show will open on Friday, March 5, 2021 at Bowral High School, for three weeks and will be HTG's 79th local production.
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