Four Horbury residents have been recognised by the Rotary Club of Horbury and Ossett Phoenix for their long term commitment and contribution to local community life. All four were invited for a meal at the Rotary Club meeting where they were each presented with a framed certificate, trophy, and a celebratory bottle of wine, as a memento of their evening and acknowledging all they have done.
Wendie and David Wilby in recognition of their unstinting and selfless work for over 20 years with Horbury Pageant Players, and providing development opportunities to many people in our community.
Wendie and David had experienced life on stage in Ossett, Wendie in amateur dramatics and David as a choir member. 22 years ago the Horbury amateur theatre group, Horbury Pageant Players, asked Wendie to stand in at short notice after one of the cast had to drop out due to illness two weeks before a show. She soon learned the script and the show went on to be a great success.
Further acting parts followed before she changed role and became that of Producer/Director which involved sourcing the script, and organising auditions and rehearsals many months before the curtain goes up, and most importantly, directing the cast and crew. Up until a few years ago the group would present the pantomime in February plus a musical review in the summer, quite a commitment. All this wouldn’t have been possible without the help and dedication of countless other volunteers over the years.
Husband David, being a loyal supporter, soon found that his joinery skills were required, making scenery and props, having learned how things worked back stage, he gradually moved into the difficult co-ordinating role of Stage Manager.
Over the twenty two years that Wendie and David had been involved with the Horbury Pageant Players, hundreds of people from the local community, from the very young to the more mature, have been on stage, gaining experiences which have boosted their confidence and skills for life. A few have gone on to study at RADA in London.
Having retired from the stage in 2018 Wendie and David were able to relax by attending the opening night of the 2019 pantomime. When presented with their award they modestly pointed out that the Pageant Players Group could not present the productions it has over its 72 year existence without the help of countless volunteers, players and of course public support.
Horbury Pageant Players 