Letter: 'Invokes special memories for the Chesil Theatre'

It was in 1957 that Barbara was instrumental in the establishment of what is now the City of Winchester Trust, one of whose immediate aims was to save the church of St Peter Chesil as a community asset. 

The success of their efforts is recognised by the use of an image of the church as the trust’s logo. The former church became the home of the Winchester Dramatic Society in 1962 and, after more than three years of work on the building it was formally opened as a theatre in 1966. As the then Mayor of Winchester, Barbara very kindly, and appropriately, performed the opening ceremony wearing her chain of office. In the traditional manner she beat three times on the stage with a staff. She then accepted an invitation to become the first President of the Dramatic Society, a role which I now proudly fill. 

Barbara served as president until her death and always attended and took the chair at annual general meetings as well as giving sound and welcome advice on the maintenance of the heritage of the building. 

After 60 years of caring for the building, the Chesil Theatre now enters a new era, with a proposed annexe to enable it to offer more to the community. We remember Barbara’s contribution to our successful operation of the building as a theatre and community resource, fondly and with thankfulness.
 
Tom Williams,
President,
Chesil Theatre,
Chesil Street,
Winchester

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