John Taylor Award
Each year we choose a member of the society to receive the John Taylor Award for outstanding commitment to the society during the year. The award has been dedicated to the memory of John Taylor, a long-standing member who died very suddenly two weeks after his excellent performance in ‘Heroes’ (photo) at the end of November 2010.
Jo Webster designed and made a beautiful ceramic mosaic in John’s memory and this is given to the member who wins the award to enjoy for the year. Currently, four members are nominated by the committee, which are then put out for a vote by the members.
| 2011 | Denise Monk | for her dedication over many years to front of house on the ticket desk. |
| 2012 | Debbie Lock | for all her hard work during the panto, Best of British, Canada exchange, and future planning. |
| 2013 | Jeni Summerfield | for making professional standard costumes for every show, and her work for the committee. |
| 2014 | Jo Webster | for always being called upon as set designer, fantastic director and accomplished actress. |
| 2015 | Peter Webster | for writing and directing our award-winning pantos, creative set building and acting. |
| 2016 | Gary Bates | for all his work with sound and lighting which adds so much to each production. Acting too. |
| 2017 | Carolyn Taylor | for directing and devising original productions, never flinches from a challenge, versatile actor. |
| 2018 | Gary Bates | for all his work with slide shows and sound effects and upgrading our equipment. |
| 2019 | Debbie Lock | for directing an award winning one act play ‘Shakers’ and for many other productions. |
| 2020-22 | the COVID pandemic kind of upset things. | |
| 2023 | Gary Field | for seeing the society through the pandemic and staying in as chairman for several extra years. |
| 2024 | Bex Hutchings | for writing and directing the pantomime then going straight into the main part in Enchanted April. |
| 2025 | Shela Rowan | for long service as an excellent front of house manager and becoming the society’s treasurer. |
| 2026 | Heather Kent | for writing and directing ‘Over by Christmas’ and always being an amazing support to the young people in the society. |
2016 Gary Bates receiving the award from Peter Webster, the previous year’s winner. Presented at the Christmas dinner.
2018 Gary Bates (again!) receiving the award from Carolyn, the previous year’s winner.
2019 Debbie Lock receiving the award from Gary Bates, the previous year’s winner.
2023 Gary Field receiving the award from Debbie Lock, the previous winner in 2019.
2024 Bex receiving the award from Gary Field, the previous year’s winner.
2026 Heather Kent receiving the award from Shela Rowan, the winner last year.
