Following an Extra Ordinary Meeting this evening of Parents and ‘Friends’ I am writing to give you some important information about the future of Shining Lights Young Performers.

When the group was started by Katie six years ago, Shining Lights put on two shows of around an hour each year, in the church, watched by around seventy people each night .

Now, we are at the stage where we are putting on two, two hour shows for nearly three hundred people in an outside venue, in the same amount of rehearsal time!

Unfortunately, to maintain the high standards for which we have become famous, has become a full time job for many of us. It is not unusual for some staff members to put in over 20 hours a week to Shining Lights, which, on top of work and family life, is unworkable. Several staff have also indicated that they would like to reduce their involvement due to other commitments.

After discussion with the staff, it is therefore with deep regret that I am announcing that Shining Lights Young Performers will not be continuing next year.

After setting up the group, and working tirelessly to make it the undoubted success it is today, Katie has decided to step down as Musical Director at the end of this year. After five years with the group, I have also decided that I would like to step down as Director. Other members of staff have also expressed an interest that they would like to reduce their involvement due to other commitments, along with Eileen, who is no longer able to commit the time required to making costumes. Can I say at this point that there has been no ‘falling out’ amongst the staff or any behind the scenes problems.

We fully understand that this will come as a massive blow to many of the children, and to the wider community. However, we honestly believe that it is better to go out on a high, than to attempt to soldier on without the expertise required to live up to the high standards our children and audiences expect. [To some degree, we have become a victim of our own success!]

At the meeting Katie explained in detail her reasons for leaving, namely, that since the time, effort and commitment needed to ensure the present high standard was no longer available, she was not prepared to compromise the work put in by so many over the last six years and allow the group to become a shadow of its former self.

Please be assured that this is not a decision that we have come to lightly. I know that all the staff feel an enormous responsibility to the children who have given so much to this group, and who have a huge amount of collective talent. Discussions have taken place amongst the staff as to how we ensure that each and every child is catered for once Shining Lights ends.

It is with this in mind that I would like to announce that in conjunction with local amateur dramatic group The Aylsham Players, I intend to put on a production of the musical ‘Oliver’ next April, in which every Shining Lights child will be welcome to play a part if they would like to continue their interest in performing.

If, in the meantime there is anyone interested in forming and running a new and different performing arts group [not under the name of Shining Lights] practical advice and some assistance would be available from staff members. Please contact me or any staff member if you are at all interested.

As yet, there are many things that still need to be finalised with regard to leftover monies and assets. However, please be assured that this will be dealt with in an open and transparent manner, and that we will be ensuring that any money that we are left with will be donated wisely, to non-profit making causes that we feel are in keeping with the Shining Lights ethos.

Please also be assured that the rest of this term will continue as usual, with a fabulous weekend of Westend Experience to look forward to [Booking Forms for the Workshop Performance enclosed] and a short ‘Best of Shining Lights’ Concert & Presentation Evening at the end of term to ensure we go out with a bang!

If you have any questions regarding this very serious decision do please feel free to contact me or any other member of staff.

Finally, on behalf of all the staff, past and present, may I thank you personally for all your help and support over the past few years which has helped us to create a truly unique and special experience for many incredibly talented children.

Shining Lights Young Performers are an Aylsham-based community group, run

by volunteers offering free music and drama training to children aged 7 – 11.

Contact Jo Chandler on 07867 790073 OR visit our website at www.shininglightsyoungperformers.com