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Awards For A Theatre Trio
1 May 1974
Immanuel School, Bright Street, Burnley
Mr Eric Riley, chairman of Burnley Light Opera Society making the presentations to Miss Hilda Basnett and Mr Harry Wright.
From an article by Norman Powell:
Tributes were paid to three long-serving members of Burnley Light Opera Society on Wednesday, 1st May 1974, when members started rehearsals for their next show, "Can Can." Miss Hilda Basnett, Mr Harry Wright and Mrs Freda M. Ker have over 120 years' service to the amateur theatre between them. Mr ErIc Riley, chairman of the society, presented bars to long service medals to Miss Basnett and Mr Wright in recognition of 40 years' service to the Light Opera Society in particular. Mrs Freda M. Ker was to have been the third recipient of a similar award but she was indisposed and was unable to attend.
Miss Basnett has served the Light Opera Society both as a player and producer, being responsible for directing the last 12 productions. She has also served the amateur theatre in other spheres, and her production of "Merrie England" in Towneley Park will long be remembered. Mr Riley presented her with a reading lamp. Mr Harry Wright is a former player with both the Light Opera Society and the Garrick Theatre Club, but in recent years he has devoted his talents to administration and he has served as publicity officer, and as a member of the committee. Mrs Freda M. Ker has also been concerned with the many duties behind the scenes and she was the first secretary of the society. She has held various offices, notably in connection with the ladies' committee, and she has devoted a great deal of time to the Society.
The Light Opera Society has faced many problems in recent years, and the closure of the Empire Theatre was a severe blow, but the work and dedication of people like Miss Basnett, Harry Wright and Mrs Ker is not cast lightly aside, and in addition to bringing a lot of pleasure to many people, they have also assured the future of the amateur theatre. The society's next production is "Can Can" and people interested in taking part should attend Immanuel School on Wednesday evenings.
