News Update – February 2022
FINAL CALL for the CHARITY BALL
We’ve already sold over 140 tickets for the “annual” ball (that had a two year break) – max capacity is 200, and we need to confirm final numbers soon, so if you were meaning to book and haven’t still this is your final chance! Bookings will close on 14 February, or sooner if sold out. If we include the people that have already told us they plan on booking then that leaves just 3 tables available.
Tickets are £60 each, which includes a welcome drink, 3-course meal, half bottle of wine, and live music from Jackie Wilson Says. All the details can be found on the website at https://equalpeople.org.uk/ball and we’ve just uploaded venue photos to social media.
Sponsorship & Raffle Prizes
A huge thank you to those that have already offered raffle prizes or table sponsorship for the Ball too. We’re still looking for more though, so if you know any local businesses that might be able to donate a raffle prize or sponsor a table (£50) please do let me know.
MTC Show “Free” – 13-14 April
Mushroom Theatre Company are busy preparing for a show at Civic Theatre, Chelmsford in the Easter holidays. Over 120 students are taking part, and we’ll be there to support them whilst promoting the Charity. Parents have an opportunity to put a ‘good luck’ message in the programme and local businesses have also been invited to advertise in it also. All funds received from messages, adverts and programme sales are for the Charity.
We hope to see some of you there – further details will be sent out very soon.
Studio Hire
Did you know that our three studios are available for hire? We have had a number of dance and exercise groups hire them already, and have a well-known book publisher in for a photo shoot soon. They’ve also been used for business meetings, training events and parties. Speaking of parties, MTC are also relaunching their children’s party packages.
Studios 2 and 3 can be hired together for a larger rehearsal or performance space, but the studios are also available individually at £27.50 an hour. Contact us for more information.
Equal People Performing Arts & Mushroom Theatre Company
Just in case this is the first time you’ve heard from us as ‘the Charity’, Equal People Performing Arts was established in 2005, shortly after Penni had set up Mushroom Theatre Company (MTC), with the intention of promoting the benefits of the performing arts, alongside the aim of creating a fully inclusive Theatre Company for the community.
Whilst MTC sought to integrate children with special needs with able-bodied children in all their classes and performances, it was clear that a dedicated performance venue and space was needed in order to fully realise the potential.After 10 years of fundraising we were able to secure the building on Brook Road and continue to work closely with MTC as our ‘lead provider’ providing classes and activities to meet the Charity’s objectives.
There are several ways you can support the Charity if you want to….
Essex Lottery tickets are just £1 each and half of that comes directly to us. Enter before the end of October and you could will £1000 in John Lewis vouchers – that’s in addition to the weekly cash prizes of up to £25k.
If you’re shopping on Amazon, you can select us as your charity on Amazon Smile and we’ll receive a small amount from every purchase. It costs you nothing, but soon adds up.
Lastly, if you’re concerned about the changes in the energy market (or even if you’re not), or if your gas/electric provider is one that has gone out of business, I can help you move to another provider and give the commission that I would usually receive to the Charity. Additionally, if you were to change your energy, broadband and mobile they guarantee that you will save at least £50 a year. Get in touch if you want to know more.
Christmas Raffle
A huge THANK YOU to “Aunty Sue” who donated prizes for the Christmas Raffle, and to everyone who took part in it… helping us to raise over £400 for the Charity.
Thank You
As always, thank you for your ongoing support, directly and indirectly. If you want to know more about the work of the Charity at any time, have suggestions for fundraising or want to get more involved (we can but hope) then get in touch!
Steve Westrop MCIOF MBCS
Trustee | Fundraising | Web & IT
01268 929818 or 07550 089918