Heywood Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society make 'sound' investment

Robert Whyborn from The Co-operative’s Greater Manchester North Area Committee with Nicola Bracewell, Steven Cheeseman, Alison Knowles, Helen Greenway

Heywood Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society made a 'sound' investment after receiving a welcome boost of £2,000 from Co-operative members in the area.

The society, which formed in 1930 and operates an adult section and, a junior section called “Hey Kids”, will use the donation to purchase microphones and sound equipment, which will be used during its next show, 'Little Shop of Horrors', which opens at the Heywood Civic Centre on 11 March.

The money came from The Co-operative Membership Community Fund, which is distributed to support local good causes.

John Weetman, a member of Heywood Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society who applied to The Co-operative’s Community Fund, said: “We are delighted with the support from The Co-operative, it provides a big boost to our fundraising work which we need to do in order to continue to offer local people, aged from eight to over 80, the chance to take part and come together through an enjoyment of theatre, acting and music.

“By upgrading our sound equipment it reduces the amount of equipment we need to hire when putting on shows, helping us to not only enhance performances but to keep ongoing costs involved in staging shows down too.”

Helen Steel, The Co-operative’s Membership Officer for the area, said: “Supporting local communities has been an inherent part of The Co-operative’s values and principles since the very beginning of the Co-operative movement. We are particularly proud of the community fund, as it demonstrates how our members can make a real difference in their local area.”

Community Fund application forms are available online at www.co-operative.coop/communityfund or by phoning 0844 262 4001.

Awards are allocated by local Co-operative members’ committees, based on a set of values and principles such as social responsibility, concern for community and, caring for others.

Tickets are on sale now for the “Little Shop of Horrors” which runs from 11-15 March. For more information visit www.heywoodaods.co.uk