'The arts are vital for our communities' say MPs in the House of Commons as they congratulate Bolsover Drama Group on 40th anniversary

Politicians in the House of Commons have congratulated Bolsover Drama Group on reaching its 40th anniversary.
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Mark Fletcher, MP for Bolsover, told the House yesterday (Thursday): “This weekend Bolsover Drama Group will be hosting a celebration and a performance to celebrate their 40th anniversary. They give a huge amount to the community and they particularly give opportunities to young people.

“In congratulating Mick Whitehouse and Chris Peck and all the members of this group on this landmark celebration, can I ask the Leader of the House for a debate in Government time on the importance in which the arts play in local communities?”

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Mark Spencer, Leader of the House and MP for Sherwood, said: “Congratulations to Bolsover Drama Group on its 40th anniversary. It really is a fantastic landmark to have reached and I'm sure that would not have been possible without the hard work of so many people including Mick Whitehouse and Chris Peck. The arts play a vital role in bringing our local communities together especially since the pandemic. In terms of a debate I'd encourage him to apply for a Westminster Hall debate.”

Members of Bolsover Drama Group, with Mick Whitehouse (front row, left) and Chris Peck (front row, right) celebrate its 40th anniversary with a songs from the shows concert this weekend.Members of Bolsover Drama Group, with Mick Whitehouse (front row, left) and Chris Peck (front row, right) celebrate its 40th anniversary with a songs from the shows concert this weekend.
Members of Bolsover Drama Group, with Mick Whitehouse (front row, left) and Chris Peck (front row, right) celebrate its 40th anniversary with a songs from the shows concert this weekend.

Mick Whitehouse, chairman of Bolsover Drama Group, said: “Chris and I thank Mark Fletcher MP for his kind words. The group has come a long way in forty years, we now produce six shows a year and while the COVID lockdowns were challenging through technology we continued to meet every week and came out stronger through that. Chris and I thank our ten-strong management committee and 70 plus members for their enthusiasm and commitment to Bolsover Drama Group.”

The drama group will celebrate its milestone anniversary with a show entitled Raise Your Voice featuring songs from the shows that members have performed during the past 40 years.

Raise Your Voice takes place at the town’s Assembly Rooms tonight (Friday, March 25) and tomorrow with performances nightly at 7.15pm and a Saturday matinee at 2pm.

Proceeds from ticket sales will aid the Freedom Project.

Tickets £5, go to www.bolsoverdramagroup.org