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President’s Address Hi everyone, This will be my last front page for Hartwell Players as I step away from the President role at the AGM (this Sunday). Because this is my last opportunity, I thought I would free-range and reminisce on how I came to be at Hartwell. In July 1991 I arrived back in Burwood, (aged 24) to live with my parents after being in Adelaide and overseas during 1988 -1991. I really didn't know any one in Melbourne and I was really lonely. My parents had retired in my absence and I didn't want to become their hobby, so I had to do something! I had it in my head to go back to Japan by Christmas, so I just needed a stopgap. I saw an ad in the EG for auditions for Cinderella for Christmas (déjà vu?). I rang the number and got a very pommy accented director, Steve Gagen, on the line. I asked who was doing choreography for the show, he said no-one, I said I could do it, he replied “Well we'd better meet then 'cause auditions are on the weekend”. What would have happened if Steve had told me to rack off.... we never have needed a choreographer before... why should I get you involved? etc..... Met Steve. Warm welcome. Enthusiastic, friendly, already had some cast finalised. Auditions came and went, and at the first rehearsal I met Xavier (and didn't think too highly of him either!) Not too much later I met Colin through other Hartwell and Ravens Players types. Needless to say I chose to stay in Australia and at Hartwell, and it has been 99% a pleasure. The other 1% has been really stressful and hard work, but if you look at the amount of hours we put into Hartwell activities, that 1% is negligible and well worth it. Hartwell has been a home base for me, a recreational pastime with potential to be all consuming. 15 years later I feel certain that Hartwell owes me nothing... I have had from the company just as much as I have put in. It's been a great place for me. I hope I can keep contributing, but my dream for the company would be for a bunch of new people to put up their hands at the forthcoming AGM ~ and every AGM from now on ~ and say they want to be part of the core group of the company: the core group that make all these things happen for the members and the audiences. That would give a couple of us a break to recharge our batteries and perhaps come back fresh in a year of two, if we are needed.... Hope to see ALL of you at the AGM. In Hartwell style we will have our meeting and then enjoy a meal together. Bring your children, bring your meat and drinks, but leave your suits, ties and formalities behind. Bye for now Joanne
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