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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-12-08, Page 23THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016. PAGE 23. Entertainment & Leisure Lamb hired as Festival's Dir. of Development Welcome Jennifer Lamb will serve as the Blyth Festival's new Director of Development, which means she'll be in charge of procuring fundraising and partners for the Festival going forward. She comes to Blyth by way of Stratford and a life- long career in theatre. (Shawn Loughlin photo) By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen For the first time in over 10 years, the Blyth Festival now has a full- time Director of Development to help with fundraising. Jennifer Lamb of Stratford began her time with the Blyth Festival last week as part of a personnel shift at Memorial Hall that will see both Lamb and incoming General Manager Rachael King start at the Festival within the next month. It has been some time since the Festival has employed a full-time Director of Development, Lamb says, dating back well over 10 years. Lamb will work with potential sponsors both close to home and further afield, as well as securing grants and ensuring that the Festival's financials stay in good shape. Lamb has been around the world and back before making her way to the Blyth Festival, spending time in Toronto, Stratford, China and England before coming back to Ontario and returning to Stratford and then eventually taking a job with the Blyth Festival. The theatre was ingrained in Lamb's life very early on, growing up near the Stratford Festival. Lamb worked as an usher at the Stratford Festival when she was younger before studying English Literature at the University of Waterloo. After she graduated university, Lamb began her time with the Stratford Festival with a four-month internship that eventually translated into full-time employment with the festival, the largest repertory theatre in North America. Lamb began working in the Stratford Festival's marketing and promotions department, eventually shifting to a Toronto-based office. Lamb was the Festival's Toronto events manager, specifically charged with organizing the Festival's annual Toronto fundraiser called the Stratford Express. From there, Lamb worked for Stratford Summer Music, followed by an international move to China and then to England for five and a half years when her husband Simon Marsden took on the position of Head of Production with the Royal Shakespeare Company. While in England, Lamb took on a position with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and then the Royal Shakespeare Company as its first U.S. Development Manager. Lamb returned to Canada last year and wanted to spend time resettling her family before re-entering the work force. When she was first contacted about coming to the Blyth Festival to be its Director of Development, she didn't feel she was quite ready, but when those at the Festival got in touch with her again earlier this year ahead of f ice— 411J = PARK THEATRE q �" 30 The Square � �•MIRE— GODERICH 519 524 7811 FOR MOVIE INFORMATION... www.movielinks.ca long distance?1 -800-265-3438 posting the job again, she decided it was time to take the job. Lamb looks forward to learning more about the community and meeting its supporters and partners in the coming months in hopes of doing all she can to help the Festival going into its 2017 season. While Lamb says she hasn't attended many Festival plays over the years, she has been to Blyth and has seen plays years ago. Coming from Stratford, however, she knows of the Blyth Festival's "rich history" and great reputation throughout the world of Canadian theatre. Because the Festival focuses on presenting new Canadian creations, she says she's happy to be a part of such a unique organization. After some time away from Canada and with the country's sesquicentennial coming next year, Lamb feels there is a renewed sense of patriotism and the Festival fits perfectly with those feelings. For more information on the Festival's 2017 season, visit The Citizen's website and read the Nov. 17 story on the season or visit the Festival's website at blythfestival.com. Letter to the Editor 161st anniversary a success THE EDITOR, The recent 161st Battalion Anniversary would next have been possible without everyone who helped out, supported and participated in one of the events that took place this fall to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the deployment of the 161st Battalion and the remembrance of all those who served in the First World War from Huron County. Over 100 community volunteers produced and installed 551 ceramic poppies. That project would not have happened without their dedication and commitment. Thanks to Shelly Johnston, the GDCI Jazz Band, Mary Smith, Duncan McGregor, Allan Livingstone, Hunter McCullagh and Bev Dietrich for joining us on Sept. 22 for the dedication ceremony of the poppies. The participation of the Laketown Band, Seaforth Girls Marching Band, Celtic Blue Highlanders, Clinton Legion Pipes and Drums Band, Brussels Legion Pipe Band, Exeter Cadet Corps and members of the Great War Society in the Victory Parade on October 8 in Goderich really made the event special. The Women's Auxiliary of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109, Goderich took on the task of re- creating a menu from 100 years ago for the Descendants' Dinner and thanks also to thatotherchoir and Seaforth Harmony Kings for providing entertainment at this event. The Huron County Museum staff hosted the Speaker's Series which included notable talks about World War I and Huron County's role in the war by Norm Christie, Andy Robertshaw, Jim Rutledge, Jeanette Elliott and David Yates. Finally, thank you to the clergy of Trivitt Memorial Church in Exeter and the members of several local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion for participating in the Remembrance Service and re- dedication of the 161st Battalion Colours on Oct. 30. The project was sponsored by the Huron Arts and Heritage Network, the County of Huron and the Department of Canadian Heritage. Our committee set out with a goal to mark this meaningful anniversary and honour and remember all those that served in the First World War from Huron County and we feel that we accomplished that goal with your help and support. Many thanks! Members of the 161st Anniversary Committee are: Claire Carter, Tim Gillies, Ron Helm, Wanda Keith, Jenna Liefso, Ruth Anne Merner, Yvonne Reynolds, Pat Rowe, Rick Sickinger, Bonnie Sitter, Deb Sholdice, Alma Westlake, Joe Wooden and David Yates. Sincerely, Rick Sickinger Cultural Development Officer, County of Huron. Learn the B(yth East Side Dance 273 Hamilton St., Blyth • 519-523-4590 Visit us on Facebook gtetp, ceeelvcate the aperuru�. of occvc new. J3ec�.tPe. &catian Thursday, December 15