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Village Squire, 1975-04, Page 29...•..•.••••..••••• That's Entertainment ••••••• • • • • • • • • • •• .•••••••• Stratford rehearsals are a sure sign of spring As if the longer days and the appearance of the first robin aren't enough promise, how could one fail to realize how soon the warm lazy days will be with us when they see that the company of the Stratford Festival has gone into rehearsals for the coming season. The cast met to begin rehearsals on March 17. One of the most anticipated productions will be the Stratford production of George Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan which will star Stratford veteran Pat Galloway. For Miss Galloway it's the second time around for the part, having played it in 1960 while she was with the Canadian Players. She feels she'll be able to bring more to the part now, however, with the maturty and experience she has gained since the first attempt. The Festival also made big news when artistic director Robin Phillips announced the Signing of Maggie Smith for the 1976 season. Miss Smith is one of the most respected stage actresses in the world right now and local audiences will be able to see her right in their own backyard. She visited Stratford for the first time during her recent tour of North America with Private Lives. Not only will Miss Smith bring a big boxoffice boost to the Festival, but she should help some of the excellent actors of the company get international attention because so much attention will be focused on the Festival during her stay. CRAFT GUILD FORMED Craftsmen of the Perth and Wellington county areas near Palmerston have taken a step to help themselves with the formation of the craft guild. The organization is called the Red Caboose Arts and Crafts Guild and is centered in Palmerston, the former centre of railway operations for the area. Mrs. Elizabeth Audet of Palmerston, the president of the new group, says the $10.00 membership will entitle members of the families to a reduced rate for craft classes and a lower rate on goods consigned to the guild for sale. Sounds like amove that other crafters in the area could benefit by imitating. GALLERY/STRATFORD ASKS CITY'S AID Some time this month the Stratford City Council will rule on whether or not to give a requested $12,500 grant to the Gallery/Stratford to help it keep going. The Gallery has been in financial need since Rothman's of Pall Mall decided to drop its support of the gallery, formerly called Rothman's Gallery. It had provided $100,000 per year to the gallery's $130,000 budget. The Stratford Art Association, which runs the gallery has already pared the budget for 1975 to $100,000 by reducing staff. Rothmans is still giving $30,000 for 1975 but has not promised aid for 1976. The national museum committee and the Ontario Arts Council have promised aid but Association President John Lawson argued that city council had to show at least token interest before the Association could try to raise funds from other sources. This interest would be in the form of $12,500 for 1975 and $25,000 for 1976. If help doesn't arrive, he said, the gallery could see a S22,000 deficit this year and as high at 3100,000 in 1976 The Association. which has 493 members (up 100 past year), contributes 320,000 toward the running of the gallery through sale of catalogues, „ „ I membership fees and fund-raising activities. You'll never look or feel cooler than in this Langholm lightweight in soft green with southern lime accent. A thick -and -thin yarn adds subtle dimension in colour and texture. Unique! Look at the pocket flaps - deep, but very neat. The ever -so -slightly flared cuff, and the summer pearl buttons...nice. Look around, there's not another like it. PHONE 271-2741 BRITISH WOOLLENS 131 - 135 ONTARIO ST. PROUT & LAMONT LTD. STRATFORD AND GRAND BEND, CANADA VILLAGE SQUIRE/APRIL 1975, 27