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Home My WebLink AboutTimes Advocate, 1989-03-01, Page 9Times -Advocate, March 1, 1989 Page 9 Blyth Festival gets 5900,000 grant to revitalize theatre BLYTH - The Blyth Centre for the Arts Thursday received key fi• - nancial support for the renovation and expansion of its facilities when Culture and Communications Min- ister Lily Oddie Munro announced a Cultural Facilities Improvement brant of $900,000. At the Blyth Memorial Hall with the Culture Minister,' the Honoura- ble Jack Riddell said "Major reno- vation is planned for the perform- ing, technical and administrative facilities used by the Blyth Festi- val, the outstanding summer thea- tre festival whichis the arts cen- tre's major activity." Riddell continued, This expan- sion is extremely important to the future of the Blyth Festival as it will allow this unique institution to continue to grow and prosper. I can't think of one cultural or artist group in Ontario that de- serves this type of provincial -sup- port more than the Festival." Since its inception in 1975, the Blyth Festival has enjoyed a unique place among Ontario theatres for its steadfast 'support of and interest in new Canadian plays. In particu- lar, the festival's New Play Devel- opment program has resulted in the commissioning of a number of new works for Blyth productions. The quality of theatrical produc- tion attracts thousands of tourists to Blyth each year, benefitting the local economy significantly. The Blyth community continues to make outstanding contributions to the festival, in volunteer and fund- ing efforts. "I am pleased'that my ministry is. working in partnership with the Blyth community to support this important Canadian cultural insti- tution," said Munro. Monro noted that this grant an- nouncement, made during Ontario Heritage Week, is particularly timely. "Productions at Blyth fre- quently deal with life in rural Onta- rio. This sensitivity to the issues and -concerns of people living in farms and in smaller -communities is, in some way, a response to the remarkable community and region- al support given to the festival. The Blyth Festival is a success sto- • ry. from start to finish." ' - The organization currently oper- ates out of three facilities: Blyth Memorial Hall, containing the au- ditorium, box office and art gallery and the adjacent former bank build- ing in which the administrative of- fices are housed; a converted garage located on Dinslev Street which serves as the rehearsal space; a sec- ond -floor workshop area above the municipal offices for props, scenery and wardrobe. Renovations include . improvers heating, ventilation, air- conditioning and power supply. Up- grading all the facilities will allow Blyth FLstival staff to work more efficiently and effectively. "The expansion and improvement of these facilities will benefit every member and 'organization in the community. Theatres across the province will also be assured that Blyth's support services for the con- tinued development of original Ca- nadian writing will be enhanced," she added "We're pleased to be able to cele- brate Heritage Week in this man- ner", says Artistic Director Kathe- rine Kaszas. "It's•testament to this government's commitment to cultu- ral heritage that they have chosen to support this project" Just 68 years ago this fine com- munity hall - built entirely by vol- unteer donations, was officially opened by the Minister of Agricul- ture atthetime. We're very proud of the outstanding support by the Hon. Jack Riddell, our current Min- • ister of Agriculture and our MPP who is here today at this special oc- casion. Built in 1920 by the joint efforts of the residents of Blyth and the Townships of East Wawanosh, Moms and Hullctt, Blyth Memorial Hall commemorates those who fought in World War I and World War II. Rather than a stone monu- ment -honouring our veterans, our living Memorial Hall in BI th Festival grant - Ontario's Culture Minister Lily Munro was in Blyth, Thursday to announce a $900,000 grant to the Blyth Festival. She -is shown at the left with Festival past president Marion Doucette, MPP Jack Riddell and Festival treasurer Don McCaffrey. r,c►t'`ti�t /— NOTICE TO USBORNE TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS SESQUICENTENNIAL SLOGAN CONTEST All Usborne Township residents are invited to submit a brief slo- gan that can be used to advertise and promote the municipali- ty's upcoming 150th Anniversary in 1992. A prize of $150.00 will be awarded to the successful entrant. Deadline for submission is May 31, 1989. Please include your name, address and phone number and forward slogan to San- dra Strang, Clerk, Township of Usborne, P.O. Box 1420, Exet- er, Ontario NOM 1S0 MONT n8 iiOpen Saturday. r 7 days a week t , 238-2818 10-5 4 March 4 March 11/4 miles south of Grand Bend on Highway 21 1.-_-w,f.Mll_.riw- . a, i.� ': "' - • serves as a wonderful reminder of our community history. In its early years, the Hall stage was used for vaudeville shows, con- certs, dramas, and community mu- sicals while thebasement of the Hall was used as a community cen- ytre with village groups holding meetings, suppers, wedding recep- 'tions .and dances. War veteran and Festival Honour- ary Board member, Russ Wilson fondly recalls that day when the cor- nerstone of the hall was laid. In fact, the theatre seats in Blyth Me- morialJ-fall were purchased from the Grand Theatre in London in the twenties along with furnishings and a stage curtain. One of Blyth's oldest residents, Wilson remembers those fine per- formances at the Grand Theatre and the many exciting events that hap- pened on the Blyth stage. Today, this excellent facility continues to be a bustling cultural community centre. During the summer months over 43,000 people travel to Blyth to enjoy outstanding Canadian plays. This year marks the 15th an- niversary of the Blyth Festival. The Capital Campaign underway at the Blyth Festival tis raised 51.6 million to date. "But the campaign Usborne & Hibbert Mutual Fire Insurance Company Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S0 (Established in 1876) _ Provides Full Insurance Coverage for Farm Properties New Applications are - Welcomed DIRECTORS & ADJUSTERS Jack Harrigan RR 3 Lucan 227-4305 Larry Gardner, RR2, Staffa 345-2678 Lloyd Morrison, RR1 St. Marys229-8277 Lorne Feeney, RR2, Dublin - 345-2543 Jack Hodgert, RR1, Kirktort. 229-6152 Joseph Chaffe, RR5 Mitchell 348-9705 AGENTS Ross Hodgert, Woodham 229-6643 John Moore, Dublin - 345-2512 Joseph Uniac, Mitchell- 348-9012 Head Offici), Exeter - 235-0350 A. refund from surplus was declared for all policy hold- ers who qualify, are on record, and In good standing as at December 31, 1988 is far from over" says Lynda Lentz, Project Coordinator. "We have a great deal more money to raise to complete the full capital project and these are the hardest donations 10 se"- cure. e=cure. We si • ply do not have easy access to the wide range of financial resources available to larger urban centres. We are, therefore, doubly appreciative of the Ontario go4em- ment's support for this rural com- munity facility." View Blyth plans - Blyth Festival past president Marion Doucette, -London Free Press theatre critic Doug Bale, Culture Minister Lily Munro and Festival treasurer Don McCaffrey check over renovation plans. Fitness Centre 1/2 Price Special BRING A FRIEND NO PAIN NO SWEAT EXERCISE Trimline 2000 toning tables offer you a painless way to lose inches and firm muscles in an amazingly short period of time. Using the principles of both isometric and isotonic exercise, toning tables work gently and safely to tone you up and slim you down. And combined with our computer- ized diet program, weight loss is assured too. It works! Come in and see for yourself! 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