Severn Dean Lions have given £800 to Found in the Forest Youth Theatre in Cinderford.
The youth theatre is run by AIR in G (Arts in Rural Gloucestershire), the county's rural touring arts charity. It meets every Thursday in term time at The Wesley on Belle Vue Road. Juniors aged 8 to 12 meet from 4pm, and seniors aged 13 to 18 from 6pm.
Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced performers. Young people make shows, create characters, write scripts and learn to work together. There are places backstage and in the band too, not just on stage. A session costs £3, and the group helps families who can't afford it.
It has been a busy year. In March the seniors took part in the National Theatre's Connections festival. They performed at The Wesley, then on the stage of the Swan Theatre in Worcester. Last autumn the group joined a carnival parade in Newent, and at Christmas they put on Winter Tales, an afternoon of stories in Cinderford.
Our donation will help fund their work with children across the Forest.
"Drama gives young people confidence that lasts a lifetime, and Found in the Forest gives Cinderford's children that chance for just £3 a week," said Brian Willows, Treasurer of Severn Dean Lions. "We're delighted to help."
Does your child want to join? Contact Abi Harmer, the Youth Theatre Director, at youththeatre@airing.co.uk, or find out more on the Found in the Forest page.
The money comes from what you give at our Bonfire & Fireworks, the Wild Boar Chase, Santa Sleigh and coffee mornings. Thank you. Every pound raised in the Forest is spent in the Forest.
Source and photos: airing.co.uk.