A TEESDALE theatre group that puts the emphasis on fun and community spirit has paid homage to members past, present and future.
A commemorative plaque has been erected on a beech tree by Teesdale Players, who are known for not taking themselves too seriously but still putting on a fine show and raising cash for community causes in the process.
The idea came about to remember a villager who died recently and grew from there.
The plaque has been pinned to the fence around a tree that has been planted to replace one brought down by Storm Desmond in 2015.
Wayne Mann, from the Cotherstone-based group, said: “We decided to do something to mark everything Teesdale Players do for the Teesdale community.
“We’ve got two aims – to have a good time and help good causes.
“We have members aged eight to 80. The audience get a lot of pleasure because it’s by the community for the community.”
The theatre group grew from the ashes of the well-known Mad Mads drama group in the 1980s.
Long serving member Stephen Lamb said Teesdale Players productions have raised tens of thousands of pounds over that time.
“I took part in my first production when I was 21 in 1985.
“It’s just about having fun,” he said.
Members work closely with the Teesdale Branch of Cancer Research UK, whose members provide refreshments at the productions.
The Teesdale Players stage two big fundraisers every year – a murder mystery night and a pantomime. Much of the amusement comes from residents seeing friends and neighbours in garish costumes but members have also picked up an acting skill or two.
The many groups and organisations to have benefited include Cotherstone pre-school, the village hall and the Great North Air Ambulance Service. The plaque was erected on a sapling planted by the Trees for Cotherstone Group on land owned by Mr Lamb. It has the message: “He who laughs, lasts.”
