Have just been trying to suss out my nearest Local branch, and realise there's nothing really between Devon, Cardiff and Brighton, leaving a big Wessex shaped hole. There is a Variety branch, which I'm going to sign up to, but no General branch, which caters more to actors.
I've been speaking to John Ainslie, who's the administrator for the South-East, and he has said that all it takes to set up a new branch are enough people in the area who would be interested in joining.
So whether you're already an Equity member, but with no local group to go along, socialise, or take an interest in, or whether you live in the region and would like to join the Union for its other benefits and would also value a regular 'get-together' of like minded folk in your area - speak up now!
If there is a decent amount of interest from this post, I will also start contacting local theatres and theatre companies to see how many people we can get on board and get the ball rolling.
Fantastic idea, Kate! The Devon and Cornwall Branch is, as you say, predominantly a Variety Branch which has to serve both disciplines. Although it is quite succesful they have to meet in awkward areas for you!
I think that it would be a great help to all actors, stage managers, dancers et al to get involved.
Yorkshire Ridings Branch will give you any help you need to template our ideas for future development. We are in a similar position as you: a wide distance between members making it often difficult to get to the 'extremities of your Area. But we still get massive support from our members!
Good luck!
Alan
I hope you get lots of interest. As I really value my branch in Birmingham and we have helped to make lots of little changes for the better in the Midlands.
I was one of the founder members of my branch and we started off with 30 interested people and now we have 400 people on the mailing list. There are many more Equity members than that based in the Midlands so hopefully we will continue to grow.
Anyway if I can give you any help and advice please do not hesitate to ask.
Wishing you lots and lots of luck with your potential new General Branch.
Cheers
TRACEY
Thanks Tracy! If we get enough interest I'm sure the advice and experience of folk like you and Alan who've already gone through the process will be invaluable!
I've been very lucky. My Branch was one of the first to be estab;lished outside of London. Our first Chair was Freddie Pyne who went on to be President of the Union and vice chair was Jean Rogers who is presently Vice President.
So we have a long standing relationship in Yorkshire with Equity and are a very forward thinking Branch.
We like to see what the provinces say and do affecting the development of our everyday working lives.
But it is only with Branch support that Equity can learn and become stronger. The more people participating the better it is for all of us.
Please feel free to comment, and join our facebook group to show your support:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8315252982
cheers!
xx
16 years ago
6
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