The Barn Theatre,
25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, Surrey
RH8 0AA.

Tel: 01959 561811
Email: barntheatre
@btinternet.com

 


Friends of the Barn

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Friends of the Barn (FOBs)

History
In 1981, a concerned supporter of the theatre John Sturgeon, launched a "Buy a Tile for £2" campaign to fundraise for repairs to the roof. Having rapidly raised £500, John at the suggestion of Bruce Reed was joined by Terry Rolph to form an association whose aim was to "provide financial and other support to the maintenance, improvement and betterment of The Barn Theatre at Oxted as a site and base primarily for theatrical, operatic, cultural and artistic activities but also for such purposes as may be beneficial to the people of Oxted and District". A Committee was formed and an annual membership of £1 brought forth 200 members.

Thus began a vast variety of fundraising which continues to this day. Between 1983 and 1991 over £16,000 went towards funding roofing, insulation, re-wiring, up-dating stage lighting and raking the auditorium. In 1991 the FOBs undertook the re-seating of the theatre, financed by the sponsorship of each seat marked with a named brass plaque.

In 1997 the theatre achieved charitable status and thus began a progressive increase in hirers and income, enabling more self-financing. At this time the FOBs role developed as they began to staff more of the front-of-house services for the theatre.

In 2005 FOBs bestowed "Honorary Membership" on His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent at the official opening of the Barn 2000 extension and in 2006 the organisation celebrated 25 years of service to the theatre. During this time they raised and donated in excess of £75,000.

A "SUNDAY CLUB" was started in 2006 and opens the bar from 12.00-2.00pm on the first Sunday of every month. This has proved a delightful additional social facet to the role of the FOBs.

FOBs celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2021 and were presented with a Barn Lifetime Achievement award by the Trustees in recognition of their 40 year's dedicated service to the theatre.

Membership
The organisation currently has over 200 members and the annual subscription is just £10 per person.
To become a Friend of the Barn or to find out more about them, contact the Chairman, Paul Robinosn (fobs.chairman@barntheatreoxted.co.uk) or collect an application form directly from the theatre where they are prominently displayed.

The benefits of membership include:
    - regular mailing of the quarterly "WHATS ON" brochure and the "BARN THEATRE NEWS"
    - using the bar at the monthly Sunday Club openings
    - invitations to special events
    - making new friends
    - having your views heard at our Annual General Meeting

FOH Services
FOBs provides front-of-house services for all productions and events at the theatre, including those for our resident societies. Each hirer provides basic cover for car parking and ushering duties but FOBs provide all the other necessary roles which include a Front of House Manager, Box Office Assistant, Programme Sellers, Sweets and Ice Cream Sellers and Bar and Bar Support Staff.
The Front-of-House duties are outlined here.

Name
Responsibility
Phone Number
E-mail Address
Chairman Paul Robinson 07970 847515 fobs.chairman@barntheatreoxted.co.uk
Secretary Teresa Chinnock 07843 440274

 

Treasurer Helen Clarke 07736 230068
Membership Secretary Chris Muscio 07877 334508