Guide Bridge Theatre presented with Queen's Award

Guide Bridge Theatre have finally received their Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, four months on from being awarded it.

The group were given the prize back on June 2, but had to wait until last week to receive it from Her Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mrs Sharman Birtles.

The award aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups that benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and the winners are announced each year on June 2 or the queen’s coronation anniversary. It is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK and is considered the MBE for volunteer groups.

The theatre are non-professional and produce six plays and one pantomime a year. They also play host to a range of other groups including a theatre group for adults with learning difficulties and mental health problems, a youth theatre and a seniors tap class. 4,000 use the theatre each year.

The theatre, which is celebrating it’s 80th anniversary this year, is ran by around 100 volunteers, ranging from 10 to 92-years-old.

Volunteers are welcomed to get involved in all aspects of running a theatre, putting on productions and general upkeep of the community building. On Saturday October 10, Mrs Birtles read out a commendation from HM The Queen, which he then presented to Bill Klieve, Life President of the Theatre, along with a domed glass crystal.