Conservative Cllr’s Grant Helps Children Get to Pantomime

Graham Houghton, Penny Evans, Cllr Ben Adams and members of the Tamworth Pantomime Company

This week members of the Tamworth Pantomime Company joined together with Conservative County Councillor Ben Adams to spread some Christmas cheer.

Mercian residents Graham Houghton and Penny Evans have been working in partnership with Cllr Adams to help 320 children to enjoy a night at this year’s Christmas pantomime Dick Whittington at the Tamworth Assembly Rooms.

Cllr Adams agreed to match £1000 raised by residents, shopkeepers and businesses based in Leyfields and around Tamworth to ensure a record number of children enjoyed the special show.

Ben said, “I was delighted to use some of my local community fund to help buy tickets for a record number of local children to enjoy a great night out at this year’s festive pantomime.  Graham, Penny and all the volunteers and supporters of the Mercian Residents Fund do a fantastic job raising money for local causes.  I have helped out for four years in a row now and together we have bought more tickets every year.  This not only helps more children to enjoy the experience but it also helps to support the pantomime which is a great success.”

The Mercian residents also help local people by organising local Christmas parties and putting Christmas hampers together for the elderly.

Graham Houghton said, “We come to the pantomime every year, and we love to support the actors who put their time and effort in for half the year free of charge to put on a great show for Tamworth.  We all really look forward to the pantomime trip, and with not a spare seat in the house when we turn up, we are hoping to lift the roof off the Assembly Rooms!”

Tamworth Pantomime Company spokesman Alex Farrell said, “We are always overwhelmed with the support we get from the group every year.  Graham and the team do so much for the young people in and around the Leyfields, and they help bring the magic of pantomime to young people who may not ordinarily get the chance to experience it.  We are forever grateful for them and the work they do, and special thanks must go to Cllr Adams for his generosity in helping the group achieve their goal.”

Dick Whittington runs at the Tamworth Assembly Rooms from 18-23 December and 2 – 5 January.  Tickets are still available from the Tourist Information Centre on 01827 70618 or through www.TamworthAssemblyRooms.co.uk.