This year’s AGM took place on Tuesday 10 June 2025, at Astwood Bank Primary School, Redditch.
The meeting was chaired by our President, Joy Sidaway, with Tony Jay (Chairman), Sam Smith (Treasurer) and Jean Chalk (Secretary).
Alan Leadbeater Memorial Award Winner: Daniel Tomson
This award is presented in honour of our dear friend and President, Alan, who passed away in 2013.
It is the only award whose winner is chosen by our members attending the AGM. It is for their favourite performance of the year, from a previously announced list of nominees chosen by the committee. It is not necessarily for the the biggest role, or most prominent performer of the year – a debut, or a cameo performance could equally be the performance our members enjoyed the most.
We are delighted to announce that this year’s winner of the award is DANIEL TOMSON who was chosen for his role as ‘Quasimodo’ in our November 2024 production of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’.
Outstanding Contribution Award Winner: Rachael Finch
This annual award is presented at our AGM to a Society member who has, in one way or another, made an outstanding contribution to the Society in the past year. This year, we introduced a special new trophy for this award, and gave the old rose bowl to Mandy Goddard in memory of her father, Norman Wheeler.
We are delighted to announce that this year’s deserving recipient of this award is RACHAEL FINCH.
Rachael is a long-standing member of the society, and is always there to support our shows, both on-stage and off, and our social events and marketing activities. This includes getting special Lego sets for a draw during show week, plus organising a glass display case and much more besides.
The photo shows Rachel and Edward with their respective awards at the AGM.
Most Enthusiastic Newcomer Award Winner: Edward Stokes
For the first time ever, we now have an official award for the Most Enthusiastic Newcomer to the society.
This annual award is presented at our AGM to somebody who joined us in the past year, and was not just part of the show but a keen attendee at our social events and/or generally showed enthusiasm about being part of ROS.
We are delighted to announce that this year’s deserving recipient of this award is EDWARD STOKES
As well as displaying some considerable talent and stage presence in ‘Hunchback’, Edward was always prompt to arrive at rehearsals despite travelling a fair distance to get here. In addition, he created some excellent marketing materials and videos to help publicise the show.
The photo above shows Edward together with Rachael at the AGM.
Other Awards
NODA Long Service Awards were given this year to:
- Jean Chalk – 45 Year Silver Bar
- Hannah Finch – 15 Year Badge
- Kelly Mitchell – 15 Year Badge
- Phill Sproston – 15 Year Badge
- Michelle Westwood – 15 Year Badge
Many congratulations to them all. Thank you all for being continuing members of ROS.
Committee 2025/26
The committee for this year as appointed at the AGM, and thereafter, are as follows:
- President: JOY SIDAWAY
- Chairman: TONY JAY
- Treasurer: SAM SMITH
- Secretary: JEAN CHALK
- Committee Member: MATT BROWN
- Committee Member: TESSA LODGE
- Committee Member: SARAH SHELTON
- Committee Member: STEVE SIDAWAY
- Committee Member: LISA SMITH
- Committee Member: CLAIRE WILSON
- Co-opted Member: RACHEL SPROSTON
- Co-opted Member: RACHAEL FINCH