The Brightmore Award - Ted Brightmore 1918 -1996
The Brightmore Cup, in
memory of Ted Brightmore, is awarded each year to a member of CROADS to mark
a special achievement or outstanding contribution to the Society. This can
be for a performer, someone working backstage or for a member of the front
of house team.
Ted was first invited to join
the society by Mary Tomlin to be the electrician and lighting engineer. His
talents, not only as an electrician but also in design, saw him designing
the sets and the lighting plot for many years. Ted's wife Margaret started
to produce CROADS musicals in 1973, her first of many productions being
'Gypsy Baron' and, as they were then short of men, Ted stepped in and got
the acting bug. Ted and Margaret's daughter, Pamela, was also a member of
CROADS and as well as performing on stage Pam helped with the choreography.
Ted went on to perform in many plays and musicals and eventually turned his
hand to directing. He was a well respected president of the society
for many years and was succeeded as president by his wife Margaret
Brightmore, who remained in post until her retirement. Margaret donated the
Brightmore Cup to the society in memory of Ted and to give CROADS members a
way of recognising and rewarding the outstanding contribution and
achievement of an individual. The cup is held by the winner for a year
and then a small cup is permanently held whilst the main cup is passed on.
Jenny Witchell was the first holder in 1996 -1997.
Margaret Brightmore remained a
vice president of the society until her sad passing on 23rd April 2010; a
great lady who was the most productive producer of musicals at CROADS,
favouring the Viennese operettas. Her daughter Pam Jeffries, is still a
member.
At the AGM in June 2010 the cup was presented to
Debbie Turner who is the only member to have won the cup twice.
The cup was awarded for her outstanding portrayal of Kate and Lilli Vanessi
in Kiss Me Kate and for the marvellous costumes for that same production.
A big thank you to all those who nominated a member for the
award.
