Let's pull together (From Stroud News and Journal)

Let's pull together

THE STROUD fFestival is to return this year as The Stroud Fringe, with a new team running it.

Chairman of the new Fringe committee, Roger Sanders, set out his aims for the Festival to the SNJ last week.

"We want to promote, where possible, the huge amount of talent local to the Stroud District," said Roger. "Everyone is invited to participate, from school bands to poets, from local rock acts to theatre groups.

"We've got no money to speak of this year, although we're looking for funding for next year. This year is simply a case of keeping the Fringe alive - we're starting again from scratch."

Roger and his new committee, which includes Rodda Thomas, Steve Hill, Claire Madhione and Mike Gallagher, want everyone in Stroud to feel a part of the festival, which will be taking place between Monday, September 5 and Saturday, September 10 this year.

"We want to involve locals in this, as well as anyone else who wants to join in," said Roger. "I want all three councils actively involved in one way or another - I'll be speaking to them all in the next few days."

Despite a lack of funding, Roger believes that the Fringe festival is a wonderful part of Stroud's social life.

"I'm a great believer in festivals in general," he said. "I've no ulterior motive other than it's a worthwhile festival to keep going. It's good for the town."

In his time as a councillor at Town and District level, Roger helped to get the inital funding for the festival and is hopeful that more funding can be found, as long as everyone in the area pools their resources.

"There are any number of excellent venues in Stroud to make this happen," he said. "I've got a good crew of people - all voluntary, as am I - but, to survive, the festival needs everyone to pull together and keep the festival alive."

There are still some people he needs to speak to about the festival, but he and the committe are looking for anyone who would like to perform at or be involved in the festival, artistically or in terms of sponsorship.

Anyone wishing to be involved should call Roger Sanders on 01453 766822.