East Surrey charity's fitting tribute to late councillor and "good friend" (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

East Surrey charity's fitting tribute to late councillor and "good friend"

1:34pm Monday 21st January 2013 in Local News

An East Surrey charity which provides affordable dance, drama and music opportunities for children from all backgrounds and of all abilities, is to pay tribute to a late councillor in a particularly fitting way.

The Reigate and Banstead Inclusive Theatre charity Orbit Shed is to dedicate its next show next month (February) to the memory of Mrs Frances King.

The Reigate and Banstead Borough and Surrey County Councillor died after a long illness on New Year's Eve, aged 54.

Ward member for South Park and Woodhatch on the borough council, and representing Earlswood and Reigate South Division on the county council, Coun King served on numerous committees and supported various community groups.

Among them was Orbit Shed.

Sharon Scotton, chairman of trustees at Orbit Shed, described Coun King, who was also a trustee of the cause, as a “good friend” to the charity.

Ms Scotton said: “She was involved with the setting up and governance of our charity from its beginnings in 2003, right up until her illness, and still supported us whenever she was able to during it.”

She said: “We will all miss her very much.”

Orbit Shed's next show, Dottie Goes To Oz, will be performed at The Arc in Caterham on Saturday, February 2.

The cause has been working with The Arc on it as a joint project since last September.

Ms Scotton added: “We felt that dedicating this performance to Frances was a fitting tribute to her unstinting support of our charity over the years.”

Tickets for the performance will be free, with donations asked for, which will be split between Orbit Shed and The Arc, which is also a charity committed to community arts, and which has given Orbit Shed free use of its facilities and resources throughout the project.

There will be two performances of Dottie Goes To Oz, each lasting 15 to 20 minutes – the first at 6.30pm, and the second at 7.15pm.

Between them there will be a short reception to meet the cast, the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, and Coun King's family.

Booking is essential as the venue at 39 Weston Road, Caterham, is relatively small with 60 seats.

To book call The Arc on 01883 759418, Sharon Scotton on 07961 948804, or email: sharon.scotton@ntlworld.com People should state which performance they want to attend and whether they will be attending the reception.

There will be some seats available for people who come on the day, but they will be limited.

People wishing to make a donation should visit the memorial page at: www.justgiving.com/for--‐frances