Walmsley Church AODS - A potted history

Walmsley Church AODS began life as Walmsley Sunday School Operatic Society with its first officially recorded meeting being January 9th, 1928. The opening minute records that it was… ”proposed and seconded that we keep the society together, working with the church as before”.

Life in Egerton during the 20s and 30s was very different from the present. The population of the area was a fraction of what it is today, and the social impact of the motor car was still on a limited scale. Audiences travelled to and from Egerton on buses, and it was even in the minutes of one meeting that the bus company was to be asked to double its services during show week!

Despite the difficulties of transport, the audiences flocked to see the shows and the productions proved to be very profitable. Even so, the society almost folded in 1937 because of a severe shortage of males (some things never change!).

During World War 2, the society came to a temporary standstill as most of the members were involved in active service, but since 1945 the society has gone from strength to strength staging productions to an exceptionally high standard year upon year.

Throughout the society’s life there has always been a tremendous community spirit, very much linked to the Church. Many members of the society are also members of Christ Church, Walmsley’s congregation and the Vicar is the president of the society. No doubt the founder members would have been delighted to see that the opening minute from 1928 has been so successfully achieved!

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Walmsley Church Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society are a self-funded group of enthusiasts, dedicated to providing quality theatrical entertainment. We produce two musical shows a year, in April and November, at the Parish Hall Theatre, Christ Church, Walmsley, Egerton, Bolton, Lancs., BL7 9SA, where we have great facilities for audiences and members. Come and join us!

Subscription rates: Acting members £22, Non-acting members £12, Social members £12, Juniors £10 plus £1 per week rehearsal, Patrons £25 (minimum)

We're members of NODA (the National Operatic and Dramatic Association) and BATS (Bolton Amateur Theatres Society). Click here for potted history