A LEADING light of Petersfield theatre production has been honoured for her work in the town over the past 50 years.
Jane Auty, of Borough Road, was the guest of honour at a surprise afternoon tea, and was presented with a gift, flowers, and a cake by Michael Finch, chairman of the Green A Team lighting and production volunteers.
Green A Team secretary Terry Burrage said: “We would all like to thank Janet for her help and advice over the past 50-years, and look forward to continuing to work with her.”
The Green A Team was founded 25 years ago by Janet, a former employee of a lighting technology company, and her husband, Simon, to provide lighting for plays, operas and other productions and arts and charity events in Petersfield.
Before its launch Janet, who latterly worked at Dunhurst School in Steep for 17 years before retiring, had helped light shows in the Festival Hall since 1967, soon after she and Simon moved to Petersfield.
Over her half century of voluntary stage work, she has worked on shows by Petersfield amateur theatrical groups such as the Winton Players and the Lion and Unicorn players.
She has also provided lighting for concerts by Petersfield Amateur Operatic Society, Liss Band and the newly formed Hi-Lights. For the past 20 years she has also provided lighting for the Stanstead Players’ annual production, and for Petersfield Arts and Crafts Society shows, and charity events.
However, recognition for Janet and The Green A Team didn’t stop with her surprise party, as the next day Simon collected an excellence award for the team.
The award for the contribution to theatre in the Petersfield area, was made by the South East branch of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.