2005 SPEAK OUT I AND II

Still buoyed up by the success of Piglet!, the group was flourishing at the beginning of 2005 but Cally Phillips residency was now at an end, and so ABC had to find ways to pay for her services. Small scale, personal donations have always been integral to the continuence of ABC, but it was clear that funding was going to have to be found. Added to this was the fact that the Brigend was proving both too expensive and too cramped for the ever expanding group so 2005 became a year of challenges. The group made a showreel video in order to attract sponsorship or funding, and held an open event at the Robert Burns Film Centre, but this was poorly attended and attracted financial support in hundreds rather than the thousands needed to keep the group afloat.

However, with an attitude of commitment and tireless work on the part of the committee, and Cally taking a "relaxed" attitude to payment, the work of the group continued until finally Council Funding was achieved.

The work of the group in 2005 was a project called "Speak Out" where they went to various meetings and events presenting short improvised dramatic scenes. Highlights included performances at the Joint Strategic Planning and Commissioning Advocacy Workshop Event on the theme of bullying and advocacy, the regional meeting of the Joint Learning Disability Board on the theme of involvement and to cap it all Poverty Gathering in Glasgow on the theme of Choice.

2005 saw ABC move from the Brigend to a larger, and cheaper space in the form of the Dumfries Table Tennis Club. It was good to have entry level and disability access and space to move, but the space was really too large and the acoustics very challenging. Sessions were reduced to a couple of hours a week due to lack of funds but everyone kept spirits up, kept on working and hoping for a brighter future. A Christmas party helped everyone keep smiling - ABC members love a party!

2005 HIGHLIGHTS

Speak out I

Speak out II

Showreel

Workshop Presentations

Poverty Alliance