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NEWS 29 December 2012

And that was 2012!


2012 has proved to be a very busy and productive one for FRCA with drama, dance and music performances throughout the year.

In February our Thursday evening drama group performed their version of Grease 2 at NAPA's Studio 2 Theatre with fantastic lead role performances from Jonny and Ruth. Supported by a cast, who are becoming more and more confident in their abilities after each show, the theatre was packed out for the two shows.



In March, April and May we staged a series of Live and Unpeeled gigs at the Polar Bear which enabled the young people to start putting sets together in preparation for the summer festivals. We had some cracking additions to our regulars performing, such as an acoustic Beneath the Darkness, who must be one of the hardest working local acts, as well as the development of Liv n Jess whose harmonies are a delight.



Also in May 18 young people passed their bronze and silver Arts Awards and we held a celebration event at the Sailmakers Arms, which puts the total of Arts Awards passes up to 41 over the past 2 years.



In June the Freedom Road Collective and friends took to the stage for the Springboard Festival which was is held in Cottingham over the Bank Holiday weekend. We took over the Hallgate Tavern on Monday 4th June and had a smashing afternoon. Hopefully we will be back next year.



July proved to be an amazing month for our Monday and Thursday groups as they took part in the Inaugural Youth Division of Rock Challenge competition. Performing in front of 1200 people the groups' Zombie Explosion won ahead of several other groups and helped us enter the summer on a massive high.



August brought us Tribfest. With the under 18's Acoustic Marquee being new to the festival in 2011, we wanted to expand and so included bands as well as acoustic acts this year, and what a success. Some very talented individuals and groups; not to mention our American compere, graced the stage making the FRCA Acoustic Marquee one of the major successes of the 2012 festival; roll on Tribfest 2013!!



In August we also received the fantastic news that FRCA has been awarded a 2 year Youth Music grant. This has since enabled us to set up a series of new workshops with a focus on introducing new young people to the groups as well as been able to develop other young people by having the opportunity to now provide guitar, keyboard and percussion. These session run on a Saturday and Tuesday evening are are proving very popular.

The annual Stars in Their Eyes competition took place in November which Lisa finally won, helping raise money which we have spent new guitars and other instruments; and then in December we held a Christmas party to sign off the year in style.



2012 has been a successful, challenging, developmental and above all fun year and we are sure this will continue into 2013 and beyond, because you are all STARS!!

Happy New Year to you all

Lisa, Iain, Ian