AN ILMINSTER community group’s great drive to fund a £100,000 expansion plan has got off to a flying start.

Warehouse Theatre is trying to raising the grand sum to purchase the Old Bakery next door and accommodate the huge waiting list of young drama enthusiasts it has developed.

So far, through a combination of donations, a buy-a-brick scheme, and fundraising events, they have raised more than £45,000.

Malcolm Young, co-ordinating the appeal, said: “Fundraising continues for the Warehouse Theatre’s plan to buy the Old Bakery building next door.

“Throughout the Autumn a number of events are planned. The society is delighted to have been accepted for the Tesco Bags of Help Scheme, whereby customers can vote to support the appeal with tokens from their shopping throughout September and October.”

On Saturday, September 9, the Youth Theatre will be out in force to help customers pack their bags at the Ilminster Tesco and at the same time they will be holding a Bake Sale.

On September 16, at the Warehouse Theatre, there will be a party to celebrate 70 years of the Entertainments Society and 30 years since the opening of the theatre.

Going through old programmes and photographs in preparation for a display at the party it was found that over the past 70 years more than 1,300 people have taken part in the Society’s productions.

Tickets for this event are on sale at Harriman’s Menswear in Silver Street.

A major fundraiser will be held at the Parish Hall on October 13 with An Auction of Promises.

Mr Young added: “As it was when we built the Warehouse Theatre, we have once again been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Ilminster and the surrounding villages, endowing seats, buying bricks, and making donations.

“Having the extra space of the Old Bakery will allow the Entertainments Society and the Youth Theatre to expand their activities and ensure the future of our lovely little theatre for generations to come.”

The entertainment society’s next production will be a performance of Bedroom Farce. The play is being put on in the Warehouse Theatre for four nights, Tuesday to Friday, September 12 to 15.

For more information, and to track the theatre committee’s fundraising progress, visit www.thewarehousetheatre.org.uk.