23/11/2020
Dear Members and Friends,
I am sadly writing this message to commemorate two of our longest serving family members: Jim Paton and Helen Alsancak who have both been taken away from us in recent weeks. We are a family at Southgate and would like to pass all our love and condolences to Wilma Paton, Graham, Grace and Joe Alsancak.
Jim Paton
Most people who knew Southgate Drama Group, knew Jim. Jim was an active member of our group having performed on stage in various roles across the years. Known for his roles such as: Daddy Warbucks, Captain Von Trapp and The Lion, Jim was a powerhouse on stage and has delighted our audiences (and cast members) for years. In most recent years (after he and Wilma attempted to retire from the amdram stage life), Jim has taken on almost every role at some point. Jim was a constant fixture- not only of our group but the church community in general. Jim was so welcoming to new members... and thinking about Southgate without his loud laugh, friendship and ability to stop people from messing with the curtains, I know is difficult for us all.
Helen Alsancak
If you haven't been told to stand at a 45 degree angle....you've never been directed by Helen. Helen has been a figurehead within the group for as long as I can remember....Having performed in many pantomimes alongside Graham...Helen began to produce, choreograph, set design, MD, light design (the list could go on forever) many different shows and musicals over the years. How she did all of this at once....none of us can imagine! When Helen took a break from producing- she never got too far away from the group- her skills in choreography, set design and staging were used in mostly every show since. Helen's choreography crib sheets are quite legendary! We will miss this lady incredibly and will continue the fantastic legacy she leaves.
Much love
Chris
Chairman
Please find below just some of the amazing pictures to celebrate the life of our family members Jim and Helen
