FOR more than 40 years, Reg Vinnicombe, formerly of Otley and now of Baildon, has appeared in musical shows and worked for the amateur theatre in many ways.

Mr Vinnicombe, of Roundwood Road, is the north-east councillor of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association and president of the Horsforth Grove Methodist Amateur Operatic Society. He is also chairman of Guiseley Amateur Operatic Society.

Now Mr Vinnicombe is to receive his third silver bar to the NODA medal for giving 40 years' service to the amateur theatre.

He is at present busy making preparations for the North East Area Millennium Weekend of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association at Bridlington in April.

Throughout all the years, his wife, Margaret, who has also helped with backstage duties, has been by his side, giving him support.

Mr Vinnicombe joined Guiseley Amateur Operatic Society in 1959, and his first musical was The New Moon in 1960 when he had the minor role of Besac.

A bass singer, he later played Ali Ben Ali in the Desert Song at Guiseley Town Hall, and is well remembered for his performance in Call Me Madam, when he played Cosmo Constantine. He later played the same role for Rawdon Amateur Operatic Society.

He also played numerous principal roles for the Horsforth Grove Society, notably Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Vendergelder in Hello Dolly to name but a few.

A number of years ago, he played the lead for Ilkley AOS in The Sound of Music. Besides appearing in musical shows, he has also played the dame in pantomimes in Yeadon.

Other members of Horsforth Grove receiving NODA awards are Irene Cluderay and Ann Garnett, who receive the first bar for 30 years service.

The Horsforth society is busy rehearsing for the Gershwin musical Crazy For You to be staged between May 1 and 6 at Yeadon Town Hall. Ticket inquiries are on 07000 446267.

l Left: Reg Vinnicombe is pictured with his latest silver bar. Picture by Andy Horner (001-07AH)

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