We were all very saddened at the passing of our dear Chairman Nora Howcroft yesterday. Nora was a force of nature, and was a vibrant and recognisable face at Walmsley CAODS over a 60 year period. 

Nora started in amateur theatre at a young age and has been involved with many local (and not so local) societies over the years, as both a performer and director.

She first appeared in the company at Walmsley in the 1966 production of “Pink Champagne” and went on to perform in shows here for several years. A most notable performance, and one of her personal great memories, was playing Nancy in our 1968 amateur premiere of “Oliver”, which won the prestigious Opera Cup for Best Musical in the Manchester Evening News awards.

Nora last performed in a Walmsley show in 1996 as Phyllis Rogers Stone in “Follies”. One of many shows she appeared in alongside her wonderful husband Donnie. 

In May 2000 Nora directed her first full show at Walmsley “42nd Street”. This was the first of 46 shows she directed, many award winning, right up to “Sister Act” in 2025. What an achievement!

Nora took on the role of Chairman for the society in 2007 and has been very proactive and decisive in that role ever since. Her organisational skills were second to none and she strove very hard to keep Walmsley at the forefront of providing excellent amateur theatre for the local community. She loved welcoming the audience each night and was always very proud of the shows. She just loved theatre.

Thank you Nora, from all your friends at Walmsley. We shall miss you.