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The Wolfit Endowment Fund
(Registered Charity No: 1065634)
The Wolfit Endowment Fund was set up in 1997 to give grants of money or materials to local students of drama who are resident in or were educated in Newark or Balderton. So far this year three students have received financial support. Sir Donald Wolfit was born in 1902 in Balderton. His first public appearance was at The Robin Hood Theatre, Averham which he supported through hout t his long and distinguished career. In 1929 he appeared at the Old Vic as Claudius. In the 1930s he started his own theatre company. His first attempt at management was a drama festival in Newark in 1934. In 1937 he formed the Donald Wolfit Shakespeare Company following his success playing Hamlet at Stratford. During WWII he performed during the blackout to good reviews, receiving a CBE for his courageous effort. In 1944, following a successful performance as Lear, he was recognised as a great actor. His service to the theatre and to Shakespeare was rewarded in 1957 when he received a knighthood. Sir Donald Wolfit
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died in February 1968 following a brief illness. Each year the
Endowment Fund organises a Festival of Drama, Music and Verse Speaking, a Lecture and various other fundraising events. The Festival gives performers of all ages an opportunity to act, sing or recite in front of a professional adjudicator and to receive guidance and encouragement. Timothy West, Alan Ayckbourn and Sian Phillips are just some of the many celebrities who have presented the Lecture. It has not been possible to hold a Festival or a Lecture since 2019 but we are going ahead with a Quiz Night on 12 October at Farndon Village Hall to start replenishing our funds.
To take part in the quiz or for further information, please contact Carol Wilkinson on 01636 672295 or carolwilkinson2012@gmail.com. Information about future events can be found on our website, www.wolfitendowmentfund.org.uk
